How Much Does A Warhammer Army Cost: Budget Guide

The initial outlay to start a Warhammer army can range from around £50-£100 for a basic starter set, up to £500 or much more for a fully kitted-out, competitive force. The cost of building a Warhammer army is a significant factor for many new and returning players, and it’s wise to approach it with a budget in mind. This guide will break down the various expenses involved in getting your miniatures onto the tabletop ready for battle.

Deciphering the Warhammer Miniature Cost

At the heart of the Warhammer hobby is the cost of the miniatures themselves. Games Workshop, the manufacturer, produces a vast array of plastic and resin models. These are the building blocks of your army, and their price tags can vary quite a bit.

Model Pricing Factors

Several things influence how much a Warhammer miniature costs:

Size and Complexity: Larger models, like tanks or monstrous creatures, naturally cost more than a single infantry model. The number of parts and the detail involved also play a role.
Unit Type: Core troops, like Space Marines or Guardsmen, are generally cheaper per model when bought in larger boxes. Special characters or unique units might have a higher individual price.
Packaging: Models are typically sold in boxes containing multiple figures. Sometimes these are sets of identical models, while others are multi-part kits allowing for customization.
Exclusivity: Limited edition models or special releases can command higher prices.

Typical Miniature Costs

Here’s a general idea of what you might expect to pay for different types of units:

Unit Type	Typical Box Contents	Estimated Cost (£)	Cost Per Model (£)
Infantry Squad	10 Models	25 – 35	2.50 – 3.50
Elites/Specialists	3-5 Models	30 – 40	6.00 – 13.33
Vehicles/Monsters	1 Model	35 – 130+	Varies
Character	1 Model	15 – 25	15 – 25

Note: These are approximate costs and can vary based on retailer and specific model.

The Expense of Warhammer Armies: Beyond the Miniatures

While miniatures are a big chunk of the Warhammer 40k army cost, they are by no means the only expense. To truly play the game, you’ll need more than just figures.

Essential Game Components

Warhammer Rulebook: This is the core of the game. It contains all the basic rules for playing Warhammer 40,000. The latest edition’s hardcover rulebook typically costs around £45-£60. This is a one-time purchase that is essential.
Dice: You’ll need a good set of dice for combat and other game mechanics. A basic set can be as little as £5-£10, but specialized or larger sets can cost more.
Measuring Tools: Warhammer requires precise movement and range checks. You’ll need a 24-inch and a 12-inch measuring stick. These are usually inexpensive, around £5-£10.
Army List Building Software/Apps: While not strictly mandatory, many players use apps or online tools to help build their army lists. Some are free, while others have premium features.

The Warhammer Hobby Expense: Painting and Basing

This is where the hobby truly shines, but also where costs can escalate if you’re not careful. To make your army look good on the table, you’ll want to paint your miniatures.

Warhammer Paint Cost and Supplies

Paints: A small pot of Citadel paint (Games Workshop’s brand) typically costs around £2.50-£3.50. An army can easily require 10-20 different colours, plus washes and technical paints. Building a comprehensive paint collection can be a significant ongoing expense.
Brushes: You’ll need a few different sizes of brushes for detail work and base coating. A starter set of brushes might cost £15-£25. Good quality brushes can last a long time if cared for.
Primer: To help paint adhere to the plastic or metal, you’ll need a primer. Spray primers are common and cost around £10-£15 per can.
Glues/Adhesives: Plastic glue is essential for assembling plastic kits. A bottle usually costs around £5-£7. For resin or metal models, you might need super glue.
Basing Materials: To finish off your models, you’ll want to base them. This can include textured paints, static grass, sand, and small rocks. These can add up, but a little goes a long way. Expect to spend £10-£30 for a good selection.
Palette: A wet palette is highly recommended for keeping paints moist and preventing waste. You can buy them or make your own from a container and sponge.

Painting Service Costs

If painting isn’t your forte, or you simply don’t have the time, you can hire a professional painting service. This can significantly increase the cost to play Warhammer, as pricing is often based on model complexity and quality of finish. A fully painted army can easily cost hundreds or even thousands of pounds extra.

The Warhammer Starter Set Cost: A Great Entry Point

For those looking to get into the hobby without a massive initial investment, Warhammer starter set cost is a very attractive option. These sets are designed to be a complete package for two players to begin playing the game.

What’s Inside a Starter Set?

Starter sets typically include:

Two small armies: Each army is usually around 20-30 models, often representing opposing factions.
A rulebook: Sometimes a condensed or introductory version, sometimes the full core rulebook.
Dice and measuring tools: Everything you need to play a basic game.
Assembly instructions: Guides on how to put the models together.
Decal sheets: For adding faction insignia.

Value Proposition of Starter Sets

The real appeal of a starter set is the value for money. You get a significant number of miniatures and essential game components for a price that is considerably lower than buying everything separately. A typical Warhammer 40k starter set cost might be in the range of £80-£130. This makes it an excellent gateway into the hobby.

Building a Budget Warhammer Army

The desire to build a budget Warhammer army is a common one. Fortunately, with strategic choices, you can assemble a playable and enjoyable force without breaking the bank.

Smart Army Selection

Choose an Army with Good Value Boxes: Some armies have multiple kits that can be used to build core units. For instance, a single box of infantry might be usable as several different unit types with minor kitbashing or by selecting different weapon options.
Look for “Combat Patrol” Boxes: Games Workshop offers “Combat Patrol” boxes for many factions. These are specifically designed to provide a legal starting army for the Combat Patrol game mode, offering good value and a cohesive force.
Avoid Very Model-Heavy Armies Initially: Armies that rely on dozens of identical infantry models can become very expensive quickly. Armies with fewer, more impactful models might be more budget-friendly at the start.

Second-Hand Market Opportunities

The second-hand market is a goldmine for budget-conscious hobbyists.

eBay and Online Marketplaces: You can often find used armies or individual models at a significant discount. Be mindful of the condition – models might be assembled, painted, or even damaged.
Local Gaming Stores and Clubs: Many gaming communities have notice boards or online forums where members sell their unwanted miniatures.
“Unboxed, Unpainted” Deals: Look for people who bought starter sets or large kits but never got around to assembling or painting them.

Kitbashing and Conversion

Creative Assembly: Using spare parts from other kits or even non-Warhammer bits can allow you to create unique models and save money on buying specific upgrade kits.
Proxy Models: For friendly games, some players allow the use of models that “proxy” for official ones, meaning they look similar enough in size and function. This is usually agreed upon beforehand.

The Cost to Play Warhammer: A Long-Term Perspective

When considering the cost to play Warhammer, it’s helpful to think beyond the initial army purchase.

Ongoing Expenses

New Releases: Games Workshop constantly releases new models, units, and rule updates. Keeping up with every new codex (army-specific rulebook) or unit can be a continuous expense.
Army Upgrades: As you play more and refine your strategy, you might want to add specific units or characters to your army. This means more miniature purchases.
Hobby Supplies: Paints dry out, brushes wear down, and you might want to try new basing techniques or paints. These are recurring costs.
Event Entry Fees: If you plan to attend tournaments or gaming events, there might be entry fees.

Community and Social Aspect

It’s important to remember that Warhammer is also a social hobby. Your local gaming store or club can be a hub for playing games, sharing painting tips, and enjoying the camaraderie of fellow enthusiasts. While not a direct monetary cost, the social aspect is a significant part of the Warhammer experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the cheapest way to start Warhammer 40k?

The cheapest way to start is by purchasing a Warhammer starter set cost or a “Combat Patrol” box for a faction that appeals to you. These provide a good starting point with miniatures and rules at a reduced price compared to buying everything individually. Exploring the second-hand market for unpainted models is also a very cost-effective strategy.

Q2: Can I play Warhammer with only a few models?

Yes, you can play introductory games with a smaller number of models. The “Combat Patrol” game mode is designed for smaller, 500-point armies, which are typically around 20-30 models. Many starter sets provide enough for this.

Q3: How much does a Warhammer 40k army cost if I buy everything new and professionally painted?

A fully painted, competitive Warhammer 40k army can cost anywhere from £700 to £2000+, depending on the size and complexity of the army, the quality of the paint job, and the specific units chosen. The miniatures alone could be £300-£800+, with professional painting adding a significant premium.

Q4: Is Warhammer an expensive hobby?

Warhammer can be an expensive hobby, especially if you want to collect multiple armies or the latest releases. However, it’s possible to enjoy the hobby on a budget by making smart choices, buying second-hand, and focusing on one army at a time. The cost of building a Warhammer army is variable, and many players find ways to manage it.

Q5: What are the essential paints I need to start painting miniatures?

For a basic paint job, you’ll typically need a few core colours (e.g., red, blue, green, brown, black, white), a metallic colour (silver or gold), a wash (like Agrax Earthshade or Nuln Oil), and a highlight colour. A starter paint set or a few carefully chosen individual pots will get you started, with Warhammer paint cost being around £2.50-£3.50 per pot.

Q6: How many models do I need for a standard game of Warhammer 40,000?

A standard game of Warhammer 40,000 often involves armies around 1000-2000 points. This can translate to anywhere from 20-60 models, depending on the army and the types of units chosen. For a beginner, a 500-point army (around 20-30 models) is a more manageable starting point.

Q7: Are there cheaper alternatives to Games Workshop paints and tools?

Yes, there are many third-party manufacturers that produce excellent quality paints and hobby supplies at competitive prices. Brands like Vallejo, Army Painter, and Scale 75 offer great alternatives to Citadel paints. You can also find more affordable brushes and tools from various hobby suppliers.

Q8: How long does it take to build and paint a Warhammer army?

This varies greatly depending on your skill, speed, and the complexity of the army. Assembling a basic infantry squad might take 30-60 minutes. Painting a single miniature can range from 30 minutes for a simple tabletop standard to several hours for a highly detailed finish. An entire army could take weeks or months to complete.

Q9: What is the cost of the Warhammer rulebook?

The Warhammer rulebook cost for the latest edition is typically around £45-£60 for the hardcover version. This is a crucial purchase as it contains all the core rules needed to play the game.

Q10: Is it worth buying a Warhammer starter set?

For new players, Warhammer starter sets are almost always worth buying. They offer excellent value, providing two playable armies, essential game components, and an introduction to the rules. It’s a fantastic way to get started without a massive upfront commitment.