How Much Is Warhammer? The Complete Cost Breakdown

So, how much is Warhammer? This is a question many aspiring hobbyists ask before diving into the expansive universes of Games Workshop. The straightforward answer is that the cost of Warhammer can vary wildly, from a modest starting point to a significant investment. A Warhammer starter set price typically ranges from £40 to £150, offering a beginner-friendly entry. However, building a fully-fledged Warhammer army price can escalate considerably, often costing hundreds or even thousands of pounds. The Warhammer price is not a single fixed figure, but rather a spectrum dependent on your ambitions and chosen faction. This article will delve into every aspect of the buying Warhammer cost, providing a comprehensive breakdown for both Warhammer 40,000 and Age of Sigmar.

Deciphering the Initial Investment: Starter Sets

When you first consider how much does Warhammer cost, the most logical entry point is a Warhammer starter set price. These boxes are designed to introduce new players to the game with a curated selection of miniatures, rules, and often dice and measuring tools.

Warhammer 40,000 Starter Sets

For Warhammer 40,000, Games Workshop offers various starter sets. These are typically themed around a specific narrative or faction.

Recruit Edition/Combat Patrol: These are the most basic and affordable options. They usually contain a small number of core units for two opposing factions, a simple rulebook, and sometimes dice. Expect to pay between £40 – £75. These are excellent for understanding the core mechanics without a massive initial outlay.
Elite Edition/Boarding Patrol: Stepping up in complexity and model count, these sets offer more substantial armies and often include more advanced rules or scenarios. The Warhammer 40k cost for these can be in the region of £80 – £120. They provide a good foundation for a small, playable force.
Command Edition/Armies of Relics: These are the most comprehensive starter sets. They typically contain a larger number of miniatures, a full rulebook, dice, measuring tools, and often terrain pieces. The Warhammer 40k cost here can reach £120 – £150. These offer a significant head start for a chosen faction.

Age of Sigmar Starter Sets

Age of Sigmar also provides similarly structured starter sets, often released alongside new editions or major narrative shifts.

Starter Set (Introductory): Similar to the 40k Recruit Edition, these offer a couple of small forces, basic rules, and accessories. The Age of Sigmar price for these is typically around £45 – £70.
Warrior/Champion Edition: These offer more models and a more robust introduction to the game’s mechanics and lore. The Age of Sigmar price for these sets falls into the £85 – £110 bracket.
Victorious/Destroyer Edition: These are the most premium starter sets for Age of Sigmar, providing substantial armies and comprehensive gaming materials. Expect the Age of Sigmar price to be around £110 – £140.

The Core of the Hobby: Warhammer Models Cost

The primary expenditure in Warhammer, beyond the initial starter set, is the Warhammer models cost. These are the beautifully sculpted plastic or resin miniatures that form your armies. The Warhammer miniatures price varies significantly based on the size of the unit, the complexity of the sculpt, and whether they are single models or multi-model kits.

Single Model Pricing

Characters and Heroes: These are often highly detailed, single-model kits. Their prices can range from £15 to £35, with more elaborate centerpiece models costing even more.
Infantry (Troops): A box of basic infantry, typically containing 5-10 models, usually costs between £20 to £35. Larger units might come in boxes of 10 or 20.
Elites and Specialists: These units, often with more intricate designs or unique abilities, tend to be more expensive. A box of 3-5 elite models could cost £30 to £50.
Heavy Support and Vehicles: These larger models, such as tanks, walkers, or cavalry, are generally the most expensive individual purchases. Their Warhammer models cost can range from £35 to £100+ for very large kits.

Multi-Model Kits and Boxes

Battleforce Boxes: These are annual releases, offering a themed army at a discounted price compared to buying the kits individually. The Warhammer army price through these boxes can be a significant saving, often costing £100 – £150.
Festive/Holiday Boxes: Similar to Battleforces, these seasonal releases provide a good value proposition for starting or expanding an army.

Building Your Warhammer Army: The Price of Ambition

The true Warhammer army price emerges when you start expanding beyond a starter set and begin to curate a collection that reflects your strategic choices and aesthetic preferences.

Factors Influencing Army Cost:

Faction Choice: Some factions are inherently more expensive to collect due to the number of models required or the cost of their larger units. For example, armies with many small, cheap units might require a larger model count than armies with fewer, more powerful, but more expensive models.
Army Size (Points Value): Warhammer armies are built using a points system. The higher the points value of your army, the more models and/or larger, more expensive units you will generally need. A 1000-point army can easily cost £200 – £400, while a 2000-point (standard tournament size) army can range from £500 to £1000+.
Hobbyist Goals: Are you aiming for a casual gaming force, a beautifully painted display army, or a competitive tournament army? Each goal will influence the buying Warhammer cost. Competitive play might necessitate multiple iterations of the same army or specialized units that are more expensive.
Second-Hand Market: The cost of Warhammer can be significantly reduced by exploring the second-hand market. Websites, forums, and local game stores often have used miniatures for sale, sometimes already painted, which can be a great way to save money.

Cost Examples for a 1000-Point Army (Approximate)

Let’s look at a hypothetical Warhammer 40k cost for a 1000-point Space Marine army:

HQ Choice (Captain): £25
Troops (Intercessors x10): £35
Troops (Infiltrators x5): £30
Elites (Terminators x5): £45
Heavy Support (Redemptor Dreadnought): £45
Fast Attack (Outriders x3): £35

Total Approximate Cost: £215

Now, consider a 1000-point Necron army:

HQ Choice (Overlord): £25
Troops (Warriors x20): £35
Troops (Immortals x5): £30
Heavy Support (Doomsday Ark): £50
Fast Attack (Canoptek Wraiths x3): £35
Lord of War (Silent King – often too large for 1000pts but shows scale): £120 (Note: This is for a much larger model, showing the potential cost variation.)

Total Approximate Cost (excluding Lord of War): £175

These are rough estimates and don’t include potential paint, glue, or other hobby supplies. The Warhammer models cost can fluctuate based on availability and specific releases.

Beyond the Miniatures: Ancillary Costs

The cost of Warhammer isn’t solely about the plastic. Several other expenses contribute to the overall hobby budget.

Painting Supplies

Primer: Essential for paint adhesion. £8 – £15
Paints: A basic set of acrylic paints is crucial. A starter palette can cost £30 – £70, with individual pots ranging from £3.50 – £5. Building a comprehensive paint collection for a specific army can quickly add up.
Brushes: Various sizes are needed for detail work and base coating. A decent starter set can be £15 – £30.
Hobby Knife/Clippers: For assembling miniatures. £10 – £20
Glue: Plastic cement or super glue. £5 – £10
Bases: Many models come with plain bases, but decorative basing materials can add to the cost. £5 – £20+
Varnishes/Coatings: For protection and finish. £8 – £15

Total Estimated Painting Supplies: £81 – £210+ for a good starting set.

Gaming Accessories

Dice: While some starter sets include dice, you’ll likely want more. A good set can cost £5 – £15.
Measuring Tools: Essential for gameplay. Often included in starter sets, but dedicated tools are better. £5 – £15
Movement Trays/Basing: For organizing units on the battlefield. £10 – £30
Gaming Mat/Terrain: For creating a battlefield. This can be a significant additional cost if you don’t have access to a local game store. £40 – £200+
Rulebooks and Codexes: The core rulebook is often included in starter sets, but faction-specific rulebooks (Codexes/Battletomes) are usually separate purchases at £25 – £40 each.

The Long-Term Investment: Sustaining Your Hobby

The Warhammer price is not a one-off cost. Many hobbyists find themselves continually expanding their collections, acquiring new models, and replacing older ones.

Model Release Cadence

Games Workshop consistently releases new models, expansions, and rule updates. Staying current or collecting specific units can lead to ongoing expenditure. The arrival of a new edition or a major campaign can often spur new model releases for popular factions, tempting even seasoned collectors.

Forge World and Limited Editions

Beyond the main Games Workshop range, Forge World offers highly detailed resin and multi-material kits, often for larger vehicles, specific lore-accurate units, or unique characters. These are typically much more expensive, with individual models costing £60 – £200+. Limited edition releases or collectible items can also command premium prices.

Subscription Services and Apps

While not mandatory, some players utilize Warhammer+ for access to lore, battle reports, and animated series. This is a subscription cost, usually around £5 – £8 per month. Similarly, the Warhammer 40,000: The App or the Warhammer Age of Sigmar App (with optional subscription for full features) can enhance army building and gameplay.

Strategies for Managing Warhammer Costs

Given the potential Warhammer price tag, many players develop strategies to make the hobby more accessible.

Start Small: Begin with a starter set and gradually build your collection.
Choose a Faction and Stick With It (Initially): Focus on one army to avoid spreading your budget too thin.
Buy Second-Hand: Explore online marketplaces, forums, and local game stores for used miniatures.
Share Costs: If playing with friends, consider splitting the cost of larger boxes like Battleforces.
Sell Unwanted Models: Declutter your hobby space and recoup some costs by selling models you no longer use or need.
Proxy Models: For casual games, consider using placeholder miniatures for units you don’t yet own, especially if you’re waiting for specific releases or hunting for bargains.
Paint What You Buy: The satisfaction of painting your miniatures can increase their perceived value and prevent unpainted armies from accumulating.
Utilize Local Game Stores (LGS): Many LGS offer discounts, host painting nights, and provide a community space to share hobby experiences and advice, which can indirectly save money through shared knowledge and resources.

Fostering a Budget-Friendly Hobby

The cost of Warhammer can be daunting, but it’s important to remember that it’s a hobby enjoyed by millions. By planning, making smart choices, and embracing the wider community, you can tailor your experience to your budget. Whether you’re looking to spend a little to try it out or are aiming to build a grand collection, there’s a path for everyone. The joy of Warhammer lies not just in the models themselves, but in the creativity, strategy, and community that it fosters.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is Warhammer expensive?

A1: Yes, Warhammer can be expensive, especially if you aim to build large armies or collect multiple factions. However, you can start the hobby with a relatively modest investment through starter sets and by being strategic about purchases.

Q2: What is the cheapest way to start Warhammer?

A2: The cheapest way to start is by purchasing a Warhammer starter set price that aligns with your chosen game (40k or AoS). These sets offer a balanced introduction for two players at a reduced cost compared to buying individual kits.

Q3: How much does it cost to build a 2000-point army?

A3: A 2000-point Warhammer army price can vary significantly, but generally, you can expect to spend anywhere from £500 to £1000+. This depends heavily on the chosen faction, the specific units within that army, and whether you buy new or second-hand.

Q4: Can I play Warhammer with just a starter set?

A4: Yes, you can definitely play Warhammer with just a starter set. They are designed to provide enough miniatures and rules for a complete game, often for two players.

Q5: How much are Warhammer paints?

A5: Individual pots of Warhammer paints (Citadel Colour range) typically cost between £3.50 to £5. A starter set of paints can range from £30 to £70.

Q6: Do I need to buy codexes/battletomes?

A6: Yes, if you want to play with a specific faction, you will generally need to purchase its Codex (for 40k) or Battletome (for AoS). These books contain the lore, rules, and army-specific abilities required for gameplay. They usually cost £25 – £40.

Q7: Is the second-hand market a good way to save money on Warhammer?

A7: Absolutely. The second-hand market is an excellent way to reduce the buying Warhammer cost. You can often find models at a significant discount, sometimes already painted or assembled, on platforms like eBay, dedicated Facebook groups, or local gaming store second-hand sections.