The grim darkness of the far future awaits our customer at We Love Collectibles (WLC)! Warhammer 40,000, a tabletop wargame of epic proportions, plunges you into a galaxy locked in eternal war. From genetically engineered super-soldiers to swarming alien hordes, the 41st Millennium is a universe of endless conflict and thrilling battles.
If you’re eager to join the fray but don’t know where to begin, this guide is your starting point. We’ll explore the best entry points into the hobby, from starter sets to individual units, ensuring you’re ready to build, paint, and command your own army in no time.
Introduction to Warhammer 40,000 (10th Edition)
Warhammer 40,000 is currently in its 10th edition, which focuses on streamlined rules and faster gameplay. Games are played using dice to determine the outcome of actions like shooting, fighting, and moving. Armies are organised into units, each with its own stats and abilities.
Players take turns activating their units, moving them across the battlefield, and engaging in combat. The goal is typically to achieve specific objectives, such as controlling key locations or eliminating enemy units.
The core rulebook provides the foundation for gameplay, while each army has its own codex (or index cards in the current edition) detailing its unique units and abilities.
Warhammer 40,000: Introductory Set
The Warhammer 40,000 Introductory Set is the ideal gateway into the 10th edition of the game. This box provides a simplified version of the core rules, making it easy for new players to learn the basics. It includes two small forces – Space Marines and Tyranids – allowing you and a friend to jump straight into action.
The push-fit miniatures are easy to assemble, and the included paints and tools provide a taste of the hobby aspect. This set is a great way to experience core concepts like movement, shooting, and close combat before diving into the full ruleset.
- 5x Space Marines Infernus Marines: These flame-wielding specialists are perfect for close-range engagements, incinerating enemies with their pyreblasters.
- 11x Tyranids (10x Termagants and 1x Ripper Swarm): The Tyranids are a horde army, overwhelming their opponents with sheer numbers. Termagants provide a basic infantry screen, while Ripper Swarms can quickly overwhelm isolated units.
A double-sided gaming mat provides a ready-made battlefield, while the included dice, range ruler, tokens, and terrain markers ensure you have everything you need to play.
The included Citadel Starter Clippers, Brush, and five essential paints (Abaddon Black, Wraithbone, Balthasar Gold, Naggaroth Night, Macragge Blue) allow you to begin painting your models right away, bringing them to life on the tabletop.
Perfect for complete beginners looking for an all-in-one, easy-to-learn experience.
Warhammer 40,000 Infernus Marines + Paint Set
If the Space Marines’ heroic struggle against the galaxy’s horrors has captured your imagination, the Infernus Marines + Paint Set offers a fantastic way to start collecting and painting these iconic warriors. This set is a cheaper introductory, featuring only the Primaris Space Marines, providing three easy-to-assemble push-fit miniatures and six paints, including a Technical paint for basing your models, and a brush.
If you’re looking for a cheaper starting point, then this set is it. As long as you like the look of Space Marines, and perhaps wish to dive into the painting and building aspect of the hobby before playing full games.
Warhammer Getting Started with Warhammer 40,000 Magazine
At WLC, we recommend the ‘Getting Started with Warhammer 40,000‘ magazine for absolute beginners, at a very affordable entry price (£11.95) for those that just want to see what it’s all about, and tip your toes into the grim darkness of the 41st Millennium. The magazine offers an introduction to the rich lore and background of the setting, and an overview of different factions, core concepts of the game itself as well as painting guides, and more. It also includes two push-fit miniatures (an Infernus Marine and a Termagant), giving you a physical starting point for your collection.
This product is perfect for absolute beginners who want to immerse themselves in the Warhammer 40,000 universe and get a taste of the miniatures before investing in larger sets.
Building Your First Army (Orks and Astra Militarum)
There are many to choose from, and there are no hard and fast rules about what to pick, or which army to start collecting. At WLC we have a lot of different miniatures in stock, just take a look at our Warhammer products on our online store to browse.
However, if you’re a newcomer, once you’ve grasped the basics, you might be itching to paint something else, other than Space Marines. Here are two excellent products for beginners; two armies with a distinct playstyle – the Orks and the Astra Militarum.
Warhammer 40,000 Orks: Boyz
If you prefer a more aggressive and chaotic playstyle, the Orks are a great choice. These green-skinned warriors excel at close combat, overwhelming their enemies with sheer numbers and brute force. The Ork Boyz box provides a core unit of infantry, allowing you to build a solid foundation for your Waaagh! Orks are known for their customisability – with their cobbled together weaponry, and chaotic style – and this kit offers plenty of options for weapons and poses.
A great introductory product to Orks – fantastic for beginners who want a horde-style army with lots of customisation and a focus on close combat.
Warhammer 40,000 Astra Militarum: Cadian Shock Troops
The Astra Militarum (often referred to as the Imperial Guard) offer a more disciplined playstyle. These are the countless billions of humanity’s soldiers, fighting on every front across the galaxy. They rely on coordinated firepower, heavy artillery, and sheer numbers to overwhelm their enemies. The Cadian Shock Troops are the backbone of the Imperial Guard, representing the stoic and disciplined soldiers of the shattered world of Cadia. Known for their unwavering loyalty and unwavering adherence to duty, they are considered the epitome of Imperial soldiery.
In the game, Astra Militarum armies excel at controlling the battlefield with massed infantry formations, supported by powerful tanks and artillery. They are a versatile force, capable of adapting to various battlefield situations. While they may not be the fastest or strongest individual warriors, their combined arms tactics and relentless firepower make them a formidable foe.
The Cadian Shock Troops box allows you to build a versatile squad of 10 multi-part plastic miniatures. Each trooper is equipped with a lasgun, the standard-issue weapon of the Imperial Guard, and frag grenades for close-quarters combat. The squad is led by a Sergeant, who can be armed with a variety of weapons, including a drum-fed autogun, chainsword with a laspistol, or bolt pistol. The kit also includes special weapons like flamers, grenade launchers, meltaguns, and plasma guns, allowing you to tailor your squad’s firepower to different threats. You can also add a vox-caster for improved battlefield communications.
Beyond the weaponry, this kit offers a wealth of cosmetic options to personalise your squad. With variant poses and over 20 different heads, you can create a truly unique unit. The kit also includes details like sandbags, combat knives, a spade, a spare helmet, and even bedrolls, adding a touch of realism and character to your miniatures. These details allow you to create a squad that reflects your own vision of the Imperial Guard, from grizzled veterans to fresh recruits.
Warhammer 40,000: Kill Team Starter Set
Looking for a faster-paced, more tactical experience within the Warhammer 40,000 universe? Then Kill Team is for you! Kill Team is a skirmish game set in the same universe as Warhammer 40,000, but with a focus on smaller squads of elite warriors.
Instead of commanding large armies, you’ll control a small team of specialists, each with their own unique skills and abilities. Games of Kill Team are typically faster and more dynamic than full-scale Warhammer 40,000 battles, making them a great option for players who want a quicker gaming experience or who are looking for a more narrative-driven style of play.
The Kill Team Starter Set provides everything two players need to get started, including two complete kill teams: the heroic Angels of Death Space Marines and their corrupted counterparts, the Plague Marines of the Death Guard. This set offers a compelling narrative right out of the box, pitting these two iconic factions against each other in tense, tactical engagements.
Inside the box, you’ll find:
- 14x Citadel Miniatures:
- 7x Angels of Death Space Marines (blue plastic): Superhuman warriors equipped with advanced weaponry and armour.
- 7x Plague Marines of the Death Guard (green plastic): Nurgle’s chosen champions, resilient and deadly, spreading disease and decay.
- 1x 64-page Kill Team Starter Handbook: Contains the core rules of the game, introductory scenarios to get you started, and background information on the two kill teams.”
- 1x Kill Team token sheet (92 tokens): Used for tracking game states, objectives, and special abilities.”
- 2x Reference sheets: Quick reference guides for key rules and stats.”
- 10x D6 dice: The essential tools for resolving actions in the game.”
- 1x Double-sided game board: Provides a battlefield for your kill team to fight over.”
- 3x Sheets of slot-together MDF terrain: Pre-printed, easy-to-assemble terrain that adds verticality and cover to your games. No glue or paint required!
Kill Team uses a different rule system than standard Warhammer 40,000, focusing on individual model actions and tactical positioning. This makes for tense and strategic gameplay where every decision matters. It also allows players to experience different factions and units without needing to invest in a full army. And, it’s a great box to introduce friends to the Warhammer 40,000 universe in a more accessible way.
Essential Tools & Accessories
To bring your Warhammer 40,000 miniatures to life, a few key tools and accessories are essential. While the Introductory Set provides a starting point, these additional items will significantly enhance your painting and basing experience.
Citadel Brushes (Medium Layer, Small Layer, Small Base):
High-quality brushes are crucial for achieving impressive painting results. Citadel brushes are specifically designed for painting miniatures, offering excellent control, precision, and durability. Investing in a good set of brushes will make a noticeable difference in your painting. These three brushes are a great starting point for any painter:
- Medium Layer Brush: Ideal for applying basecoats to larger areas of your miniatures and for layering highlights on raised surfaces.
- Small Layer Brush: Perfect for painting fine details, such as eyes, insignia, and edge highlights. This brush allows for precise application of paint in tight spaces.
- Small Base Brush: Designed for painting larger areas like bases and terrain. Its broader bristles make it efficient for covering ground quickly.
Warhammer Citadel: Skulls
Basing your miniatures is a whole genre of Warhammer hobbying unto itself! For adding extra detail, narrative flair, and character to your miniatures and bases, the Citadel Skulls box is a great resource.
It contains a huge variety of plastic skulls in different sizes and shapes, allowing you to create gruesome trophies, decorate bases with morbid details, or add macabre touches to your models. Whether you’re creating a battlefield littered with the fallen or adding a personal touch to your characters, the Citadel Skulls box offers endless creative possibilities.
Connect with WLC: Your Collectibles Hub in Kent
At We Love Collectibles, we stock all sorts of collectibles and products, while we do focus on Pokémon, we have recently expanded into Lego products, Warhammer, Loungefly Bags and more – we’ve got everything for both the kids & adults in their shared hobby of collecting!
- Join our discord for card showcases, updates, trading and join our growing community!
- Or, get involved on our TikTok Livestream – where we rip or ship Pokémon product from Wednesday to Saturday!
Follow Us on Social Media for Exclusive Content
Don’t miss out on our latest arrivals and events—follow us on TikTok (@WeLoveCollectibles) and Instagram for exciting product updates and in-store events. We also host live streams featuring unboxings, giveaways, and insights into all things collectibles and TCG, with sessions on:
- Wednesdays (Morning)
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- Fridays (Morning)
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Whether you’re visiting our store at Westwood Business Park, Margate, or browsing online, you’ll always find something to excite your inner collector. And remember, use code FAMILY5 at checkout for a 5% discount on your next purchase!
Visit Us Today at We Love Collectibles
Visit us in-store at Unit 101, Westwood Business Park, Margate CT9 4JJ, or explore our full Pokémon TCG range online anytime at We Love Collectibles. Join us for unforgettable fun, secure your collections, and become a part of our passionate collector community.
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