What Warhammer 40K starter set should I buy?

Combat Patrol boxes are ideal for new players — they contain a ready-to-play force for your chosen faction at a significant saving over individual boxes. If you want to try the game before committing, two-player starter sets let you sample two factions at once.

What paints do I need to get started with Warhammer?

You need a primer, base colours for your chosen faction, at least one shade wash (Nuln Oil is the most versatile), and a few layer paints for highlights. Games Workshop publish free colour guides for every faction online.

Do I need to buy the rulebook?

The core rules for Warhammer 40,000 and Age of Sigmar are available as free downloads from the Games Workshop website. Army-specific Codex/Battletome books are eventually useful but not strictly necessary to start playing.

Can I play Warhammer without painting the miniatures?

Absolutely — especially when learning. Most players assemble models first, learn the rules, and paint later. Painted armies are more enjoyable, but unpainted models play exactly the same.

Is Warhammer Age of Sigmar different from Warhammer 40,000?

Yes — 40K is set in a dark science fiction future, while Age of Sigmar is high fantasy. Both use similar game mechanics but have completely different armies, lore, and aesthetics. Many hobbyists enjoy both.

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More: Combat Patrols · Army Boxes · Terrain · Vehicles · Characters · Books & Magazines · Gameplay Resources

Warhammer at Access Models brings you into the Warhammer hobby universe — one of the most creative, social, and rewarding hobbies available. Based in Newark-on-Trent, we stock a comprehensive range of Warhammer miniatures, paints, rulebooks, and accessories to support every stage of the hobby journey, from the very first starter set to a fully realised, beautifully painted competition army.

Whether you're building your first army or expanding a collection you've been developing for years, our range has exactly what you need to field an impressive force on the tabletop. The Warhammer hobby uniquely combines artistic creativity, strategic thinking, and social play — you build and paint models that are genuinely works of art, then use them as pieces in an endlessly variable tactical game that rewards skill and cunning in equal measure.

Miniature kits, army boxes, and starter sets
Rulebooks, supplements, and scenario packs
Terrain, gaming accessories, and hobby tools
Paints and brushes for bringing your miniatures to life

Explore the Warhammer range at Access Models today. Whether you're a total newcomer or a veteran hobbyist, our Newark-on-Trent store team loves talking Warhammer and can help you find the perfect starting point or next addition. Browse online with fast UK delivery, or come in and see us in store.

Warhammer Buying Guide

Warhammer is Games Workshop's iconic range of tabletop miniature wargames, encompassing Warhammer 40,000 (science fiction), Warhammer: Age of Sigmar (fantasy), and a growing range of specialist games. It combines collecting, painting, and strategic gameplay — you can enjoy it purely as a hobby craft, or dive deep into competitive play. Access Models stocks a comprehensive range of Warhammer products, with knowledgeable staff who play themselves.

Getting Started with Warhammer 40,000

The hobby has never been more accessible. Starter sets give you everything needed to begin — miniatures for two factions, simplified rules, dice and measuring tools. The Combat Patrol boxes provide a ready-to-play force for a single army. For the full experience, the Core Rules are free to download from the Games Workshop website, so you only need to buy the miniatures to start playing.

Choosing Your Army

With dozens of factions available, the best advice is: choose what looks coolest to you. You'll be spending hours painting these miniatures — enthusiasm for the aesthetic matters far more than competitive rankings. Popular beginner armies include Space Marines (flexible, well-supported), Orks (forgiving, fun to convert), Necrons (tough, great lore), and Stormcast Eternals for Age of Sigmar.

Paints and Tools

Games Workshop's Citadel Paints are formulated specifically for plastic miniatures and offer an excellent range of base colours, shades, and contrast paints. Our Paints & Tools section also stocks Vallejo paints which many experienced painters prefer. You'll need plastic glue, clippers, and a file to assemble; a few brushes and some primer to paint.

Warhammer FAQs

What Warhammer 40K starter set should I buy?: The Combat Patrol boxes are ideal for new players — they contain a ready-to-play force for your chosen faction at a significant saving over individual boxes. If you want to try the game before committing to an army, the two-player starter sets let you sample two factions at once.
What paints do I need to get started with Warhammer?: You need a primer (spray or brush-on), a selection of base colours for your chosen faction, at least one shade wash (Nuln Oil is the most versatile), and a few layer paints for highlights. Games Workshop publish colour guides for every faction online, and many YouTubers offer beginner painting tutorials.
Do I need to buy the rulebook?: The core rules for Warhammer 40,000 and Age of Sigmar are available as free downloads from the Games Workshop website. Army-specific rules are contained in Codex/Battletome books, which you will eventually want for your chosen faction, but aren't strictly necessary to start playing.
Can I play Warhammer without painting the miniatures?: Absolutely — especially when learning the game. Most players assemble models first and learn the rules before investing time in painting. That said, painted armies on the table are genuinely more enjoyable to play with.
Is Warhammer Age of Sigmar different from Warhammer 40,000?: Yes — 40K is set in a dark science fiction future, while Age of Sigmar is a high fantasy setting. Both use similar game mechanics but have different armies, lore, and aesthetics. Many hobbyists collect both.

Just getting started? Our Warhammer Beginner's Guide covers everything from choosing your first army to painting and playing your first game.

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