Buying Warhammer 40,000 miniatures is an exciting and important aspect of playing the tabletop wargame.
Miniatures are used to represent the various armies and units in the game, and players often spend significant time and effort collecting, painting, and customizing their models.
However, with so many options and factors to consider, buying Warhammer 4ok miniatures can also be overwhelming, especially for new players.
This page aims to provide an overview of the key considerations when buying and collecting miniatures, including choosing a faction, finding the best deals, starting a collection, painting and modeling, playing the game, and expanding your collection over time.
Choosing a faction
Selecting a faction that matches your interests and play style is a crucial aspect of enjoying Warhammer 40,000. Each faction in the game has its own unique strengths, weaknesses, and play styles, and selecting a faction that suits your preferences can greatly enhance your gaming experience.
Whether you prefer a fast and aggressive play style, or a more tactical and defensive approach, there is a faction that can cater to your preferences.
Moreover, selecting a faction that you are passionate about can help you stay engaged and motivated throughout the process of collecting, painting, and playing with your miniatures.
Delve deeper into how to choose a Warhammer 40,000 faction with our extensive guide!
The different factions in Warhammer 40,000 and their unique characteristics
There are many different factions in Warhammer 40,000, each with its own unique characteristics and playstyles. Some of the most popular factions include:
- Space Marines – The poster boys of Warhammer 40k, Space Marines are genetically modified super-soldiers who excel at all aspects of warfare.
- Necrons – An ancient race of robotic beings who are able to reassemble themselves on the battlefield, Necrons are known for their durability and high-tech weaponry.
- Adeptus Mechanicus – A faction of techno-worshippers who are masters of technology and warfare, the Adeptus Mechanicus use advanced machinery and weapons to dominate their foes.
- Tyranids – A hive-minded race of bio-engineered creatures who swarm over their enemies in overwhelming numbers, Tyranids are known for their ability to adapt to different combat situations.
- Orks – A race of brutal and cunning warriors who revel in combat and love nothing more than a good fight, Orks are known for their ability to build and use a wide variety of crude and dangerous weaponry.
- Chaos Space Marines – Former Space Marines who have turned to the service of the dark gods, Chaos Space Marines use twisted and corrupt versions of Space Marine technology and tactics to spread chaos and destruction.
- Eldar – A race of ancient and highly advanced beings who are skilled in both technology and psychic abilities, Eldar use speed and maneuverability to outmaneuver their enemies and strike with deadly precision.
Why choosing an army that matches your interests and play style is crucial!
Choosing a faction in Warhammer 40,000 that matches your interests and play style is a big deal.
It’s like picking a pet – you want to make sure you’re compatible, or things could get messy. Here are a few reasons why it’s so important:
- You’ll enjoy it more – This one’s pretty obvious. When you’re playing with a faction that you love, you’re going to have more fun. It’s just like anything else in life – if you’re doing something that you’re not interested in, you’re not going to enjoy it as much.
- You’ll be more invested – When you’re playing with a faction that you care about, you’re going to be more invested in the game. You’ll want to learn more about the lore and history of your chosen faction, and you’ll be more motivated to paint your miniatures and build your army.
- You’ll perform better – When you’re playing with a faction that matches your play style, you’re going to perform better on the tabletop. If you’re a fan of aggressive, fast-paced play, for example, you’re going to want to pick a faction that can keep up. On the other hand, if you’re more of a defensive, strategic player, you’ll want a faction that can hold its ground.
So, in short, deciding on the right faction is crucial to your success and enjoyment in Warhammer 40,000. So choose wisely, my friend!
How to buy Warhammer 40k miniatures
Now let’s talk about something that’s just as important as choosing your army: knowing where to buy it.
So, why is it important to know where to buy miniatures? Well, for starters, you want to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth. Buying from a reputable seller means you’re less likely to receive damaged or incomplete miniatures. Plus, it’s always nice to know you’re supporting a business that truly cares about the hobby.
Local game stores are a great place to not only buy miniatures, but also find like-minded individuals who share your passion for Warhammer 40,000.
Online shops have better deals and they’re more convenient.
Why buying from local game stores opens new doors
While it’s easy to get lost in the endless sea of online shopping, there’s something special about heading to your local game store (LGS) to pick up your favorite miniatures and supplies.
And although, us here at Adeptus Ars thoroughly recommend online shopping, we can’t ignore some of the best reasons why you should always pay a visit to your local retailer:
- The community: When you walk into an LGS, you’re immediately welcomed into a community of fellow gamers and enthusiasts. It’s a great opportunity to meet new people, make friends, and swap tips and tricks on how to improve your game.
- Personalized recommendations: If you’re new to the hobby or just looking for something new to try, the staff at an LGS can provide personalized recommendations based on your interests and playstyle. They’re a wealth of knowledge and are always happy to help.
- Support small business: By shopping at an LGS, you’re supporting a small business that’s passionate about the hobby. Plus, you’ll feel good knowing that your money is going towards a local establishment rather than a massive corporation.
- In-store events: Many LGS’s host in-store events like tournaments, painting workshops, and game nights. It’s a great way to get involved in the community and have some fun while you’re at it.
The benefits of buying your miniatures and paints online
While shopping at a local game store can be a lot of fun, there are definitely some benefits to shopping for your favorite miniatures and supplies online. Let me break it down for you:
- Convenience: Let’s face it, shopping online is just plain convenient. You can browse products, compare prices, and make purchases all from the comfort of your own home (or wherever you happen to be at the moment).
- Wide selection: Online retailers have a massive selection of products available, often more than what you’d find at a local game store. So, if you’re looking for something specific, chances are you’ll find it online.
- Price comparison: One of the best things about shopping online is being able to compare prices across different retailers. This means you can ensure you’re getting the best deal possible on your Warhammer 40,000 goodies.
- Accessibility: Not everyone has a local game store nearby. Shopping online allows people from all over the world to access and enjoy the hobby.
- Speedy delivery: Online retailers are often able to ship products quickly and efficiently, meaning you can get your hands on your new miniatures sooner rather than later.
Some of the most popular online retailers:
- Games Workshop: This is the official website for Warhammer 40,000, so it’s a great place to start. They offer a huge selection of miniatures, paints, and other supplies, as well as exclusive items you can’t find anywhere else.
- Amazon: While not exclusively a Warhammer 40,000 retailer, Amazon does offer a wide variety of miniatures, paints, and other supplies. Plus, if you’re an Amazon Prime member, you can get free and fast shipping on many items.
- Miniature Market: This online retailer offers a great selection of Warhammer 40,000 products, as well as other tabletop games. They often have sales and deals, so it’s worth checking out if you’re looking to save some money.
- Element Games: This UK-based retailer offers a huge selection of Warhammer 40,000 products, including exclusive bundles and deals. They also have a loyalty program that rewards you for your purchases.
- Wayland Games: Another UK-based retailer, Wayland Games offers a great selection of Warhammer 40,000 miniatures and supplies at competitive prices. They also have a loyalty program and offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount.
Tips to help you start your Warhammer 40,000 miniature collection
Now that you have an idea what miniatures you can buy, and where you can find them, let’s go over the things you need to have in mind when starting your own collection.
If you’re new to W40K miniatures here a few things to help you get started the right way:
- Start with a Starter Set: If you’re new to Warhammer 40,000, a starter set is a great way to get everything you need to start playing. These sets usually include a small army of miniatures, as well as a rulebook and other essentials.
- Look for Themed Bundles: Many retailers offer themed bundles that include a variety of miniatures from a specific faction. These bundles can be a great way to get a diverse collection of miniatures that are all designed to work together.
- Plan Ahead: Before you make any purchases, think about the type of army you want to build and the playstyle you want to use. This will help you make informed decisions about which miniatures to buy and when.
- Take Advantage of Sales: Keep an eye out for sales and deals on Warhammer 40,000 products. Many retailers offer discounts on certain items at various times throughout the year, so it’s worth waiting for a sale to make some of your purchases.
- Trade or Buy Secondhand: If you’re on a budget, consider trading or buying secondhand miniatures from other Warhammer 40,000 players. This can be a great way to get miniatures at a lower cost, and you may even be able to find rare or hard-to-find items.
- Set Realistic Goals: Building a Warhammer 40,000 collection can be a long-term project, so it’s important to set realistic goals for yourself. Don’t try to build a massive army all at once – instead, focus on adding a few key units at a time and building up your collection gradually.
So let’s recap:
The most important aspects of buying Warhammer 40,000 miniatures include choosing a faction that fits your interests and playstyle, knowing where to buy miniatures (whether online or at a local game store), and building your collection gradually over time.
It’s also important to take advantage of sales, consider secondhand options, and plan ahead to make informed purchases.
And remember, buying miniatures is all about having fun, so enjoy the journey and let the excitement of starting your army propel you forward!