What Is the Best Army to Start With in Warhammer 40k?
Choosing your first army in Warhammer 40,000 can be a daunting task. The sheer breadth of factions, each with its own unique lore, playstyle, and aesthetic, is enough to overwhelm any newcomer. However, fear not! The answer to the question, “What is the best army to start with in Warhammer 40k?” is overwhelmingly Space Marines.
Space Marines offer a perfect blend of accessibility, customization, and competitive viability, making them the ideal gateway into the grim darkness of the far future. They are the poster boys of the franchise, instantly recognizable and iconic. Let’s break down why they’re the best choice for beginners.
Why Space Marines Are the Top Choice for New Players
Ease of Play
Space Marines are renowned for their relatively straightforward rules and gameplay mechanics. They excel at a variety of roles, from frontline assault to ranged support, which makes them forgiving to learn with. Their units tend to be more durable than many other factions, giving new players some room for error. This durability is crucial for learning the game without being immediately punished for every mistake. You’ll find their tactical options easier to grasp, allowing you to focus on the core mechanics of the game without being bogged down by overly complex rules.
Customization and Variety
While they are often considered “vanilla,” the Space Marines boast a massive amount of customization options. You can choose from a wide array of Chapters, each with their own unique rules, tactics, color schemes, and lore. Whether you prefer the stoic Ultramarines, the brutal Blood Angels, the mysterious Dark Angels, or any of the other chapters, the flavor of the army can be molded to your tastes. This allows you to create a truly unique army without being locked into a single playstyle or aesthetic.
Availability and Support
Space Marines are by far the most supported faction in Warhammer 40,000. This translates to an abundant availability of models, a rich backlog of lore, and frequent rules updates. You’ll find a plethora of resources to learn more about them and refine your tactics, and new Space Marine releases are a frequent occurrence. This consistent support makes it much easier to stay engaged with the hobby and grow your collection.
Competitive Viability
While easy to learn, Space Marines are by no means a weak faction. They are consistently competitive in the game, with viable lists that can take on any opponent. This means that even as you learn, you won’t be at a disadvantage. You will be able to enjoy both casual and competitive gameplay with the Space Marines.
Understanding the Game
Playing Space Marines allows new players to learn fundamental 40k mechanics in the most straightforward way, such as unit movement, target prioritization, and the interplay between different unit types. The basic tactics they employ serve as a foundation for understanding more nuanced strategies of other factions as you advance in the hobby.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What size army should I start with in Warhammer 40k?
A 1,000 point army is an excellent goal for new players. It’s large enough to provide a full gaming experience but not so large that it becomes overwhelming to build and paint. You’ll find many players willing to battle at this size, providing a good starting point.
What’s the most common army size in 40K?
While 1,000 points is great for beginners, 2,000 points is the most common size for standard matches. You will often see players using 1,000, 2,000 or 3,000 points for games.
What are the core components of a 40k army?
A 40k army is built around units, each with different roles and abilities. You’ll need a character to lead your forces, troops to hold objectives, and options for heavy firepower, fast attacks, and elite units. Understanding these roles is key to successful army building.
What are the most important rules in 40k?
The most fundamental rules revolve around movement, shooting, combat, and morale. Understanding these is crucial to gameplay. Also, familiarize yourself with the core rules document from Games Workshop.
How long does a 1,000-point 40k game typically take?
A 1,000-point game usually takes around 3-4 hours, including setup time. However, your first few games may be longer as you learn the rules.
Are there any alternative factions good for beginners?
While Space Marines are the best, Chaos Space Marines offer a similar level of accessibility and are also a good alternative for those seeking a slightly different experience. They also share a lot of unit cross-over with the Space Marines, so you can use the models interchangeably if you find them to your liking.
What is the most powerful faction in 40k?
The idea of a single “most powerful” faction fluctuates with each edition of the rules. Tyranids are often considered the greatest threat in the lore. However, many other factions also do well in competitive matches, such as Aeldari, Necrons, and the Leagues of Votann.
What is the “weakest” faction in 40k?
Strength varies constantly, however some of the more difficult factions to play tend to be Genestealer Cults, Adepta Sororitas, Drukhari, and Astra Militarum, due to their reliance on specific combos and tactics.
How important is base size in Warhammer 40k?
Base sizes are important because they determine measurement distances in the game. Stick to the base size provided for each unit, unless your local playgroup has a specific rule variation.
Can I mix different factions in my army?
Yes, you can include different factions that share an “Imperium” or “Chaos” faction keyword. For example, you could mix Space Marines with Astra Militarum, as they both belong to the Imperium. However, some faction mixing is not allowed.
Is it better to go first or second in 40K?
On average, going first is generally advantageous, especially for armies that rely on shooting. However, the nuances are more complex than that and can change based on your army composition, your opponents, and the mission you are playing.
What is the most evil faction in Warhammer 40k?
The Drukhari (Dark Eldar) are widely considered the most evil faction, as their society revolves around torture and enslavement for the sake of personal gain and sadistic pleasure.
What is the cheapest army to start with in 40k?
Chaos Daemons tend to be one of the cheapest factions to start with as they rely on a smaller model count. Chaos Space Marines also provide a cheaper entry due to the common use of Space Marine model kits.
Are Tyranids afraid of Necrons?
The lore on this is somewhat conflicted. There’s no direct evidence that Tyranids actively avoid Necrons anymore, despite old hints that this was the case. However, the Necrons do present a powerful force that Tyranids will contend with, given enough biomass.
Are Space Marines good in 40K?
Yes, Space Marines are a very capable army. They are resilient, versatile, and adaptable, offering both solid offense and defense. They make a great choice for both beginners and experienced players.
Conclusion
Starting your journey into Warhammer 40,000 is an exciting prospect. While the range of factions can feel overwhelming, Space Marines provide the most accessible, versatile, and enjoyable entry point into this rich hobby. Their straightforward rules, vast customization options, and consistent support make them the best choice for new players. Embrace the power of the Adeptus Astartes, and lead your forces to victory in the grim darkness of the far future!