Average Warhammer 40K Army Cost: A Comprehensive Breakdown
Warhammer 40,000 (Warhammer 40K) remains one of the most popular tabletop miniature wargames worldwide. Collecting and building an army can be an exciting but costly venture. Understanding the average Warhammer 40K army cost helps enthusiasts plan finances and set realistic expectations before diving into the hobby. This guide provides an in-depth analysis of the many factors affecting army costs, including size, faction choice, and expansion needs.
| Army Size | Average Cost Range (USD) | Main Cost Drivers |
|---|---|---|
| Starter / Small (~500 points) | $100 – $175 | Core units, squad minimum, basic paint supplies |
| Mid-Sized (~1,000 points) | $200 – $400 | Additional units, HQ choices, vehicles, paints, and some terrain |
| Full-Size (~2,000 points) | $400 – $800+ | Large collections, multiple squads, elite units, multiple vehicles |
| Collectible / Competitive | $800 – $1500+ | Specialized units, multiple elite choices, fine paints, upgrades |
Factors Influencing Warhammer 40K Army Costs
The total cost of building a Warhammer 40K army depends on several factors. Price variations occur due to faction choice, model complexity, and how large or competitive the army will be. These factors affect both the initial purchase price of miniatures and ongoing expenses for paints, tools, and accessories.
Army Size and Points Value
Warhammer 40K games are typically structured around a points system. Points represent the relative strength of units, with larger armies requiring more models and thus greater investment. A small 500-point army is affordable for beginners, while competitive 2,000-point armies can demand hundreds of dollars.
Faction Choice
Different factions vary widely in cost due to the number of units, model size, and availability. For example:
- Space Marines are popular, widely supported, and come in many styles but often carry a mid-level price tag.
- Orks tend to have many small models but require more quantity, balancing costs.
- Tyranids can include large monstrous creatures that are more expensive but use fewer models.
Where to Purchase
Official Games Workshop products are priced higher but guarantee quality and new releases. Alternative sources like third-party retailers, second-hand markets, or proxies may lower costs.
Detailed Cost Breakdown by Army Size
Starter Army (~500 Points)
A starter army is designed for beginners looking to get into the game without a heavy upfront cost. It usually includes:
- One or two squads of troops
- A leader or HQ model
- Basic weapons and upgrades
The plastic kits commonly cost about $40-$60 each. For a 500-point army, approximately 2-3 kits are needed.
| Component | Typical Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Core Troop Kits | $80 – $120 | Two basic squads required |
| HQ Model | $35 – $50 | Leader or commander unit |
| Paint and Supplies | $20 – $40 | Starter paints, brushes, glue |
| Subtotal | $135 – $210 |
Mid-Sized Army (~1,000 Points)
Mid-sized armies enhance gameplay variety with more units, vehicles, and special characters. At this scale, players require more diverse kits and often start investing more in paint quality, basing materials, and terrain elements.
| Component | Typical Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Additional Troops & Elite Units | $100 – $150 | 3-5 kits depending on faction |
| Vehicles | $50 – $80 | One or two smaller vehicles |
| HQ Models and Characters | $40 – $70 | Up to 2 HQ units |
| Paints and Tools | $40 – $70 | Upgrades in quality and range |
| Terrain & Accessories | $20 – $40 | Basic wards or scatter terrain |
| Subtotal | $250 – $410 |
Full-Size Army (~2,000 Points)
At this larger scale, players field a comprehensive force with multiple squads, heavy support, and elite units. This can mean incorporating expensive vehicle kits, specialized weapons, and more complex modeling efforts.
| Component | Typical Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple Troop and Elite Kits | $150 – $250 | 7-10 kits depending on faction |
| Vehicles | $100 – $180 | 2-3 vehicle kits, including tanks or transports |
| HQ and Special Characters | $70 – $120 | Several special characters or lords |
| Paints, Materials & Tools | $70 – $120 | Advanced paints, weathering, and basing kits |
| Terrain & Accessories | $40 – $80 | Detailed or modular terrain pieces |
| Subtotal | $430 – $750 |
Competitive and Collectible Armies
Competitive players or collectors often spend significantly more, sometimes surpassing $1,000 to $1,500+ depending on:
- Limited edition or high-detail models
- Full paint jobs with professional-quality finishes
- Multiple units of rare or specialized models
- Extensive terrain and display cases
Costs can increase dramatically with multiple army expansions or purchasing older rare models.
Additional Costs to Consider
Painting Supplies and Materials
While some players choose to paint their armies themselves, others may pay for professional painting. Standard hobby paints may add $20-$100 initially, with ongoing replenishment.
Gaming Accessories
Items like measuring tapes, dice, rulebooks, and carrying cases add to total expenses. A quality carrying case alone can run $50-$150.
Terrain and Display Units
Terrain enriches the gaming experience but can add significant cost. Modular or handmade terrain can vary from inexpensive DIY options to premium gaming tables costing hundreds.
Where To Save and Where To Invest
Saving money on an army is possible by focusing on key purchases and avoiding unnecessary expenditures. Players should prioritize essential units and quality paints but may cut costs by:
- Buying second-hand miniatures
- Using discounted or bundled kits
- DIY terrain and conversion pieces
Conversely, investing in quality tools and basic supplies can improve hobby enjoyment and model longevity.
Average Costs Table by Purchase Type
| Item Category | Estimated Cost Range (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic Miniature Kits | $35 – $80 per unit | Cost varies by model size and type |
| Special Characters / Limited Edition | $50 – $120+ | Often pricier due to rarity |
| Paints and Brushes | $20 – $100+ | Starter sets to professional gear |
| Tools (Glue, Clippers, Files) | $15 – $50 | Basic modeling tools |
| Gaming Accessories (Dice, Tapes) | $10 – $40 | Per game setup |
| Terrain Pieces | $20 – $150+ | Depending on complexity and size |