Warhammer – A Beginner's Guide
The most important thing to know before buying: the miniatures arrive unassembled and unpainted. Here is what you actually get, what you need, and what is coming to screens.
Techbox, Thessaloniki
Warhammer miniatures are not finished figures. They arrive on grey plastic frames, in pieces. You have to cut them out, glue them and paint them yourself.
That is the hobby – it is not a defect. But if you are buying a gift for someone expecting a finished figure, they will be disappointed.
Warhammer 40,000 or Age of Sigmar?
Warhammer is not one universe – it is two, entirely separate. And they do not mix:
Science fiction in the far future. Starships, power armour, endless war. The Space Marines are its signature.
The more popular of the two – and the subject of the Amazon series.
Fantasy – magic, monsters, gods and swords. A different universe, with different rules.
In practice: a 40K miniature cannot be used in an Age of Sigmar game. If you are buying for someone who already plays, ask which of the two – and ideally which faction they collect.
What you need beyond the miniatures
The box of miniatures is only the beginning. To reach a painted figure you need:
- Model clippers – to cut the pieces cleanly from their frames. Scissors will snap them.
- Plastic cement – a special glue that slightly melts the plastic and fuses it. Ordinary glue will not do.
- Primer – without it, paint will not adhere.
- Paints and brushes – the Citadel range from the same company is the established choice.
Worth knowing: these are not optional extras – they are part of the hobby. Anyone starting will need all of them.
How to start properly
The worst way to begin is to buy a large, expensive box.
The right way is a starter set: a handful of miniatures, simplified rules, and often the basic tools. It is designed to let you find out whether you enjoy it before investing.
Painting is half the hobby. Many people buy miniatures only to paint them, and never play a game at all.
The Amazon series – news at last
In 2022, Amazon and Games Workshop announced a deal for films and television, with Henry Cavill attached to star and produce.
What followed was four years of near-total silence. Many fans concluded the project had stalled.
In August 2026, Cavill personally confirmed that he is starring in the series.
At the same time, a second, animated series was announced – a continuation of the Warhammer episode from the anthology Secret Level.
There is still no date, trailer or further casting. The timeline sits with Amazon, not Games Workshop.
Gift guide
A starter set – it has everything needed to try the hobby.
Ask which faction they collect – otherwise you will very likely miss.
Paints, brushes, tools – always needed, and they run out.
A book or a gift card – do not buy miniatures at random.
Frequently asked questions
- Do the miniatures come painted?
- No. They arrive unassembled and unpainted, on grey plastic frames. You cut them out, glue them and paint them. That is the hobby – but you need to know it before buying.
- What is the difference between 40K and Age of Sigmar?
- They are two entirely different universes. 40,000 is science fiction in the far future, with Space Marines. Age of Sigmar is fantasy, with magic and monsters. The miniatures are not interchangeable.
- What do I need to get started?
- A starter set, clippers, plastic cement, primer, and basic paints and brushes. The starter set is the right way in – a few miniatures and simplified rules, so you can try before investing.
- What age is it for?
- Mainly teenagers and adults. It requires patience, fine motor control, sharp tools and glue. The setting is also dark and violent – this is not a children's toy.
- When is the Henry Cavill series out?
- Cavill confirmed in August 2026 that he is starring, and a second animated series was announced alongside it. No date has been given – the timeline is controlled by Amazon.
