Short answer: If you want the easiest start in Warhammer 40,000, pick Space Marines — they’re forgiving, well-documented, and every starter box is built around them. Want something cooler and just as easy? Necrons are the best second choice: simple rules, tough models, and a striking look that paints up fast. Both armies let you learn the game without punishing mistakes.
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Why Your First Army Matters More Than You Think
Your first army decides whether you stay in the hobby or quietly quit after three months. Beginners who pick an army that’s cheap to collect, easy to paint, and forgiving to play finish their first 1,000 points and actually get games in. Beginners who pick a horde of 80 fiddly models or a fragile elite army that punishes every mistake often stall out.
So “best” here means three things:
- Easy to build and paint — large, chunky models with simple colour schemes
- Forgiving in-game — tough units that survive beginner mistakes
- Cheap to start — a single starter box gets you playable
Beginner Army Comparison Table
| Army | Build Difficulty | Paint Difficulty | Start Cost (approx.) | Playstyle | Beginner Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Space Marines ⭐ | Very easy | Very easy | $100–150 (starter box) | Tough, flexible, all-rounder | Best overall first army |
| Necrons ⭐ | Easy | Easy | $100–140 | Durable shooting, simple rules | Best alternative / best-looking |
| Orks | Medium-hard | Medium | $120–180 | Mass melee hordes | Fun, but 60+ models to paint |
| Tyranids | Medium | Medium-hard | $120–170 | Fast swarm, tricksy | Great models, harder list-building |
| Astra Militarum | Hard | Medium | $150–250 | Gunline, tanks | Huge model count — not beginner-friendly |
Pick #1: Space Marines — The Safe, Smart Choice
Space Marines are the army Games Workshop builds everything around, and that’s exactly why they’re the best beginner pick:
- Every starter set includes them. The introductory boxes (like the current Recruit/Ultimate starter sets) are Space Marines vs. Tyranids or Space Marines vs. Necrons — so the cheapest way into the game already hands you half an army.
- They forgive mistakes. Marines are tough, hit reliably, and have decent armour saves. When you misplay — and you will — your army doesn’t evaporate.
- Endless free resources. More tutorials, army lists, painting guides and community advice exist for Space Marines than any other faction combined.
- Simple colour schemes. A blue, green or red armour scheme with a wash and a highlight looks great with beginner-level skills.
Best for: players who want to learn the rules, meet people at their local store, and never worry about “did I pick wrong?”
How to start Space Marines
1. Buy a starter box (cheapest way to get models, dice, ruler and rules in one purchase). 2. Assemble 10–15 models, paint them with a simple 3-colour scheme — don’t chase “golden demon” quality yet. 3. Play small games (500 points) to learn movement, shooting and charge rules. 4. Expand to 1,000 points with one box of Intercessors and one vehicle.
Pick #2: Necrons — The Cool Alternative
If “generic super soldiers” doesn’t excite you, Necrons are the best beginner army in the game on pure value:
- Simple rules, durable models. Reanimation protocols let you shrug off damage — very forgiving while you’re learning.
- Skeleton robots paint fast. A silver basecoat, green accents and a wash gets you a table-ready army in a weekend. Perfect for new painters.
- Strong start boxes. The Necrons half of the main starter set alone gets you a legal combat patrol-sized force.
- They look incredible on a shelf. Let’s be honest — glowing green eyes and living-metal heroes are a huge motivation boost.
Best for: hobbyists who want an army that looks finished with minimal painting skill, and players who like resilient, no-nonsense armies.
How to start Necrons
1. Grab the Necrons half of a starter set (or a Necrons combat patrol box). 2. Paint a test model first: spray, leadbelcher-style basecoat, green glow accents, black wash. 3. Play 500-point games — Necron durability hides beginner errors. 4. Add a big centre-piece (a Monolith or C’tan) once you hit 1,000 points.
Which Should You Pick?
| You want… | Pick |
|---|---|
| The “correct” default, maximum community support, easiest start | Space Marines |
| Something visually striking that still plays simple | Necrons |
| To build both over time | Start Marines, add Necrons later — their starter boxes share rules, dice and terrain |
There is no wrong answer between these two. Both are top-tier beginner armies; pick the one whose models make you want to paint tonight.
FAQ — Best Warhammer 40K Army for Beginners
What is the easiest Warhammer 40K army for a complete beginner? Space Marines. They’re tough in-game, easy to build and paint, and every starter product is designed around them. Necrons are a close second with simpler model counts and fast paint schemes.
Is Warhammer 40K expensive for beginners? You can start for roughly $100–150 with a starter box, clippers, glue and 3–4 paint pots. That covers your first playable 500-point games. Expanding to 1,000 points adds another $80–150 over a few months.
Should I pick my army based on looks or rules? Looks. Rules change with every balance dataslate; you’ll be painting and staring at these models for years. Both Marines and Necrons pass the rules test anyway, so pick the aesthetic you love.
How long does it take to paint a first army? A simple 500-point army (about 15–20 models) takes a beginner 10–15 hours with a basic basecoat/wash/highlight scheme. Batch-painting one unit at a time makes this painless.
Can I play Space Marines and Necrons together? Not in the same list, but you can absolutely collect both — many hobbyists do. Starter boxes for both armies come with the same core rules, so nothing is wasted.
Are Necrons good for beginners in 2026? Yes — simple army rules, durable models, forgiving reanimation mechanics and one of the fastest paint schemes in the game make them one of the two best beginner picks.
Start Your First Army Today
- 👉 How to Start Warhammer 40K: The Complete Beginner’s Roadmap — your first 30 days, step by step
- 👉 Space Marines Army Guide: Units, Boxes and First 1,000 Points
- 👉 Necrons Army Guide: The Easiest Non-Marine Start
- 👉 Best Warhammer 40K Starter Set in 2026 (Compared)
Ready to roll dice? Grab a starter box, paint your first five models badly, and book a 500-point game at your local store. That’s the whole onboarding. See the best starter sets →
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