Best faction to start Warhammer 40K

Best Factions to Start Warhammer 40K

Which Faction is Best for Beginners in Warhammer 40K?

Space Marines: The Elite of Humanity

Space Marines (Adeptus Astartes) are the most iconic military force of the Imperium—genetically enhanced super-soldiers clad in heavy armor and armed with the best human technology. Versatile and resilient, they are the ideal choice for new players.

The Space Marines are the Emperor's Angels, his gift to humanity. They are the only bulwark between the Imperium and the darkness.

Lore: The Emperor’s Champions

Created by the Emperor himself, the Space Marines are the Imperium’s Angels of Death, defending humanity against Xenos, heretics, and demonic threats. Organized into Chapters, each order follows its own traditions and combat doctrines, ensuring a vast tactical diversity.

Battlefield Role: Versatility and Technological Superiority

Space Marines are balanced forces capable of launching rapid assaults or holding positions with heavy firepower. They excel in both close combat and ranged engagements thanks to their advanced equipment.

Key Gameplay Points:

• High durability: Strong armor and the Armor of Contempt rule reduce incoming damage.Tactical flexibility: A wide variety of units and weapons suited to any opponent.Forgiving for beginners: Their resilience helps mitigate strategic mistakes.

• Weaknesses: Lower numbers: They can be overwhelmed by enemy hordes. Less specialized: Some factions outperform Space Marines in specific areas (e.g., long-range shooting by Astra Militarum).

How to Play Them?

• Advance and hold positions: Use their endurance and firepower to control objectives.

• Diversify units: Combine elite troops, armored vehicles, and assault forces to dominate all situations.

• Utilize stratagems: Their flexibility allows for adapting tactics to counter the enemy.

Good for Beginners?

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Excellent choice) Space Marines are perfect for learning Warhammer 40K fundamentals with a balanced and powerful playstyle.

Necrons: The Implacable Metallic Tide

Necrons are an immortal race of mechanical warriors, awakened from a millennia-long slumber to reclaim the galaxy. Tough and equipped with advanced technology, they are ideal for new players.

Out of hatred, the Necrons sacrificed their flesh and their souls. Out of hatred, they waged war against the entire Universe... and triumphed!

Lore: The Eternal Lords of the Galaxy

Once a powerful organic empire, the Necrons transformed into indestructible mechanical beings through Biotransference. Now, they seek to restore their galactic dominance.

Battlefield Role: Resilience and Devastating Firepower

Necrons advance slowly but steadily, wielding Gauss weapons capable of disintegrating any enemy and benefiting from the Reanimation Protocols, allowing them to rise again.

Key Gameplay Points:

• Exceptional resilience: Reanimation Protocols make them hard to eliminate.Powerful and precise shooting: Gauss weapons have high armor penetration.Easy to paint: Their simple metallic scheme makes them beginner-friendly.

• Weaknesses:Lack of speed: Few fast units for flanking maneuvers. Rigid strategy: Struggle to adapt to sudden tactical shifts.

How to Play Them?

• Advance methodically: Their strength lies in endurance and superior technology.

• Maximize reanimation: Play in groups to enhance troop resilience.

• Apply psychological pressure: The enemy will struggle to take them down effectively.

Good for Beginners?

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Excellent choice) Necrons are easy to play, powerful, and forgiving of mistakes thanks to their reanimation abilities.

Tyranids: The Devouring Swarm

Tyranids are an extragalactic biological force that consumes everything in its path. Fast, numerous, and brutal, they overwhelm their enemies with endless waves of deadly creatures.

Driven by their devouring appetite, tyranids devour everything in their path. Creatures, plants, seas, even atmospheres.

Lore: The Hunger of the Hive Mind

Tyranids know no mercy or fear. They are the cosmic embodiment of hunger, consuming worlds to fuel their infinite growth.

Battlefield Role: Numbers and Aggression

Tyranids rely on swarming tactics and titanic monsters that crush enemies in melee combat.

Key Gameplay Points:

• Excellent mobility: Fast charges and aggressive objective-taking.

• Devastating monsters: Capable of destroying tanks and heroes instantly.

• Horde effect: Overwhelm the enemy with relentless waves of creatures.

Weaknesses: 

• Synapse dependency: Poor management of synaptic creatures can disorganize the army.

• Low armor: Highly vulnerable to heavy weapons.

How to Play Them?

• Flood the battlefield: Use superior numbers to exhaust the opponent.

• Utilize synaptic creatures: Maintain strong command to prevent troop panic.

• Attack fast and relentlessly: Never give the enemy room to breathe.

Good for Beginners? 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (Good choice) Tyranids require good horde and synapse management, but they are incredibly satisfying to play.

Summary of the Best Factions for Beginners

Faction	Playstyle	Learning Ease	Strengths	Weaknesses
Space Marines	Versatile	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Resilient, flexible	Lower numbers
Necrons	Durable, methodical	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Reanimation, strong firepower	Lack of mobility
Tyranids	Fast, aggressive	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	Massive horde, powerful monsters	Low armor, synapse reliance

These three factions are ideal for new players, each with its unique playstyle. Space Marines offer flexibility, Necrons provide resilience, and Tyranids bring aggressive swarm tactics.

If you're looking for an accessible and powerful army from the start, Space Marines and Necrons are safe bets. If you enjoy outnumbering and relentlessly attacking your opponent, Tyranids are an excellent choice. 🚀