Warhammer 40K Figures: What To Collect In Warhammer 40k

Warhammer 40K Figures: What to Collect in Warhammer 40k can feel overwhelming when you’re staring at a wall of boxes and blister packs. This guide breaks down what’s worth buying first, how to build a collection that actually plays well on the table, and which factions and kits shine for painters, gamers, or hobbyists on a budget. Whether you’re just getting into Warhammer 40k or trying to grow a focused army, this article will help you collect smarter, not just more.

If you’ve ever walked into a game store, seen the Warhammer 40k shelf, and thought, “Where the hell do I even start?” you’re not alone. Warhammer 40K figures are gorgeous, expensive, and absolutely endless, and if you just buy what looks cool, you can end up with a pile of plastic that doesn’t work together on the table.

This guide is all about Warhammer 40K Figures: What to Collect specifically within Warhammer 40k—no spin-offs, no other games, just the core sci-fi miniatures game. We’ll break down factions, starter sets, what to prioritize, what to skip early on, and how to build a collection that fits how you actually want to play: casually at home, competitively at your local game store, or purely as a painter and collector.

What Is Warhammer 40K Figures: What To Collect In Warhammer 40k?

When people search for Warhammer 40K Figures: What to Collect in Warhammer 40k, they’re really asking a few core questions:

• Which models should I buy first?
• Which factions and units are actually useful on the table?
• What gives me the best value for money and hobby time?

In the context of Warhammer 40k, “what to collect” boils down to three overlapping lanes:

• Gameplay-focused collecting – building a legal, functional army that plays well.
• Paint & display collecting – grabbing cool centerpiece models and iconic characters.
• Mixed collecting – aiming for an army that both looks good and holds its own in games.

This article assumes you’re somewhere in that 18–45 gamer sweet spot: you care about how your army plays, you want it to look good on the shelf, and you don’t necessarily want to blow your entire paycheck on the wrong kits.

Step One: Decide Why You’re Collecting Warhammer 40K Figures

Before you buy anything, you need to answer a simple question: what’s your primary goal with Warhammer 40K figures? That answer will decide what you should collect first.

1. You Want To Play Warhammer 40k Games

If your main goal is rolling dice and playing missions, your collection needs:

• Legality – units that form a proper army list according to the current rules.
• Synergy – models that work well together and support a game plan.
• Redundancy – more than one useful unit type so your list isn’t fragile.

Your early purchases should lean toward starter sets, combat patrols, and core troops for a single faction, not random one-off models from different armies.

2. You Want To Paint And Collect Cool Figures

If you’re more about the hobby side than the gameplay:

• Look for large, detailed kits (heroes, monsters, tanks, walkers).
• Prioritize varied textures (armor, cloth, skin, fur, metal) to grow your painting skills.
• Don’t worry about forming a perfect army yet—just try to keep purchases within one or two factions so your collection still feels coherent.

3. You Want Both: To Play And Paint

This is where most players land. In this case, your Warhammer 40K figures collection should:

• Start with a playable core (starter set + a key expansion kit).
• Add one or two dramatic centerpiece models later.
• Grow toward a 1,000–2,000 point army that you’re proud to put on the table.

Picking A Faction: The Foundation Of Warhammer 40K Figures: What To Collect

The most important decision in Warhammer 40K Figures: What to Collect in Warhammer 40k is which faction you want to commit to first. Jumping between armies early is one of the fastest ways to waste money.

Questions To Ask Before You Pick A Faction

Use these four filters:

1. Do you like the look? You’ll be staring at and painting these models for hours. If the vibe doesn’t click, skip it.
2. Do you like the lore? The grimdark setting is a huge part of Warhammer 40k; pick a story you want to invest in.
3. Does the playstyle sound fun? Aggressive melee? Gunlines? Sneaky, psychic, or elite armies? Find what fits how you like to play games in general.
4. Is it practical for you? Some armies are horde-heavy (more models, more painting); others are elite (fewer, pricier kits but less to paint).

Broad Faction Archetypes (Without Getting Lost In The Weeds)

Within Warhammer 40k, factions roughly fall into:

• Elite, low model count – expensive per unit, but you don’t need many models (easier to transport and paint).
• Horde, high model count – cheaper per unit but you’ll need a lot of models (can be more painting work but visually impressive).
• Hybrid – a mix of infantry, vehicles, and monsters.

From a pure “what to collect” angle, elite or hybrid armies are kinder to new players than full hordes. They need fewer figures to reach a standard game size and make it easier to stay focused.

Best Ways To Start: Starter Boxes, Combat Patrols, And Bundles

When you’re thinking about Warhammer 40K Figures: What to Collect in Warhammer 40k, product type matters as much as faction. Not all boxes are good starting points.

1. Starter Sets (Two-Army Boxes)

These are designed for new players and usually contain:

• Two small starter armies.
• Basic rules.
• Dice and sometimes terrain.

They’re excellent value if you:

• Have a friend or sibling who wants the other faction.
• Plan to trade or sell the half you don’t want.

If you’re truly solo and don’t want to hassle with reselling, a two-army starter can still be useful for teaching friends and getting lots of models fast—but be sure you love at least one of the forces inside.

2. Combat Patrols / Army Starter Boxes

These are faction-specific, self-contained chunks of an army designed to be played as a small game out of the box. They generally include:

• A leader (character).
• Troops or core infantry.
• A specialist unit or vehicle/monster.

For most people asking “what Warhammer 40K figures should I collect first?”, a Combat Patrol or similar army starter is the #1 pick:

• It’s almost always cheaper than buying the kits separately.
• It gives you a rules-supported, themed starting force.
• Every model in the box is usually usable even in larger games.

3. Individual Kits And Characters

These look tempting, especially the big centerpiece models and named heroes lined up on the shelf. For beginners, treat them as Phase Two purchases:

• Don’t: start your collection with only a single massive tank or monster; you’ll have a cool model but not a playable army.
• Do: use them to expand a starter box, once you know your playstyle and faction.

Core Principles: How To Choose Warhammer 40K Figures Smartly

Regardless of faction, some universal rules make Warhammer 40K Figures: What to Collect in Warhammer 40k way less painful.

1. Build A Playable Core First

A good early target is a 1,000 point army (roughly “small to medium” game size). To get there efficiently:

• Start with one Combat Patrol / starter.
• Add:
  • 1 more unit of core infantry (for redundancy and objectives).
  • 1–2 specialized units (fast attack, heavy support, or elites).
  • Optionally, 1 big centerpiece unit (tank, monster, or hero).

2. Avoid “Collector’s Drift” Early On

Collector’s Drift is when you own:

• A handful of Space Marines.
• A random box of another faction.
• One or two characters from yet another army.

It feels like variety, but it actually gives you no complete force to play. For the first few months, commit to one primary faction. Treat everything else as a “later” project.

3. Duplicate Your Best Units (Within Reason)

Warhammer 40k rewards redundancy. If a particular infantry or support unit is foundational for your army’s game plan:

• Strong play-focused collections often run 2–3 of the same core unit.
• This protects you from bad matchups and unlucky dice.

From a collecting standpoint, duplicates also help visually unify your army on the table.

Warhammer 40K Figures: What To Collect For Different Player Types

If You’re A Competitive Or Optimization-Focused Player

Your priority for Warhammer 40K Figures: What to Collect in Warhammer 40k is:

• Rules efficiency – how strong and flexible a unit is in the current edition.
• Synergistic combos – leaders, auras, and buffs that supercharge core units.
• Scoring power – units that can reliably hold or contest objectives.

In practice:

• Start with a solid Combat Patrol / starter.
• Check current rules and match reports to identify:
  • Top-performing troops and mid-cost units in your faction.
  • At least one durable “anchor” unit (tank, monster, elite brick).
• Buy multiples of proven workhorse units before chasing niche or flashy options.

If You’re A Casual Or Narrative Player

Your collection can prioritize theme and story over sheer power:

• Pick a sub-faction or theme (stealth, knights, monsters, armored spearhead).
• Collect units that fit the story you want to tell with your army.
• Still aim for:
  • 2–3 units of basic troops.
  • 1–3 support / specialist squads.
  • 1–2 big or heroic models that represent your army’s core fantasy.

If You’re Primarily A Painter / Display Collector

For you, Warhammer 40K Figures: What to Collect in Warhammer 40k is about:

• Visual variety – faces, armor plates, weapons, cloaks, wings, vehicles.
• Centerpiece potential – models that look great on a shelf or in a display case.

Consider collecting via themes like:

• “Heroes of the Imperium” – an assortment of human heroes from one faction.
• “Monsters of the Xenos” – large alien creatures and bio-titans.
• “Engines of War” – tanks, walkers, and mechanical constructs.

Even if you’re not gaming, sticking to a limited number of factions helps your collection feel intentional, not random.

Strengths, Weaknesses, And Use Cases Of Different Types Of Warhammer 40K Figures

Inside any one army, you’ll see the same broad categories of figures. Knowing what each brings to the table helps you pick what to collect next.

1. Core Infantry (Troops / Battleline Units)

Strengths:

• Usually the cheapest boxes per model.
• Essential for holding objectives and forming battle lines.
• Often required to fill basic army roles.

Weaknesses:

• Not always the flashiest or most fun to paint.
• Can feel “samey” if you overbuy them before adding variety.

Use case in collecting: Get at least two squads of your core infantry early. They’re the glue that makes the rest of your army work.

2. Elite Infantry And Specialists

Strengths:

• More detailed models with unique gear and poses.
• Hit harder or survive better than basic troops.
• Great for painting practice due to extra details.

Weaknesses:

• More expensive per model.
• Can underperform without proper support or transport.

Use case in collecting: Add 1–3 elite or specialist units after your core infantry. They define your army’s style and table presence.

3. Vehicles And Walkers

Strengths:

• Massive table and display presence – instant eye-catchers.
• Heavy weapons, durability, or transport capabilities.
• Large flat surfaces great for weathering and advanced techniques.

Weaknesses:

• Higher price points.
• Can be swingy in-game depending on current rules and anti-tank weapons.

Use case in collecting: Plan for 1–2 key vehicles or walkers as the “centerpiece spine” of your army.

4. Big Monsters, Titans, And Centerpiece Characters

Strengths:

• Incredible models that can anchor a whole collection.
• Huge opportunity for custom bases, conversions, and advanced painting.

Weaknesses:

• Usually among the most expensive single kits.
• May not fit into every game size or list style.

Use case in collecting: Treat these as milestone purchases—reward yourself after you’ve built a playable core army or finished painting a set goal.

Tips And Strategies To Optimize Warhammer 40K Figures: What To Collect In Warhammer 40k

• Plan your first 1,000–2,000 points on paper (or digitally) before buying. Even a rough outline helps prevent random purchases.
• Leverage multi-build kits. Many boxes let you build different unit variants—magnetize weapons where possible to maximize flexibility.
• Buy in “waves.” Wave 1: starter + one extra unit. Wave 2: specialized units. Wave 3: vehicles or centerpiece models.
• Paint as you go. A massive backlog kills motivation. Try to build and paint a chunk before starting the next big wave of purchases.
• Talk to local players or store staff. They’ll know which units see actual table time and which are mostly shelf queens.
• Stick with plastic when possible. Plastic kits are usually easier to build, convert, and transport than metal or resin.

Common Mistakes Players Make With Warhammer 40K Figures: What To Collect In Warhammer 40k

Mistake 1: Buying Entirely On Looks With Zero Plan

Yes, rule of cool matters—but if your first purchases are three random heroes and a tank from different factions, you’ll quickly realize you can’t play a proper game. Solution: Decide on one faction and one game size target before you buy anything else.

Mistake 2: Spreading Across Too Many Armies Too Soon

Having four half-finished armies is less fun than having one solid, playable force. Solution: Finish a cohesive core for your first army before you start a second collection.

Mistake 3: Ignoring Core Units

It’s tempting to fill your collection with elite units and monsters, but without core infantry, your army will struggle to score and survive. Solution: Make sure at least 30–50% of your early buys are bread-and-butter troops or core units.

Mistake 4: Overcommitting To A Single Gimmick Unit

Buying three of a flashy but niche unit because it looks sick can backfire when you realize it doesn’t solve core problems in your list. Solution: Buy one copy of a unit first, test it, then double down if it fits your style.

Mistake 5: Underestimating Time And Hobby Load

A horde army might look cheap on paper, but painting 80+ models to a satisfying standard is a huge time sink. Solution: Be realistic about how much painting and assembly you actually enjoy doing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Warhammer 40K Figures: What To Collect In Warhammer 40k

How Many Warhammer 40K Figures Do I Need To Start Playing?

For small introductory games, you can start with the contents of a single Combat Patrol or starter set. That’s usually 20–40 models, depending on the faction. As you grow towards 1,000 points, expect somewhere between 25–50 figures for an elite army, and potentially more for a horde-style force.

Should I Start With A Starter Box Or Just Individual Kits?

For most new players, a faction-specific starter or Combat Patrol is the best first purchase. It’s typically better value than buying individual kits separately and gives you a coherent force out of the box. Individual kits are great for expanding and customizing once that core is in place.

Is It Bad To Collect Multiple Factions In Warhammer 40k?

No, but timing matters. Collecting multiple factions is very common, especially among long-term Warhammer 40k players. The trap is doing it too early. Build at least one finished, playable army before diving into a second faction so you don’t end up with a pile of unplayable half-armies.

Are Big Models Worth It For A First Purchase?

They’re incredibly tempting, but as a first purchase, big centerpiece models can be a trap. You’ll have a cool figure but no actual army to play with. They’re best treated as Phase Two or Three buys once you’ve got troops and a few supporting units.

How Do I Know If A Warhammer 40K Figure Is “Good” In-Game?

Check the current rules for your faction, look at common lists players are using locally or online, and ask more experienced players at your game store. In general, units that:

• Score objectives reliably,
• Provide buffs or support for nearby units,
• Or bring flexible firepower or utility

tend to be safer bets than extremely niche or overly specialized units.

What’s The Best Way To Expand After My First Box?

Once you’ve built and played a few games with your starter, identify what your army is missing: more bodies on objectives, more long-range firepower, or tougher units. Then buy:

• One extra core infantry unit for redundancy, and
• One or two units that directly address your army’s weaknesses (a vehicle, elite squad, or specialist unit).

Conclusion: Is Warhammer 40K Figures: What To Collect Worth Thinking About Before You Buy?

Being deliberate about Warhammer 40K Figures: What to Collect in Warhammer 40k is absolutely worth it. With a little planning, you can avoid random, regrettable purchases and instead build a collection that looks awesome, plays well, and actually hits the table instead of living in your backlog.

If you’re just starting, pick a faction that clicks with you, grab a solid starter or Combat Patrol, and aim for a 1,000 point army made of core troops, a few specialists, and one or two standout models. From there, your Warhammer 40K figures collection can grow in whatever direction you want—competitive, narrative, or purely for display—without ever feeling like you wasted your time or your wallet.