Warhammer 40k is a popular tabletop game that fans love for its intricate and detailed miniatures. However, buying new models and paints can add up quickly, leaving some players frustrated at the price tag. But there are ways to save money on Warhammer 40k without sacrificing quality or enjoyment. Here are a few tips to get you started.
Warhammer 40k can be an expensive hobby, but there are ways to save money on it. Buying products in bulk, joining a gaming club, signing up for promotions, and buying off the second-hand market are great ways to get the most out of your money. You can also save on painting supplies by creating your own paint mixes and using recycled materials whenever possible.
This article will review nine methods to save money on your next Warhammer purchase and how you can start with this new hobby without breaking the bank.
1. Choosing the Right Time of Year to Buy
The best time to buy Warhammer 40k products is during the holiday season. Many retailers offer significant discounts on models and paints during this time, so it’s a great opportunity to stock up on supplies. You can also often find good deals on secondhand models and paints during this time.
Some key days to look out for great deals are:
Black Friday: Many stores offer doorbuster deals and deep discounts on Warhammer 40k products.
Cyber Monday: Online retailers offer some of their best deals of the year on Cyber Monday.
Boxing Day: Retailers in the UK and Australia offer deep discounts on a variety of products, including Warhammer 40k products.
Warhammer Day: This is a special day that Games Workshop hosts to celebrate the Warhammer community. They often offer discounts and freebies on this day.
Christmas Sale: Many stores offer discounts on Warhammer 40k products in the weeks following Christmas.
2. Buying Products in Bulk (Starter Sets)
One way to save money on Warhammer 40k is to buy products in bulk. This can be done by buying multiple sets at once or by joining a gaming club that allows you to purchase models at a discount. Buying in bulk can also help you get more for your money by taking advantage of promotions and sales.
A great way to do this is by purchasing starter sets that contain multiple units within one large set. These starter sets can include two armies or a singular army of your choice. Not only does this save you money by giving you more models for your collection, but it also provides you with an opportunity to paint them all in one go. This can be a great way to jumpstart your Warhammer 40k journey without breaking the bank.
Most starter sets offer a 25% discount on the models included inside them. However, it’s essential to research before purchasing a starter set to ensure you are getting a good deal. Some stores may sell starter sets for less than their retail value, so it’s important to compare prices before purchasing.
Some Warhammer 40k Starter sets include:
Starter Sets
Combat Control sets are a great way to hit the ground running. These sets are worth 25 power levels which are enough units to start playing Combat Patrol-sized games once you have assembled and painted your troops. You can get all these sets for under £90.00, so it is a perfect way to gain all you need in one purchase. You might want to split the cost with a friend and agree to who gets what – you won’t have to do this with some packs as they include two armies.
Orks – Combat Control
This combat pack is the perfect way for a new Orks player to start their Waaagh! Containing 20 Boyz and a warboss, you will be ready to go headstrong into battle.
This combat control set includes:
- 1x Warboss in Mega Armour
- 20x Ork Boyz
- 3x Deffkoptas
- 1x Deff Dread
This starter set will run you up just under £80 from Amazon.
Space Marines – Combat Control
You cannot go wrong buying this combat control pack of Space Marines. With 10 Primaris Infiltrators, a Lieutenant, and three Eliminators, you will be able to take on the forces of Chaos and Xenos alike.
This combat control set includes:
- 1 x Primaris Lieutenant in Phobos Armour
- 10 x Primaris Infiltrators
- 3 x Suppressors
- 3 x Eliminators
- 1 x Primaris Impulsor
This starter pack is just over £80 from Amazon and can get you started on your way with this new hobby.
Necrons – Combat Control
New Necron players will get bang for buck with this collection. With 10 Immortals, an Overlord, and three Tomb Blades, you can take down anyone who has the misfortune to come up against you in battle.
This combat control set includes:
- 1x Necron Overlord
- 10x Necron Immortals (can alternatively be built as Deathmarks)
- 3x Tomb Blades
- 1x Night Scythe (can alternatively be built as a Doom Scythe)
You can get this from Amazon for £80, which is the perfect way to get started or even perfect as a gift.
Drukhari – Combat Control
Drukhari players can get a lot of value from this collection. With 10 Kabalite Warriors, an Archon, and five Incubi, you can take on the Imperium easily.
This combat control set includes:
- 1 x Archon
- 10 x Kabalite Warriors
- 5 x Incubi
- 1 x Ravager
- 1 x Raider
Watch out for deals on Amazon, but you can always pick this kit up for under £80.
Tyranids – Combat Control
This pack is rammed with Tyranid units that will be the centre piece of your army. With 36 Termagants, a Hive Tyrant, and three Tyranid Warriors, you can take down any opponent who dares to cross your path.
This combat control set includes:
- 1 x Hive Tyrant, which can also be built as a Winged Hive Tyrant or a Swarmlord
- 3 x Tyranid Warriors, which can also be built as a Tyranid Prime, and 2x Tyranid Warriors
- 36 x Termagants
- 3 x Ripper Swarms
You can head on over to Amazon and pick this set up for just under £80.
Chaos Space Marines – Combat Control
Chaos Space Marines players cannot go wrong with this collection. With 10 Chaos Space Marines, a Dark Apostle, and two Dark Disciples, you can take on the Imperium easily.
This combat control set includes:
- 1 x Dark Apostle
- 2 x Dark Disciples
- 1 x Helbrute
- 5 x Havocs
- 10x Chaos Space Marines
You can often pick this kit up from Amazon for under £80, on occasion these prices can drop on the special events that we listed in section 1.
As you can see, there are a variety of starter sets available depending on which army you want to paint. If you want to save money, consider purchasing one of these sets instead of individual models. This is by no means a definitive list, and there are many other starters set on the market that you can choose from. These are great sets to get you on your way.
3. Joining a Gaming Club
Another great way to save money on Warhammer 40k is to join a gaming club. Gaming clubs often have access to discounts on models and paints and other benefits like free shipping. Joining a club can also help you meet other players and learn new strategies.
These clubs also allow you to get involved with the game using other peoples’ models, which can be a great way to try out the game before you invest in your own collection. It can also be a great way to meet people who share your interest in Warhammer 40k.
There are a number of Warhammer 40k gaming clubs worldwide, so finding one should not be too difficult. If you are having trouble finding a club, try searching online or asking your local game store for suggestions.
4. Save Money on Your Rule Book & Codex
If you are just starting out in the game, you may not need to buy the latest rule book or codex right away. Instead, you can save money by borrowing these books from a friend. If this is not an option, then you have two alternatives.
- Go Digital: You can pick up your books in a digital format cheaper than the physical copy. You can purchase digital copies from Warhammer Digital.
- Buy Second Hand: Okay, it might not be as shiny as a brand-new book, but you can save money by opting for a used rule book or codex. Check out your local game store or online marketplace for options.
5. Buying From Alternative Sites
Amazon
Amazon is a great place to find Warhammer 40k models at a discount. These sites often have a wide selection of models to choose from, and you can often find good deals on shipping.
eBay
eBay is another excellent place to find Warhammer 40k models at a discount. These sites usually have a wide selection of models to choose from, and you can often find good deals on shipping.
Private Sellers
Private sellers are another excellent option for finding Warhammer 40k models at a discount. These sellers often have a wide selection of models to choose from, and you can often find good deals on shipping.
When buying from a private seller, ask plenty of questions about the model’s condition and the shipping charges before you commit to purchase.
The best way to find a private seller is to search online through social media sites, including Facebook Market Place and Gumtree. If in doubt, contact your local game store in your area; you may find someone looking to sell up and buy a new army. Remember, negotiation is key, never accept the first price and always look for a bargain.
6. Buying Off the Second-hand Market
The Troll Trader
The Troll Trader is the world’s largest second-hand Warhammer market. With over 10,000 items for sale, you are sure to find what you are looking for at a fraction of the price.
The site offers a wide range of services, including the ability to buy, sell, and trade Warhammer models. You can also find painting and modeling tips and a community of like-minded individuals to chat with.
Buying off the secondhand market is a great way to get started with Warhammer 40k, as you can find a wide selection of models at a fraction of the price. You can also find a community of like-minded individuals to chat with, which can be a great way to learn new strategies and make friends.
7. Creating Your Own Paint Mixes
Creating your own paint mixes can also save money on painting supplies. This can be done by mixing different colours of paint to create new shades. You can also add water or other ingredients to change the consistency of the paint.
If you want to learn more about making your own paint for miniatures, then you can check out our guide.
8. Using Recycled Materials
You can also save money on painting supplies by using recycled materials. Old newspapers, for example, make great palettes for painting your models. You can also use recycled cardboard and plastic to create bases for your models.
If you want to learn more about making the most of what you have lying around your house, we suggest checking out our guide. This guide gives you plenty of ideas on how to reuse and upcycle materials for your miniatures and displays.
9. Create Your Own Foam Trays
Foam trays are a great way to protect your models during transport. You can purchase foam trays online or pick up a second-hand model chest for discounts. Alternatively, you can create your own foam trays by cutting pieces of foam to size and gluing them together.
Final Thoughts
Warhammer 40k is a great hobby, but it can be expensive. However, there are ways to save money by buying in bulk, joining a gaming club, signing up for promotions, and buying off the secondhand market. You can also save on painting supplies by creating your own paint mixes and using recycled materials whenever possible.
We hope you found this article helpful. If you have any tips on how to save money on Warhammer 40k, then please share them in the comments below.
Happy gaming!
