Like actual crack, plastic crack isn’t cheap. Warhammer can be expensive and time consuming to break into. In my case, I needed to purchase paints, brushes, craft knives and cutters before buying my first box of miniatures. I spent at least $50 on tools, another $30 on basic paint and an additional $40 on a tactical squad box. All in all I spent around $150 on everything. This was about a year before 8th Edition was released, so I missed all the sweet easy-to-build and all-in-one kits. Being a college student at the time, I didn’t have much extra cash to throw around, so I began to look for cheaper methods to collect space marines. My eventual goal was to learn the game, but to start I wanted to just paint. Here are a few tricks I wish that I had known before I started.
- Pick an army that looks awesome!
I bought and assembled my first squad of space marines based on the simple fact that they looked amazing. Called the Rule of Cool, this should govern your army choice. It doesn’t only have to have visual appeal either. If you like a particular army’s lore or background, go with them! If you stick with the hobby you will be spending a lot of time with the same types of minis, and if you don’t like the look of them you will get burnt out quickly. Not good considering how much money you put into this hobby so far! Also, don’t worry about picking a “winning” army. Right now, every army is on a semi-level playing field. Victory really comes down to playing the objective and learning how to use your army well. Remember this should be enjoyable and relaxing, so don’t do something that stresses you out!
- Learn your army before you buy!
What I knew about space marine weapons and armor was gleaned from the Dawn of War video game series. The game lets you outfit different types of squads with many variations of weapons. When it came time for me to build, the knowledge I had meant that my first squad has a meltagun, a flamethrower, a sergeant with a power sword and plasma pistol, another sergeant with a chainsword, a space marine with a power fist and a space marine with a missile launcher. They all look awesome…but are unplayable in this configuration. I knew that I eventually wanted to play the tabletop game but didn’t know that space marine tactical squads can only take one special weapon, one heavy weapon and only the sergeant can take melee weapons. Out of the ten that I started with, only 5 could be fielded at the same time. The others would need to be put into other squads to be used. Not a great start for a newbie on a budget!
- Buy Used!
Used minis can, depending on the condition, run from 30% to 75% off retail prices. An awesome way to save money! But wait! If you are wanting to repurpose these and paint them yourself, remember that cleaning minis takes time. My first batch of used space marines took three 12 hour soaks in solvent for the paint to come off completely. Time is money, and I find more enjoyment painting and playing than scrubbing. The money I saved was not worth the cleaning time. But that’s just me.
Another disadvantage of buying used when starting is that you will be stuck with whatever weapons they have. Since you won’t have any spare bits laying around to swap out, you might be stuck with an incompatible squad or weapons that aren’t great. Not a big deal, but it would have been nice to swap out a few weapons on a used squad I picked up.
A side note. When I started buying miniatures, the closest Games Workshop store or FLGS (Friendly Local Games Store) was about an hour away. I was not able to make the trip as much as I would have wanted and ended up making many purchases via eBay. This saved me money, but in retrospect spending money at a FLGS would have helped maintain and grow the community. This is important, because if you are interested in playing with your minis you need people. The prices at many FLGS’ are the same as from GW direct, and some even offer a discount! If you can please support your local scene!
- Proxy Units before you buy!
If you are interested in playing, this is an easy way to test a unit’s abilities and synergy with your play style. Just because someone claims that assault marines are great doesn’t mean that they actually are. Rather than shell out $40 for a box, simply use something about the same size as a mini and use them like they were assault marines. Make sure this is alright with your opponent first though! Most people will be cool with you trying out something new, but it’s polite to ask.
- Ask questions, even stupid ones!
There is no shame in asking! Most people are eager to share their interests with you. When I started I had no one to tell me that I was kitting out my marines with stuff they couldn’t take, or that I needed thin my paints. Knowing these two things would have saved me lots of time and kept me from frustration.
- Don’t think you have to be great in the beginning!
This is as much a learning experience as it is relaxation. When I started I put my paint on way too thick, painted the details sloppily and used so much wash that my ultramarines look more of a bruise color than deep blue. But I learned. Each mini I painted became better than the last. I will forever be the student since there will always be someone better than me, but the goal is to have fun and learn something. I ended up learning as much about painting as I did about my discipline and patience from my first box of minis!
- Have fun!
I have been painting for a little over two years now and have been playing for about 6 months. The one thing I see a lot is that people, including myself, are so dead set on becoming the best painter or the best player that they miss out on the enjoyment of learning and socializing. The gaming portion of the hobby is meant to be a social event, where new friends are made and strategies are honed. Many times I have been so caught up in winning that I don’t talk to my opponent other than to declare my intentions on the tabletop. If you aren’t interested in playing, talk to other painters. I learned how to edge highlight from talking to someone who has painted longer than I have been alive. There is a wealth of information and many new friends to be made, so lighten up a little! (This is more for me than you!)
There you go. A few tips I wish I had known prior to getting into Warhammer. These are by no means comprehensive or absolute. Glean what you can and pass on the rest. I am more than happy to help you if you have any questions about the hobby, painting or anything else! Shoot me an email and I’ll do my best to point you in the right direction.
Allanson Accords 
Seven very important tips, thanks man.
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