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The reason i could never stick to one army is because of two reasons:

1: I never really had the money to build a good force up.
2: I would always pick up an army based on a deal or convinience over actual choice.

Basically I have always picked up armies from ebay, or from friends ive never really picked my own army just picked whatever army i could find cheap enough or whatever my friend owned.
The only army i actually got into was my orks and that because i bought them all new from the shop and i picked them, that was till i stopped collecting for afew years.

So im thinking maybe its time to start from scratch, properly.
Get rid of all my old warhammer on ebay, sell up to bring in alittle cash, so my marines, eldar, tyranids, catachan, chaos and so on lol
And set a starting budget of £110 buy new and buy an army i actually want to collect now.

So i need some advice, what should I be aiming for here in that budget.

Honestly, base the choice of your army more on fluff/style/look/painting than "cost" and "tabletop performance."

Unless you literally PLAY the game every time you have time off, you will probably be painting/modeling/reading about the army much more than you will actually be playing. (Honestly, as much as I'm in this hobby to game, I probably spend at least 7/10 hours in this hobby modeling/painting/reading, and only about 3/10 hours actually gaming.)

Additionally, if you decide on an army and trek on, unless you're an absolutely talentless human being, you *will* eventually learn the playstyle of the army and be able to do well. It doesn't matter which army you pick, you will need to go through this process. The question is, how long this process will be.

Finally, cost. Initial cost startup wise is probably for any army:
1,500 point army - USD $400-500
Pack 432 custom cut battlefoam - USD $150
Paints, brushes, assorted modeling things - USD $150
Dice, rulebooks, templates, assorted gaming things - $20-100
Potential others (Like greenstuff, bitz and pieces for conversions, whatever.) - $~200

Basically, you're looking at an initial startup cost of $1,000. If you plan well, this $1,000 could last you for many many years, and you won't need to purchase anything else... until a new edition is released, or perhaps a new codex (so about 5'ish years.) The above "price list," isn't all encompassing though. You can get things cheaper if you know where to look, and perhaps cheap out here and there.

As you can see, the "army" part of it is only a fraction of what you will need to spend. Saving $100 or so and picking an army based on being a cheapskate really isn't the way to go.

Above is basically a criteria I've made for how to select and actually get into the game. Hopefully it is helpful to you. My advice to you would be to hold off and save up to $1,000 (at current exchange rates, £650'ish) before taking the plunge. In the end it will be much more satisfactory as well as time/money saving for you.

Maybe a small 500-1000 point list, it depends on what race you plan on getting now. I'd also suggest stripping any of the models you think would work for the new army.

If it's Orks the vehicles from the other armies could make a nice start.

Err... What are you asking for, exactly?

Advice on models to buy for Orks? Advice on which army to start based on your price range?

Ork advice is easy. Get more boys.

n0t_u wrote:Ork advice is easy. Get more boys.

:: nods :: Agreed.

My opponent's 750 point list only has 2 units of 20 Boyz in it - including a Nob with Power Klaw and Bosspole, and 2 rokkit launchas each - and I sometimes feel like she should sacrifice the 3 Killa Kanz and some of the 11 Lootas, and get a third mob of Boyz. The reason I don't try to convince her to do so is that she really likes the Killa Kan models, and the Lootas are really useful. Plus, neither of us use "competitive" lists, and we only play against each other, so it's not a huge deal.

Kan wall is another form of them that does work though. Needs more Kans in that case and a Big Mek with a KFF for support. The Kans are then intended to screen the boys, but not required if the KFF covers them well. But, it would bring the 5+ cover up to a 4+ from being obscured by the cans.

Additionally the two units of boys can do that already by weaving through each other. Templates would love it, but they'd generate their own 4+ cover for the other unit.

n0t_u wrote:Kan wall is another form of them that does work though. Needs more Kans in that case and a Big Mek with a KFF for support. The Kans are then intended to screen the boys, but not required if the KFF covers them well. But, it would bring the 5+ cover up to a 4+ from being obscured by the cans.

Additionally the two units of boys can do that already by weaving through each other. Templates would love it, but they'd generate their own 4+ cover for the other unit.

Mmmh, smart shooters would target the mob of Boyz with the closest model to them, negating the cover save.

Q: Who gets the 4+ cover save for intervening models
when two units are intermingled? (p21)
A: The unit with the model closest to the enemy that is
firing does not have a cover save.

http://www.games-workshop.com/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m2170001a_40k_Rulebook_FAQ_Version_1_5_January_2012.pdf

The Big Mek with KFF is in the list too - using a Big Mek with SAG as a proxy until I can get to the store to try to get a KFF one.

Her current list is actually a pretty good match for the footdar list I used against it. If a Guardian had failed instead of succeeded on his Morale test on the last turn, it would easily have been a draw - the footdar were down to an Avatar with 1 wound left, and a single Guardian with a Scatter Laser sitting on an objective in cover, and the Orks were down to two Killa Kanz.

Kouzuki wrote:Basically, you're looking at an initial startup cost of $1,000.

What? I don't think I've spent that much yet TOTAL on all my 40k and 40k-related stuff. Right now I'm starting an army that's projected to cost about $200 for the first 1500 points. Admittedly I still have my couple of paints pre-purchased, but still...

AtomicEngineer wrote:So im thinking maybe its time to start from scratch, properly.

This is probably a good idea. Hobbying is a big part of the game, and it does also transfer to playing as well. I have much less desire to discard my guard army having spent probably 300 hours playing and well over ten times that modelling.

Like any other romantic relationship, falling in love ith a 40k army requires time, energy, and commitment, not "finding" the army you were "always meant to play".

AtomicEngineer wrote:So i need some advice, what should I be aiming for here in that budget.

That depends not only what army you're playing with, but on what style of army.

A foot horde sister army is going to be ludicrously expensive as you buy metal minis two at a time. A grimnar terminator in land raider army is going to be substantially cheaper, as the number of models you have to field is so much less. Also, of course, it's going to depend on how many points you're trying to get up to.

Another factor is how good your modelling skills are. If you've got none, pre-fab guard meltagunners are expensive. If you've some work with a blade, you can buy meltagun bitz in bulk and put those guns on regular infantry models driving the cost way down. Once you get really good, you can start doing serious conversions that reduce cost, and once you get REALLY good, you can start scratchbuilding models. I'm currently in the process of scratchbuilding 4 obliterators. They will cost me about $25, rather than the $100 I'd have to spend for the minis.

Ailaros wrote:

Kouzuki wrote:Basically, you're looking at an initial startup cost of $1,000.

What? I don't think I've spent that much yet TOTAL on all my 40k and 40k-related stuff. Right now I'm starting an army that's projected to cost about $200 for the first 1500 points. Admittedly I still have my couple of paints pre-purchased, but still...

Then I challenge you to make a better budget without being a cheapsake.

1. Top tier competitive 40k army at MSRP. Discounts from webstores etc., are not counted because of simplicity.
2. Army Transport. (Realistically; custom cut battlefoam.)
3. Paints/Brushes/Assorted modeling things for an army. Assume painting to tabletop standard. Remember to include necessary brushes, paints (shade/base/highlight, and at least 3 colors, so a total of at least 9 colors.), primer, topcoat/varnish, everything to achieve the tabletop standard.
4. Dice, rulebooks, templates, assorted gaming things.

With no conversion work whatsoever, you can have a khorne landraider army at 1500points in $300, and you can likewise field grey knights at that points level for even less, depending on how you do the upgrades.

Saying that to start 40k you need to have $1,000 all at once in your bank account before you assemble your first model is far from the truth.

Even if I've spent that much in total, it's been after years of hobbying. If you took the months I've spent with brush and knife and used that as the denominator to how much money I've spent, 40k really doesn't look so bad, especially compared to other habits like smoking, or going to movies in theaters.

Ailaros wrote:With no conversion work whatsoever, you can have a khorne landraider army at 1500points in $300, and you can likewise field grey knights at that points level for even less, depending on how you do the upgrades.

You didn't cover the very first and most important point; top-tier competitive.

Its true, you don't need $1,000 in your bank account before you assemble your first model. It just saves alot of problems and hassle along the way, and if you really intend to get into the hobby is a good budget look at for starting your first army.

But to even talk about building a top-tier tournament army from scratch is meaningless. By the time you finally get everything put together and painted, the meta will have made the list you bought all those models for obsolete.

Actually, in that case I agree with you. If you're looking to play with THE one holy grail army list of any particular tournament, you're going to need to buy a lot of redundant models (which ones will go redundant, you can't predict in advance). If you want to build a solid army that can win you regular games of 40k, then such things are not required, and neither are their expenses.

Ailaros wrote:

Kouzuki wrote:Basically, you're looking at an initial startup cost of $1,000.

What? I don't think I've spent that much yet TOTAL on all my 40k and 40k-related stuff. Right now I'm starting an army that's projected to cost about $200 for the first 1500 points. Admittedly I still have my couple of paints pre-purchased, but still...

AtomicEngineer wrote:So im thinking maybe its time to start from scratch, properly.

This is probably a good idea. Hobbying is a big part of the game, and it does also transfer to playing as well. I have much less desire to discard my guard army having spent probably 300 hours playing and well over ten times that modelling.

Like any other romantic relationship, falling in love ith a 40k army requires time, energy, and commitment, not "finding" the army you were "always meant to play".

AtomicEngineer wrote:So i need some advice, what should I be aiming for here in that budget.

That depends not only what army you're playing with, but on what style of army.

A foot horde sister army is going to be ludicrously expensive as you buy metal minis two at a time. A grimnar terminator in land raider army is going to be substantially cheaper, as the number of models you have to field is so much less. Also, of course, it's going to depend on how many points you're trying to get up to.

Another factor is how good your modelling skills are. If you've got none, pre-fab guard meltagunners are expensive. If you've some work with a blade, you can buy meltagun bitz in bulk and put those guns on regular infantry models driving the cost way down. Once you get really good, you can start doing serious conversions that reduce cost, and once you get REALLY good, you can start scratchbuilding models. I'm currently in the process of scratchbuilding 4 obliterators. They will cost me about $25, rather than the $100 I'd have to spend for the minis.

Just wanted to mention that Sisters of Battle with Boltguns come in a blister pack of 3, not 2. ^_^

Ah, my bad. Still, a foot sisters list has to be the second most expensive army to a foot DKoK army. I shiver just to think about it...

Ailaros wrote:Ah, my bad. Still, a foot sisters list has to be the second most expensive army to a foot DKoK army. I shiver just to think about it...

:: nods :: A single Troops choice - 10 Sisters with two special weapons and a Superior - without transport costs about 90 Canadian dollars - way less in british pounds, since their prices are cheaper even with the exchange rates. Transport's another 40.

I was fortunate enough to start early enough to pick up 5 boxes of Battle Sisters at my local GW, back when they still made SoB squad boxes... and back when they stocked Sisters of Battle stuff at all... and back when they stocked metal minis at all. Also picked up a Seraphim squad and a Repentia squad. I considered ordering all my stuff from GW's UK site when I saw the price differences, and then I remembered that I already have pretty much all the Sisters of Battle minis I need to play my games with.

Edit: I did the math in my head while trying to sleep last night, and I figured out I didn't save as much as I thought I did. I spent 50 dollars on each box set, which came with a stormbolter Sister, a flamer Sister, a Superior with plasma pistol and chainsword, and 7 Sisters with boltguns. 7 Sisters with boltguns costs 49 Canadian dollars, again before taxes. (roughly 21 dollars for a pack of 3 is 7 dollars a model) The savings were that the special weapons and Superior essentially were gotten for free then. I haven't used flamers since the new dex was released, and storm bolters are really iffy as a special weapon upgrade. The Superiors have been very useful, though. ^_^

Ick, I just realized I'm a sort of power-gamer, where I optimize my selections for power rather than choosing them based on what's cool or fluffy. I like my custom fluff, but I like using reasonably powerful stuff too, so since around Christmas, I've been dithering between using Saint Celestine - I wrote fluff for a not-Celestine at one point - for the coolness of the model, which I've had since before the current minidex was released, since I liked it, and using a Uriahbomb for the sheer killiness. I've also considered using a normal Canoness because I have two - though one has a shield, which is no longer available as an option in the Codex, but I could easily count it as a Rosarius and model a bolt pistol on there - and I like the models.

Actually it would be more expensive than a foot DKoK force, depending on where you live as FW isn't regionally priced.

I think my price rainge is now 100-300 pounds which is enough to start off because i already own, dice, rulers and such.

I will need a base force with maybe some extra's to start, the codex, some new paints and the new 40k rulebook.

Im not really sure which army to go with just yet but i have a general idea. Im thinking either: Orks, necrons or dark eldar most likely but im also considering somthing less common like maybe an inqusition style army, though im not sure how to go about somthing like that.

Also i seem to be asking alot of questions lol but how much do you think is a responable price that 3 war walkers would go for?


Automatically Appended Next Post:
Ok Ive decided its either Orks or dark eldar now as they are the two races that have always appealed to me.

what would be a good list of things to pick up for either with 100-300 pounds?

AtomicEngineer wrote:
Ok Ive decided its either Orks or dark eldar now as they are the two races that have always appealed to me.

what would be a good list of things to pick up for either with 100-300 pounds?

Very rough:

For either: you need.
Rulebook - Softcover on ebay - 13GBP
Codex Dark Eldar - 20GBP
00 and size 2 Paintbrushes - about 25GBP
9 paints (Base/Highlight/Shade for 3 basic colors) - about 20GBP
Primer - 10GBP
Varnish - 10GBP

so GBP200 on models.
Assuming Dark Eldar:
3x Ravagers - GBP100
2x Kabalite Warriors - 40GBP
2x Raiders - 40GBP
1x Archon - 10GBP

1: I never really had the money to build a good force up. I NEVER had the money to buy any of my 40k armies outright from go to woe*. I got mine in bits and pieces over the span of many years. EACH (I have 4 40k armies.). Dedication, and a single-minded purpose are often helpful here. Also discipline.

2: I would always pick up an army based on a deal or convinience over actual choice.

This is just being a young person and not being able to stick to any one thing. Discipline often comes with time (equally often, however, discipline eludes others). While I aquired many of my army components second hand, it was always for an army I had that I wanted that piece for and couldn't afford the retail price on it. Case in point - scored a FW Night Spinner 2nd hand for $20 (complete) - I couldn't have got the turret alone for that paying retail.

I have not built any of my armies in a few months. The SM one took around 15 years to get to company sized. This was my goal. SM company.
My eldar have been assembled over several editions and many years. I still don't have enough Wraithguard models for a full squad - but one by one they will be added when I find them 2nd hand (as the redonkulous prices they charge for one model proscribe me from ever paying it). If I can find them for the same price I paid for their brothers (or preferably less), then I will get more.


*Although I did start a fantasy Elf army recently - thanks to Mantic, I never would have been able to afford a 2400pt army of GW HE in one hit. It would have taken me 2-3 years just to assemble it (and probably double that).

Kouzuki wrote:

AtomicEngineer wrote:
Ok Ive decided its either Orks or dark eldar now as they are the two races that have always appealed to me.

what would be a good list of things to pick up for either with 100-300 pounds?

Very rough:

For either: you need.
Rulebook - Softcover on ebay - 13GBP
Codex Dark Eldar - 20GBP
00 and size 2 Paintbrushes - about 25GBP
9 paints (Base/Highlight/Shade for 3 basic colors) - about 20GBP
Primer - 10GBP
Varnish - 10GBP

so GBP200 on models.
Assuming Dark Eldar:
3x Ravagers - GBP100
2x Kabalite Warriors - 40GBP
2x Raiders - 40GBP
1x Archon - 10GBP

Seriously mate, I have no idea why you are so keen to get the OP to buy a full set of units at full retail price. From that list, you are right that it's better to buy a decent selection of paint and a couple good brushes. Primer does not cost that much, GW primer is not the best around. Is a fairly new player really going to need to varnish his models? Would that be the first thing he should get?

There is no reason to buy directly from GW if money is an issue. Dark Sphere (www.darksphere.co.uk) offers about 25% off. Maelstrom Games and Gifts for Geeks are two other websites you may want to check the price at.

For cheap paintbrushes in the UK there's these guys. I've just ordered some myself but others on dakka have given them the thumbs up. They're about half the price of W&N or even cheaper if you're willing to use red sable instead of kolinsky. That, plus the £30 or so you'll save by not ordering from GW and you've got a reasonable amount left.

I know its not 40k but my bret army was $500 for 2500+ points.
Includes rulebooks, new dice, some glue, a few paint pots, magnetic sheets and a metal toolbox.


When I started Guard I payed about 500 to get a 1500 pt army plus rulebooks. It really depends on the armys model count.

With Ultramarines or Orks I'm sure you could put together a very cheap army with a few Blackreach boxes. Figure ~$40 for just the models off ebay, and each $40 is like 500 points? So two boxes and then pick up some vehicles? I'm sure you could do a 1500 point list for under $200.

I bought an entire SW Army, All plastic, for around 300 bucks.

Honestly, if you know where to buy things (I.E Now from GW's online store) you should be fine.