Warhammer

[Bonesofache]

Hoping this is the best place to post this question. My son (10) wants to get into Warhammer. We know very little about it. Where is the best (cheapest!) place to buy the figures and what should we start with (easiest to paint etc!). Thanks

Played this as a kid and it’s a good game to get into imo. I expect a fair bit has changed but afaik the basic idea is the same.

Standard space marines are pretty easy to paint, they’re usually one main colour with a few highlights or details. Use acrylic paint, selection of brushes from 5/0 to 0, that was the way they used to categorise them. Tiny little things! Games Workshop is the obvious (only?) place for figs.

Oh if it’s Warhammer not Warhammer40k, orcs are nice and easy- green with highlights made by mixing in yellow.

Games Workshop has various starter packs for the game itself (including figures) and then you'll need paint and glue as well. Check whether he wants scifi (Warhammer 40k) or fantasy (Warhammer Age of Sigmar) to avoid disappointment!

The figures can get very expensive. My DC were both into Warhammer for a couple of years but we've gradually shifted to other tabletop games. (I like strategy and complicated boardgames!)

If there's a Games Workshop/Warhammer shop nearby you should go and visit- they're normally incredibly welcoming to newcomers especially kids and will often give free tutorials to beginners and can help get you set up.

You are best going to one of the Games Workshop stores. They will give the best advice on starting the hobby and will give a free model and painting lesson. They’ll also show you how to play a game.

Its massive and there’s just so much choice so it can be hard starting out to know which route to go down. Like does he want to do 40K or Age of Sigma? Then you need to choose army you want to start. That’s why I think it’s best to actually go into one of the stores.

They have some great starter sets. You can also get some self-contained games which I think can be easier as there is less to learn!

In terms of cheapest place to buy Goblin Gaming or Firestorm Cards sell with 10-20% discount. Not gonna lie tho it is an expensive hobby!

Are you anywhere near a branch of Games Workshop? If so go in and talk to them about their games sessions and clubs. They are geared up to onboarding into the game and will generally have a lot of advice around starter kits, choice of army etc. Other gaming shops may also run games but tend to have less for beginners. It can get pricey.

Keep clear of online groups at his age, focus on local groups of kindred spirits to go gaming with.

DS has also just got into this - although he's persuaded DH to do the painting for him, which I think DH is secretly quite happy about!

Anyway, I'd definitely echo the Games Workshop advice. DH went in yesterday to get more paint and the staff said that if he brought DS in, they'd happily give him a demo on how to paint it, and even run a game if he wanted. They also have kids (well, young teenage) sessions so he can go and play with other people - it's a lot more than just a shop.

Ah, thank you all for the Games Workshop tip. I'll Google and see if there is one near us. A visit will be a summer holiday activity at least! Also, thanks for pointing out that there are different kinds of Warhammer, I had no idea! I think 40k is the one I have heard about so I guess we will go along those lines. Although he has mentioned orcs so it sounds like it's best to check it all out properly. Is it complicated to play? Think he likes the look of the models but has no actual idea how to play!

The basic game is very simple. Models can move a certain distance and then chuck a lot of dice to attack or defend. Different models get all sorts of special abilities which is where it starts to be complicated! He should be able to pick it up easily enough. Probably best learned in person, but googling "learn to play warhammer 40k/sigmar" will get you the official videos from GW.