Warhammer 40k Playable Factions - Your Choices

Stepping into the vastness of the forty-first millennium can feel a bit like looking up at a sky full of stars; there's just so much out there. For many, figuring out where to begin with a tabletop miniatures game like Warhammer 40,000 often comes down to picking a side. You see, this universe is full of different groups, each with their own look, their own way of fighting, and their own reasons for being in the thick of it all. It's a universe where epic battles happen on tabletops, and you get to decide who fights for what.

Plenty of folks, new and old to the hobby, often look for details on how to get started, perhaps seeking out starter army lists for each of the different groups with their costs, or maybe even just wondering what the very first playable groups were when the game began. It's a common thing, trying to get a feel for the options before committing to a collection of models. You might even find yourself on a community site, like Dakkadakka, which is a rather large, independent wargaming spot featuring plenty of discussion, how-to guides, and pictures for all sorts of hobby questions.

So, if you're curious about who's who in this grim, dark setting, and what kind of forces you could command, you've come to a pretty good spot. We're going to take a stroll through some of the main groups you can play, giving you a sense of their personality and what they bring to the tabletop. It's about finding the group that really speaks to you, you know, the one whose story or fighting style just clicks.

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Table of Contents

• What kinds of groups can you play in Warhammer 40k?
• The Emperor's Faithful - Warhammer 40k playable factions
• The Galaxy's Green Tide - Warhammer 40k playable factions
• Who are the ancient and mysterious factions in Warhammer 40k?
• The Swarming Hordes - Warhammer 40k playable factions
• What about the forces of chaos in Warhammer 40k?
• Other Noteworthy Groups - Warhammer 40k playable factions
• Where can you find more about Warhammer 40k playable factions, or even build them?

What kinds of groups can you play in Warhammer 40k?

When you consider the vastness of the Warhammer 40,000 setting, it quickly becomes clear that there are many, many different forces vying for control or simply trying to survive. From the mighty defenders of humanity to strange alien invaders and terrifying creatures from beyond, each group offers a distinct way to play the game. Some are about brute force, others about clever tactics, and some are just plain weird, in a good way. People often look for forum discussions, perhaps on a general 40k discussion board, trying to get a sense of what's out there and what fits their style. It's almost like picking a character in a grand story, really.

The core idea behind these playable groups is that they each have their own models, their own rules, and their own background stories. This means that when you pick a group, you're not just choosing a collection of miniature soldiers; you're choosing a whole way of experiencing the game. You might be drawn to the idea of a disciplined army, or perhaps a chaotic horde that just wants to smash everything. There's a lot of variety, so you can usually find something that feels right for you, or your interests, in some respects.

Thinking about which groups were the first playable ones in 40k can be an interesting historical question for many hobbyists. The game has certainly changed and grown over the years, adding new groups and refining old ones. But the spirit of distinct, unique armies has always been a central part of what makes the game so compelling. So, let's take a look at some of these fantastic Warhammer 40k playable factions that you might choose to command.

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The Emperor's Faithful - Warhammer 40k playable factions

For those who prefer to fight for humanity, there are several key groups that stand as the primary defenders of the Imperium. These are the forces that, more or less, represent the human empire in its struggle against countless threats. They are often seen as the "good guys" by human standards, even if their methods are sometimes quite harsh. Basically, they're the big human armies.

The first, and perhaps most famous, are the **Space Marines**. These are super-soldiers, genetically modified and armored, making them extremely tough and powerful. Each Space Marine chapter has its own colors and traditions, but they all share a common purpose: to protect humanity from its many foes. They are typically an elite force, meaning you play with fewer models, but each one is very capable. People often look for tips on how to build these models, sometimes even needing copies of the original build instructions booklets if they've lost theirs. They are, in a way, the poster children of the setting.

Then there's the **Astra Militarum**, also known as the Imperial Guard. These are the regular human soldiers, countless in number, who fight with courage and overwhelming firepower. They are the backbone of the Imperium's armies, relying on vast numbers of infantry, tanks, and artillery to win their battles. Playing them often feels like commanding a true military force, with lines of soldiers holding the line against impossible odds. You know, they are the ordinary folks doing extraordinary things.

The **Adepta Sororitas**, or Sisters of Battle, are another important part of the Imperium's forces. These are zealous warrior women who fight with faith, fire, and fury. They are an elite force, similar to Space Marines in some respects, but they bring a distinct religious fervor to the battlefield, using powerful flamers and melta guns to purge their enemies. Their look is very striking, with ornate armor and symbols of their devotion. They are, quite literally, holy warriors.

The Galaxy's Green Tide - Warhammer 40k playable factions

Moving away from humanity, we encounter one of the galaxy's most chaotic and amusing forces: the **Orks**. These green-skinned brutes are a bit like space hooligans, living for the thrill of a good fight. They don't really care about conquest or territory; they just want to scrap. Their technology often looks like junk held together with spit and enthusiasm, but somehow it usually works, especially when they truly believe it will. You might even find yourself discussing things like Ork color superstitions on a forum, as their belief in certain colors making things faster or more explosive is a pretty big part of their character. They are, honestly, a lot of fun to play.

Playing Orks usually means fielding a large number of models, all charging forward in a noisy, disorganized, but incredibly effective mob. They love close combat and making a lot of noise. Their vehicles are often ramshackle and covered in spikes, looking like they were put together in a junkyard, which they probably were. It's a very different feel from the disciplined ranks of the Imperial Guard, for example, more like a joyous, violent riot.

Who are the ancient and mysterious factions in Warhammer 40k?

Beyond the direct conflicts of humanity and the Orks, there are much older, sometimes more enigmatic, groups that have been around for a very, very long time. These groups often have their own ancient grudges, strange goals, or just a desire to reclaim what they believe is theirs. Their ways of war are often quite different from what you might expect, relying on ancient knowledge or strange technologies. You know, they've seen it all, basically.

The **Aeldari**, once known as Eldar, are an ancient race of psychic beings who are now scattered across the stars after a terrible catastrophe. They are graceful, swift, and highly skilled warriors, often using advanced technology and powerful psychic abilities to outmaneuver their foes. Their armies are typically smaller, focusing on precision strikes and swift movements rather than overwhelming numbers. They are, in some respects, the elves of space, if you will, with a deep sense of loss and a drive to survive.

The **Necrons** are another ancient group, but they are very different. These are skeletal, metallic beings who once ruled the galaxy in flesh and blood, but now exist as living machines. They awoke from long slumber to reclaim their lost empire, bringing with them terrifying energy weapons and the ability to repair themselves on the battlefield. Their armies are often slow and relentless, like an unstoppable tide of metal, shrugging off damage that would destroy other forces. They are, quite literally, living metal skeletons with a grudge.

The Swarming Hordes - Warhammer 40k playable factions

If you like the idea of an endless, ravenous tide of monstrous creatures, then the **Tyranids** might be for you. These are an alien race from beyond the galaxy, driven by a collective hunger to consume all biomass. They are a purely biological force, adapting and evolving as they devour worlds. Their armies are made up of countless monstrous creatures, from small, scuttling horrors to towering, terrifying beasts. Playing them often feels like commanding a living wave, overwhelming the opponent with sheer numbers and terrifying close-quarters attacks. They are, very simply, the ultimate biological eating machine.

The Tyranids do not use technology in the way other groups do; their weapons and defenses are all biological extensions of their bodies. They are a truly alien threat, with no concept of diplomacy or surrender, only consumption. It's a rather unique play style, focusing on rapid advances and adapting to what your opponent does. They are, in a way, nature's ultimate weapon, but on a cosmic scale.

What about the forces of chaos in Warhammer 40k?

Not all human groups remained loyal to the Imperium. Many fell to the corrupting influence of the Chaos Gods, powerful entities from another dimension. These forces are often about destruction, corruption, and dark rituals, bringing a very different flavor to the battlefield. They are, quite honestly, the bad guys in a classic sense, but with a lot of interesting lore behind them.

The **Chaos Space Marines** are what happens when Space Marines turn against the Emperor and pledge themselves to the dark gods. They are still super-soldiers, but now twisted and warped by the powers they serve. They combine the elite fighting style of their loyalist counterparts with demonic mutations, dark sorcery, and terrifying war machines. Each legion of Chaos Space Marines has its own unique history and allegiance to a particular Chaos God, giving them distinct abilities and looks. You know, they are the fallen heroes, basically.

Alongside the Chaos Space Marines are the **Chaos Daemons**. These are literal manifestations of the Chaos Gods' will, creatures born from pure emotion and dark energy. They are terrifying, otherworldly beings that pour into reality to wreak havoc. Playing Daemons means commanding a force that is unpredictable and often quite powerful, with many strange abilities tied to their specific patron god. They are, in a way, pure evil made manifest.

Other Noteworthy Groups - Warhammer 40k playable factions

The galaxy is a big place, and there are many other interesting groups to consider beyond the most common ones. Each of these offers a distinct flavor and play style for Warhammer 40k playable factions. They might not be as numerous in the lore, perhaps, but they certainly bring a lot to the tabletop experience.

The **T'au Empire** is a relatively young but rapidly growing alien civilization focused on the "Greater Good" – a philosophy of unity and cooperation. They are known for their advanced ranged weaponry, powerful battlesuits, and reliance on combined arms tactics. They prefer to fight at a distance, using overwhelming firepower to take down their foes before they can get close. Their aesthetic is quite clean and futuristic, unlike the grim look of many other groups. They are, in a way, the hopeful newcomers to a very old, very dark conflict.

The **Leagues of Votann** are a new addition, representing a stoic, technologically advanced race of abhuman miners and traders. They are hardy, resilient, and possess incredibly powerful, often ancient, technology. Their armies tend to be tough and well-armored, focusing on durability and reliable firepower. They are, in some respects, like space dwarves, with a strong sense of tradition and a love for good gear.

Finally, the **Genestealer Cults** are a secretive, insidious threat that infiltrates human worlds, slowly converting the populace into a hybrid, alien-worshipping society. They are a bit unique in that they combine elements of human insurgency with alien creatures, striking from the shadows and overwhelming foes with sudden, unexpected attacks. Their play style is often about surprise and numbers, popping up where the enemy least expects them. They are, quite literally, a hidden danger.

Where can you find more about Warhammer 40k playable factions, or even build them?

After getting a taste of the many Warhammer 40k playable factions, you might be wondering where to go next. Many hobbyists look for ways to deepen their connection with the game, whether it's by finding more information or getting hands-on with the models. A great resource, for instance, if you are traveling and want to see the wargaming stores in an area, can be found online. These places are often hubs for local players and offer a chance to see models up close, or even find a game.

For those who love to build and paint, finding copies of the original build instructions booklets can be a real help. Many hobbyists search the web for these, to help them put together model sets for which they might not already have the instructions. It's a very satisfying part of the hobby, seeing your chosen group come to life on the tabletop. Discussions about terrain, building scales, and sizes are also common, as creating a battlefield for your models is a big part of the experience. You know, it's all part of the fun, really.

Community sites, like the Dakkadakka forum index for general 40k discussion, are excellent places to ask questions, share your work, and get advice from other players. Whether you're looking for starter army lists, curious about the lore behind a specific group, or just want to chat about the game, these online spaces are full of people who share your passion. It's a pretty friendly community, for the most part, always ready to welcome new folks.

This article has covered a range of Warhammer 40k playable factions, from the human defenders like the Space Marines and Astra Militarum, to the chaotic Orks, the ancient Aeldari and Necrons, and the swarming Tyranids. It also touched upon the dark forces of Chaos Space Marines and Daemons, as well as unique groups like the T'au Empire, Leagues of Votann, and Genestealer Cults. Information sources for the hobby, such as community forums, build instructions, and local stores, were also mentioned.