Warhammer 40K has a massive library of video games, books, and tabletop miniatures to explore. However, with hundreds of novels, dozens of games, and nearly four decades of tabletop lore to catch up on, it can be intimidating to newcomers. Here are some clear entry points into the Warhammer 40,000 universe.
The Warhammer 40,000: The Ultimate Guide is a 336-page hardcover tome that is the first official Warhammer 40,000 encyclopedia. It is packed with lore for each of 40K’s many factions, plus illustrations and high-quality photos of the latest edition tabletop miniatures.
The Warhammer 40K 10th Edition tabletop core rulebook is available as a free digital download. The core rulebook is probably the best way to get into the setting, even if you don’t plan on playing the tabletop game. You can also download the individual indexes and datasheets for each of the playable factions.
If you’re looking to play the Warhammer 40K tabletop game–or simply collect, build, and paint your own armies–Games Workshop has several starter kits that are worth checking out. The Warhammer 40,000: Introductory Set is a two-player starter kit that has everything you need to play, including squads of Space Marines and Tyranids, paints, a rules handbook, playmat, dice, and more.
The massive collection of 40K novels has you covered. The Eisenhorn series by Dan Abnett follows Gregor Eisenhorn, a member of the Imperial Inquisition investigating demonic forces threatening the Empire. The Ciaphas Cain saga is another well-regarded series that centers on the Imperial Guard commander Ciaphas Cain and the 597th Valhallans unit as they take on deadly missions across the galaxy.
The newest Warhammer 40K game, Space Marine 2, offers a focused narrative and killer third-person combat where you play as a member of one of the most iconic Space Marine chapters, the Ultramarines. Another great option is Warhammer 40K: Dawn of War, which is widely considered to be the best Warhammer 40K game overall, with highly replayable RTS gameplay.
Recommendations: