Choosing your first army in Warhammer: The Old World is a bit like choosing your character in an RPG – it's as much about playstyle and personality as it is about rules and points.
With so many factions to choose from in 2025, it can feel overwhelming for new players. Will you go for the proud knights of Bretonnia, the ancient undead kings of Khemri, or the human strength of the Empire?
In this guide, we'll go through the best starter armies for beginners in 2025, focusing on playability, cost, painting, and learning curve – so you can find the faction that's right for you.
How we rate a good starter army
A beginner-friendly army in The Old World should meet four criteria:
| Criterion | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Easy to learn | Clear rules, easy to play without special mechanics. |
| Affordable to build | Easy to collect, preferably with ready-made starter boxes. |
| Resilient in game | Can handle mistakes without collapsing immediately. |
| Visual and motivating | Beautiful models that are fun to paint. |
With that in mind – let's dive into the most recommended starter armies for 2025!
1. Bretonnia – knightly honor and classic fantasy
Playstyle: Cavalry, morale, and heroes
Difficulty: Easy
Cost: Medium
Aesthetics: Classic knightly fantasy with color and heraldry
Bretonnia is The Old World's most iconic starter army – and a perfect introduction to the core of the game: formations, charges, and leadership.
The army consists of noble knights, peasants, archers, and heroes fighting in the name of God and king.
Advantages:
Simple rules and logical tactics
Easy to collect (ready-made starter box from Games Workshop)
Extremely beautiful models – especially the cavalry
Forgiving for beginners thanks to strong morale
Disadvantages:
Few shooting units
Requires some discipline in positioning
Suits you if:
You want to play classic fantasy with large cavalry charges and clear tactics.
2. Tomb Kings of Khemri – undead precision
Playstyle: Undead, magic, endurance
Difficulty: Medium
Cost: Higher (many models)
Aesthetics: Egyptian-inspired elegance and necromantic mysticism
Tomb Kings are back as one of the first launch armies, offering a distinct playstyle: immortal forces that never flee.
Instead of morale, they are governed by magical commands from their hierophants.
Advantages:
Immortal – do not flee, making them stable for new players
Strong magic and synergy effects
Units with beautiful aesthetics and unique theme
Disadvantages:
Requires understanding of magic phases
Lacks flexibility if the hierophant dies
Suits you if:
You want to play tactically, like large armies with mythical aesthetics, and appreciate a magic focus.
3. The Empire of Man – balance and versatility
Playstyle: All-round – infantry, cavalry, artillery, magic
Difficulty: Easy
Cost: Medium
Aesthetics: Renaissance-inspired discipline
The Empire is the game's most balanced army – the perfect place to start if you want to try everything: cavalry, infantry, artillery, and magic.
Here, leadership and positioning are more important than sheer strength.
Advantages:
Flexible army with all types of units
Easy to learn but deep to master
Many models already exist (including older ones)
Easy to expand to higher point levels
Disadvantages:
Some units are vulnerable to strong magic
Requires a bit more preparation when building the army
Suits you if:
You want balance, versatility, and classic Warhammer atmosphere.
4. Dwarfs – resilient veterans
Playstyle: Defensive, durable, strong shooting
Difficulty: Easy/Medium
Cost: Low to medium
Aesthetics: Rustic, traditional, classic fantasy
Dwarfs are known for their endurance and durability.
They move slowly but shoot hard, stand firm, and can win through patience.
A perfect army for those who want to play more defensively.
Advantages:
Extremely durable units
Powerful artillery and shooters
Simple rules and high forgiveness rate
Disadvantages:
Almost no cavalry or magic
Can lead to static gameplay if you prefer movement
Suits you if:
You want stability, durability, and a traditional fantasy theme.
5. Orcs & Goblins – chaotic fun and cheap to start with
Playstyle: Lots of models, chaos, and surprise
Difficulty: Easy/Medium
Cost: Low (many models, cheap kits)
Aesthetics: Humorous, brutal, and lively
If you like laughter, chaos, and rolling lots of dice – then Orcs & Goblins are for you.
They can be unpredictable, but that's what makes them so charming.
Advantages:
Cheap army to start with
Great variety (infantry, monsters, machines)
Fun and forgiving playstyle
Disadvantages:
Unpredictable rules (morale and "Animosity")
Can be difficult to control tactically
Suits you if:
You want to have fun, play aggressively, and care more about laughter than perfection.
6. High Elves – elegance and magical superiority
Playstyle: Fast, elite, magic-focused
Difficulty: Hard
Cost: Medium
Aesthetics: Grace and perfection
High Elves require planning and precision – but in the right hands, they are one of the most powerful factions in the game.
They combine fast troops, strong magic, and high discipline.
Advantages:
Fast and efficient units
Strong magic
Beautiful aesthetics and clear identity
Disadvantages:
Small army (few models)
Costly mistakes – no forgiveness
Suits you if:
You want a challenge, control, and tactical depth.
7. Warriors of Chaos – powerful but advanced
Playstyle: Elite, melee, armor, and magic
Difficulty: Hard
Cost: Medium
Aesthetics: Dark, brutal, impressive models
Chaos is for you if you like mighty heroes, immortal warriors, and total dominance in melee.
But with few models, every loss means a lot.
Advantages:
High damage and durability
Few models = faster to paint
Look fantastic on the table
Disadvantages:
Few units = punishes mistakes
Requires strategy and timing
Suits you if:
You want an elite army with powerful heroes and impressive aesthetics.
Summary – which army should you choose?
| Faction | Difficulty | Playstyle | For you who... |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bretonnia | Easy | Cavalry and morale | Wants classic knightly fantasy |
| Tomb Kings | Medium | Magic and endurance | Likes magic and undead |
| Empire | Easy | All-round | Wants balance and variety |
| Dwarfs | Easy/Medium | Defensive, shooting | Wants to stand firm and shoot |
| Orcs & Goblins | Easy | Chaos and quantity | Wants fun and lots of models |
| High Elves | Hard | Fast, magical | Wants to play technically and precisely |
| Warriors of Chaos | Hard | Elite and melee | Wants power and dark aesthetics |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Which army is cheapest to start with?
Orcs & Goblins and Dwarfs are the most cost-effective. Fewer special models and cheaper units.
2. Which is easiest to play?
Bretonnia and Empire – clear rules and classic gameplay structure.
3. Which is most fun to paint?
Bretonnia (colors and heraldry) and Tomb Kings (detailed models).
4. Can I use old models?
Yes, most Warhammer Fantasy models work with new bases.
5. Are more factions on the way?
Yes, rumors speak of Skaven, Vampire Counts, and Wood Elves in 2025–2026.
Conclusion:
The choice of starting army in Warhammer: The Old World is not just about rules – it's about feeling, aesthetics, and playstyle.
Do you want discipline and honor? Choose Bretonnia.
Do you want magic and undead control? Tomb Kings.
Or do you want balance and variety? Then Empire is perfect.
No matter what you choose, there is a place for you in The Old World – where every battle, splash of paint, and dice roll builds a story.