Prices are approximate 2026 GW retail MSRP. Actual cost at FLGS is typically 10–15% less. Secondhand/eBay can reduce cost by 30–60%.
What Does a 2,000-Point Army Cost?
A standard competitive Warhammer 40K army (2,000 points) typically costs $400–$800 retail depending on faction. Armies that rely on infantry (Space Marines, Orks) skew higher in model count and cost. Elite armies with fewer, expensive models (Custodes, Death Guard) can hit 2,000 points with fewer kits.
Smart starting approach: A Combat Patrol box (~$120) gives you roughly 500 points and a complete painting project. Buy nothing else until it's assembled and basecoated. That discipline saves most beginners $200 in impulse purchases in the first month. See the full Warhammer 40K starter guide.
| Army Size | Points | Typical Retail Cost | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Combat Patrol | ~500 | $100–150 | Learning the game |
| Incursion | 1,000 | $200–350 | Casual games, small events |
| Strike Force | 2,000 | $400–800 | Standard competitive play |
| Onslaught | 3,000 | $600–1,200 | Large game events |