When I first got into Warhammer, I quickly realized how expensive the hobby could get. Between the boxes of miniatures, paints, tools, rulebooks, and terrain, the costs started piling up. But here’s the good news: you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy the game or build a great-looking army. Over the years, I’ve picked up a lot of tricks for hobbying on a budget, and today I want to share what’s worked for me.
Start Small and Plan Ahead
It’s tempting to buy every cool-looking unit that catches your eye, but that’s a fast track to an overstuffed hobby shelf and an empty wallet. Instead, I always recommend starting small. Choose a combat patrol, start collecting box, or a small skirmish force like Kill Team or Warcry.
These smaller games are not only more affordable but also let you paint and play quickly. Once you’ve got the basics down, you can expand your force in a more strategic (and budget-conscious) way.
Buy Second-Hand Models
One of my biggest hobby wins came from a box of second-hand miniatures I picked up on Facebook Marketplace. They were a little battered and thick with paint, but after some cleaning and stripping, they were good as new.
There are tons of great second-hand models out there if you know where to look—eBay, local gaming groups, Reddit, and buy/sell pages on Facebook. Just be cautious and make sure you’re dealing with reputable sellers. Sometimes you’ll even score painted models that only need minor touch-ups.
Make the Most of Multipurpose Units
I always try to get the most value out of every model I buy. One way to do that is by focusing on units that can serve multiple roles. Some elite units can be used across different game modes or swapped between sub-factions. Vehicles or characters with customizable loadouts can be magnetized, giving you multiple in-game options without buying duplicates.
This flexibility gives you more tactical variety without more spending.
Use Budget Tools and Hobby Supplies
While I do love some premium brushes and paints, the reality is you can get started with a lot less. Basic brushes from a craft store work fine for most jobs, and affordable paints like Army Painter or Vallejo give you a great range without the premium price tag.
As for terrain, don’t underestimate the power of household materials. Foam, cardboard, and even plastic packaging can be transformed into incredible-looking battlefield scenery with a bit of creativity and paint. I’ve made entire kill zones out of junk and hot glue.
Free Rules and Community Resources
Another huge money-saver? Digital tools and free resources. Games Workshop now offers a lot of rules for free online through apps and PDFs, especially for Kill Team and Warcry. You can also find fan-made army planners, painting guides, and strategy discussions on forums, Reddit, and YouTube—all without spending a cent.
I’ve learned more from community videos and Discord chats than I ever did from paid guides.
Trade, Sell, or Split Boxes
One of my favorite ways to save money is by splitting a box with a friend. Many starter sets and battleforces come with two factions—so if your buddy wants the opposite army, you can both save cash and get the models you actually want.
And if you ever have leftover models or kits you know you won’t use, don’t let them collect dust. Sell or trade them to reinvest in your current army.
The Hobby Doesn’t Have to Break the Bank
Warhammer is one of the most immersive, rewarding hobbies out there—but it doesn’t have to drain your finances. With a little creativity, planning, and community involvement, you can build an awesome army without going broke.
Trust me, your budget army will feel just as epic on the battlefield—and maybe even more so, knowing the effort and cleverness it took to assemble it.