Warhammer 40K

Warhammer 40,000 features a vast array of factions, each with unique lore, playstyles, and strengths on the tabletop. The major factions are divided into the Imperium, Chaos, Xenos, and a few smaller or special forces.

Imperium of Man

• Space Marines: Elite super-soldiers, with sub-factions like Ultramarines (balanced), Blood Angels (melee-focused), Space Wolves (fast and aggressive), and Dark Angels (stealth and ranged).

• Astra Militarum (Imperial Guard): The "hammer" of the Imperium, fielding masses of infantry and artillery, winning through numbers and firepower.

• Adepta Sororitas (Sisters of Battle): Zealous, all-female warriors who excel at ranged combat and faith-based abilities.

• Adeptus Mechanicus: Tech-priests and robots, specializing in shooting and unique support units.

• Adeptus Custodes: The Emperor’s elite bodyguards, few in number but extremely powerful.

• Imperial Knights: Giant walking war machines, slow but incredibly tough and powerful.

Chaos

• Chaos Space Marines: Corrupted versions of Space Marines, with access to demonic powers and varied sub-factions like Death Guard (durable), Thousand Sons (psychic), and World Eaters (melee berserkers).

• Chaos Daemons: Otherworldly entities from the Warp, with powerful but fragile units that can flood the battlefield.

• Chaos Knights: Dark, corrupted versions of Imperial Knights, with unique upgrades and abilities.

Xenos (Alien Races)

• Aeldari (Eldar): Advanced, fast, and psychic, with Craftworlds (tactical), Drukhari (cruel and fast), and Harlequins (highly specialized).

• Orks: Brute-force horde army, relying on numbers, resilience, and unpredictable “WAAAGH!” powers.

• Tyranids: Swarming biological horrors, with units that grow stronger as they eat enemies.

• Necrons: Ancient, self-repairing robots, incredibly durable and powerful.

• Tau Empire: Ranged specialists with advanced technology and battlesuits, focused on long-range firepower.

• Genestealer Cults: Hybrid human-Tyranid forces, excelling at ambush and close combat.

• Leagues of Votann: The “Space Dwarves,” with resilient, tech-focused infantry and vehicles.

Other notable factions

• Grey Knights: Elite anti-daemon psychic warriors, powerful but few in number.

• Deathwatch: Space Marine specialists who hunt aliens, with unique mixed-unit tactics.

• Inquisition: Secretive and powerful, able to draw on many Imperium forces.

Each faction offers a different experience, from the gritty massed infantry of the Astra Militarum to the psychic mastery of the Aeldari or the overwhelming numbers of the Orks. Choosing one depends on your preferred playstyle, painting interests, and how much lore you want to dive into.