Under $400

Warhammer Army on a Budget: $400 Guide (2025)

Build a complete 1000pt Necrons army with paints, tools, and accessories for beginner 40k play.

💰 Actual Cost: $353.5Save $800 vs PremiumUpdated February 11, 2026

Dreaming of commanding a Warhammer 40k army but stuck on a $400 budget? Many new players think you need thousands for a decent force, but that's a myth. This guide shows you how to get a fully equipped Necrons army—resilient, beginner-friendly, and tournament-ready—complete with assembly tools, paints, and gaming gear.

With this setup, you'll assemble, paint, and field a ~1000pt Necrons list right away. Expect durable warriors that hold objectives well, perfect for learning the game without frustration. You'll play Incursion missions at your FLGS (friendly local game store) confidently.

Real talk: $400 won't buy a top-tier competitive list or pro-level painting gear. You'll have basic paints (not airbrush) and no fancy conversions. But it's playable, fun, and expandable—far better than impulse-buying random models.

Budget Philosophy

For a $400 Warhammer army, I allocated ~65% ($230) to models because they're the core of your army—without quality GW minis, you can't play competitively or retain value for resale/upgrades. Necrons were chosen for efficiency: few models (easy to paint), durable in-game, and the Combat Patrol gives instant balance.

~25% ($90) goes to paints and tools—essential for assembly and basic tabletop-standard painting (unpainted armies get side-eyed). Budget paints cover well without wasting money on Citadel's pricier lines. The final 10% ($35) is accessories; generics work fine since stores often lend dice/templates.

This prioritizes 'play now' over perfection: splurge on models for longevity, save on peripherals. Trade-offs? No extras like vehicles yet—focus on troops first. Leaves ~$45 buffer for tax/shipping/deals.

Where to Splurge

Core Models: Official GW boxes ensure balanced lists, perfect fit, and resale value. Bootlegs warp/misfit, ruining gameplay.
Paints: Quality starter sets provide even coverage and faction-true colors. Cheap paints chip/crack, making your army look amateur.
Clippers: Sharp precision tools prevent model damage. Dull clippers tear plastic, requiring fixes that waste time/money.

Where to Save

Dice & Tape Measure: Generic options roll identically and measure accurately—no need for themed GW versions.
Carrying Case: Basic foam pouches protect enough for starters. Pro cases are overkill until you travel tournaments.
Basing Materials: Budget textures mimic premium without the cost; visual difference is minor on tabletop.

Recommended Products (11)

#1essentialCore Army Box

Warhammer 40,000: Combat Patrol – Necrons

Provides ~500pts of balanced Necrons: Overlord, Warriors, Immortals, Scarabs for instant playable list.

$160.00

45% of budget

Warhammer 40,000: Combat Patrol – Necrons

This GW Combat Patrol box is the heart of your army—a HQ, troops, and fast attack in one efficient package. Perfect for Necrons' resilient playstyle.

At $160, it's unbeatable value vs buying units separately ($250+). Fits budget perfectly, scales to 1000pts with add-ons. Compared to full Start Collecting ($200+), it's more modern/balanced.

Running total: $160 (Remaining: $240)

Pros

+25+ models for full Incursion army core
+Includes assembly instructions and rules datasheet
+High durability in games—great for beginners
+Retains value for trading/upgrading
+Official GW quality—no miscasts

Cons

-No vehicles (add later)
-Basic paints needed for tabletop standard
-Assembly time ~4-6 hours
-Not 100% painted out-of-box

Upgrade Option: Necrons Spearhead ($210) - Adds Crypteks and Destroyers for 1500pts expansion.

Budget Alternative: Used Combat Patrol on eBay ($120) - Risk of missing parts/damage.

Check Core Army Box compatibility and pricing

#2essentialTroop Expansion

Necron Warriors

Adds 10 Warriors to hit ~1000pts, boosting objective holders and army resilience.

$45.00

13% of budget

Box of 10 posable Necron Warriors with gauss reapers/flayers—core troops for screening and scoring.

Boosts your list to competitive Incursion size without breaking budget. Half the price per model vs singles. Vs premium Scarabs ($50), these give more bang.

Running total: $205 (Remaining: $195)

Pros

+Durable 2-wound models dominate objectives
+Easy to paint (few details)
+Magically reanimate in-game
+Versatile loadouts
+Scales army perfectly

Cons

-Repetitive painting
-Slow movement (Scarabs faster)
-Needs transport later

Upgrade Option: Immortals ($55) - Tesla weapons for anti-elite punch.

Budget Alternative: Skip for 500pt games ($0) - Limits list size.

Check Troop Expansion compatibility and pricing

#3essentialPaint Set

Citadel Start Collecting! Paint Set

Essential paints for Necron metallics, bones, and bases—covers entire army.

$42.00

12% of budget

12 Citadel paints tailored for skeletons/Necrons: Abaddon Black, Skeleton, Iron Breaker, etc., plus brushes.

Perfect budget intro—enough for 50+ models. Better coverage than $20 hobby sets. Vs full Citadel ($100+), this is starter-optimized.

Running total: $247 (Remaining: $153)

Pros

+Necron-specific shades
+Layer/shade formula easy for noobs
+Includes brush cleaner
+Tabletop-ready results
+GW official colors

Cons

-No primer included
-Small pots (one army use)
-No metallics variety

Upgrade Option: Citadel Contrast Set ($55) - Faster speed-painting.

Budget Alternative: Army Painter Skeleton Set ($25) - Less precise shades.

Check Paint Set compatibility and pricing

#4essentialAssembly Glue

Citadel Plastic Glue

Bonds plastic models securely during assembly.

$7.50

2% of budget

GW's capillary-action glue for instant plastic bonds—no clamps needed.

Tiny investment prevents model disasters. Works better than generic ($4) on fine parts.

Running total: $254.50 (Remaining: $145.50)

Pros

+Precision applicator
+Fills gaps
+Dries flexible
+Made for GW plastic

Cons

-Not for metal/resin
-Small bottle

Upgrade Option: Extra Thin Cement ($12) - Better for gaps.

Budget Alternative: Generic super glue ($3) - Messier application.

Check Assembly Glue compatibility and pricing

#5essentialClippers

Army Painter Precision Hobby Clippers

Cuts sprues cleanly to avoid damaging models during build.

$15.00

4% of budget

Spring-loaded clippers for clean cuts on GW sprues.

Third-party savings vs GW ($30)—same quality. Essential for 50+ models.

Running total: $269.50 (Remaining: $130.50)

Pros

+Sharp Japanese steel
+Spring reduces fatigue
+Clean cuts no filing
+Lifetime warranty

Cons

-Not for thick resin
-Learning curve for flush cuts

Upgrade Option: GW Citadel Clippers ($32) - Ergonomic handles.

Budget Alternative: Nail clippers ($5) - Ragged edges.

Check Clippers compatibility and pricing

#6recommendedBrushes

Citadel Starter Brushes

For basecoating, shading, and detailing your army.

$17.50

5% of budget

Set of 3 synthetic brushes: Small, Detail, Base.

Durable for 20+ sessions. Half GW full set price.

Running total: $287 (Remaining: $113)

Pros

+GW-optimized filaments
+Good point retention
+Affordable replacement

Cons

-Wear faster than sable
-No large base brush

Upgrade Option: Layer Brush Set ($25) - Finer details.

Budget Alternative: Cheap synthetics ($8) - Shed hairs.

See current Brushes pricing

#7recommendedPrimer

Vallejo Surface Primer Grey Spray

Preps models for paint adhesion.

$12.00

3% of budget

400ml matte grey spray—ideal for Necrons.

Cheaper per ml than Citadel ($20). Even coverage.

Running total: $299 (Remaining: $101)

Pros

+Large can
+Fast dry
+No clogging
+Grey suits metallics

Cons

-Outdoor spray only
-Strong odor

Upgrade Option: Citadel Grey Seer ($22) - Smoother finish.

Budget Alternative: Brush-on primer ($6) - Uneven.

See current Primer pricing

#8recommendedDice

Chessex Dice Set (Necron Colors)

For rolling attacks, saves, etc.

$10.00

3% of budget

7 dice set in green/white—Necron themed.

Identical to GW, 1/3 price.

Running total: $309 (Remaining: $91)

Pros

+Opaque, readable
+Themed colors
+Lifetime guarantee

Cons

-Not official GW

Upgrade Option: GW Necron Dice ($16) - Glow edges.

See current Dice pricing

#9recommendedBasing

Citadel Astrogranite Texture

For realistic Necron base texture.

$10.00

3% of budget

Self-texturing paint for bases.

Quick, durable. Vs flock ($15 kits).

Running total: $319 (Remaining: $81)

Pros

+One-step base
+Drybrushes easy
+Matches Necrodermis

Cons

-Small pot

Upgrade Option: Full basing kit ($20) - More variety.

See current Basing pricing

#10optionalCarrying Case

Battlefoam Pouch

Protects assembled army for transport.

$25.00

7% of budget

Compact foam pouch for 40+ models.

Budget vs hard cases ($100+). Pick/pluck foam.

Running total: $344 (Remaining: $56 for tax/shipping)

Final buffer: ~$56

Pros

+Customizable foam
+Water-resistant
+Compact

Cons

-No wheels
-Soft protection only

Upgrade Option: Games Workshop Case ($90) - Hard shell.

Budget Alternative: Ziploc bags ($5) - No protection.

See current Carrying Case pricing

#11optionalGaming Accessories

Flexible Tape Measure (12")

Measures movement/range accurately.

$4.50

1% of budget

Retractable steel tape—tournament legal.

Negligible cost, store backup available. Grand total: $353.50

Pros

+Precise inches/cm
+Durable
+Compact

Cons

-Basic design

Upgrade Option: GW Template Set ($15) - Includes blast markers.

See current Gaming Accessories pricing

Start with unboxing: Sort sprues by instructions. Use clippers to cut parts (file burrs), glue sub-assemblies (limbs first), let dry 24hrs.

Prime outdoors with Vallejo spray (2 light coats), dry 2hrs. Basecoat with paints: Skeleton on bones, Iron Breaker on metal, etc. Shade with Nuln Oil, highlight drybrush. Base with Astrogranite, drybrush grey. Total time: 15-20hrs over a week.

No special tools beyond included. Test-fit before gluing. Paint in batches (all Warriors first). Playtest with free app rules. Tips: Watch GW YouTube tutorials; join Reddit r/Necrontyr for schemes.

Budget Tips

Buy GW direct/Amazon for bundles—check eBay for 10-20% off used Combat Patrols (inspect photos).
Prioritize models > paints > rest; skip case initially, use shoebox.
Download free Necron index/Wahapedia rules—skip $60 Core Book for now.
Hunt Black Friday sales (Nov) or local store discounts.
DIY bases with sand/glue if skipping texture ($2 savings).
Buy used paints on Facebook groups—test before full army.
Never cheap on clippers/glue—saves repairs.
Scale to 500pts first if tighter budget.

Common Mistakes

Buying random factions/models—stick to one Combat Patrol for synergy.
Skipping paints/tools—unassembled/unpainted armies don't get invites.
Overbuying accessories early—models first.
Ignoring used market—save 30% but verify completeness.
Cheaping clippers/glue—damaged models cost more to fix.

Upgrade Roadmap

First upgrade: More troops like Immortals/Deathmarks (~$55, total 1500pts)—expands list without new paint needs. Next: Vehicles (Monolith $75) for firepower. Then paints (Contrast $55) or airbrush ($100) for speed.

Prioritize playability over looks: Units first ($200 over 6 months), then display case ($50). Pro painting/airbrush waits until 2000pts ($300+). These boost wins before aesthetics, as painted basic > unpainted fancy.

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Recommended Products (11)

Warhammer 40,000: Combat Patrol – Necrons

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Necron Warriors

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Citadel Start Collecting! Paint Set

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Citadel Plastic Glue

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Army Painter Precision Hobby Clippers

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Citadel Starter Brushes

Pros

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Vallejo Surface Primer Grey Spray

Pros

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Chessex Dice Set (Necron Colors)

Pros

Cons

Citadel Astrogranite Texture

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Battlefoam Pouch

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Cons

Flexible Tape Measure (12")

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Cons

Budget Tips

Common Mistakes

Upgrade Roadmap

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