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Under $400

Warhammer 40k Army Under $400 (2025)

Playable Necron army with paints, tools, and accessories for beginner tabletop battles – total $365.

💰 Actual Cost: $365Save $835 vs PremiumUpdated February 10, 2026

Warhammer 40k is notoriously expensive, with full armies often costing $500+ just for models. If you're on a $400 budget, you can't build a tournament-level force, but you can get a complete, playable Necron army that punches above its weight in casual games. This guide delivers everything: core models for ~800pts, assembly tools, paints, and basics to get on the table.

With this setup, you'll assemble, paint, and play balanced matches against friends or at game stores. Expect durable Necrons that reanimate reliably – perfect for learning without frustration. Realistic limits: no vehicles or elite units yet; focus on infantry for core rules mastery.

We'll prioritize value, leaving a $35 buffer for tax/shipping.

Budget Philosophy

For a $400 Warhammer army, I allocated ~75% ($275) to models – the heart of your force – because cheap proxies or incomplete lists mean unplayable games. Paints get 12% ($45); budget sets cover 80% of needs without Citadel premiums. Tools/accessories take 13% ($45); generics work fine as they're consumable.

This beats spreading thin across factions (common mistake). Necrons maximize points-per-dollar: resilient troops in Combat Patrol handle early games. Savings come from sales sites like Amazon/Miniature Market, digital rules (free), and skipping codex initially.

Trade-offs: Smaller army list vs premium's variety. But it scales – add units later without waste.

Where to Splurge

  • Core Models: GW Combat Patrols ensure balanced, legal lists that play well. Cheaping on incomplete boxes leaves gaps, forcing $100+ repurchases.
  • Paints: Quality starter sets prevent muddy finishes that ruin motivation. Budget acrylics crack; good ones last years.
  • Clippers/Tools: Sharp GW-grade tools save models from damage. Dull generics snap plastics, wasting $150+ in minis.

Where to Save

  • Dice/Accessories: Generic sets are identical to GW. No performance loss, saves $20+.
  • Primer/Brushes: Aerosol cans and synthetics perform 90% as well as premium for beginners.
  • Basing Materials: DIY sand/glue mixes tabletop-ready results without $30 kits.

Recommended Products (9)

#1essentialCore Army Box

Games Workshop Necrons Combat Patrol

Provides ~500pts of balanced Necrons: Overlord, Warriors, Immortals, Scarabs, Destroyer.

$140.00
38% of budget
Games Workshop Necrons Combat Patrol

This box is your army foundation – 27 high-quality plastic models for assembly. Current Amazon price reflects sales (MSRP $160). Fits budget perfectly for durable, reanimating Necrons ideal for new players.

Compared to pricier Start Collecting ($200+ armies), it offers more points/value. Users rave about easy builds and strong casual play (4.8/5 stars).

Running total: $140. Remaining: $260.

Pros

  • +~500pts playable out-of-box
  • +Synergistic Necron units
  • +GW quality molds
  • +Great beginner faction
  • +Frequent discounts

Cons

  • -No vehicles
  • -Assembly required
  • -Limited variety initially
  • -MSRP fluctuates

Upgrade Option: Necrons Spearhead ($210) - Adds Crypteks/Doomstalker for 1000pts expansion.

Budget Alternative: Necron Warriors 10-pack only ($45) - Loses leader/HQ synergy, weaker list.

Check Core Army Box compatibility and pricing
#2essentialTroop Expansion

Games Workshop Necron Warriors

Adds 10 Warriors for ~300 more pts, hitting 800pts total with transports/objective holders.

$52.00
14% of budget
Games Workshop Necron Warriors

10 plastic Warriors – core troops that reanimate endlessly. Sale price $52 (MSRP $60). Boosts army durability.

Better value than elites; reviews praise resilience (4.7/5). Pairs perfectly with Combat Patrol.

Running total: $192. Remaining: $208.

Pros

  • +Cheap pts per model
  • +Objective secures
  • +Easy to paint
  • +Synergy with Overlord
  • +Reusable gauss flayers

Cons

  • -Slow movement
  • -Melee weak
  • -More assembly
  • -Basic weapons

Upgrade Option: Immortals 5-pack ($45) - Tesla guns for anti-infantry punch.

Budget Alternative: Scarabs 3-pack ($30) - Fewer bodies, less board control.

Check Troop Expansion compatibility and pricing
#3recommendedPaints

The Army Painter Mega Paint Set 50

50 acrylic paints + brushes/shaker for full Necron metallics/bases.

$95.00
26% of budget
The Army Painter Mega Paint Set 50

Comprehensive set with metallics (gunmetal/silver), bone, green – perfect for Necrons. $95 value (often $110).

Outperforms Citadel starter for budget; 4.6/5 reviews for coverage/no clumping.

Running total: $287. Remaining: $113.

Pros

  • +50 colors cover army
  • +Includes metallics/bases
  • +Shaker/mixing balls
  • +Non-toxic
  • +Beginner-friendly

Cons

  • -Not Citadel-thin
  • -Some need thinning
  • -Brush quality average
  • -Larger bottles waste-prone

Upgrade Option: Citadel Contrast 12-set ($80) - Faster speed-painting.

Budget Alternative: Vallejo Basics 16 ($35) - Fewer metallics.

See current Paints pricing
#4recommendedTools

Games Workshop Plastic Clippers

Cuts sprues cleanly to avoid damaging $190 in models.

$28.00
8% of budget
Games Workshop Plastic Clippers

Spring-loaded clippers for precise cuts. $28 standard price.

Essential; generics bend/ruin molds per reviews (4.8/5).

Running total: $315. Remaining: $85.

Pros

  • +Clean cuts
  • +Ergonomic
  • +Durable steel
  • +GW warranty

Cons

  • -Pricey for tool
  • -No file included
  • -Spring wears

Upgrade Option: Tamiya Sprite ($35) - Finer tips.

Budget Alternative: Amazon Basics ($8) - Risks snaps.

See current Tools pricing
#5recommendedPrimer

Army Painter Air Primer

Gray rattle can for even model priming.

$14.00
4% of budget
Army Painter Air Primer

400ml aerosol; matte gray suits metallics. $14 can.

Excellent adhesion; 4.7/5 vs $25 GW.

Running total: $329. Remaining: $71.

Pros

  • +Even coverage
  • +Fast dry
  • +No fingerprints
  • +Budget cans

Cons

  • -Ventilation needed
  • -One coat limit
  • -Not black/white

Upgrade Option: Vallejo Surface Primer ($20) - Brush-on precision.

Budget Alternative: Krylon ($8) - Poorer plastic adhesion.

See current Primer pricing
#6essentialAdhesives

Games Workshop Plastic Glue

Welds plastic models securely.

$6.50
2% of budget
Games Workshop Plastic Glue

Capillary glue; instant bond. $6.50 tube.

Standard for GW; lasts multiple armies. Running total: $336. Remaining: $64.

Pros

  • +Strong weld
  • +Precision applicator
  • +Dries clear

Cons

  • -Fumes
  • -Messy if over-applied

Upgrade Option: Extra Thin Cement ($10) - Smoother flow.

Budget Alternative: Gorilla Glue ($5) - Less precise.

Check Adhesives compatibility and pricing
#7optionalAccessories

Chessex Dice Set (7-die)

Custom green dice for Necron rolls.

$8.00
2% of budget
Chessex Dice Set (7-die)

Opaque dice set. $8 reliable.

GW dice $20+ identical. 4.5/5 balanced. Running total: $344. Remaining: $56.

Pros

  • +Balanced
  • +Themed colors
  • +Affordable

Cons

  • -No GW symbols

Upgrade Option: GW Dice ($20) - Official markers.

Budget Alternative: Bulk dice ($4) - Quality varies.

See current Accessories pricing
#8optionalBrushes

Games Workshop Starter Brush Set

Size 2/0 detail brushes for Necron glowing eyes.

$19.00
5% of budget
Games Workshop Starter Brush Set

3-pack synthetics. $19 durable.

Good for beginners; holds point well. Final total: $363 (under $400 w/buffer).

Pros

  • +Multiple sizes
  • +Synthetic resilience
  • +Ergonomic

Cons

  • -Not sable
  • -Wear faster

Upgrade Option: Rosmalen Sable ($30) - Finer details.

Budget Alternative: Budget pack ($8) - Stiffer hairs.

See current Brushes pricing
#9nice-to-haveAccessories

Flexible Tape Measure (GW-style)

Measures movement/range accurately.

$2.00
1% of budget
Flexible Tape Measure (GW-style)

12-inch nylon tape. $2 generic.

Functional; no need for $10 GW.

Pros

  • +Cheap
  • +Retractable
  • +Accurate

Cons

  • -Basic print

Upgrade Option: GW Tape ($10) - Printed ranges.

Budget Alternative: None needed

See current Accessories pricing

Start with tools: Use clippers to remove models from sprues, file flash, glue sub-assemblies (legs/torsos separate for posing). Dry-fit first – 2-4 hours for 37 models.

Prime outdoors with 2 light coats; 30min dry. Basecoat metallics (Leadbelcher), wash Nuln Oil, layer bone/eyes. Drybrush highlights – 6-10 hours total painting over weeks.

No extra tools beyond basics. Playtest with free core rules PDF. Tips: Paint batches (all torsos first), magnetize bases later ($10 DIY). Store in foam/plastic drawers.

Budget Tips

  • Shop sales on Amazon/Miniature Market – save 20% on GW boxes.
  • Use free Warhammer 40k app rules; skip $60 codex initially.
  • Buy used models on eBay/Facebook (test paint-free).
  • DIY bases: Craft sand + PVA glue ($5) vs $20 kits.
  • Thin paints with water – extends sets 2x.
  • Join local stores for paint/tool shares.
  • Prioritize assembly before painting to play sooner.

Common Mistakes

  • Buying pretty models vs synergistic list – unplayable mismatches.
  • Skipping primer/tools – ruined models waste budget.
  • All-in on paints, skimping models – no army to paint.
  • Ignoring sales/digital rules – overspends $100+.
  • Multi-faction start – dilutes points to <500pt messes.

Upgrade Roadmap

First upgrade: Necron Doomstalker ($55) for anti-tank firepower – boosts win rate vs vehicles. Next: Codex ($50) + Scarab swarms ($30) for list optimization (~$135 total).

Then paints (Contrast $80) to speed hobby time. Vehicles/Elites last – infantry core lasts years. Each step adds 200-300pts; aim $100/quarter.

Why first? Fire support wins games; codex unlocks detachments without rebuys.

Related Topics

budget warhammerwarhammer 40k budgetunder 400necrons armytabletop gamingbeginner warhammervalue armycombat patrolpainting setupaffordable hobby
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