Warhammer 40K is an expensive hobby and with Games Workshop recently announcing a price hike hitting in October 2025*, it’s more costly than ever to jump into the game. So what are you to do when you’re on a tight budget and can’t afford a $80 new in box kit? How can people possibly afford to stay in this hobby at the price point? Well, gentle reader, I’m going to divulge the ancient secrets GW doesn’t want you to find. Read on as I explore how to start a Warhammer 40K army on the cheap.
Finding Secondhand Models
Fortunately there are tons of places to look to find models secondhand for new players. I’m going to highlight a few such places here with tips on best practices. The number one rule when buying secondhand models is to look closely at the description of what is being offered/sold. While there are great deals to be had, you have to be on the lookout for scammers and sellers who aren’t exactly forthright about what they are “selling.” If a deal sounds too good to be true, it usually is. That said, there are great resources that are legit for purchasing secondhand many of which offer great deals on used models and armies.
Let’s take a look at some for starters.
- eBay – Often the first place most people think to look when searching for secondhand models, eBay has tons of used Warhammer 40K sellers. You can find decent deals on individual units or even entire army lots on eBay. It’s a great resource for filling out your army with the “chaff” like Intercessors, Aeldari Guardians and the like. Again, always check the product description to ensure the items you’re seeing in the pictures match with what you have in mind to purchase. I highly recommend checking out the Frontline Gaming Secondhand Store. Frontline Gaming is an industry leader in the world of Warhammer 40K and have a legit great secondhand eBay store with tons of offerings at great deals.
- Crimson Fields Gaming on Facebook – Crimson Fields Gaming is an online seller who specializes in secondhand Warhammer 40K. They offer great prices on common units you need to fill out your army. They typically keep their posts updated and often offer flash deals on items.
- Warhammer 40K Buy, Sell, Trade Facebook Groups – There are tons of these on Facebook such as the Barter Bucket. This can be a tricky area and you have to be careful as scammers do tend to frequent these Facebook marketplace groups, but fortunately the moderators are quick on the draw when it comes to banning would-be scammers. Deals on listed items are often worked out in Private Messages over Facebook just like any Marketplace items. The main rule of thumb is ALWAYS pay with PayPal Goods and Services only. It is a commonly accepted practice between legit buyers and sellers. Any seller who wants some other form of payment (PayPal Friends and Family, Venmo, etc) is most likely not legitimate. Never buy from these groups without using PayPal Goods and Services.
- Your Local Groups Discord Server – Discord is the main place most 40K players have migrated in the last few years. For the most part, if your local area has a 40K community they probably also have a Discord for their group. Sometimes several even. Many of these Discords have marketplace or secondhand channels for locals to buy and sell Warhammer 40K models and armies. This is the best place to look as the deals can be done face-to-face in person and usually are the places you’ll find the absolute best deals.
- Your local FLGS – Of course, it’s always a great idea to support your local brick-and-mortar stores. After all, most of them (at least in the U.S.) offer play spaces for players and you should support them. If your FLGS deals in Warhammer 40K sales, they probably have secondhand armies for sale in store as people trade in these armies for store credit etc. You can often find decent deals at your local FLGS for used models.
- Major Events or Cons – Big Warhammer events and conventions aren’t just places to go dress up as your favorite characters in cosplay or play 40K tournaments. Many of these big events have vendors that sell used or highly discounted Warhammer 40K units. Even if you’re not planning to play at a major event nearby it’s a good idea to swing by and check out the booths and vendors as some of them will offer amazing deals on secondhand Warhammer 40K models.
What Should You Look to Fill Your Warhammer 40K Army with Secondhand?
As mentioned above, secondhand sellers are great resources for filling out your army with cheap infantry and transports. If you’re a Space Marines player, chances are you’re running Intercessors, Scouts, Assault Intercessors or some other form of cheap infantry type units. You can usually find good deals on these types of common units secondhand; save your big purchases for the good stuff like your Primarchs or specialized units which are harder to find secondhand.
The big secret, especially among competitive 40K players, is that many of them rarely buy new in box kits. Unless the unit in question is new, competitive 40K players who play many different factions will find army lot deals, conduct army trades, or buy the large majority of their armies secondhand.
With a little time and patience you can save hundreds of dollars buying units secondhand. That being said, always support your FLGS whenever possible. Whether it’s buying paints or hobby supplies, or new kits.
Final Thoughts
If you’re just getting into Warhammer 40K, it can seem like an incredibly expensive hobby. In fairness, it is. It’s a tough economy out there. You don’t have to buy every kit new in box to enjoy the hobby. With a little effort and searching, you can find good deals on Warhammer 40K secondhand.
If you’re new to the game or want to improve quickly, then don’t forget to grab my FREE eBook: Forging Your Path to Victory: A Beginner’s Guide to Competitive 40K. A great starting point for those looking to jump into Competitive 40K. Subscribe and get your free copy!
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See you on the tabletop.
* Games Workshop announced this price increase via a newsletter email sent out to their customers on August 30th, 2025. The prices will increase on average around 4% on their product range.
