The Imperium and Beyond: Warhammer 40,000 Lore
The Warhammer 40,000 universe is a grimdark, dystopian science-fiction setting set in the 41st Millennium. Humanity, ruled by the tyrannical and stagnating Imperium, is besieged on all sides by xenos, heretics, and daemons. The Imperium is a monolithic empire, and its armies are a vast, sprawling collection of different fighting forces.
The setting is defined by a sense of cosmic horror and endless war, where there is no true good, only different degrees of evil and survival. Every faction is driven by its own fanatical beliefs, and conflict is a constant state of being.
The Dark Millennia: A History of the Imperium
The lore of Warhammer 40,000 is a deep, complex tapestry of history, myth, and war. The current setting is defined by a series of great conflicts, from the Horus Heresy, a civil war that tore the Imperium apart, to the modern conflicts of the Indomitus Crusade. The setting is one of "eternal war," where humanity is constantly on the brink of extinction, saved only by the sacrifice and faith of its soldiers.
A key element of the setting is the sheer scale and variety of its factions. Unlike a traditional fantasy setting with a handful of races, 40k features dozens of distinct armies, each with its own unique lore, aesthetic, and playstyle. This variety allows for a huge range of painting styles and color schemes, from the grim and gritty to the bright and colorful.
Table 7: The Major Factions and Their Core Philosophies
| Faction | Core Philosophy | Primary Goal |
|---|---|---|
| The Imperium of Man | Fanatical worship of the Emperor and preservation of humanity at all costs. | To conquer the galaxy in the name of the Emperor and purge all xenos, heretics, and daemons. |
| Chaos | To serve the Chaos Gods and corrupt the galaxy in their image. | To bring the Imperium to its knees and usher in the dominion of the Dark Gods. |
| Xenos | A catch-all term for the alien factions, each with their own unique philosophies. | Varies widely, from the galactic conquest of the Tyranids to the preservation of the Aeldari. |
Warhammer 40k Factions
Painting Guides
Adepta Sororitas (Sisters of Battle)
Lore: The Adepta Sororitas are the militant arm of the Ecclesiarchy, devoted entirely to the worship of the God-Emperor. Comprised solely of women, they serve as both holy warriors and moral exemplars, enforcing the Emperor's will with zeal and unwavering faith. Their power lies not just in their skill with bolters and flamers, but in the sanctity of their purpose, blessing their weapons and armor with faith. Each Order Militant has its own traditions and style of warfare, from the fiery zeal of the Orders Hospitaller to the disciplined tactics of the Orders Dialogus. They face threats from both heretics and xenos alike, standing as bastions of purity in a galaxy of corruption.
Painting Guide:
- Prime the model with a white or light grey base coat.
- Apply a base layer of Adeptus Battlegrey to the armor.
- Use a wash of Nuln Oil to add shading.
- Highlight the armor edges with Administratum Grey or Dawnstone for contrast.
- For robes and cloth, use a base of Abaddon Black or Mephiston Red .
- Paint metallic details with Leadbelcher , washed with Nuln Oil or Agrax Earthshade , and highlighted with Runefang Steel .
- Finish the base using Agrellan Earth with dry brushing of Ushabti Bone .
Tau
Lore: The Tau are a young, technologically advanced alien race that seeks to unite the galaxy under the philosophy of the "Greater Good". They prioritize collective welfare, technological advancement, and strategic warfare. Unlike other factions, the Tau emphasize ranged combat, using battlesuits and advanced weaponry rather than personal valor. Their society is hierarchical, with castes specialized for leadership, labor, and combat. Despite their idealism, they are ruthless when defending their empire or expanding it into new territories.
Painting Guide:
- Prime the model with a white or light grey base coat.
- Apply a base layer of Zandri Dust for armor, highlighting raised areas with Ushabti Bone .
- Paint contrasting panels with Abaddon Black or deep brown.
- Use Agrax Earthshade as a wash to add depth.
- Highlight armor edges with Mechanicus Standard Grey .
- Paint weapons and lenses with Leadbelcher and bright metallic colors.
- Add small accents and insignias in vibrant colors like red or orange.
- Finish by painting the base to represent desert or urban terrain.
Tyranids
Lore: A monstrous, hive-mind driven xenos race from outside the galaxy. Their only goal is to devour all life and biomass to grow stronger, and to assimilate all biomass in the galaxy. They are a biological horror, a force of nature that cannot be reasoned with or appeased. They are a terrifying enemy that adapts to any threat and overwhelms their foes with sheer numbers.
Painting Guide:
- The painting guide for Tyranids varies widely depending on the hive fleet.
- For the classic Hive Fleet Leviathan, prime the model with a light color like Wraithbone .
- Basecoat the skin with a pale purple like Naggaroth Night .
- The carapace can be basecoated with a deep red like Mephiston Red .
- Use a wash of Druchii Violet on the skin to add depth.
- Use Agrax Earthshade on the red carapace.
- Layer the skin with a lighter purple like Xereus Purple and then Genestealer Purple .
- The red carapace can be layered with Evil Sunz Scarlet and then Troll Slayer Orange .
- Add a fine line of a very bright color to the sharpest edges of the carapace.
- The claws, teeth, and other sharp parts can be painted with a bone color like Ushabti Bone and highlighted with Screaming Skull .
- The eyes can be painted with a bright, glowing green or blue.
- The tongue can be painted with a pinkish color to make it stand out.
Space Marines
Lore: The Space Marines are the Imperium's elite warriors, genetically enhanced super-soldiers created from the gene-seed of the Emperor's twenty Primarchs. Organized into Chapters, each with its own traditions and specialties, they are the first line of defense against the galaxy's myriad threats. The Space Marines' strength lies not just in their physical prowess but in their unwavering loyalty to the Emperor and their Chapter's ideals. Over time, many Chapters have developed unique identities, from the stoic Ultramarines to the fiery Blood Angels. Despite their differences, all Space Marines share a common purpose: to protect humanity at all costs.
Painting Guide:
- Prime the model with a white or light grey base coat.
- Apply a base layer of Macragge Blue to the armor plates.
- Highlight the edges of the armor with Calgar Blue to add depth.
- For the shoulder pads, use a contrasting color like white or red.
- Detail the helmet lenses with a bright color like red or green.
- Add purity seals and insignia using bone or parchment colors.
- Paint the metallic areas with Leadbelcher and add weathering effects.
Astra Militarum
Lore: The Astra Militarum, also known as the Imperial Guard, is the primary fighting force of the Imperium of Man. Composed of countless regiments from countless worlds, they are the backbone of the Emperor's armies. Unlike the superhuman Space Marines, the Astra Militarum relies on sheer numbers, discipline, and firepower to overwhelm their enemies. Their soldiers are regular humans, often conscripted from their homeworlds, but they fight with unwavering loyalty and courage. Supported by tanks, artillery, and aircraft, they wage war across the galaxy in the Emperor's name.
Painting Guide:
- Prime the model with a white or light grey base coat.
- Apply a base layer of Catachan Green to the uniform.
- Use a wash of Agrax Earthshade to add depth.
- For the armor and equipment, use a base of Mechanicus Standard Grey , highlighting with Dawnstone and Administratum Grey .
- For the weapons, use a base of Leadbelcher , followed by a wash of Nuln Oil .
- Highlight the edges with Runefang Steel .
- Add details like eyes and lenses using a bright color like red or green.
- Finish by painting the base with a mix of Agrellan Earth and dry brushing with Ushabti Bone .
Adeptus Custodes
Lore: The Adeptus Custodes are the Emperor’s personal bodyguards, genetically perfected and unmatched in skill. Each Custodian is a warrior of legendary prowess, entrusted with defending the Emperor and the Imperial Palace on Terra. They wield potent weapons and wear the finest golden armor, often appearing in squads called Shield Hosts. Though few in number, their impact on the battlefield is immense, cutting through foes with precision and discipline. They are the embodiment of the Emperor’s will, acting with absolute authority and deadly efficiency.
Painting Guide:
- Prime the model with a white or light grey base coat.
- Apply a base layer of Retributor Armour to the armor.
- Shade with Reikland Fleshshade to enhance depth.
- Highlight raised areas with Auric Armour Gold or a lighter gold.
- Paint cloth areas with deep reds or Purity White .
- Weapons should be painted with Leadbelcher and shaded with Nuln Oil .
- Finish the base with a mixture of Agrellan Earth and dry-brushed Ushabti Bone .
Adeptus Mechanicus
Lore: The Adeptus Mechanicus is the tech-priesthood of Mars, dedicated to the worship of the Omnissiah and the pursuit of knowledge. They are the keepers of the Imperium's technology, maintaining and repairing the vast machines of war. Their members are cybernetically enhanced, with many replacing their organic parts with mechanical augmentations. The Adeptus Mechanicus is divided into various factions, each with its own specialties, from the Skitarii warriors to the Tech-Priests and their war machines. Despite their devotion to the Omnissiah, they often operate with a cold, calculating logic that can seem alien to outsiders.
Painting Guide:
- Prime the model with a white or light grey base coat.
- Apply a base layer of Mephiston Red to the armor.
- Use a wash of Nuln Oil to add depth.
- For metallic parts, use a base of Leadbelcher , followed by a wash of Agrax Earthshade .
- Highlight the edges with Runefang Steel .
- For robes and cloth, use a base of Abaddon Black , highlighting with Dawnstone and Administratum Grey .
- Add details like lenses and glowing elements using a bright color like green or yellow.
- Finish by painting the base with a mix of Agrellan Earth and dry brushing with Ushabti Bone .
Imperial Knights
Lore: Imperial Knights are towering war machines piloted by noble scions, sworn to protect their fiefdoms and the Imperium. These giant mechs carry devastating weaponry and serve as both symbols of power and instruments of war. Each Knight House has its own heraldry, customs, and combat style, often reflecting the history of its lineage. Though massive and imposing, they are agile enough to strike fear into enemy forces with precision. Pilots honor the traditions of their ancestors while wielding their machines in service to the Emperor.
Painting Guide:
- Prime the model with a white or light grey base coat.
- Apply a base layer of Macragge Blue or Mechanicus Standard Grey .
- Shade the armor with Nuln Oil for depth.
- Highlight edges with Calgar Blue or Dawnstone .
- Paint heraldry, insignias, and banners in bright contrasting colors like red, gold, or white.
- Weapons and metallic areas should be painted with Leadbelcher , washed with Nuln Oil , and highlighted with Runefang Steel .
- Finish the base with Agrellan Earth and Ushabti Bone dry brushing.
Chaos Space Marines
Lore: Chaos Space Marines were once loyal servants of the Emperor, but they turned against him during the Horus Heresy. Each traitor legion now serves the dark powers of the Warp, pledging allegiance to one or more of the Chaos Gods. Corruption has twisted their bodies and minds, giving them terrifying abilities and resilience. They roam the galaxy, raiding Imperial worlds and spreading the influence of Chaos. Despite their depravity, they retain the martial skills and tactical knowledge of their former lives, making them formidable opponents.
Painting Guide:
- Prime the model with a black or grey base coat.
- Apply a base layer of Abaddon Black for armor panels.
- Use Retributor Armour or Balthasar Gold for trim and spiky details.
- Highlight the armor edges with Eshin Grey or Dawnstone to add depth.
- Use washes like Nuln Oil or Agrax Earthshade on metallic parts for shading.
- For cloth and banners, use bright colors like Mephiston Red or Khorne Red .
- Paint weapons using Leadbelcher and wash with Nuln Oil .
- Add chapter or legion symbols with contrasting colors and finish with weathering effects.
Chaos Daemons
Lore: Chaos Daemons are the physical manifestations of the Chaos Gods' emotions and desires. They exist in the Warp, a parallel dimension of pure psychic energy, and can invade the material universe when the barriers between the two realms weaken. Each Chaos God has its own daemonic legions, such as Khorne's Bloodletters, Tzeentch's Horrors, Nurgle's Plaguebearers, and Slaanesh's Daemons of Excess. These daemons are immortal, driven by their god's will, and embody specific traits like bloodlust, cunning, decay, or indulgence. They can manipulate reality to sow fear and chaos, and their very presence corrupts the material world.
Painting Guide:
- Prime the model with a white or light grey base coat.
- Apply a base layer corresponding to the daemon type: Mephiston Red for Khorne, Pink Horror for Tzeentch, Death Guard Green for Nurgle, and Screamer Pink for Slaanesh.
- Use washes to add depth— Agrax Earthshade for reds, Druchii Violet for purples, and Athonian Camoshade for greens.
- Highlight raised areas with brighter tones: Evil Sunz Scarlet for Khorne, Xereus Purple for Tzeentch, Nurgling Green for Nurgle, and Emperor’s Children Purple for Slaanesh.
- Paint weapons and claws with Leadbelcher and wash with Nuln Oil .
- Add eyes, tongues, or magical effects using bright contrasting colors.
- Finish by adding final highlights and painting the base.
Death Guard
Lore: The Death Guard, once known as the Dusk Raiders, were the XIV Legion of Space Marines. Led by their Primarch Mortarion, they were renowned for their resilience and endurance. However, during the Horus Heresy, they fell to the temptations of Nurgle, the Chaos God of decay. Embracing their new patron, they became embodiments of disease and corruption, spreading pestilence wherever they went. Now, they serve as Nurgle's Plague Marines, their bodies eternally rotting yet unyielding in their devotion.
Painting Guide:
- Prime the model with a light grey or white base coat.
- Apply a base layer of Death Guard Green to the armor.
- Use a dry brush technique with Ogryn Camo to highlight the raised areas.
- For the metallic parts, use a base of Leadbelcher , followed by a wash of Nuln Oil .
- Add details like rust effects using Ryza Rust and highlight with Runefang Steel .
- For skin and fleshy areas, use a combination of Bugman's Glow and Cadian Fleshtone , adding washes of Reikland Fleshshade .
- Finally, add Nurgle's signature touch by applying a green wash like Athonian Camoshade .
World Eaters
Lore: The World Eaters were originally the XII Legion of Space Marines, renowned for their ferocity in close combat. Under the influence of Khorne during the Horus Heresy, they became berserkers, devoted to the blood god. They thrive on rage and violence, often attacking without thought or strategy. Their battlefield presence is terrifying, as their screams and fury inspire fear in friend and foe alike. The World Eaters are infamous for their indiscriminate slaughter, leaving nothing but carnage in their wake.
Painting Guide:
- Prime the model with a white or light grey base coat.
- Apply a base layer of Khorne Red for the armor, highlighting edges with Mephiston Red .
- Paint metallic trims and weapons with Leadbelcher , adding depth with Nuln Oil .
- Use Runefang Steel for highlighting weapons and armor edges.
- Add details like blood splatters using Blood for the Blood God or a mix of red inks.
- Highlight helmets, lenses, and insignias with bright yellow or white.
- Finish by painting the base to simulate battlefield terrain.
Thousand Sons
Lore: The Thousand Sons were the XV Legion of Space Marines, known for their mastery of psychic powers and sorcery. Led by their Primarch Magnus the Red, they were scholars and sorcerers, seeking knowledge to better serve the Emperor. However, their pursuit of forbidden knowledge led to their downfall during the Horus Heresy. Accused of heresy for their use of sorcery, they were exiled and turned to Tzeentch, the Chaos God of change and magic. Now, they are a Legion of sorcerers, their bodies transformed and their souls bound within their armor, forever seeking arcane power.
Painting Guide:
- Prime the model with a white or light grey base coat.
- Apply a base layer of Zandri Dust to the armor.
- Use a wash of Seraphim Sepia to add depth.
- For robes and cloth, use a base of Khorne Red , highlighting with Mephiston Red and Evil Sunz Scarlet .
- For metallic parts, use a base of Balthasar Gold , followed by a wash of Reikland Fleshshade .
- Add details like eyes and lenses using a bright color like yellow or green.
- Finish by painting the base with a mix of Agrellan Earth and dry brushing with Ushabti Bone .
Necrons
Lore: Necrons are ancient, robotic warriors who have awoken from millennia of slumber to reclaim the galaxy. Once mortal beings, they transferred their consciousness into undying mechanical bodies, forsaking their flesh for immortality. They are led by powerful Overlords and follow the will of the C’tan star gods, using advanced technology to annihilate their enemies. Necrons are relentless and calculating, often overwhelming their foes with superior numbers and firepower. Their ultimate goal is to restore their ancient dynasties and dominate all life in the galaxy.
Painting Guide:
- Prime the model with a black or dark grey base coat.
- Apply a base layer of Necron Obsidian or Leadbelcher to the body and metallic parts.
- Shade with Nuln Oil to enhance depth.
- Highlight raised areas with Runefang Steel or Stormhost Silver for metallic shine.
- For energy effects, use bright greens or blues with a layered glow effect.
- Accent armor edges with lighter metallics or green highlights.
- Paint the base with Agrellan Earth and dry brush with Ushabti Bone .
Aeldari
Lore: The Aeldari, once known as the Eldar, are an ancient and highly advanced species of humanoid xenos whose vast empire once extended the width and breadth of the known galaxy. They were created by the Old Ones as weapons to win the War in Heaven. Their empire was built upon the mastery of the Warp and the Webway, allowing them to traverse the galaxy with ease. However, their pursuit of excess and indulgence led to the birth of Slaanesh, the Chaos God of excess, resulting in the Fall of the Aeldari. Now, they are a dying race, scattered across the galaxy, with only a few Craftworlds remaining.
Painting Guide:
- Prime the model with a white or light grey base coat.
- Apply a base layer of Ulthwé Grey to the armor.
- Use a wash of Nuln Oil to add depth.
- Highlight the edges with Dawnstone to add contrast.
- For the cloth, use a base of Khorne Red , highlighting with Mephiston Red and Evil Sunz Scarlet .
- For metallic parts, use a base of Balthasar Gold , followed by a wash of Reikland Fleshshade .
- Highlight the edges with Runefang Steel .
- Add details like eyes and lenses using a bright color like green or yellow.
- Finish by painting the base with a mix of Agrellan Earth and dry brushing with Ushabti Bone .
Drukhari
Lore: The Drukhari, or Dark Eldar, are a sadistic and malevolent offshoot of the Aeldari. They reside in the dark city of Commorragh, a realm within the Webway, where they indulge in acts of torture, slavery, and soul harvesting to stave off the torment of their souls. Their society is built upon a strict hierarchy of Kabals, Wych Cults, and Haemonculi Covens, each vying for power and influence. The Drukhari are known for their speed and agility in battle, often striking swiftly and disappearing before their enemies can retaliate. Despite their cruelty, they are formidable warriors, using advanced technology and psychic abilities to overwhelm their foes. They raid the material universe for slaves and resources, leaving devastation in their wake.
Painting Guide:
- Prime the model with a black base coat.
- Apply a base layer of Kabalite Green to the armor.
- Use a wash of Nuln Oil to add depth.
- Highlight the edges with Sybarite Green to add contrast.
- For the cloth, use a base of Khorne Red , highlighting with Mephiston Red and Evil Sunz Scarlet .
- For metallic parts, use a base of Leadbelcher , followed by a wash of Agrax Earthshade .
- Highlight the edges with Runefang Steel .
- Add details like eyes and lenses using a bright color like yellow or green.
- Finish by painting the base with a mix of Agrellan Earth and dry brushing with Ushabti Bone .
Genestealer Cult
Lore: Genestealer Cults are insidious organizations that infiltrate human societies, spreading the influence of the Tyranid Hive Mind. They begin by infecting a single individual with a Genestealer's gene-seed, creating a hybrid offspring. These hybrids then infiltrate local communities, gaining trust and power until they are ready to overthrow the existing regime. Once in control, they summon the Tyranid Hive Fleet to consume the planet. Despite their treachery, Genestealer Cults often view themselves as liberators, freeing their followers from the oppression of the Imperium.
Painting Guide:
- Prime the model with a white or light grey base coat.
- Apply a base layer of Genestealer Purple to the skin.
- Use a wash of Druchii Violet to add depth to the skin.
- For clothing and accessories, use a base of Cadian Fleshtone , highlighting with Kislev Flesh and Flayed One Flesh .
- For metallic parts, use a base of Leadbelcher , followed by a wash of Nuln Oil .
- Highlight the edges with Runefang Steel .
- Add details like eyes and lenses using a bright color like red or green.
- Finish by painting the base with a mix of Agrellan Earth and dry brushing with Ushabti Bone .
Orks
Lore: Orks are a brutal and warlike species, known for their love of fighting and destruction. Created by the ancient Brain Boyz during the War in Heaven, they are a blend of biological and mechanical life, constantly evolving and adapting. Orks thrive on conflict, growing stronger and more numerous the more they fight. Their society is built around the concept of "WAAAGH!", a psychic energy generated by their collective belief and excitement for battle. Led by the strongest and most cunning, Ork Warbosses unite their tribes in massive, chaotic invasions across the galaxy.
Painting Guide:
- Prime the model with a white or light grey base coat.
- Apply a base layer of Waaagh! Flesh to the skin.
- Use a wash of Athonian Camoshade to add depth to the skin.
- For armor and mechanical parts, use a base of Leadbelcher , followed by a wash of Nuln Oil .
- Highlight the edges with Runefang Steel .
- For clothing, use a base of Mournfang Brown , highlighting with Skrag Brown and Baneblade Brown .
- Add details like eyes and lenses using a bright color like yellow or red.
- Finish by painting the base with a mix of Agrellan Earth and dry brushing with Ushabti Bone .
Leagues of Votann
Lore: The Leagues of Votann are a network of vast interstellar alliances and mercantile conglomerates comprising hundreds or thousands of autonomous, largely co-operative kindreds. Part military coalition, part trading compact, each league is held together by sworn oaths and bartered deals which are upheld with ironclad determination. The Kin, as they are known, are a resilient and resourceful people, descended from ancient human settlers of the galactic core. They are led by the Votann, self-aware machine intelligences that serve as both leaders and repositories of ancestral knowledge. The Kin are known for their advanced technology, formidable warriors, and unwavering loyalty to their kindreds.
Painting Guide:
- Prime the model with a white or light grey base coat.
- Apply a base layer of Mechanicus Standard Grey to the armor.
- Use a wash of Nuln Oil to add depth.
- Highlight the edges with Dawnstone to add contrast.
- For the cloth, use a base of Khorne Red , highlighting with Mephiston Red and Evil Sunz Scarlet .
- For metallic parts, use a base of Balthasar Gold , followed by a wash of Reikland Fleshshade .
- Highlight the edges with Runefang Steel .
- Add details like eyes and lenses using a bright color like green or yellow.
- Finish by painting the base with a mix of Agrellan Earth and dry brushing with Ushabti Bone .