WARHAMMER 40,000
Warhammer 40,000 is a genre-defining science-fantasy tabletop miniature wargame produced by Games Workshop, set in a dystopian 41st millennium. Created in 1987, it has evolved into a massive multi-media franchise encompassing novels, video games, and animated features centered on the grim struggle for survival in a galaxy at eternal war.
Panoramica
Warhammer 40,000, created by Rick Priestley and published by Games Workshop, is the world's most popular miniature wargame. Since its inception in 1987, the franchise has expanded through 11 distinct editions of the tabletop game, the latest being the 'Armageddon' launch in June 2026.
The IP is a sprawling multi-media empire managed primarily through Games Workshop's Black Library for literature and various partners for digital media.
It depicts a 'grimdark' future where the Imperium of Man, a stagnant and xenophobic interstellar government, fights for existence against alien 'Xenos' and the supernatural 'Ruinous Powers' of Chaos. The franchise's scope is massive, including over 60 books in the seminal Horus Heresy prequel series alone, dozens of high-profile video games like Space Marine 2, and a growing presence on streaming platforms via Warhammer+ and Amazon Prime Video.
Origini
The franchise was born in 1987 with the publication of 'Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader.' Developed by Rick Priestley, the original ruleset was a jumbled hybrid of role-playing and skirmish wargaming, heavily influenced by earlier wargames like 'Laserburn.' This first edition introduced the core icons of the setting, such as Bolters and Terminator Armour, and established the foundation for the 'Age of the Imperium.' The setting's lore was further deepened through supplemental material in 'White Dwarf' magazine and the 'Realms of Chaos' sourcebooks (1988-1990), which introduced the pivotal 'Horus Heresy' backstory.
By the second edition in 1993, under the direction of Andy Chambers, the game shifted toward a more structured format with dedicated 'Army Codexes,' a move that cemented its transition from a niche hobby into a dominant tabletop force.
Film
Serie TV
Libri & Fumetti
Videogiochi
Personaggi
I PEZZI DI WARHAMMER 40,000
Collezionismo
For collectors, Warhammer 40,000 centers on 28mm scale miniatures manufactured by Games Workshop and its specialist division, Forge World.
The 'Holy Grail' items for many are limited-edition box sets like the 4th Edition Collector's Edition (leather-bound and silver-embossed) or massive Forge World resin models such as the Warlord Titan.
Value trends are driven by rarity and 'out-of-print' status, particularly for early editions of Army Codexes and event-exclusive miniatures like the limited Interrogator-Chaplain from the 'Dark Vengeance' box set. Modern collecting also focuses on 'Golden Demon' standard painted miniatures, which can command significant premiums on the secondary market. The shift to narrative 'Crusade' and 'Leviathan' sets has kept contemporary releases in high demand, while older 'Rogue Trader' era lead models remain highly sought after for their historical significance.
The 11th Edition marks the official return of the fan-favorite character Commissar Yarrick to the tabletop game.
