Collecting
Budget guide: what it really costs to get started
By the end of this page you'll have a realistic, itemised idea of what you'll spend to go from nothing to your first game — in pounds, not vague reassurance.
Cost is one of the biggest things that puts people off starting this hobby. Here's a straight, UK-priced breakdown — no vague "it depends," actual numbers.
| Item | Essential? | Typical UK cost |
|---|---|---|
| Spearhead box | Essential | £40–£50 |
| Plastic glue | Essential | £4–£6 |
| Clippers | Essential | £8–£15 |
| Hobby knife or file | Essential | £3–£8 |
| Starter paint set | Needed to paint | £20–£35 |
| Brushes (2–3) | Needed to paint | £10–£20 |
| Primer spray | Needed to paint | £8–£12 |
| Water pot & paper towel | Needed to paint | Around the house / £2 |
| Play mat | Optional | £15–£30 |
| Terrain | Optional | £0 (paper markers) upwards |
Realistic total to get building and painting: roughly £95–£145. If you go optional-light and play on a bare table first: closer to £75–£110.
Ways to bring the cost down
- Buy glue, clippers and a knife as a cheap combo set rather than three separate purchases
- Start with a small paint set rather than a large one — you'll know which colours you actually use before investing further
- Use paper objective markers and rulers instead of buying terrain and measuring tools immediately
- Watch for seasonal sales on the box itself, which is by far the biggest single cost
What I'm not including
This budget covers getting your first box built, painted to a tabletop standard, and onto a table for a game. It doesn't include things like a second army, a case, or extra terrain — those are all things you can add later, once you know you're sticking with the hobby.
Next: What else do I actually need? for the reasoning behind this list.