Want the perfect intro to Warhammer 40K, or a great gift for fans? Try these books

Warhammer 40,000 Character Encyclopedia on a wooden table — (Image credit: Future / Benjamin Abbott)

No matter whether you're new to the hobby, already love Warhammer 40K, or are hunting down presents for someone who adores the hobby, I'd recommend this over practically anything else. Why? Because the lore of the grimdark universe is a tangled web to rival the Gordian knot, so no matter who it's for an how much they love the franchise, they'll get something out of this book.

So, what's the tome in question? It's called "Warhammer 40,000: The Ultimate Guide," and it basically does what it says on the tin. This is a real, get-into-the-weeds-treasure-trove of info on the beloved tabletop world, and you can currently grab it for 52% less than usual - it's $21.47 at Amazon instead of $45. The follow-up, the Warhammer 40K Character Encyclopedia, is also on offer at Amazon as we speak.

I've been hands-on with the Character Encyclopedia and was taken aback by how useful it was. See, I have been collecting, playing, and painting Warhammer for almost 30 years, but even I found out a lot thanks to this book.

It's the same for the Ultimate Guide. This takes a broader overview of the universe itself, the many factions that call it home, and more. If you want a good grounding in the franchise, or you'd just like to know more about the world this game takes place in, it's the perfect starting point.

Titus character spread in the Warhammer 40K Character Encyclopedia on a wooden table — (Image credit: Future / Benjamin Abbott)

Crucially, it's also written by someone who really, really knows their stuff - Gav Thorpe. Thorpe has been involved in Warhammer's development and narrative for years one way or another, so it's not as if this book is being cobbled together as a quick cash-grab by folks who don't understand the fiction. It's made by Warhammer fans for Warhammer fans new or old.

This is just one of many Cyber Monday Warhammer deals, of course; plenty of kits, models, and more have been slashed in price for the sale. I'm not sure how long they're going to last, though, so I'd probably head to checkout sooner than later to take advantage of these price cuts.

Warhammer 40K: Save up to $30 at Amazon
Paints: Up to $45 off at Amazon
Brushes: Get up to $11 off at Amazon

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