Horus Heresy miniatures offer a unique and engaging entry point into the vast universe of Warhammer. If you’re searching for information on these detailed models, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will explain what Horus Heresy miniatures are, where to find them, how to begin your collection, and provide practical tips for building and painting. Our goal is to give you a straightforward path to understanding and enjoying this popular hobby.
What Are Horus Heresy Miniatures?
Horus Heresy miniatures are highly detailed models that represent the characters, vehicles, and warriors from the Warhammer: The Horus Heresy setting. This setting is a prequel to the more widely known Warhammer 40,000 universe, taking place roughly 10,000 years earlier. It depicts a galactic civil war known as the Horus Heresy, where the Warmaster Horus Lupercal, once the Emperor’s most trusted son, turns against the Imperium of Mankind.
The miniatures primarily focus on the Space Marine Legions, which were once united but split into Loyalist and Traitor factions during the conflict. You’ll find models for various Space Marine units, powerful Primarchs (the genetic fathers of the Legions), unique vehicles, and supporting human and xenos forces. These models are used for collecting, building, painting, and playing tabletop wargames that re-enact battles from this epic civil war.
Unlike Warhammer 40,000, which often features a broader range of factions and futuristic designs, The Horus Heresy focuses heavily on the aesthetic and lore of the Space Marine Legions during their prime. This means many models feature distinct armor marks, specialized wargear, and iconic designs specific to the 30th millennium.
Where to Buy Horus Heresy Miniatures
Finding Horus Heresy miniatures is straightforward once you know where to look. Several reliable sources offer these models, catering to different preferences and budgets.
- Games Workshop Official Stores: The primary source for all Warhammer products, including Horus Heresy. You can visit their physical stores or shop directly from their official website. Games Workshop offers the full range of plastic kits, often including starter sets and new releases.
- Forge World: A specialist division of Games Workshop, Forge World produces high-detail resin models for The Horus Heresy. Many unique characters, large vehicles, and specific Legion upgrades are exclusive to Forge World. These models require different assembly techniques due to their resin material.
- Local Game Stores (LGS): Independent hobby shops often stock Games Workshop products, including Horus Heresy miniatures. Buying from an LGS supports local businesses and provides a community hub where you can meet other hobbyists and ask for advice.
- Online Retailers: Many third-party online stores specialize in tabletop gaming products. These retailers often offer discounts on Games Workshop products, including Horus Heresy kits, making them a cost-effective option. Popular examples include Element Games, Wayland Games, and many others depending on your region.
- Second-Hand Markets: Websites like eBay, Facebook marketplace groups, and dedicated hobby forums are excellent places to find pre-owned or out-of-production miniatures. You can often find good deals, but always inspect photos carefully and verify seller reputation before purchasing.
Starting Your Horus Heresy Collection
Beginning your Horus Heresy collection is an exciting journey. Here’s a step-by-step approach to help you get started effectively.
1. Choose Your Legion
The first decision is often the most important: which Space Marine Legion will you collect? There are 18 Legions in total, each with unique lore, color schemes, and playstyles. Researching their background, looking at their aesthetics, and deciding whether you prefer a Loyalist or Traitor force will guide your initial purchases.
2. Consider a Starter Set
Games Workshop frequently releases large starter sets for The Horus Heresy, such as the ‘Age of Darkness’ box. These sets typically include a substantial force of plastic miniatures, rulebooks, and accessories at a significant value compared to buying items separately. They are an excellent way to kickstart your collection with a core army.
3. Gather Essential Tools
Before you begin assembling, you’ll need a few basic tools:
- Plastic Clippers/Nippers: For safely removing model parts from their sprues.
- Hobby Knife/Scalpel: For cleaning mold lines and fine detailing.
- Plastic Cement: Specifically designed to bond plastic model parts together.
- Super Glue (Cyanoacrylate Adhesive): Essential for resin models (Forge World) and attaching metal parts or bases.
- Files or Sanding Sticks: For smoothing rough edges.
- Cutting Mat: Protects your work surface.
4. Assembly Tips
Patience and precision are key when assembling miniatures. Always read the instructions carefully. Dry-fit pieces before gluing to ensure they fit correctly. Clean any mold lines – small imperfections from the manufacturing process – with your hobby knife or file for a smoother finish. For complex models, consider assembling in sub-assemblies (e.g., body, arms, head separately) for easier painting later.
Painting Your Miniatures
Painting your Horus Heresy miniatures is a rewarding part of the hobby, allowing you to personalize your army. While it can seem daunting at first, breaking it down into steps makes it manageable.
1. Prime Your Models
Always start with a primer coat. Primer creates a uniform surface for paint to adhere to, ensuring better coverage and durability. It comes in spray cans or brush-on versions. Common primer colors for Horus Heresy include black, white, or grey, depending on your desired final color scheme.
2. Apply Base Coats
Once primed, apply your base colors. These are the main colors for each section of your model, such as armor panels, weapons, and cloth. Apply thin, even coats to avoid obscuring details. Two thin coats are always better than one thick coat.
3. Add Shading and Washes
Washes are thin, translucent paints that flow into the recesses of your model, creating shadows and adding depth. Apply them over your base coats to give your miniatures a more three-dimensional look.
4. Layering and Highlighting
After shading, you can apply brighter layers of paint to raised areas, followed by even brighter highlights to the sharpest edges. This technique creates contrast and makes details pop, giving your miniatures a more refined appearance.
5. Detail Work and Basing
Focus on smaller details like eyes, purity seals, and weapon accents. Finally, consider basing your miniatures. Adding texture, rocks, or flock to the base elevates the overall presentation of your models.
6. Varnish for Protection
Once your models are fully painted and dry, apply a coat of varnish. This clear protective layer shields your paint job from wear and tear during handling and gameplay. Varnish comes in matte, satin, or gloss finishes.
Playing the Horus Heresy Game
While collecting and painting are enjoyable aspects, The Horus Heresy also offers a rich tabletop wargaming experience. The game involves moving your miniatures across a battlefield, rolling dice to resolve attacks, and using strategy to achieve objectives.
To play, you will need the core rulebooks, dice, measuring tools, and a suitable playing surface. Many local game stores and hobby clubs host regular game nights, offering a great opportunity to learn the rules, test your armies, and engage with the community.
Maintaining Your Collection
Proper care ensures your miniatures remain in excellent condition. Store your models in dedicated cases with foam trays to prevent damage during transport or storage. For display, consider a sealed cabinet to protect them from dust. Regularly dust your models with a soft brush or air blower. Minor repairs, such as re-gluing a detached arm, are common and easily done with super glue.
Conclusion
Horus Heresy miniatures offer a deeply immersive and rewarding hobby, combining history, artistry, and strategic gameplay. From selecting your Legion and assembling your first squad to mastering painting techniques and engaging in epic battles, there’s a wealth of experiences to discover. By following these clear steps, you can confidently begin your journey into the 30th millennium. Dive in, choose your side, and bring the legends of the Horus Heresy to life on your tabletop.
For more helpful guides on related hobbies and creative pursuits, explore our articles on miniature painting techniques or understanding Warhammer 40,000 lore.