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

1. Tabletop Gaming
2. Warhammer 40,000

Want the perfect intro to Warhammer 40K, or a great gift for fans? Try these books News By Benjamin Abbott published 1 December 2025

They're up to 52% off, too

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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.

Warhammer 40,000: The Ultimate Guide | $45 $21.47 at AmazonSave $23.53 - This exhaustive DK book on the Warhammer 40K universe is a great gift for yourself or the tabletop gamer in your life, and you can save just over 50% on it right now as part of the 2025 Cyber Monday savings. It's the first (and to my knowledge, only) Warhammer sourcebook of its kind, too.UK price: £35 £24.99 at Amazon

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Warhammer 40,000 Character Encyclopedia | $27.99 $25.51 at AmazonSave 12% - It doesn't have a massive price cut, but hey, a discount is a discount! This follow-up to the Ultimate Guide moves the spotlight onto the larger-than-life heroes and villains of Warhammer 40K, providing the same in-depth analysis of them. It also comes with a free miniature (Titus from Space Marine 2), which is a cool touch.UK price: £25 £21.98 at Amazon

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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.

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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.

(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

For recommendations of what to play next, don't miss the best board games or the best card games.

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Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. CATEGORIES Toys & Collectibles Benjamin AbbottSocial Links NavigationTabletop & Merch Editor

I've been writing about games in one form or another since 2012, and now manage GamesRadar+'s tabletop gaming and toy coverage. You'll find my grubby paws on everything from board game reviews to the latest Lego news.

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