Discover the best Xenos armies in Warhammer 40K. A beginner-friendly ranking of the alien factions, from Orks to Tyranids and beyond.

Warhammer 40K is a setting that has as much variety as any in science fiction. Whether you want power-armored bodies that fight for good or evil, baseline humans that are just trying to survive, or aliens that have their own, varying goals, Warhammer has it all. This article will focus on the latter category: the alien factions, known in the hobby as the Xenos of Warhammer 40K.

If you haven’t yet, check out our previous articles that highlight the best armies to get into for newcomers—this guide will serve as a more nuanced dive into the alien forces that are present in the grimdark future. Here, we’ll rank the Xenos factions based on their models, lore, tabletop rules, and beginner accessibility.

1. Tyranids

If you want something truly alien, the Tyranids are the best place to start. They may not be the most dominant force in the competitive scene right now, but they stand out thanks to their sheer variety of playstyles, their unique models, and their central role in the current Warhammer 40K narrative.

In the lore, Tyranids are now the galaxy’s greatest threat. They were the face of 10th Edition’s launch and have since been tied into nearly every major narrative development. Few factions in Warhammer 40K command such constant presence.

On the table, Tyranids can do almost anything:

• Endless hordes of gaunts.

• Specialist monsters that shoot or smash in melee.

• Elite infantry that trade up against tougher opponents.

This flexibility means they’re never truly out of the competitive picture, even if they go through ups and downs. Tyranids also have one of the most striking ranges of models, from massive Carnifexes to swarms of alien beasts, making them appealing to painters and collectors.

If you want the faction that best embodies the word “alien” in Warhammer 40K, you start here.

2. Necrons

The Necrons are one of the most iconic factions in the setting: ancient, undying machine legions that awaken from their tomb worlds to reclaim the galaxy.

Necrons are often compared to Tyranids in terms of their lore presence and beginner appeal. Their models are durable, easy to build, and beginner-friendly, making them a great first army.

On the tabletop, Necrons are mostly shooting-focused, with hard-hitting infantry, resilient troops, and a few towering monsters. They don’t have the same variety of playstyles as Tyranids, but they make up for it with consistent performance and simple mechanics that new players can pick up quickly.

Competitively, Necrons have been strong throughout most of 10th Edition, making them one of the best Xenos armies for players who want to start collecting and jump straight into events.

3. Orks

If you want to have fun while gaming, Orks are the perfect army. They are the embodiment of chaos (not that kind), humor, and reckless energy in Warhammer 40K.

In lore and on the table, Orks have one goal: get in your face as fast as possible. They are primarily a melee army, with units that thrive on charging straight into combat. At the same time, they have a surprisingly wide range of shooting, often in the form of hilariously unreliable weapons strapped to ramshackle vehicles.

The Ork range is massive, colorful, and full of character. The main downside is cost: because Orks are cheap in-game points, you’ll often need to buy more models than you would with other factions. That said, their personality, painting potential, and raw melee power make them one of the most fun alien factions to collect.

4. Aeldari

The Aeldari (Eldar) are among the most storied factions in Warhammer 40K. Once rulers of the galaxy, they are now a dying race struggling for survival after the fall of their empire.

On the tabletop, Aeldari are fragile but extremely deadly. They specialize in small units that hit hard and trade up against more expensive enemies, supported by massive centerpiece models like Wraithknights that can dominate the battlefield.

The faction’s strength can swing wildly depending on balance updates, making them either one of the strongest armies in the game or frustratingly underpowered. Still, their sleek aesthetic and rich lore make them appealing to players who want a mix of narrative depth and high-skill gameplay.

5. Leagues of Votann

One of the newest additions to Warhammer 40K, the Leagues of Votann bring the long-awaited return of “space dwarves.”

The Votann aren’t as deeply embedded in the lore yet, but that gives them a unique appeal: you’re getting in early on a new faction with plenty of room to grow.

In terms of playstyle, Votann are well-rounded, with a balance between shooting and melee. They also have access to high-toughness units that can take a beating. Their range isn’t massive yet, but the mix of infantry, bikes, and heavy vehicles offers variety for collectors and gamers alike.

6. Drukhari

The Drukhari (Dark Eldar) are the sadistic raiders of Commorragh. Twisted cousins of the Aeldari, they are one of the most visually striking armies in the hobby.

On the tabletop, Drukhari are the definition of glass cannons:

• Fast-moving units with fragile defenses.

• Hard-hitting melee and ranged tools.

• Heavy reliance on transports to get where they need to go.

Unfortunately, Drukhari have often struggled competitively, especially compared to their Craftworld Aeldari kin. With a new codex coming soon, though, there’s hope that they’ll get the boost they deserve. For now, they remain a challenging but rewarding faction for players who love speed, precision, and dark lore.

7. T’au Empire

The T’au Empire stand apart from the grim darkness of Warhammer 40K as one of the only factions with an idealistic vision: the Greater Good.

Their models are sleek and futuristic, with a heavy influence from anime and mecha design. If you love battle suits, drones, and big guns, this is the army for you.

On the table, the T’au are all about shooting. They excel at ranged combat and prefer to keep their distance, punishing anyone who gets too close. They don’t have much melee strength, but their firepower more than makes up for it.

8. Genestealer Cults

The Genestealer Cults (GSC) are one of the most unique armies in Warhammer 40K. They represent alien infiltration at its finest, with human-hybrid cults rising up in rebellion as the vanguard of Tyranid invasions.

Their models are some of the most creative in the hobby, blending industrial mining gear with alien mutations.

On the tabletop, GSC armies are built around massed infantry, ambush mechanics, and shooting, with the unique ability to bring back destroyed units. This makes them unpredictable and difficult to counter.

The downside is that they’re one of the most expensive and difficult armies to collect and play. They demand high skill and patience, but for players who want the ultimate challenge, they offer a one-of-a-kind experience.

Final Thoughts

Warhammer 40K offers an incredible variety of Xenos factions, each with its own identity, lore, and playstyle. From the endless swarms of Tyranids to the shooting dominance of the T’au Empire, there’s a Xenos army for every kind of player.

For newcomers, Tyranids and Necrons are the most accessible, while Aeldari, Drukhari, and Genestealer Cults are better suited for players who enjoy higher complexity and risk-reward gameplay.

Which Xenos army would you lead into the grim darkness of the 41st millennium? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to check out our other beginner guides for more Warhammer 40K insights.

 

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