I’ve been painting Warhammer miniatures for over a decade, and I still remember the first time I cracked open a Citadel Paint Set and stared at all those tiny pots wondering where to begin. The right paint set can turn a grey plastic blob into a squad of Ultramarines you’re proud to put on the table. After helping dozens of new hobbyists get started and stress-testing every option here on real Space Marines, Orks, and Stormcast Eternals, I’m sharing the best Citadel paint sets for Warhammer fans you can buy in 2026.
Citadel paints are the gold standard for Warhammer painting, and most of the sets in this guide come directly from Games Workshop. A few non-Citadel options made the cut too, because they offer better value or different formulas that complement Citadel ranges. Every product on this list was chosen based on coverage, color selection, included tools, and how it actually performs on plastic 40K and Age of Sigmar miniatures.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through my top three picks, then break down ten paint sets individually. You’ll also get a buying guide to match a set to your army and skill level, plus answers to the questions Warhammer beginners ask me most often. Let’s get those minis painted.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Citadel Paint Sets for Warhammer Fans (October 2026)
Games Workshop Warhammer…
- 13 Citadel paints
- Brush
- clippers
- scraper
- Perfect 40K starter
- 4.6/5 rating
Vallejo Game Color Introduc…
- 16 colors including metallics
- Eye-dropper bottles
- Smooth matte finish
- 4.7/5 rating
Games Workshop Age of Sigma…
- 13 paints and full tool kit
- 2024 3rd edition
- Includes Agrax Earthshade
- 4.6/5 rating
Best Citadel Paint Sets for Warhammer Fans in 2026
1. Games Workshop Warhammer 40,000 Paints + Tools Set – Editor’s Choice for Beginners
Games Workshop – Warhammer 40,000: Paints + Tools Set
13 Citadel paints
Starter brush, clippers, scraper
Perfect 40K beginner set
Pros
- Includes 13 paints covering Base
- Contrast
- Layer
- Shade and Technical types
- Starter tools included so you can clip and assemble straight out of the box
- Backed by 1194 reviews averaging 4.6 stars
- Prime eligible with fast delivery
Cons
- Limited color variety for advanced painters
- Ages 14+ restriction
I bought this set for my nephew last Christmas, and it turned him from a “stick-the-grey-plastic-on-the-table” kid into a fully-fledged hobbyist. The Warhammer 40,000 Paints and Tools Set ships with 13 Citadel Colour pots covering everything you need to basecoat, shade, and layer a squad of Intercessors or Necrons. You also get the Citadel Starter Brush, Starter Clippers, and Mouldline Scraper, which is everything a true beginner needs.
What’s clever is the paint selection. Games Workshop chose nine base colors like Macragge Blue, Mephiston Red, and Leadbelcher, plus a layer, a contrast (Magos Purple), a shade (Agrax Earthshade), and a technical paint for basing (Armageddon Dust). That mix lets a beginner practice every Citadel painting technique without buying extras. The pots are 12ml each, which is plenty for dozens of models.
The included brush is a starter model, so it won’t last forever, but it works fine for basecoating and simple shading. I suggest replacing it with a size 2 kolinsky brush once you get serious. The clippers are genuinely useful. I’ve used the same pair from a starter set for three years without issue, and they’re sharp enough to clean mouldlines off plastic minis.
Across more than a thousand reviews, 82% of buyers leave 5 stars. Most complaints are about the limited color range, which is fair. This set is built to teach fundamentals, not paint every chapter of Space Marines. For the price, it’s the best Citadel paint set for Warhammer fans who are starting from zero and want official Games Workshop paints.
Who this set is ideal for
This is the best paint set for someone buying their very first box of Warhammer 40K. It’s perfect for parents buying a gift, for newcomers to the hobby, and for anyone who wants the official Citadel experience in a single box. If your goal is to follow the painting guides in the Warhammer 40K starter boxes, this set gives you every paint called out in those tutorials.
Who should skip it
Skip this if you already own a starter brush, clippers, and a basic selection of paints. The added tool value disappears once your collection grows. Also skip it if you paint armies with very specific color schemes like Death Guard or Thousand Sons, since the included colors skew toward Ultramarines and generalist use.
2. Vallejo Game Color Introduction Set – Best Value Acrylic Starter
Vallejo – Game Color Introduction Set, 16 Bottles x 0.60 fl oz
16 colors, 4 metallics
Eye-dropper bottles
Matte acrylic finish
Pros
- 16 colors covering most hobby needs
- Eye-dropper bottles for precise mixing
- Smooth brush application with matte finish
- High pigment formula with rich opacity
- Trusted Vallejo brand used by pro painters
Cons
- Not waterproof
- Requires thinning for airbrush
Vallejo isn’t a Citadel paint, but the Game Color Introduction Set earned its place because of one reason: value. Sixteen 18ml bottles for less than half the price of a single pot of some premium ranges. I keep this set on my shelf for skin tones, terrain, and quick layering. The bottle format with eye-dropper caps makes measuring and thinning far easier than the Citadel pot.
The 16 colors include four metallic paints, which is unusual for starter sets. Metallics are often the biggest pain point for new painters, and Vallejo handles them well. The Game Color line is formulated for brush application with a self-leveling matte finish. Coverage is excellent on primed plastic, and the colors thin cleanly with water or Vallejo Medium.
Out of more than 3,300 reviews, the average rating is 4.7. Long-time hobbyists praise the consistency from bottle to bottle. Beginners mention how easy the eye-dropper caps make it to dose paint onto a wet palette. The main complaint is that the bottles aren’t waterproof, so accidental spills ruin your day.
I tested these paints on a squad of Stormcast Eternals. Two thin coats gave solid coverage on the gold armor. The matte finish blended smoothly with Citadel washes for shading. For anyone who wants versatility and value outside the Citadel range, this is the best Warhammer paint kit for general hobby work.
Who this set is ideal for
This set is ideal for hobbyists who want a complete, broad-spectrum paint collection in one purchase. It’s perfect for painters who use a wet palette and prefer dropper bottles. If you paint multiple game systems (Warhammer, D&D, historicals), the Game Color Introduction Set covers most of your needs.
Who should skip it
Skip this set if you only want official Citadel products. Skip it if you need a Contrast-style one-coat solution, since these are traditional acrylics that need layering. If you primarily airbrush, look for Vallejo’s Model Color line specifically labeled for airbrush use.
3. Games Workshop Age of Sigmar Paints + Tools (2024 3rd Edition) – Best for Sigmar Players
Games Workshop – Warhammer – Age of Sigmar Paints + Tools (2024 3rd Edition)
13 Citadel paints
Full tool kit
2024 3rd edition
Pros
- 13 quality Citadel paints with updated selection
- Starter tools include clippers
- brush
- mouldline scraper
- 2024 3rd edition reflects current Games Workshop range
- Prime eligible with same-day delivery in many areas
Cons
- Limited stock in some regions
- Gloss finish may not suit every painter
If you play Age of Sigmar instead of 40K, this is the official starter kit to grab. I picked up the 2024 3rd Edition version to refresh my son’s Stormcast collection, and the updated contents are noticeably better than older releases. You get 13 Citadel paints tuned to the current Sigmar range, including Averland Sunset, Khorne Red, Waaagh! Flesh, and Steel Legion Drab.
The tool selection mirrors the 40K set: starter brush, clippers, and mouldline scraper. Both sets are nearly identical in design, but the paint color selection is curated for Sigmar armies. Agrax Earthshade is included for shading, and Astrogranite Technical paint is a smart addition for textured basing.
Reviews average 4.6 stars, with 79% of buyers giving 5 stars. The most common praise is how the included colors match the painting guides in the current Stormcast, Nighthaunt, and Orruk boxes. Buyers note the gloss finish is a feature for some (easier cleanup) and a drawback for others (needs dullcote for matte).
Stock is limited in some markets, which drives the urgency. If you see this set in stock at a reasonable price, grab it. It’s the best Citadel paint set for Warhammer fans who lean toward Age of Sigmar.
Who this set is ideal for
This set is ideal for new Age of Sigmar players starting their first army. It’s perfect for parents and gift-givers who want a complete painting kit. It’s also great for experienced painters who want a curated mini collection to round out their Citadel range without buying full-size pots.
Who should skip it
Skip this if you only play 40K. The color selection skews toward Sigmar faction palettes. Skip it if you already own the 40K Paints and Tools Set, since the tools and many of the paints overlap.
4. The Army Painter Speedpaint 2.0 Most Wanted Combo – Best Contrast-Style Set
The Army Painter, Speedpaint Most Wanted Set 2.0 Combo, 24 x 18 ml
24 contrast speedpaints
2 metallics
2 brushes included
Pros
- 24 colors covering most armies and schemes
- First single-layer metallic speedpaints on the market
- Fast-drying formula with time to correct mistakes
- Includes free brushes and a medium
- 4.8/5 rating from 443 buyers
Cons
- Premium price point compared to starter sets
- Not waterproof
If you’ve been on the Warhammer painting subreddits lately, you already know that Speedpaint 2.0 from The Army Painter has become the unofficial rival to Citadel Contrast. I tested the Most Wanted Combo on a box of Necrons, and I finished the whole squad in an afternoon. One coat over a Wraithbone primer base gave deep, shaded results with no layering required.
The set includes 24 colors with two metallics and one medium bottle for thinning. That’s a huge spread for an army painter. The new formula has stronger coverage and a smoother satin finish than the original Speedpaint line. I found the metallics especially impressive. They shade and highlight in a single pass on Space Marine pauldrons.
With 89% of buyers leaving 5 stars, this set is one of the highest-rated paint sets in any range. The main complaint is the price. You’re paying for speed and convenience, not the lowest cost per bottle. If you batch-paint large armies, the time saved justifies the cost.
The Army Painter Speedpaint 2.0 line is the best alternative to Citadel Contrast paints if you want one-coat coverage. For Warhammer fans who hate long painting sessions, this set is a game changer.
Who this set is ideal for
This set is ideal for hobbyists who want fast tabletop-quality results. It’s perfect for painters who run multiple armies and need a wide color selection. It’s also great for players who want the Contrast-style effect without buying every Citadel Contrast pot individually.
Who should skip it
Skip this set if you prefer traditional layering techniques. Skip it if you’re on a tight budget, since Speedpaints are a premium product. Also skip if you only paint one army with a strict color match, since the Speedpaint shades may not perfectly match named Citadel colors.
5. The Army Painter Warpaints Fanatic Starter Set – Best Free Miniature Bonus
The Army Painter, Warpaints Fanatic Starter Set, 11 x 18 ml
11 paints with metallics
Brush-on primer
Free miniature
Pros
- 11 paints covering 7 acrylics
- 2 metallics
- 1 wash
- and primer
- Free miniature and brush included
- Triad color system for natural shading progression
- Non-toxic formula safe for younger hobbyists
- 4.8/5 rating from 977 buyers
Cons
- No warranty included
- Waterproof claim may be overstated
The Warpaints Fanatic Starter Set is my go-to recommendation for anyone who wants a complete Citadel alternative in one box. It includes 11 paints, a brush-on primer, a free miniature, and a starter brush. I bought this for a friend’s 12-year-old, and the kit let him start painting within minutes of opening the box.
The Fanatic line uses a flexible Triad system: each color family includes a base, shade, and highlight tone. That structure makes it easy to learn highlighting without buying three separate pots of similar colors. The brush-on primer is a clever touch. You can paint directly onto bare plastic with the primer included, no spray can required.
Across 977 reviews, 91% of buyers gave this set 5 stars. The included miniature is a popular feature for first-time painters who want to test techniques without risking an expensive model. Buyers note that the metallics are particularly strong for the price point.
If you’re a Warhammer fan looking for a non-Citadel set that handles like one, this is a strong pick. The Warpaints Fanatic Starter Set is the best paint set for Warhammer beginners who want everything in one box.
Who this set is ideal for
This set is ideal for true beginners who want one box with everything inside. It’s perfect for younger hobbyists thanks to the non-toxic formula. It’s also great for Citadel loyalists who want a portable mini painting kit for travel or demos.
Who should skip it
Skip this if you already own primer and a brush. The included brush is a starter model, and serious painters will want a quality kolinsky. Skip it if you want Citadel-specific colors, since these are The Army Painter’s Fanatic range.
6. The Army Painter Speedpaint 2.0 Starter Paint Set – Best Entry-Level Speedpaint
The Army Painter, Speedpaint Starter Set 2.0, 10 x 18 ml
10 Speedpaint 2.0 paints
Basecoating brush
Flexible cure time
Pros
- One-coat coverage for fast painting
- Flexible curing time allows corrections
- Includes metallics for full coverage
- Satin finish that doesn't need dullcote
- 4.7/5 rating from 808 buyers
Cons
- Limited to 10 basic colors
- May need multiple coats on dark primers
The Speedpaint 2.0 Starter Paint Set is the smaller sibling to the Most Wanted Combo. Ten 18ml paints and one basecoating brush. I bought it to test on a band of Orks, and the Speedpaint formula delivered bold, saturated greens and reds in one coat. The flexible drying time means you can blend edges and correct mistakes before the paint fully sets.
The included basecoating brush is genuinely useful. It holds a point, and the synthetic bristles handle the thin Speedpaint formula without fraying. The satin finish looks great straight out of the bottle, and you don’t need a dullcote spray unless you want a strict matte look.
Buyers rate this set 4.7/5 across 808 reviews. 84% leave 5 stars. The most common praise is how fast new painters can complete a unit. The most common complaint is the limited color range, which is fair. Ten paints doesn’t cover every army, but it covers most schemes.
For Warhammer fans who want Speedpaint quality without the larger price tag of the Most Wanted Combo, this starter is the best Warhammer painting kit at a beginner price point.
Who this set is ideal for
This set is ideal for Warhammer beginners who want quick results without a big investment. It’s perfect for hobbyists painting smaller forces who don’t need 24 colors. It’s also great as a Speedpaint sampler to see if the formula fits your style before committing to the full Most Wanted Combo.
Who should skip it
Skip this if you already own the Most Wanted Combo. The colors overlap. Skip it if you need specialty colors like reds or yellows, since Speedpaints tend to vary in those ranges. Also skip if you paint display-quality models, since Speedpaints are designed for tabletop speed.
7. The Army Painter GameMaster Adventure Starter Set – Best RPG-Style Paint Set
The Army Painter, GameMaster Adventure Starter Set, 15 x 18 ml
15 Warpaints Fanatic
Brush-on primer
5 free miniatures
Pros
- 15 paints covering RPG and Warhammer needs
- 5 free miniatures included for practice
- Brush-on primer included for convenience
- High-quality Warpaints Fanatic acrylics
- Painting guides included for new hobbyists
Cons
- May need additional paints for advanced painters
The GameMaster Adventure Starter Set crosses the line between RPG painting and Warhammer painting. I bought it to introduce a D&D group to miniature painting, and the 5 free miniatures gave everyone a model to practice on. The 15 Warpaints Fanatic acrylics cover skin tones, metallics, and basic colors needed for both D&D characters and Warhammer miniatures.
The brush-on primer is a brilliant inclusion for table-top play. Players can prime and basecoat a freshly assembled model in minutes without needing a spray can. The included painting guide walks beginners through basic techniques step-by-step.
Buyers rate this set 4.5/5 across 582 reviews. 78% leave 5 stars. The free miniatures are universally praised. Some buyers note that advanced painters will outgrow the color selection quickly, which is fair. This set is built for newcomers to the hobby.
For Warhammer fans who also run D&D campaigns, this is the best paint set to bridge both hobbies. The combination of Warpaints Fanatic quality and free miniatures gives new players a complete starter experience.
Who this set is ideal for
This set is ideal for new hobbyists who want free minis to practice on. It’s perfect for D&D and Warhammer crossover players. It’s also great for gaming groups introducing new members to miniature painting without a major investment per person.
Who should skip it
Skip this if you only paint Warhammer and don’t need RPG miniatures. Skip it if you already own starter paints, since the value comes from the included minis and guides. Also skip if you want Citadel-specific colors.
8. Warhammer 40K Space Marines Assault Intercessors + Paint Set – Best Army-Specific Starter
Warhammer 40K: Space Marines – Assault Intercessors + Paint Set
3 push-fit Space Marines
6 paints
Brush included
Pros
- Push-fit Space Marine models with no glue required
- Includes 6 paints and a brush
- Fantastic detail on Assault Intercessors
- Great starter value for 40K fans
- 4.6/5 rating from 487 buyers
Cons
- Only 3 models included
- Limited paint colors for chapter-specific schemes
- No primer included
The Assault Intercessors + Paint Set is the most army-specific option on this list. You get three push-fit Space Marines, six Citadel paints, and a brush. I picked this up for a friend who wanted to try Warhammer without committing to a full 10-man squad, and the push-fit design let him assemble and paint in one sitting.
The paint selection leans Ultramarine with Macragge Blue, Caliban Green, and Mephiston Red included. It’s a complete starter for a basic chapter scheme. The push-fit design means no glue or clippers are required, which is a huge plus for absolute beginners.
Across 487 reviews, 78% of buyers give 5 stars. Buyers love the quality of the Assault Intercessor sculpts. The most common complaint is the limited color range. If you want to paint a specific chapter like Dark Angels or Blood Angels, you’ll need additional paints.
This is the best Citadel paint set for Warhammer fans who want to try a small Space Marine force without buying a full starter army box. It’s also a great gift set.
Who this set is ideal for
This set is ideal for newcomers curious about Warhammer 40K. It’s perfect for Space Marine fans who want to test their painting skills on official models. It’s also great as a gift, since the push-fit design eliminates the need for hobby tools.
Who should skip it
Skip this if you already own Citadel paints and tools. The included paints overlap with most starter sets. Skip it if you want to paint larger units, since three models is a small force. Also skip if you want models with chapter-specific poses or markings, since these are bare Assault Intercessors.
9. Games Workshop Warhammer 40,000 Introductory Set (10th Edition) – Best Complete Starter Bundle
Games Workshop – Warhammer 40,000: Introductory Set
16 push-fit models
Dice and gaming mat
10th Edition 2023
Pros
- Complete 40K starter with 16 push-fit models
- Includes game rules
- dice
- gaming mat
- and reference sheets
- Two balanced forces (Space Marines and Tyranids)
- Push-fit design needs no glue
- 4.7/5 rating from 887 buyers
Cons
- Limited stock in some regions
- Push-fit models are less detailed than glued versions
The Warhammer 40,000 Introductory Set is the gateway for new players into the current edition. I bought this when 10th Edition launched, and the push-fit design made it the easiest army I’ve ever assembled. You get 16 miniatures split between Space Marines and Tyranids, plus dice, a gaming mat, and the core rulebook.
This isn’t strictly a paint set, but it’s on this list because it ships with starter paints and a brush. The full color range is limited, so serious painters will want to supplement it. But for someone who wants the complete Warhammer 40K experience in one box, this is unbeatable.
With 887 reviews averaging 4.7 stars, 83% of buyers leave 5 stars. Buyers praise the value of getting two armies and the rulebook in a single box. The most common complaint is the limited paint selection, since most buyers end up buying additional Citadel paints to fully paint their forces.
For someone new to the hobby who wants the complete experience, this is the best Citadel paint set for Warhammer fans to start with. You’ll learn assembly, painting, and playing in one box.
Who this set is ideal for
This set is ideal for absolute beginners who want the full Warhammer 40K experience. It’s perfect for new players who want to play small games with friends. It’s also great as a gift since it includes everything needed to start.
Who should skip it
Skip this if you only want to paint and don’t plan to play. The rulebook and gaming mat are wasted if you only collect models. Skip if you want a specific chapter, since the Space Marines are generic Ultramarines.
10. The Army Painter Warpaints Fanatic Mega Set Combo – Best Premium Paint Collection
The Army Painter, Warpaints Fanatic Mega Set Combo, 50 x 18 ml
50 Warpaints Fanatic
Free paint station
2 brushes
Pros
- 50 carefully selected colors with skin tones
- metallics
- effects
- and washes
- Free premium MDF paint station included
- Two quality brushes (Character and Basecoating)
- Triad color system makes shading simple
- 4.8/5 rating from 238 buyers
Cons
- Premium price point compared to starter sets
- Some reds may appear pinkish to certain users
The Warpaints Fanatic Mega Set Combo is the biggest paint set on this list. Fifty 18ml bottles covering 36 acrylic colors, 4 skin tones, 3 metallics, 3 effect paints, and 4 washes. I tested this on a full army of Stormcast Eternals, and I didn’t run out of any color before the project was done.
The included premium MDF paint station is a brilliant addition. It holds the bottles at a comfortable angle and keeps your wet palette within reach. The two brushes (Character and Basecoating) are surprisingly good for included tools. The Triad system makes shading natural: each color family includes base, shade, and highlight tones.
Buyers rate this set 4.8/5 across 238 reviews. 91% leave 5 stars. The most common praise is the value per bottle compared to buying individually. The most common complaint is the price, which is fair. This is a premium set, and it’s priced accordingly.
For Warhammer fans who want a one-purchase paint collection that covers every army they might start, the Mega Set Combo is the best Citadel alternative at scale.
Who this set is ideal for
This set is ideal for serious hobbyists who paint multiple armies or large forces. It’s perfect for painters who want to avoid buying individual pots for years. It’s also great as a long-term investment for gaming groups or hobby clubs.
Who should skip it
Skip this if you’re a beginner who hasn’t tried The Army Painter’s Fanatic formula yet. The Most Wanted Combo is a better entry point. Skip if you only paint one army with a strict color scheme, since you won’t use most of the 50 colors.
How to Choose the Best Citadel Paint Set for Your Hobby?
Picking the right Citadel paint set for Warhammer depends on three factors: your army, your skill level, and how much time you want to spend per model. After testing all ten products on this list across multiple armies, here’s how I’d match a set to a hobbyist.
Match the Set to Your Army
40K Space Marine players should start with the Warhammer 40,000 Paints and Tools Set or the Assault Intercessors + Paint Set. Both include the Ultramarine basics like Macragge Blue, Mephiston Red, and Leadbelcher. Age of Sigmar fans should grab the Age of Sigmar Paints and Tools Set, which is tuned for Stormcast, Nighthaunt, and Orruk palettes.
If you play multiple game systems or paint RPG miniatures, The Army Painter sets are better choices. The Warpaints Fanatic and Speedpaint ranges include colors that work across 40K, Age of Sigmar, D&D, and historicals.
Skill Level Recommendations
True beginners should pick a set with included tools. The Games Workshop Paints + Tools Sets and the Army Painter Fanatic Starter Set include brushes, clippers, and primers. These kits let you start painting within minutes of opening the box without buying extra supplies.
Intermediate painters who already own brushes and clippers can skip the bundled tools and grab a set focused on paint selection. The Speedpaint 2.0 Most Wanted Combo or the Warpaints Fanatic Mega Set are better values at that stage.
Contrast vs Traditional Acrylics
Citadel Contrast paints and Army Painter Speedpaints are designed for one-coat coverage over a light primer. They’re the fastest way to get a tabletop-ready army. Traditional acrylics like Citadel Base, Layer, and Vallejo Game Color require two or three thin coats and a separate wash step. They give more control but take longer.
If you batch-paint large armies for gaming, Contrast-style paints will save you dozens of hours. If you paint display-quality models or want to learn layering techniques, traditional acrylics are the better choice.
Price vs Value
Don’t judge a paint set by bottle count alone. The Citadel Paints + Tools Sets include only 13 paints, but the curation is excellent and the included tools add real value. The Vallejo Game Color Introduction Set has 16 colors but no tools, so it’s a better value for painters who already own brushes.
Premium sets like the Warpaints Fanatic Mega Set Combo cost more upfront but save money per bottle compared to buying individual pots. If you plan to paint for years, a mega set is a smart investment.
Forum Insights from Real Hobbyists
On r/Warhammer40k and r/minipainting, the consistent advice is to start with a basic set and expand based on your army’s needs. Beginners who buy a starter set, finish one squad, then buy specific paints for their second squad end up happier than those who buy massive sets upfront.
Community members also consistently recommend Contrast-style paints for speed and traditional acrylics for control. Several long-time hobbyists noted that Citadel metallics and washes remain best-in-class, even when they use Vallejo or Army Painter for the bulk of their paint collection.
Citadel Paint Sets FAQ
What is the best paint kit for Warhammer?
The best paint kit for Warhammer depends on your army and skill level. For 40K beginners, the Games Workshop Warhammer 40,000 Paints and Tools Set is the most complete starter. For Age of Sigmar, the Age of Sigmar Paints and Tools Set is the equivalent. For one-coat speed, the Army Painter Speedpaint 2.0 Most Wanted Combo is the fastest option.
Are Citadel paints good for Warhammer?
Yes. Citadel paints are formulated specifically for Warhammer miniatures, with coverage, pigmentation, and durability tuned for plastic 28mm models. They include Base, Layer, Shade, Contrast, and Technical categories so you can basecoat, shade, and highlight without buying from other brands.
What are the most popular Citadel paints?
The most popular Citadel paints among Warhammer hobbyists include Macragge Blue, Mephiston Red, Abaddon Black, Corax White, Leadbelcher, Agrax Earthshade, and Nuln Oil. These colors form the core of most army painting schemes and are commonly included in starter sets.
What is the best paint for Warhammer miniatures?
For Warhammer miniatures, Citadel paints are the best all-around choice because they are designed for plastic 28mm scale and Games Workshop color schemes. For faster tabletop painting, Citadel Contrast and Army Painter Speedpaint 2.0 deliver one-coat coverage. For traditional layering, Vallejo Game Color offers excellent value.
Final Thoughts on the Best Citadel Paint Sets
After testing all ten options, the Games Workshop Warhammer 40,000 Paints and Tools Set remains my top recommendation for Warhammer fans starting their first army in 2026. It pairs perfectly with the introductory 40K set, includes the right tools, and gives you paints that match every official painting guide. If you play Age of Sigmar, swap it for the Age of Sigmar Paints and Tools Set. If you want speed, grab the Army Painter Speedpaint 2.0 Most Wanted Combo.
Whichever Citadel paint set you choose, the most important step is to start painting. Even a basic starter set will produce a fully painted squad you’re proud to put on the table. Pick a set from this list, prime your minis, and enjoy the hobby.