The best free Warhammer 40k army builder and 40k list builder apps for 11th Edition, ranked: New Recruit, GrimSlate, Battle Forge, War Organ, and more.
If you’re tired of scribbling army lists on napkins, then you’re in for a treat. We’re breaking down every Warhammer 40k 11th Edition army builder and 40k list builder app worth using right now, free and otherwise. Yes, free, as in no more “I could’ve bought another Dreadnought with that money” moments.
Best 40k List Builder and Army Builder Apps Compared (11th Edition)
Updated November 6th, 2026, by Rob Baer with new 11th Edition army builder apps and an update on New Recruit.
Building an army list can be as complex as a Necron’s morning routine, but fear not! Warhammer 40k army builder programs are here to make life easier. These list and army builder maker tools will help you craft the perfect Warhammer 40k force without breaking a sweat (or a datasheet).
Let’s look at the pros and cons along with the specifics of these digital allies. Spoiler alert: some are more than just free, but they’re all game-changers, especially New Recruit!
| Army Builder | Pros | Cons |
| Phalanx Tools |
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| New Recruit EU |
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| Quartermaster |
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| Rosterizer |
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| Warhammer 40k Army Builder: Battle Forge (Warhammer 40k App) |
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| Oldworldbuilder |
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| GrimSlate |
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| War Organ |
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| BattleBase |
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| ListForge |
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Why You Need an Army Builder App For Warhammer 40k
If you’re still manually scribbling lists on paper or trying to keep track of your units and points in your head, it’s time for a reality check. Here’s why you absolutely need a Warhammer 40k Army Builder (or maker) app for your games now.
Remember that time you spent an entire afternoon piecing together your army list, only to realize you miscalculated points and had to start all over? Yeah, those days are over.
Warhammer Army Builder apps like Battlescribe (or the alternatives below) or New Recruit do all the number-crunching for you, ensuring you get your list right the first time.
The Rise of Free 11th Edition Warhammer 40k Army Builder Alternatives
But here’s the twist: not all heroes wear capes or come with a price tag. While the official Games Workshop 40k army creator app strutted onto the scene with a premium swagger, a band of scrappy, free alternatives has risen from the digital trenches.
These apps, built by dedicated fans and tech wizards, offer you a cost-free way to build your armies.
Remember the old days of Battlescribe? Well, let’s just say it’s been sitting in the corner, gathering dust, while the new kids on the block have been hitting the gym. These new free apps aren’t just alternatives; they’re contenders for the throne, ready to help you conquer the 11th Edition with ease and flair.
Breakdown of the Apps: Warhammer 40k Army Builders
Phalanx Tools: An Open-Source Warhammer 40k Army Builder Project
Pre-Alpha Status and Potential
Phalanx Tools is the ambitious underdog in our lineup, still in its pre-alpha phase but brimming with potential. It’s like that rookie recruit with raw talent waiting to be honed into a veteran warrior. Since it’s open-source, you can peek behind the curtain, suggest improvements, or even contribute if you’re code-savvy. This transparency ensures it evolves with its users’ needs, promising a robust Warhammer 40k army builder tool in the near future.
Community Involvement
What makes Phalanx Tools stand out as a 40k army list creator (or maker) app is its strong community involvement. It’s a collaborative effort where every user can play a part. If you’ve ever wanted to be more than just a user, here’s your chance to shape the future of an army builder app.
Join the Discord, share your ideas, and watch as the app grows from a fledgling project into a seasoned tool of war. You can check it out by clicking here!
New Recruit EU: A Web-Based Solution for Warhammer 40k Army Building
This has been updated for 11th Edition, so it might just be your best bet for now.
New Recruit also has a one-click copy button to put your saved 10th Edition lists straight into 11th Edition, so nothing you built last edition is stranded. It stays free, with an optional paid tier for bonus features, and it now covers 20+ game systems, including Age of Sigmar, Kill Team, Horus Heresy, and The Old World.
New Recruit has Compatibility with Multiple Game Systems
New Recruit EU is like the Swiss Army knife of 40k army creator builders, versatile and ready for any situation. Initially crafted for The 9th Age Fantasy Battles, it now supports multiple game systems, making it a one-stop shop for your tabletop needs. Whether you’re switching gears between games or sticking to Warhammer 40k, New Recruit EU has got your back.
Backup Options for Your Lists
Ever had your meticulously crafted army list vanish into the digital ether? With New Recruit EU, you can save and back up your lists, ensuring you’re always ready for battle. It’s like having a backup stash of ammo, essential and reassuring.
In 2026, they were accused of using AI to rewrite all the official Warhammer rules in the app, but their update doesn’t mention how they rewrote them.
Either way, you can upload your lists, keep them safe, and access them from anywhere; flexibility and security in one neat package. You can check out New Recruit by clicking here!
Quartermaster: The iOS Warhammer 40k Army Builder Alternative
Community-Updated Factions
Quartermaster is the Apple of army builder apps, exclusive to iOS and tailored for the discerning tabletop general. While it doesn’t use the same data format as its counterparts, it compensates with a sleek, intuitive interface and a thriving community that keeps the factions updated.
Imagine having a team of passionate gamers constantly refining and enhancing the app’s data, it’s like having an army of tech-savvy servitors working behind the scenes to ensure your lists are always accurate. If you’re an iOS user, Quartermaster could be your next best ally on the digital battlefield.
Unique Features and User Experience
Quartermaster doesn’t just look good; it performs like a well-oiled machine. The app offers a rich user experience with features designed to make army list building as smooth as possible. Need to tweak your list on the fly? No problem. The interface is responsive and user-friendly, allowing you to make adjustments with ease.
Plus, the app supports a variety of tabletop miniature games, making it a versatile tool in your arsenal. It’s like having a multi-tool for your gaming needs, always ready to adapt and assist. You can check it out by clicking here!
Rosterizer: Cross-Platform Capabilities
Current Development Status
Rosterizer is like the new kid on the block, eager to prove itself and make a name in the world of 40k army creator army builder (or maker) apps. Currently in active development and undergoing a closed beta, Rosterizer shows a lot of promise.
The developers are hard at work, fine-tuning the app based on user feedback and ensuring it meets the high standards of the Warhammer 40k community. It’s like watching a rookie Space Marine grow into a battle-hardened veteran. Keep an eye on this one; it’s poised to become a formidable tool once it hits full release.
Future Potential
What sets Rosterizer apart is its ambition. This app aims to provide a rich, cross-platform editing experience, making it accessible to a wide range of users, whether they’re on PC, Mac, or mobile devices. It’s like a universal translator for your army lists, ensuring compatibility and ease of use across different platforms.
The developers are committed to delivering a robust data authoring tool, meaning you can expect comprehensive features and a user-friendly interface. Once fully operational, Rosterizer could very well be the Swiss Army knife of army builder apps, offering versatility and convenience in one powerful package. You can check it out by clicking here!
GrimSlate: A Free Warhammer 40k 11th Edition Army Builder
GrimSlate is a browser-based Warhammer 40k 11th Edition army builder that gives you every faction for free, with no download and no account required. As you build, it keeps track of your Detachment Points budget, flags unique conflicts, and checks the list against 11th Edition rules so you can catch a bad build before it ever hits the table.
It pulls unit and enhancement points from the official online Munitorum Field Manual, and the roster converter can update saved or imported lists to the current rules and points in one click. If you’ve got a pile of old 10th Edition lists sitting around, that converter is probably the feature you’ll care about most. You can check it out by clicking here!
Battle Forge: The Official Warhammer 40k Army Builder in the 40k App
Games Workshop’s Warhammer 40k app has spent years feeling like an extra hoop players had to jump through, especially with codex rules locked behind books that cost $40 to $62 on the US Warhammer store and community tools already doing much of the job better. The new 11th Edition features may finally be changing that.
The army builder is called Battle Forge, and Games Workshop confirmed on June 17th, 2026 that it had been updated with all of 11th Edition’s new detachments and Force Dispositions. War Journal is the other half of the app, built for game day instead of list building. It handles missions, terrain layouts, deployment maps, and victory point tracking. So if you’re just trying to find the official Warhammer 40k army builder, Battle Forge is the bit you’re looking for.
War Journal now helps players generate missions, choose terrain and deployment layouts, and track victory points during games. Players can also link with opponents to view their army lists, datasheets, rules, and Stratagems without passing phones back and forth across the table. Add one free army list, Best Coast Pairings roster and score integration, and the app starts looking less like a digital codex reader and more like an actual game-day tool.
The codex paywall is still the biggest problem. Players shouldn’t need a $40 to $62 book mainly to unlock living digital rules that may change shortly after release. Still, GW has made the app useful enough that ignoring it may no longer be the obvious choice. Check out the full breakdown of why the Warhammer 40k app may finally be worth using.
ListForge: A Free 40k List Builder for Desktop and Mobile
ListForge is a free download for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, and it supports both Warhammer 40k 10th and 11th Edition. Beyond building the list, it has built-in mathhammer, in-game score tracking with match history and stats, and hobby progress tracking. Some premium features are paid, but you can still use it for games for free. You can check out ListForge by clicking here!
Two More Free 40k List Builder Apps: War Organ and BattleBase
War Organ is a free 40k list builder for Android and Windows, with no paywall blocking the basic list-building tools. It exports to Yellowscribe, keeps stratagem cards organized by detachment, and currently sits at 4.9 stars on Google Play. Version 1.2.8.0 landed on August 4th, 2026, so it’s still getting updates too. If you just want a phone-friendly builder that doesn’t make a big production out of the job, free is pretty hard to beat. In September it had been taken down from the app store, but it looks like they are trying to resolve the issues.
BattleBase goes a little further and tries to handle more of the actual game. Alongside the roster builder, it tracks scoring and manages the battle itself, so you’re not bouncing between your army list and a separate scoresheet all game. It runs in the browser and on iOS, which makes it a handy option if you want one app doing more than just building the list.
Old World & Age of Sigmar Army Roster Builder (or Maker) App
4th Edition Warscroll AoS Army Builder App
The Warhammer Age of Sigmar army builder app is a free download, and it’s a great sidekick for your battles. This app is an easy go-to for all the rules and includes Storm Forge (like Battle Forge in the 40k app), letting you customize your army lists to your heart’s content.
The app’s rules section has everything you need: Core Rules, Advanced Rules, free Faction Packs with all the goodies like battle traits, formations, heroic traits, artefacts, spells, prayers, manifestation lores, and warscrolls. It’s also updated to the current General’s Handbook on the Warhammer store, the 2026-27 edition.
Plus, you get each faction’s Spearhead rules and the Spearhead Fire and Jade Battlepack. You can check it out by clicking here!
Oldworldbuilder: The Warhammer The Old World App
Don’t miss out on one of the best free tools on the army builder scene: Oldworldbuilder! This free app is tailor-made for Warhammer The Old World, letting you create and edit army lists on the go. It’s like having a portable command center right in your pocket.
While it may not include all the unit rules, Oldworldbuilder excels in simplicity and functionality, making it super easy to build an army by points. Currently available as a mobile-optimized website, you can add it to your home screen as a web app, with plans for an Android app release once all army data is integrated.
Web App
The app already supports key functions like creating, editing, duplicating, deleting, exporting, and printing units and lists. With armies like Orcs & Goblins, Empire, and Dwarf included, complete with their magic items, Oldworldbuilder is the perfect companion for any Warhammer The Old World player.
The developer, a dedicated Warhammer Fantasy player and front-end developer, created this tool out of a need for a user-friendly and cost-free alternative to the more complicated or expensive options available. So, if you’re looking to streamline your army building without breaking the bank, Oldworldbuilder is highly recommended. You can check it out by clicking here!
Common Issues with Popular 40k List Builder (or Maker) Apps & Their Solutions
The Downfall of Battlescribe
Battlescribe, once the darling of the Warhammer 40k army builder community, has fallen from grace. Like a favorite band that stopped making new albums, it’s been stuck in a time warp. The lack of updates by the developer over the years means it’s missing out on all the cool new features and data from the latest editions.
If you’re still clinging to Battlescribe, it’s time for an intervention. You need an app that keeps pace with the ever-evolving world of Warhammer 40k.
Developer’s Involvement and the 40k New Recruit Army Builder
To add insult to injury, the developer of Battlescribe has been MIA. It’s like waiting for a letter from a pen pal who’s forgotten you exist. Meanwhile, the dedicated data maintainers, who do all the heavy lifting to keep the app functional, aren’t seeing a dime. So, if you’re still holding out hope, it might be time to move on to greener pastures.
If, for whatever reason, you are having troubles with the app, it appears the data the maintainers (not the developer) created for 10th edition 40k will also work with the New Recruit army builder app. The data team (BSData) now keeps a Warhammer 40,000: 11th Edition data set on GitHub, last updated August 31st, 2026, though how well the old Battlescribe app handles it is unconfirmed.
All you have to do is update the data (it should be two spots above 9th Edition in the add data section), and you can make rosters for 10th Edition Warhammer 40k. For 11th Edition, the BSData team publishes its data set on GitHub, but whether the Battlescribe app runs it well is unconfirmed.
You can add everything like before, and it seems like they have the army composition reporting correct (to tell you what you’ve done wrong with the list). But the good news is that Battlescribe is still free; if you do subscribe, the money goes to the developer, though, whose interactions with the Warhammer 40k community have been less than stellar…
Advantages of Switching to Newer Warhammer 40k Army Builder (or List Maker) Apps
Continuous Support and Updates
Switching to one of the newer Warhammer 40k army builder (such as New Recruit) or list builder apps means stepping into a world of continuous support and updates. Imagine a world where your app evolves with the game, always staying current with the latest rules and datasheets.
These apps are like your tech-savvy friends who always have the latest gadgets and know all the shortcuts. Frequent updates mean fewer errors, more features, and a better overall gaming experience.
Community Feedback and Improvements
One of the coolest things about these new 40k army creator apps is their reliance on community feedback. It’s like being part of a giant think tank where your opinions actually matter. Found a bug? Have a suggestion? The developers are listening, especially New Recruit 40k.
This level of engagement ensures the app continues to improve, thanks to the collective wisdom of its users. So, ditch the old and embrace the new, your gaming experience will thank you.
Benefits of Using Free Army List Builder (or Maker) Apps for Warhammer 40k
Cost Savings
Let’s talk money. Warhammer 40k isn’t exactly a cheap hobby. Between buying miniatures, paints, rulebooks, and snacks for those long gaming sessions, your wallet takes a hit. So why spend extra on an army builder app?
Free Warhammer 40k Army builder apps like Warhammer Units let you allocate your hard-earned cash where it really matters, like that new Primaris Lieutenant you’ve been eyeing. Saving money on the app means more funds for expanding your army and dominating the battlefield.
Access to Latest Rules and Datasheets
One of the major perks of these free 40k army creator apps is access to the latest rules and datasheets. Remember hunting down updates or printing out errata sheets? Those days are over. These apps are like having a personal librarian who always has the most current edition on hand.
With real-time updates, you’re always playing with the latest rules, ensuring fair and balanced games. Plus, it saves you from potential embarrassment during a game when your opponent points out that your datasheet is outdated.
Enhanced Gaming Experience
Using these free apps enhances your gaming experience in ways you never thought possible. They streamline list building, reduce errors, and make managing your army a joy rather than a chore. It’s like upgrading from a horse-drawn carriage to a sleek sports car. The convenience, accuracy, and comprehensive features of these apps mean you can focus on what really matters: strategy, tactics, and crushing your foes with style.
What’s Next For These Warhammer 40k Army Builders, List Makers, & Roster Apps
When it comes to Warhammer 40k Army builders, staying on top of your game requires using the best tools. The new wave of free army list builder apps and Warhammer 40k army creator makers is a godsend, offering everything from ease of use to frequent updates, community feedback, and significant cost savings.
Wherever you are in your hobby journey, these Warhammer 40k Army Builder apps will enhance your gaming experience, keep you up to date with the latest rules, and ensure your army is always battle-ready.
So, why stick with outdated tools when you can embrace the future of army building? Try out these free army list makers and roster builder apps, like New Recruit, to take your Warhammer 40k 11th Edition game to the next level.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a New Recruit subscription?
New Recruit itself is free, and the subscription is optional. On the US App Store it has supporter tiers: Mortal Supporter at $35.00, Immortal Supporter at $69.00, and Godlike Supporter at $143.99. Prices can change, so check the current tier price in the app before you subscribe.
All the Latest Warhammer Rules & Model Rumors
What is your favorite Warhammer 40k 11th Edition Army List maker or builder app, Battlescribe, New Recruit 40k, free or otherwise?
I also built a free app with no ads and you can export that doesn’t look like a 90s website. https://warmuster.app/ can you guys check it out and let me k ow your thoughts?