Take a look back at our favorite Warhammer 40k armies with incredible paint jobs at AdeptiCon 2025, as we gear up for this year’s event from March 23rd to 29th, 2026.
The Warhammer 40k scene at AdeptiCon 2025 wasn’t just a tournament, it was an art show. Players showed up with armies so beautifully painted they could double as museum pieces. From glowing OSL effects to seamless blending and jaw-dropping conversions, these armies were amazing.
Grab a seat and feast your eyes on the best-painted Warhammer 40k Armies that graced AdeptiCon 2025. If you’re a hobbyist or painter looking for inspiration, this is the lineup you’ll want to see.
Warhammer 40k AdeptiCon 2025: A Showcase of Creativity and Skill
Updated on March 13, 2026, by Rob Baer as a tie-in to the 2026 event
We move fast taking pictures when we’re guests at tournaments helping to cover the event for them. If any of these features are your army and you would like the full-size images or credit added to the article, just email us: support AT spikeybits.com
AdeptiCon 2025 had players from all over the country stop in and show off their most beautifully painted Warhammer 40k armies. They put in a ton of work and made some awesome armies for the Warhammer 40k tournament!
Here is a quick preview of some of the armies that were on hand at the event. Look for more in-depth features coming soon for each of these hobby masterpieces!
Black Templars Defending Helsreach Like Absolute Legends
Grimaldus didn’t just walk onto this board, he arrived, dragging the entire weight of Helsreach behind him. This Black Templars army came armored in jet-black glory with a jaw-dropping diorama that looked like it marched straight out of a Warhammer cinematic.
Hobby tip: Don’t sleep on adding vertical elements to your bases, it draws the eye and tells a story. And yes, stained glass effects on ruined windows? Always worth it.
Orange Space Marines Are Here to Melt Faces and Seize Objectives
Roboute Guilliman showed up extra fiery this time, leading a striking orange Space Marines force that looked ready to roast the battlefield. Bold color choice? Absolutely. But it worked because it was clean, consistent, and sharp. If you’re stuck in a “safe color” rut, this is your sign to bust out that neon orange and go wild, just don’t forget to balance it with some black or metallic tones.
Orks in Stolen Knights: Big, Loud, and Absolutely Brilliant
Take one part Knight chassis, add a dash of scrap metal, and season heavily with Orky nonsense; what you get is a jaw-dropping army that looks like it was built by mad geniuses (because it was). Every piece screamed personality. Custom conversions are a game-changer here, even if it’s just a head swap or extra armor plates. Pro tip: the messier the rust, the better.
Death Korps and Gaunt’s Ghosts Bring the Guard in Style
Imperial Guard doesn’t have to be beige and boring. This army proves it with a slick color scheme, tanks for days, and Gaunt’s Ghosts leading the charge. Death Korps of Krieg already ooze drama, lean into it. Dirty up those coats, add some weathering powder, and give each model a bit of narrative. Bonus points for naming your tanks something appropriately grim.
Salamanders, Lava, and a Logo Light Show? Yes Please
What do you get when you cross Salamanders with a stage production? This diorama, complete with lava bases and a projected chapter logo, made jaws drop. The greens were rich, the flames were hot, and every model looked like it had seen things. Want your bases to stand out? Heat up that drybrush game and bring in reds, oranges, and yellows to make the lava pop.
Inquisitorial Drama with Imperial Agents and All the Toys
Rhinos, Arbites, Breachers, oh my. This Imperial Agents force was a showcase in organized chaos, held together by a magnificent Inquisitor with presence to spare. Mixing unit types like this takes finesse, so keep your basing tight and your palette consistent. And if your leader doesn’t look like they walked out of a grimdark opera, are you even doing it right?
AdMech With Grit, Gears, and a Giant Display
If you’re going to field Adeptus Mechanicus, do it like this. Big display board? Check. Infantry with personality? Check. Giant tanks that look like they were bolted together in a Martian garage? Double check. Metallics don’t have to be boring, play with different sheens, from dull iron to chrome highlights, and give your reds some depth with a little glazing.
The Crescent Guard Show Orange Isn’t Just for Orks
Another orange army? Yep, and it was working hard. The Crescent Guard nailed that warm tone, contrasting it perfectly with sleek Invictor Warsuits and enough infantry to actually win games. Painting orange can be tricky, but layering slowly and using a warm white undercoat can make it much easier. Also: those edge highlights? Crisp like autumn leaves.
Orks Get Personal With Custom Characters Galore
Some armies flex firepower. This one flexed flavor. Custom Ork characters, scratch-built weirdness, and a display board that looked like it had been looted, welded, and duct-taped together. If you’re into kitbashing, Orks are your playground. Anything goes, just keep a color theme running so it doesn’t turn into a visual car crash (unless that’s the vibe, honestly).
Genestealer Cults in Bold Red and Yellow? Yes, That Works
Who knew red and yellow could look this good on Genestealers? This army mixed high-contrast colors with gritty details, balancing horror and swagger like pros. The tanks were grubby, the infantry had character, and the actual Genestealers looked ready to tear through armor.
Tip: strong color blocks help differentiate units while keeping the theme cohesive. And yes, grime is your friend here.
Final Thoughts on the AdeptiCon 2025 Painted Warhammer 40k Armies
And there you have it, a parade of jaw-dropping armies that made the Warhammer 40k tournament a true spectacle. From glowing lanterns and soaring angels to smoke-filled boards and ogres that pack a punch, the creativity on display was off the charts. If you’re feeling inspired (or maybe a little intimidated), remember that every masterpiece starts with a single brushstroke.
Click any of the links below to jump to separate articles on our coverage of the 2025 event itself.
- The Amazingly Painted AoSArmies of AdeptiCon 2025
- What it’s Like To Be At AdeptiCon 2025: Events, Games & Vendors!
- All The Massive New GW Warhammer Previews From AdeptiCon 2025
See the Latest AdeptiCon Coverage Here!
Did you go to AdeptiCon in 2025? What was your favorite Warhammer 40k army?
