Fans of Warhammer 40k have many choices when it comes to action figures; here are the best from JOYTOY, McFarlane, and Bandai Space Marine.
The miniature universe of Warhammer 40k has captured the imagination of fans for decades. Now, three brands – JOYTOY, McFarlane, and Bandai are each offering their unique spin on Warhammer 40k action figures. This article is your guide to compare and contrast these Warhammer 40k action figure brands and help you decide what to buy next. While each has its strong and weak points, they also have highly different price points, meaning you have a lot of options!
Here are our picks for the best Warhammer 40k Action Figures in 2024:
- McFarlane Space Marine Terminator – best MegaFig
- McFarlane Primaris Space Marine – best 1/12 Space Marine
- McFarlane Chaos Space Marine – best 1/12 Chaos action figure
- McFarlane Ork Meganob – best 1/12 Ork action figure
- JOYTOY Commander Shadowsun – best Xenos 40k action figure
- JOYTOY Primarch Roboute Guilliman – best for Ultramarine fans
- JOYTOY Redemptor Dreadnought – best 1/18 vehicle
- JOYTOY Celestine The Living Saint – best flying figure
- JOYTOY Dreadknight – best mounted Warhammer 40k figure
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Best Warhammer 40k Action Figures: JoyToy, McFarlane Bandai Space Marine & More
In May 2019, Bandai announced the release of the very first Warhammer 40k action figures. The initial offering featured a Space Marine figure from the well-known Ultramarines chapter. However, obtaining one of these figures today is quite challenging due to Bandai’s pre-order system. Fortunately, two other companies have since entered the market, providing numerous options for various Warhammer 40k factions in different scales.
McFarlane Toys ventured into Warhammer 40k action figures in 2020, offering 1/12 scale toys at a reasonable price point from $20 to $50 for their larger MegaFigs. JOYTOY then followed suit with a slightly smaller 1/18 scale line, which allows collectors to build entire armies of 40k action figures.
In general, McFarlane Toys offers a wide range of more affordable figures, including unpainted ‘artist-proof’ gray versions for customization. On the other hand, JoyToy’s extensive selection comes at a higher cost but boasts what may be a superior display quality for your shelf.
Notably, the McFarlane Space Marine is a substantial action figure, standing at an impressive 7 inches tall, towering over most other 1/12-scale figures. This figure is available in two variants: the artist’s proof (gray plastic) version and the ‘codex-compliant’ Ultramarine Primaris Intercessor. There are also figures for other chapters like the Blood Angels, Salamanders, Dark Angels, and Raven Guard, each with distinct color schemes.
While McFarlane already offers a variety of options, JOYTOY takes it to the next level with its extensive selection across multiple factions. As of 2023, there are over 200 unique JOYTOY Warhammer 40k action figures, with more in development. Below, we highlight some of our favorite Warhammer 40k action figures, from the Primaris Space Marine to the massive Dreadknight.
Choosing the best among them was challenging, but the JOYTOY version of the Dreadknight model was a clear choice. Fittingly for a Warhammer 40k vehicle, the Dreadknight stands twice as tall as a 1/12 McFarlane Space Marine. This makes him the largest JOYTOY Warhammer 40k Action figure to date. To put it in perspective, a standard JOYTOY Space Marine is about 5 inches tall, and one is even in this model’s chest piloting the walker!
JOYTOY Warhammer 40k Action Figures
Click on these links to order your JOYTOY action figures for less: Flyima | Locker Toys | Entertainment Earth | Sideshow Collectibles | Amazon | or eBay |
JOYTOY brings a range of Warhammer 40k figures that stand out for their detailed design and articulation. At a scale of 1:18, these figures are smaller than their counterparts but are surprisingly well-detailed for their size. The articulation allows for dynamic posing, and the inclusion of miniature weapons and accessories adds an extra layer of playability. However, due to their smaller size, they might not be as visually impactful as larger figures. They are also on the higher end of the price scale, meaning if you’re trying to get figures for cheap, these might not be for you.
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McFarlane Warhammer 40k Action Figures
Click To Get Yours For Less From Entertainment Earth | BigBadToyStore | McFarlane Toys | or | Amazon |
McFarlane’s Warhammer 40k figures are renowned for their impressive detail and larger size. Typically around 7 inches tall, these figures are ideal for those who prefer a larger, more displayable figure. With detailed paint jobs and multiple points of articulation, McFarlane’s figures are a delight to pose.
The range of figures available is also commendable, covering various Space Marine chapters and Chaos forces. They also have artists’ proofs, meaning you can paint your own if you want a giant hobby project. They don’t have quite as much articulation or detail, but they are on the lower end of the price scale. So you can load up on action figures and not break the bank.
Bandai Warhammer 40k Action Figures
Click To Get Yours For Less From Entertainment Earth | BigBadToyStore | eBay | Sideshow Collectibles |or | Amazon |
Bandai is well-known in the action figure market, and their Warhammer 40k figures do not disappoint. Standing eight inches tall, these figures strike a balance between JoyToy’s miniature approach and McFarlane’s larger size. Bandai figures are highly articulated and offer excellent detail, including intricate armor designs and character-specific features. A downside is their limited availability and higher price point, making them a more premium option and hard to get in the USA.
Which Brand Offers the Most Detailed Warhammer 40k Figures?
All three brands – JOYTOY, McFarlane, and Bandai – offer highly detailed figures. However, due to their larger size, Bandai’s figures might appear more detailed to the naked eye. While JOYTOY comes in a close second, the smaller scale does play a factor.
Which Brand Offers the Most Affordable Warhammer 40k Figures?
McFarlane figures are generally more affordable due to their size and detail, while Bandai’s figures tend to be more premium-priced. JOYTOY figures are mid-range in terms of pricing.
Which Brand has the Widest Range of Warhammer 40k Characters?
JOYTOY has been releasing a ton of figures lately and now has the biggest variety of figures. McFarlane’s range covers various Space Marine chapters and Chaos forces and started pretty early on but has been overtaken by JOYTOY. However, Bandai’s range is more limited.
How To Choose Between All The Warhammer 40k Action Figures!
Each of these brands has its strengths when it comes to Warhammer 40k action figures. JOYTOY’s smaller, highly articulated figures are excellent for dynamic dioramas, while McFarlane’s larger and cheaper figures do make impressive displays. Meanwhile, Bandai offers a middle ground with a balance of size, detail, and articulation. Ultimately, the “best” figures will depend on what you value most – size, detail, articulation, range of characters, or price.
Whichever Warhammer 40k action figures you choose to buy, Happy Collecting!
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About the Author: Rob Baer
Rob Baer
Job Title: Managing Editor
Founded Spikey Bits in 2009
Socials: Rob Baer on Facebook and @catdaddymbg on X
About Rob Baer: Founder, Publisher, & Managing Editor of Spikey Bits, the leading tabletop gaming news website focused on the hobby side of wargaming and miniatures.
Rob also co-founded and currently hosts the Long War Podcast, which has over 350 episodes and focuses on tabletop miniatures gaming, specializing in Warhammer 40k. and spent six years writing for Bell of Lost Souls.
Every year, along with his co-hosts, he helps host the Long War 40k Doubles Tournament at Adepticon and the Long War 40k Doubles at Las Vegas Open, which attracts over 350 players from around the world.
Rob has won many Warhammer 40k Tournaments over the years, including multiple first-place finishes in Warhammer 40k Grand Tournaments over the years and even winning 1st place at the Adepticon 40k Team Tournament.
With over 30 years of experience in retail and distribution, Rob knows all the products and exactly which ones are the best. As a member of GAMA (Game Manufacturers Association), he advocates for gaming stores and manufacturers in these difficult times, always looking for the next big thing to feature for the miniatures hobby, helping everyone to provide the value consumers want.
While he’s played every edition of Warhammer 40k and Warhammer Fantasy (since 5th Edition) and has been hobbying on miniatures since the 1980s, Titans of all sizes will always be his favorite! It’s even rumored that his hobby vault rivals the Solemnance Galleries, containing rulebooks filled with lore from editions long past, ancient packs of black-bordered Magic Cards, and models made of both pewter and resin.
