When Warhammer players arrange a game it is usual to fix a points value total for each side - typically 2,000 points or 3,000 points for a really big game. Of course, there is no limit on the size of the armies. You can fight a game with 500 points a side, 1,000, 10,000 or 10 million points and anything in between! For practical purposes, however, 2,000 or 3,000 points is usually regarded as just about right for a game that will last over an evening or the best part of an afternoon. Games of up to 3,000 points can be accommodated on a table of about 4' x 6-8' (120cm x 180-240cm) whilst larger games will usually require more time and a larger playing area.

The lists of points values for all the different troop types, including machines, monsters, characters, and magic items are given in complete detail in the Warhammer Armies books. Each book covers the army of one race and includes an army list that explains which troops the army is allowed, along with their points values. So, for example, we have one book which covers the High Elves, and others for the Empire, Skaven, Orcs & Goblins, and so forth. The lists are far too exhaustive to give here in their complete form, but to give you an idea we have included some details of army composition and points values in the examples that follow.