urban base ideas 40k

Urban Base Ideas for 40K

By Christopher LewisFebruary 9, 2026

The grim darkness of the far future has birthed a plethora of unique urban environments in the Warhammer 40,000 universe, each with its distinct character and challenges. From the sprawling hive cities of humanity to the alien metropolises of the xenos, these urban bases offer a wealth of ideas for tabletop gamers and hobbyists. Let's delve into some fascinating urban base ideas inspired by the 40k universe.

In this article, we'll explore two primary aspects of urban bases in 40k: the human hive cities and the alien metropolises. Each of these will be broken down into subtopics, providing a comprehensive guide to help you create immersive and engaging gaming environments.

Human Hive Cities

Hive cities are the crowning achievements of human civilization in the 40k universe, towering monuments to industry and survival. These sprawling metropolises offer a rich tapestry of urban base ideas, from the grimy underhive to the opulent spires of the nobility.

a person is holding up a bottle with an object in it that says, how to paint urban debris bases

four pieces of metal sitting on top of a table

At their core, hive cities are a testament to human resilience and ambition, making them an excellent choice for those seeking to create a grimdark, industrial aesthetic for their gaming table.

Underhive and Subterranean Bases

The underhive is the grimy, crime-ridden underbelly of the hive city, where the poor and downtrodden eke out a living amidst the sprawling factories and power plants. Creating an underhive base involves incorporating industrial elements like pipes, vents, and machinery, as well as grimy, weathered textures to convey a sense of decay and neglect.

a small model of a city on a green table with other models in the background

a bunch of small round metal objects on a green table top with grids in the background

Subterranean bases can also be found beneath the surface of other planets, such as those inhabited by the Tyranids or Eldar. These bases often feature organic, alien-inspired architecture and can be created using a mix of resin casts, green stuff, and textured paints.

Spires and Noble Enclaves

At the opposite end of the social spectrum, the spires of the hive city are home to the wealthy and powerful. These bases are characterized by their elegant, neo-feudal architecture, with towering spires, grand plazas, and ornate decorations.

Creating a spire base involves incorporating elements like gothic arches, flying buttresses, and intricate detailing. You can also include statues, fountains, and other decorative features to convey a sense of opulence and wealth.

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How to make a base, in the style of old asphalt road.

an aerial view of a city with lots of buildings and machinery on the ground in front of water

a cake that has been decorated with yellow and black frosting

Alien Metropolises

The xenos of the 40k universe have developed their own unique urban environments, ranging from the bioluminescent forests of the Eldar to the brutalist architecture of the Necrons. These alien metropolises offer a wealth of inspiration for those seeking to create something truly otherworldly for their gaming table.

Alien bases can be a great way to add variety and unpredictability to your games, as they often feature unique gameplay mechanics and challenges tied to their environments.

Eldar Craftworlds

Eldar craftworlds are vast, self-sustaining spaceships that serve as the last remnants of the Eldar civilization. These bases are characterized by their organic, bioluminescent architecture, with twisting paths, hanging gardens, and intricate, runic detailing.

a hand holding a piece of wood that has been carved to look like a construction site

a model of a building made out of scrap metal and other items on a black background

a model of a building with lots of windows and balconies on top of it

some very pretty decorated cookies on an orange table

a model of a building with many windows and lots of stuff on top of it

several pieces of wargames are sitting on the ground with paint splattered all over them

a hand holding a small model of a house in it's base with rocks and gravel

a model of a building on display in front of a marble wall

Creating an Eldar craftworld base involves incorporating a lot of greenery, as well as glowing crystals and other sources of light. You can also include Eldar-specific features like webway portals and spirit stones to add flavor to your base.

Tyranid Hive Fleets

Tyranid hive fleets are vast, organic ships that serve as the mobile homes and factories of the Tyranid race. These bases are characterized by their brutal, alien architecture, with towering spires, writhing tendrils, and pulsating, organic structures.

Creating a Tyranid hive fleet base involves incorporating a lot of resin casts and green stuff, as well as textured paints to convey a sense of organic growth and decay. You can also include Tyranid-specific features like spore mines and tyranid bio-weapons to add flavor to your base.

Whether you're creating a grimy underhive base or a towering Eldar spire, the urban bases of the 40k universe offer a wealth of inspiration for tabletop gamers and hobbyists. By drawing on the unique aesthetics and gameplay mechanics of these environments, you can create immersive and engaging gaming experiences that will captivate your players and opponents alike. So grab your tools and start building – the grim darkness of the far future awaits!