What to actually buy before you start painting miniatures — starter kits, brushes, magnifiers, sealants, and other tools, independent of which game you play.
Unlike the technique guides above, these aren't organized by game system — a good brush set, magnifier, or bottle of varnish works the same whether you're painting D&D heroes, a Warhammer army, or a Necromunda gang. Each guide focuses on one category of gear: what a beginner should actually buy first, what separates a cheap version from one worth the extra money, and the specific questions that come up once you own it (matte or satin varnish, how much magnification is actually useful, what to use if you can't find a specific brand). Every guide points to a real product rather than a generic recommendation, so you're not left guessing which listing on Amazon actually matches what the page is describing. If you're brand new to the hobby, start with the starter kit guide before the more specific tool guides — it covers the baseline set most painters end up buying first anyway.