If you have ever stopped mid-game and asked, “Wait… how big is this objective actually supposed to be?” you are not alone. Objective markers are one of the most misunderstood parts of Warhammer 40K, and they matter more than people think.
The good news is that in 10th Edition, the answer is simple, clean, and consistent.
The Short Answer
In Warhammer 40K 10th Edition, objective markers are recommended to be 40mm in diameter.
That means a flat, round marker that is 40mm across. Not a base. Not a pile of skulls. Not a giant relic model. A simple 40mm circle.
If you want objective markers that are already sized correctly and designed for real games, you can see them here: 3D6 Objective Markers
Why 40mm Is the Standard in 10th Edition
In 10th Edition, objectives are meant to be clean reference points, not physical terrain. You measure to and from the closest part of the marker, and models interact with objectives based on distance, not contact.
A 40mm marker gives you:
- A clear center point for placement
- Consistent measurement for all players
- Enough surface area to see on the table without getting in the way
Anything larger starts to interfere with movement. Anything smaller becomes hard to see and easy to bump.
Can Models Stand on Objective Markers?
No. In 10th Edition, models can move over objective markers, but they cannot end a move on top of them.
This is one of the most common mistakes people make, especially if they are coming from older editions or narrative play.
Objectives are not platforms. They are not physical locations you occupy. They are reference points that you control by being within range.
How Close Do You Need to Be to Control an Objective?
A model is within range of an objective marker if it is:
- Within 3 inches horizontally
- Within 5 inches vertically
Every model has an Objective Control (OC) value. To determine who controls an objective, you add up the OC of all your models in range. The player with the higher total controls the objective. If the totals are the same, the objective is contested.
This is why the physical size of the marker matters. A clean 40mm circle keeps those measurements fair and predictable.
Why Flat Objective Markers Are Better Than 3D Ones
Big, chunky, 3D objective markers look cool. They also cause problems.
Because models cannot end a move on top of an objective marker, anything with height, walls, or weird geometry can accidentally block legal movement or create awkward situations where models physically cannot fit.
Flat objective markers avoid all of that. They:
- Do not interfere with movement
- Do not block visibility
- Do not create accidental “terrain”
- Make measuring clean and fast
This is one of the main reasons people switch to custom flat markers: Why Custom Objective Markers Make Warhammer 40K Games Better
Where Are Objective Markers Placed?
Objective markers are placed centered on the points specified by the mission you are playing.
They should be positioned so there is space around them. In other words, they should not be jammed directly against walls, ruins, or other impassable terrain. If terrain and objectives conflict, players can nudge things slightly by agreement to make the battlefield playable.
The goal is a table that works, not a table that wins a geometry contest.
Why Objective Marker Size Affects Game Flow
When objective markers are too large, they block movement and create weird no-go zones. When they are too small, they get lost, bumped, or forgotten.
The 40mm standard is a sweet spot. It keeps objectives visible, measurable, and neutral.
If you are also thinking about overall table balance, this article pairs well with that: How Much Terrain Do You Actually Need for Warhammer 40K?
Do Objective Markers Block Line of Sight?
No. Objective markers do not block visibility. They are not terrain features. They are simply markers.
This is another reason flat markers are preferred. They do their job without accidentally becoming cover or line-of-sight blockers.
What Should You Actually Use?
If you want the cleanest, least annoying experience:
- Use 40mm round objective markers
- Keep them flat
- Avoid tall, bulky, or scenic pieces
This is exactly what the 3D6 markers are designed for: Shop 3D6 Objective Markers
The Bottom Line
In Warhammer 40K 10th Edition:
- Objective markers are recommended to be 40mm in diameter
- Models can move over them, but cannot end a move on top of them
- Control is based on OC within 3 inches horizontally and 5 inches vertically
- Flat markers create the cleanest, fairest games
If you want fewer arguments, faster turns, and cleaner tables, start with the right objective markers.
If you are just getting into the game, this guide is a good next step: What Do I Actually Need To Play Warhammer 40K?