Warhammer 40k Starter Set: What to Buy First (And What to Skip)

So you’ve decided to dive into Warhammer 40k. Excellent choice. Now comes the hard part: that moment in the store or online where you’re staring at a wall of boxes and wondering, “Which Warhammer 40k starter set do I actually buy first?”

If you just type “Warhammer 40k starter set: what to buy first” into a search bar, you get a flood of opinions, half of which assume you already know what “Combat Patrol”, “Index”, and “datasheets” are. This guide doesn’t do that. We’re going to walk through, in plain language, what the different 40k starter products are, how they fit together, and which makes sense for you based on budget, faction interest, and how you plan to play.

We’ll cover:

• What the current Warhammer 40k starter set ecosystem looks like
• Which box is best if you just want to try the game cheaply
• The smartest path if you already know your favorite faction
• How to avoid buying stuff you’ll outgrow in a month
• Practical tips for your very first purchases beyond the starter set

What Is a Warhammer 40k Starter Set, Really?

“Starter set” in Warhammer 40k isn’t one single product, it’s a category. Games Workshop usually supports an edition of 40k with a ladder of products aimed at new players. Typically, they break down into tiers:

• Recruit-/Intro-level sets – Lowest price, fewest models, simplified rules.
• Standard Starter Sets – Two small armies, a softcover rulebook, dice, and accessories.
• Ultimate / Big Box Sets – Bigger version of the starter with more models and often terrain or a thicker rulebook.
• Faction-specific entry boxes – Things like Combat Patrol boxes, army boxes, or “Start Collecting” style kits that build out a single faction instead of two small forces.

Your path into Warhammer 40k comes down to two questions:

1. Do you want to learn with a friend (two forces in a box)?
2. Or are you primarily building up your army as efficiently as possible?

The right answer for you determines which Warhammer 40k starter set to buy first and which are actually just “nice to have” extras.

Warhammer 40k Starter Set: What to Buy First Based on Your Situation

Everyone says, “It depends.” Let’s make that actually useful. Pick the situation that sounds most like you and use it as your starting recommendation.

1. “I Just Want to Try Warhammer 40k Without Spending a Ton”

If you’re testing the waters, your priority isn’t an optimized army. It’s hands-on experience: rolling dice, moving models, and deciding if you even like the game and hobby loop (building, painting, gaming).

In that case, your ideal first purchase order is:

1. The smallest official 40k starter box (Intro/Recruit-level)
   Look for the kit marketed as the “intro” or “recruit” starter set. These boxes typically include:
   • Two very small opposing forces (often around 10–20 models total)
   • A compact, beginner-friendly rules pamphlet
   • Dice, a range ruler, and sometimes a paper mat
   It’s lighter on content but also light on price and commitment.
2. Simple painting tools
   A basic starter painting set (clippers, hobby knife, plastic glue, a couple of brushes, and a handful of paints) will do the job. You don’t need a full paint range to start.
3. Free rules downloads
   Games Workshop usually offers free core rules and faction datasheets on their website or via Warhammer apps. Use these instead of hunting down a full hardcover rulebook on day one.

Why this is the best first buy: It answers your biggest question—“Is this hobby for me?”—without locking you into a giant spend or a faction you might not actually care about once you dig into the lore.

2. “I Know I Want to Play With a Friend or Partner”

If you’ve already got a buddy ready to jump in, you want one box that gives you two playable armies and enough rules/accessories for real games at the kitchen table.

Here’s your recommended path:

1. Buy the main Warhammer 40k Starter Set (the mid-tier box)
   This is the “true” starter set in most GW marketing. You usually get:
   • Two reasonably sized forces (often 400–600 points each-ish)
   • A softcover rulebook with core rules and basic lore
   • Range rulers, dice, templates or tokens, sometimes a paper mat
   It’s enough to play multiple games with some tactical depth without instantly needing more.
2. Split the box by faction
   One of you takes one army, the other takes the second. You both paint your half, learn your units, and you’re off to the races.
3. Upgrade later with faction-specific boxes
   Once you’ve played a handful of games and like your chosen army, then add a Combat Patrol or equivalent faction box (more on that below).

Why this is the best first buy: It’s built for exactly what you’re doing—two new players learning together. The rules are included, the forces are balanced against each other, and you get a mini 40k ecosystem in a single purchase.

3. “I Already Know My Faction and I Want to Build a Real Army”

If you’ve read the lore, watched YouTube battle reports, or used to play and know exactly what you love—say, Space Marines, Tyranids, Orks, etc.—then your “starter set: what to buy first” answer shifts. The real MVP for you is the faction entry box, usually branded as Combat Patrol or similar.

Your launch sequence should look like this:

1. Buy a Combat Patrol / faction starter box for your chosen army
   These are curated boxes of units designed to form a coherent, small-force army right out of the box. They generally:
   • Give you a solid core of units (troops, a leader, maybe a vehicle or elite squad)
   • Are cheaper than buying all the kits separately
   • Match game modes specifically built for that size of force
2. Use free rules and data sheets to start playing
   You don’t need the big rulebook on day one. Use the free rules and your faction’s datasheets to learn how your specific army works.
3. Add a small opposing force if you don’t have local players
   If you’re likely to be the person teaching friends, you can pair your Combat Patrol with a second Combat Patrol from a different faction later so you always have a loaner army.

Why this is the best first buy: Every single model you assemble contributes directly to your main army. You won’t be saddled with half a box of models you don’t want just because they came in a two-faction starter.

Breaking Down the Main Warhammer 40k Starter Set Options

To make your “starter set: what to buy first” choice clearer, let’s compare the typical 40k starter set tiers in more detail. Specific model lineups change over editions, but the roles of the boxes remain pretty consistent.

Intro / Recruit Starter Set

Best for: Absolute beginners, tight budgets, trying 40k before committing.

What you usually get:

• Two very small opposing forces (e.g., a handful of basic infantry and maybe one small specialist unit per side)
• Basic measuring tools and dice
• A thin, introductory rulebook that focuses on learning scenarios
• Sometimes a small paper playmat

Pros:

• Cheapest way to get actual 40k models and rules in your hands
• Low hobby load: fewer models to build and paint
• Great if you’re uncertain about the time and hobby investment

Cons:

• You’ll outgrow the included forces quickly
• Not a big discount per model compared to larger boxes
• Less satisfying if you already know you’re in for the long haul

Standard Warhammer 40k Starter Set (Mid-Tier)

Best for: Two new players learning together, or one player who’s fine owning two small armies.

What you usually get:

• Two reasonably sized forces—often including:
  • Leaders/characters
  • Core infantry squads
  • Some kind of elite unit or light vehicle
• A softcover rulebook with:
  • The core rules
  • Basic lore
  • Introductory missions
• Dice, range rulers, and sometimes a fold-out mat and basic terrain

Pros:

• Excellent overall value if both factions interest you
• Enough models to get a real feel for the game
• Self-contained: you can play for a long time with just this box

Cons:

• If you only care about one faction, half the box may gather dust
• Still not a full-size matched-play army by itself
• Bigger upfront cost than the intro set

Ultimate / Big Starter Box

Best for: Players who are all-in on 40k from the start, or groups splitting a box for maximum value.

What you usually get:

• More units for each of the two factions—often a significant force
• Sometimes extra terrain or a more robust gaming mat
• Either a thick rulebook or an expanded version of the mid-tier starter book

Pros:

• Huge value per model if you want both armies
• Lets you jump quicker into bigger games
• Great foundation for two players planning to keep building armies

Cons:

• Biggest single cash outlay
• More models than some new players realistically want to build/paint early on
• Wasted value if you don’t want both factions or don’t have a splitting partner

Combat Patrol / Faction Entry Boxes

Best for: Players with a chosen faction who care more about their army than a two-faction learning box.

What you usually get:

• A curated selection of units for one faction, such as:
  • 1 HQ (leader/character)
  • 1–2 core infantry units
  • 1–2 elite or specialist units, or a vehicle/monster
• A force designed to be playable as a self-contained army in smaller game modes

Pros:

• Every model is part of your main army—no waste
• Strong discount compared to buying units separately
• Perfect stepping stone from “beginner” to “proper games”

Cons:

• Doesn’t include generic tools like dice, range rulers, or rulebooks
• Not ideal if you and a friend both want different factions immediately

Starter Set: What to Buy First – Recommended Paths by Player Type

Let’s condense all this into concrete starter paths so you don’t have to cross-reference everything yourself.

The Budget-Curious Player

Goal: Try the game and hobby with minimal spend and complexity.

Buy this first: Intro/Recruit Starter Set.

Then add (if you’re into it):

• A basic painting toolkit and a few paints for your models
• A Combat Patrol for whichever faction from the box you liked best

The Two-Friends Launch Plan

Goal: Two people start together with minimal fuss and decent replayability.

Buy this first: Standard Warhammer 40k Starter Set (mid-tier).

Then add:

• Each of you picks up a Combat Patrol or extra unit box for your faction once you know what you like about its playstyle
• Shared hobby tools and paints, or each get a small painting set

The “All-In On My Faction” Player

Goal: Start a serious main army right away and play real games sooner.

Buy this first: A Combat Patrol / faction entry box for your chosen army.

Then add:

• A basic tool and paint starter set
• A second Combat Patrol or individual unit boxes that fill gaps (more troops, anti-tank, etc.)
• Core rules access (free download, app, or eventually a proper rulebook if you like physical references)

Strengths, Weaknesses, and Use Cases of Each Starter Path

There isn’t a single “best” Warhammer 40k starter set: what to buy first really is contextual. Here’s how they stack up from a more strategic perspective.

Intro Starter: Low Risk, Quick Exit

Strengths:

• Great if you’re not sure about long-term commitment
• Easy on your wallet and your backlog of unbuilt plastic
• Teaches core mechanics without overwhelming options

Weaknesses:

• Value drops sharply if you do end up “all in”; you’ll want more units fast
• Not ideal if you’re already sold on 40k from watching content or playing previous editions

Standard Starter Set: Balanced Launch

Strengths:

• Perfect for a two-player household or friend duo
• Models, rules, and accessories in one box
• Satisfying amount of content without being overwhelming

Weaknesses:

• If one player bails, you’re left with a second army you may not want
• You’ll eventually want faction-specific expansions anyway

Combat Patrol / Faction Box: Focused, Efficient, Long-Term

Strengths:

• Maximum long-term value per dollar
• Good stepping stone toward standard-sized armies and matched play
• No “wasted” second faction sitting unused

Weaknesses:

• Requires you to be decisive about your faction up front
• Doesn’t hold your hand with accessories and beginner missions the way starter sets do

Tips and Strategies to Get the Most from Your First Warhammer 40k Starter Set

Once you’ve locked in your answer to “starter set: what to buy first,” the next step is getting real value and fun out of it. A few practical tips go a long way.

1. Start With Smaller, Narrative Games

Don’t feel like you need to hit “official” points levels or tournament-style play right away. Use the units in your box to play:

• Combat Patrol-sized games – Smaller forces, quick matches.
• Narrative missions – Story-driven scenarios that fit the models you actually own.

This keeps the rules overhead light while you learn how your army actually works on the table.

2. Build and Paint in Batches, Not All at Once

Instead of trying to assemble and paint the entire box in one go (which can be overwhelming), do it in small waves, like:

• First: A leader and one core unit
• Second: Rest of the core troops
• Third: Elite units or vehicles

You’ll be able to play “half-size” games while you’re still building, and seeing finished, painted squads hit the table is a huge motivation boost.

3. Use Proxies and Cardboard Stand-Ins While You Learn

If assembling all your models is slowing down actually playing, proxy a bit:

• Use unpainted or half-built models as stand-ins
• Drop cardboard tokens or miniatures from board games onto the table as temporary units

The goal early on is reps and rules familiarity, not perfect presentation.

4. Don’t Rush to Buy the Big Rulebook

Use the tools that came in your starter set plus any free rules first. You can absolutely play weeks or months of games before you need a full, hardcover rulebook. When you start wanting more advanced missions, detailed lore, and extra modes, then it’ll feel like a natural upgrade instead of an obligation.

5. Join Local or Online Communities Early

Even before you’ve fully built your first starter set, jump into:

• Local game store nights or club evenings
• Online communities (Discords, subreddits, forums focused on your faction)

Veteran players are usually happy to help new people tune starter forces, suggest next purchases, and walk you through your first games.

Common Mistakes New Players Make With Their First Warhammer 40k Starter Set

Knowing what to avoid can save you time, money, and frustration. Here are the big pitfalls that come up over and over.

1. Buying the Biggest Box “Because It’s the Best Deal”

Yes, larger boxes are often better raw value per model. But that only matters if you actually want most of the contents and have the time and energy to build and paint them.

If the “ultimate” starter set ends up half-built on a shelf, it’s worse value than a smaller box you actually finish and play with.

2. Ignoring Faction Interest Just for Short-Term Savings

Buying a starter set whose factions you don’t care about is a common trap. If the lore, aesthetic, or playstyle doesn’t excite you, those models will become a hobby chore.

It’s better to spend a bit more on a Combat Patrol for a faction you love than to get a “deal” on something that bores you.

3. Overbuying Before You’ve Played Real Games

A classic move: buying a starter set, a Combat Patrol, and several extra units before playing your first game. The problem is you don’t yet know:

• Which units you enjoy using
• What your local meta or group prefers
• How big your regular games are likely to be

Play multiple games with just your starter contents first. Let experience drive your next purchases.

4. Not Reading the Included Missions and Tutorials

The scenarios in starter sets are actually well thought out for new players. Skipping them and jumping straight into full-size games is like booting Dark Souls and skipping the tutorial and Undead Asylum.

Use those starter missions. They teach:

• How movement, shooting, and melee work
• How objectives and scoring typically function
• Basic tactical ideas like screening, objective control, and target priority

5. Getting Overwhelmed by Painting Standards Online

Watching Golden Demon-level painters on YouTube and expecting that from your first squad is a fast track to burnout.

For your starter set, aim for:

• Built correctly and glued firmly
• Three or four main colors blocked in
• Maybe a wash and simple highlights if you’re feeling ambitious

Paint to play, not to win competitions—at least at first.

Frequently Asked Questions About Starter Set: What to Buy First in Warhammer 40k

Do I Need an Official Warhammer 40k Starter Set to Begin, or Can I Just Buy Individual Kits?

You don’t have to buy a starter box, but it’s strongly recommended for most new players. Starter sets bundle rules, accessories, and balanced forces at a discount, which makes your first steps smoother and cheaper overall. The main reason to skip a starter is if you’re laser-focused on a specific faction and would rather go straight into a Combat Patrol or similar faction box.

Is the Standard Warhammer 40k Starter Set Enough to Play Proper Games?

Yes, the mid-tier starter sets are designed to support real games out of the box. You’ll be playing at a smaller scale than full tournament-style armies, but that’s actually ideal while learning. Later, you can expand each faction with a Combat Patrol or extra unit boxes to grow into larger formats.

If I Only Care About One Faction, Which Starter Set Should I Buy First?

If you’re already committed to one faction, a faction-specific box (like a Combat Patrol) is usually your best first purchase. It ensures every model contributes directly to your main army, and the box is typically optimized for internal synergy. You can later pick up a starter set if you want a second faction to demo the game to friends.

How Important Is the Big Rulebook When I’m Just Starting Out?

Not very. The starter set’s included rules plus free online core rules are more than enough at the beginning. The big hardcover rulebook becomes valuable once you want extra mission types, detailed lore, and a full reference. Treat it as a “phase two” purchase after you’ve confirmed you enjoy the game.

What’s the Best Way to Expand After My First Starter Set?

Play several games with only what came in your starter. Once you understand what your army is missing—more basic troops, more anti-tank, a tougher leader, etc.—pick up a Combat Patrol or individual unit boxes that fill those gaps. Avoid buying random cool-looking units until you know how they’ll fit into your style of play.

Conclusion: Is a Warhammer 40k Starter Set Worth It, and What Should You Buy First?

A Warhammer 40k starter set is absolutely worth it for most new players—as long as you choose the one that fits how you actually plan to play. If you’re unsure about the hobby, start with the smallest intro starter and see how it feels. If you’re diving in with a friend, grab the mid-tier starter set and split the forces. And if you already know which faction you love, skip straight to a Combat Patrol or equivalent box and build from there.

The key is simple: buy the starter set that gets you playing real games quickly with models you’re excited to build and paint. Do that, and your first Warhammer 40k starter set won’t just be a box of plastic—it’ll be the foundation of years of gaming, hobby projects, and ridiculous dice stories.