Which Warhammer 40K Starter Set Is Right for You?
Warhammer 40,000 offers a few different starter sets, and the right one depends on your situation. Are you learning solo, splitting a box with a friend, or going all-in from day one? Every tier uses push-fit plastic miniatures that snap together without glue.
What's in Each Warhammer 40K Starter Set
Games Workshop currently offers three main entry points into Warhammer 40,000, each designed for a different type of beginner. This guide breaks down what's in each box, which tiers include paints and tools, and how to choose based on your budget and who you're playing with.
Starter Set Tiers: Compare the Boxes
Introductory Set
- 16 push-fit plastic miniatures
- 48-page introductory book
- 5 Citadel Colour paints & brush
- Clippers, dice, and gaming mat
- No glue required
Starter Set
- 46 push-fit plastic miniatures
- Space Marines vs. Orks
- Core Rules book
- Gaming boards & accessories
- Requires separate paints/tools
Ultimate Starter Set
- Larger armies than Starter Set
- Battlefield terrain included
- Full gaming surface
- Comprehensive hobby guides
- Requires separate paints/tools
Do the Models Need Glue? What About Paints?
The answer for every current starter set tier is yes—all three use push-fit construction. Models clip together onto bases without glue. However, the paints question is different. Only the Introductory Set includes paints and a brush.
If you go the separate paint route, Citadel Colour (Games Workshop's own range) is the path of least friction. You can learn more about choosing acrylic paints for miniatures to ensure you have the right supplies for the Starter or Ultimate tiers.
Which Starter Set Should You Actually Buy?
Buying Solo & New
Start with the Introductory Set. It includes paints and tools, making it the lowest-friction entry point.
Splitting with a Friend
Go with the Starter Set. You get two forces (Space Marines and Orks) and a rulebook to play a real game immediately.
Tight Budget
The Introductory Set is the lowest-cost entry and the only one that includes everything needed in one box.
The Perfect Gift
The Ultimate Starter Set makes a stronger impression and sets the recipient up with a proper army and battlefield.
What the Hobby Community Says
Warhammer 40K Starter Set: Common Questions
Q: Is a Warhammer 40K starter set worth it?
Yes. They bundle models and rules at a significant discount compared to buying individually.
Q: What is a Combat Patrol?
It is both a box format and a game format. The Starter Set armies are sized for Combat Patrol games. Expanding with a Combat Patrol box is a natural next step.
Q: Do I need a full rulebook?
The Starter and Ultimate sets include the Core Rules. The Introductory set has a simplified guide.
Q: Are the models exclusive?
Many push-fit models are exclusive to these sets and designed specifically for easier assembly.
Q: Do I need extra tools?
For the Introductory Set, no. For others, you'll want a hobby knife and a miniature painting supplies guide.
Q: Is this a good hobby for adults?
Absolutely. It rewards patience and offers a deep strategy experience alongside a creative outlet.
The Miniature Painting Level Up Guide
A 60+ page beginner's guide to painting miniatures—written for adults who want clear, honest instruction without being talked down to. Covers the full workflow from priming to basing, with specific product recommendations from real bench use.
Covers everything from priming to basing with real product recommendations.
Pricing & Links
Warhammer 40,000 product prices change with new editions. Check the current price at the official Games Workshop website before purchasing.