Short answer: The Ultimate Starter Set is the best Warhammer 40K starter box for most beginners — two push-fit armies, the full core rules, dice and a mission deck in one purchase. On a tighter budget, the smaller Introductory Set gets you painting and playing for less. Skip buying a codex and extra boxes until you’ve played your first games.
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The Three Starter Boxes at a Glance
| Starter Box | Models Included | Rules Included | Best For | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introductory Set | ~10 push-fit models | Core rules (mini) + first missions | Trying the hobby cheap | $65–75 |
| Starter Set | ~30+ models, both sides | Core rules + dice + range ruler | Playing proper small games at home | $110–125 |
| Ultimate Starter Set ⭐ | 70+ models, two full mini-armies | Core rules, dice, ruler, mission deck | The real starting army | $165–185 |
Prices are approximate retail (USD) and vary by store — check current prices before buying.
Ultimate Starter Set — Best Overall ⭐
If you’re serious about starting, this is the box that actually gives you an army:
- 70+ push-fit models across two forces — enough for legal 500-point games on both sides without buying anything else
- Push-fit assembly — no glue required for most models, beginner-friendly from minute one
- Full core rules, dice, ruler and mission deck — a complete game night in one box
- Two playable armies — ideal if you have a friend starting with you
Verdict: the only starter box that leaves you with a genuine, expandable army. If the budget allows one purchase, buy this one.
Starter Set — Best Middle Ground
The mid-tier box trims the model count but keeps everything that makes a game night work: both armies, the rules, dice and a ruler. It’s the right call if you want to test the hobby without committing to the biggest box — and everything in it still slots into a full army later.
Introductory Set — Best for Testing the Waters
The smallest box is a genuine product, not a trap: a handful of push-fit models, a mini rules set and guided missions. It’s perfect as a gift or a “let’s see if we like this” purchase. The honest caveat: you’ll outgrow it fast, and most players end up buying a bigger box within a month anyway.
Which Box Should You Buy?
| Your situation | Buy |
|---|---|
| Committed, want a real army from day one | Ultimate Starter Set |
| Curious, want a proper taste | Starter Set |
| Gift, budget cap, or “just trying it” | Introductory Set |
| You already know you want Necrons or Marines only | Starter box + a Combat Patrol box of your chosen faction |
What You DON’T Need Yet
Beginners overspend on things that don’t matter in month one:
- Codex army books — the starter rules cover your models; codices matter at 1,000+ points
- A full paint range — 3–4 pots plus a wash is plenty
- Terrain — books, boxes and mugs make fine obstacles for your first games
- A second army — the starter box already includes two sides
FAQ — Warhammer 40K Starter Sets
What is the best Warhammer 40K starter set for beginners? The Ultimate Starter Set. It’s the only box that includes two genuinely playable mini-armies plus the full rules, dice and mission deck — a complete hobby start in one purchase.
Is the smaller starter set worth it? Yes, if you’re unsure about the hobby or buying as a gift. It teaches assembly, painting and basic play for the lowest price. Expect to upgrade within weeks if you get hooked.
Do starter boxes include paints? Typically no — paints are sold separately or in hobby bundles. Budget $30–40 for side cutters, glue (if needed), primer and 3–4 paint pots.
Can I play a real game with just a starter box? Yes. The bigger boxes give you legal forces for 500-point games out of the box, which is exactly the size beginners should be playing anyway.
Should I buy a Combat Patrol box instead of a starter set? If you already know which faction you want and someone can teach you the rules, a Combat Patrol box plus the free core rules is a great direct route. For most true beginners, the starter box is the better teacher.
Do starter box models count toward a real army? Absolutely — every model in a starter box is a full legal unit you’ll keep using for years. Nothing in a starter box is “disposable.”
Get Your Box and Start
- 👉 How to Start Warhammer 40K: Beginner’s Roadmap — your first 30 days
- 👉 Best Warhammer 40K Army for Beginners — Marines vs. Necrons
- 👉 Space Marines Beginner Army Guide
- 👉 Necrons Beginner Army Guide
One box. Two armies. Zero excuses. Pick the starter set that fits your budget and get your first ten models built this week. See today’s starter set prices → (affiliate links)
Warpstorm is an unofficial fan site. Warhammer 40,000 is a trademark of Games Workshop. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by Games Workshop.
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