How to start playing Warhammer 40,000?

At first glance, Warhammer 40,000 might seem vast and complex – hundreds of planets, endless armies, and a mountain of rules. In reality, getting into the game is easier than it looks. The core rules and unit datasheets are available for free on the official website, so you can easily check how each faction works. The game system is designed to pull you in quickly while offering enough depth to keep even seasoned players entertained.

For your first game, you don't need more than a few miniatures, dice, a tape measure, and a table. If you want the simplest start, starter sets are a great choice, as they contain two smaller armies, rules, and all the necessary accessories. They let you jump straight into your first battle and figure out which faction suits you best. You can gradually expand your army with themed boxes and later pick up a Codex, the official guide packed with rules and lore for a specific faction.

It's up to you whether you choose the streamlined Combat Patrol, a classic game with smaller armies, or go all out, spread dozens of models across the table, and settle in for a game that takes all day.

Getting started in practice

The best way to start is by picking up one of the starter sets:

Warhammer 40,000: Introductory Set

The easiest and cheapest entry into the game. It includes a small number of models – a few Space Marines and their Tyranid opponents – along with rules, a play mat, dice, and a tape measure. Perfect if you just want to try the game out.

Warhammer 40,000: Starter Set

An expanded set containing more figures for both armies, plus a rulebook, a play surface, dice, and accessories. Here, you get a proper small-scale battle and a better idea of how the game works.

Warhammer 40,000: Ultimate Starter Set

The largest of the introductory boxes. It features two complete armies ready for the Combat Patrol game mode, rules, a gaming mat, mission cards, and all the tools you need to play. Combat Patrol is a faster game format played on a smaller table with a limited number of units. This makes it the perfect gateway for newcomers – similar to the Spearhead mode in Age of Sigmar.

Warhammer 40,000: Leviathan

The launch box for the 10th edition of the game. It contains two large armies – Space Marines and Tyranids – totaling over 70 miniatures, complete rules, terrain, and other accessories. It's a great value bundle for players who want to dive in headfirst. Currently, availability for this set is an issue; stocks are mostly sold out while waiting for the introduction of a new set.

Warhammer 40,000 vs. Combat Patrol: What's the difference?

When people say Warhammer 40,000, most players imagine massive battles full of tanks, hordes of infantry, and powerful heroes. But what if you just want to try the game or don't have time for multi-hour sessions? That's exactly why the Combat Patrol format exists.

Full-scale Warhammer 40,000

In a full game, you build an army based on a points limit – usually 1,000 to 2,000 points (each unit and piece of equipment has a specific point value, and your task is to build an army with a specific total value to balance the forces). Dozens to hundreds of figures meet on the table, from standard infantry to massive monsters and war machines. You play on a full-sized table (approx. 60" × 44") using the complete rules: movement, shooting, melee combat, psychic abilities, stratagems, missions, and terrain. One game can easily take 2–3 hours and feels like a real military engagement where tactics, synergies, and unit selection decide the outcome.

Combat Patrol

Combat Patrol, on the other hand, is designed as an entry-level, fast-paced format. Each player has only one Combat Patrol box – a small, pre-selected, and balanced group of units (usually around 25 miniatures). The play area is smaller (44" × 30"), and the rules are simplified so that the game doesn't take longer than an hour. It feels like a skirmish between small patrols or scouting units, but thanks to special missions and tailored rules, the games remain tense and varied. To play, you basically just need to paint your figures and perhaps download the updated unit datasheets from the web.

What's next?

You can find the rules for free on the official website. Besides the Core Rules, you'll also find datasheets for individual units and factions. Everything is also available in the official app. It includes the basic rules and everything you need for Combat Patrol for free. The app does have some limitations – faction rules are unlocked only after entering a code from a Codex, and the rest requires a subscription.

If you want to have the rules and lore together in print, grab a Codex. Codexes are guides for a specific army – they contain detailed rules, datasheets, stories, illustrations, and tips on how to build your army.

Once you get comfortable with the game, you can decide whether friendly matches at home are enough for you or if you want to dive into tournaments and long campaigns. Warhammer 40,000 offers both – quick clashes lasting a few dozen minutes and epic battles that take up an entire afternoon.

author Karel Krajča