Warhammer 40k: Where to start, which box to pick, and how to choose an army
Where to start with Warhammer 40,000? Buy a Starter Set. Choose an army that you like the look of and enjoy playing. Then, expand as you go.
This guide will walk you through your first box and choosing a faction. At the end, you'll also find tips on where to start reading the books if you're interested in the lore.
Which box to start with
Starter Set (11th Edition) is the most balanced choice for two players at once. You get 46 miniatures and two complete armies. You lead either the Space Marines or the Orks. The set also includes terrain and rules, but it's in English and you'll need glue.
Introductory Set (11th Edition) is the cheapest and easiest way to start. The twelve miniatures are push-fit, so you can assemble them without glue. It also includes paints and a brush for your first painting session.
Armageddon is the largest and most expensive set on offer. Sixty-one push-fit miniatures (Blood Angels and Orks) are complemented by the Operation Imperator narrative campaign.
Want a smaller and cheaper game? The Kill Team Starter Set lets you jump into skirmishes between small elite teams, rather than full armies.
How to choose an army
An army should be fun for you both in terms of looks and playstyle. The Imperium—like the Space Marines or Astra Militarum—attacks directly and relies on discipline. Chaos thrives on brutality and unpredictability. Xenos races like Orks, Aeldari, Tyranids, or Necrons each have a completely different style of combat.
You can find a detailed description of the world and all factions in a separate blog post.
The World and Factions of Warhammer
Warhammer: from Age of Sigmar to 40k. ⚔️ Discover the lore, factions, and worlds where magic and technology decide endless wars. full article…
Non-fiction journalism 10. 9. 2025 Karel Krajča 8 minYou can browse categories on the site by army type—for example, Xenos or Chaos.
Combat Patrol and Getting Started boxes
Once you decide on a faction, grab its Combat Patrol box. A Combat Patrol is a compact army in one box, ready for your first game.
Space Marines have their own expansion box Getting Started with Space Marines. You can expand your Orks with the Getting Started with Orks box.
Do you like a different faction? Try the Dark Angels Combat Patrol or Combat Patrol Adeptus Mechanicus.
You can find a complete overview of Orks in the Orks category. Want to try just one unit? The Orks Boyz + Paint Set is the cheapest way to start.
What else you need
To assemble and paint your army, you need a few extra essentials. Glue is a must if your box doesn't have push-fit miniatures. For starters, Warhammer Colour Plastic Glue is enough.
The basic Paints + Tools Set (11th Edition) will equip you with paints and a brush. You can also find the game rules separately in the Core Rules if your box doesn't include the rulebook.
Where to read the books
Interested in the story behind the figures? You can find the reading order for Horus Heresy and other Black Library series in a separate blog post.
How to read Warhammer books? And where to start?
A guide to books from the world of Warhammer 40,000, Age of Sigmar, and Fantasy that will help you navigate the endless amount of action fantasy novels and military sci-fi. full article…
Non-fiction journalism 10. 9. 2025 Karel Krajča 6 minSpecifically, the Horus Heresy is also broken down in our separate reading order guide.
FAQ
Which army should I choose to start with?
Choose based on appearance and playstyle—offensive, defensive, or brutal. A Combat Patrol box gives you a complete, smaller army right away.
How much does it cost to start with Warhammer 40,000?
From the cheapest Introductory Set to the most expensive Armageddon. You can find the current price directly on the specific product page, as it may vary.
Do I have to glue the figures?
Only for some boxes. The Introductory Set and Armageddon are push-fit, but the Starter Set (11th Edition) is not.
Is Kill Team easier than full Warhammer 40,000?
Yes. Kill Team uses smaller teams and has a lower entry cost within the same universe.
Do I need to know the rules in advance?
No. Every box contains a Starter Guide or the Core Rules.
You can find the entire Warhammer 40,000 range in the main miniatures category. Basic equipment for beginners is summarized in the Essential Supplies category.
You can find Kill Team as a smaller alternative in the Kill Team category.