The new edition of Warhammer 40,000 is out now! Everything an experienced player needs to be able to play is available to download – the Core Rules, faction Indexes, and points values.
All of these datasheets and rules may seem a little overwhelming if you’re fresh to Warhammer, or even a returning player. For those who want a simpler introduction to the game, look no further than these three new boxed sets, designed to be the ideal first step into a hobby full of stunning miniatures and epic tabletop battles.
The Introductory Set, Starter Set, and Ultimate Starter Set are each designed to give anyone a great way into the game, no matter their hobby experience. Not sure which one is for you? Here’s a breakdown.
Warhammer 40,000: Introductory Set
Let’s say you don’t know what a Warhammer is, never mind how there are 40,000 of them. You’ve never built or painted a miniature, but you’re enthralled by the idea of genetically enhanced soldiers battling with hyper-evolved alien horrors.
This set is for you. It contains five Infernus Marines, 10 Termagants, and a Ripper Swarm – all push-fit, so you won’t need any glue. The box also includes clippers, a starter brush, and five paints to get you started – Abaddon Black, Wraithbone, Balthasar Gold, Naggaroth Night, and Macragge Blue – making it the perfect intro for new Warhammer hobbyists.
The 48-page Introductory Handbook offers hobby guides and background information for your new models – plus an intro to the game, with tutorials and training scenarios. You can play out your first battles against friends or family on a paper playing mat with cardboard walls and tokens, plus a range ruler and six dice.
Warhammer 40,000: Starter Set
The Starter Set is a middle ground – it’s perfect for people who know what tabletop games are and are ready to supply their own hobby paints and tools, but who might not have played a game like Warhammer 40,000. Alternatively, it’s also great for those who just want to pick up and play the new edition of Warhammer 40,000.
Alongside a 64-page Starter Handbook (with more advanced rules than the Introductory Set), you’ll find two rules reference sheets, 10 dice, two range rulers, and a cardboard gaming mat. Not to mention 38 plastic push-fit miniatures – a stalwart Captain in Terminator Armour leads five beefy Terminators and five Infernus Marines against a vile swarm of Tyranids, comprising a Winged Tyranid Prime, three sneaky Von Ryan’s Leapers, a Psychophage, 20 Termagants, and two very hungry Ripper Swarms.
Warhammer 40,000: Ultimate Starter Set
For players that want to tangle with the full Warhammer 40,000 experience from the very beginning, the Ultimate Starter set is exactly what it sounds like. It contains everything you’ll find in the Starter Set, as well as a Librarian in Terminator Armour and five Barbgaunts, topping both factions up to full Combat Patrol size. On top of that, it comes with an extra cardboard gaming board, an STC Hab-bunker, and eight stockades to create a fully-featured battlefield to play on.
The 72-page Ultimate Handbook is loaded with all the introductory information you’ll need. You’ll also get a 72-page Core Rules booklet that provides the full core rules for Warhammer 40,000, as well as the Combat Patrol rules and all six Combat Patrol missions from the Warhammer 40,000 Core Book, which you can play with just the contents of the box.
All three of these sets are coming soon, so keep an eye on the Warhammer Community website for news of their release.