Don’t miss the ultimate guide to all the Warhammer 40k Starter Set boxes out there, from their contents, release dates, values, and more.
Updated on May 12th, 2025, by Rob Baer with new information and links to relevant content.
Starting Warhammer 40k in 2025? The right starter set can make or break your first few games—and your wallet. With so many options out now, from quick-start skirmish boxes to full-blown army bundles, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. That’s where this guide comes in.
We’re breaking down the best Warhammer 40k starter sets of 2025 by contents, rules, release dates, value, and pricing—so you know exactly what you’re getting before you slap that box on your hobby desk. Let’s sort the worthy from the shelf warmers.
Which 40k Starter Set Is the Best?
All the datasheets and rules can feel like a lot if you’re just getting into Warhammer, or coming back after a break. If you’re after a smoother way in, these new starter boxes are built to ease you into the game, with awesome models and everything you need to hit the table without needing a rulebook the size of a phonebook.
We’re always here for more starter sets—they usually save you a chunk of cash. And if someone’s jumping in for the first time, having paints, a hobby guide, and some sweet minis in one box is a solid way to start. Let’s break down the value of these sets that were with a release date of Summer 2023.
Warhammer 40k Starter Set $110
The Starter Set hits that sweet spot—it’s great if you’re familiar with tabletop games and already have your own paints and tools, but haven’t dipped into Warhammer 40,000 yet. Or maybe you’re just here for the new edition and want a solid box to jump straight into the action.
Inside, you get a 64-page Starter Handbook with meatier rules than the Intro Set, two quick-reference sheets, 10 dice, two range rulers, and a cardboard mat to battle on. Then there are the 38 push-fit minis: a Captain in Terminator Armour leads five chunky Terminators and five Infernus Marines into a bug-filled showdown with a Winged Tyranid Prime, three sneaky Von Ryan’s Leapers, a Psychophage, 20 Termagants, and two hungry Ripper Swarms. Game on.
Space Marines:
- Captain in Terminator Armour $40
- Spare Marines Terminators $65
- Infernus Squad $40 ($60 for 10)
Total Estimated Value: $145
Tyranids:
- Winged Tyranid Prime $42
- Von Ryan’s Leapers $52
- 2 sets of Termagants $90
- Psychophage $60
Dice, rulers, and mat: Added value
Total Value: $244
- Total Value of Both Halves + the rulebook ($25): $414
- Total Value Versus $110 MSRP: $304
Is The Warhammer 40k 10th Edition Starter Set Worth It?
This does have some excellent value. However, the Tyranids get a lot more in terms of actual models overall. So, if you split this with someone, no matter the side you play, you’re going to get a lot of value and a decent number of minis.
Just remember, these are all push-fit and the same models from Leviathan. Still, even with that in mind, you save a lot!
10th Edition Warhammer 40k Ultimate Starter Set: $210
If you want to kick off the new edition with a bang, the Warhammer 40k Ultimate Starter Set lives up to its name. It’s basically the Starter Set—but cranked up. You get everything from the regular box, plus six more minis to round out full Combat Patrols for both Space Marines and Tyranids. And yep, it throws in terrain too—an STC Hab Bunker and eight chunky stockades to set up across two double-sided game boards.
Like the smaller sets, you still get the handbook, but this box also includes the full Core Rules Booklet. That means you’ve got everything you need to play the new edition, plus all the Combat Patrol rules and six ready-to-go missions. Toss in dice, tokens, a ruler, and a Space Marine transfer sheet, and you’re fully loaded.
Before we get into the value of this set, both sides of this box are the contents of the combat patrols, meaning we’ll be using the Combat Patrol pricing for both sides. Obviously, it would have much more value with individual prices, but considering you can get everything in the upcoming Combat Patrols, it makes more sense to break it down this way.
- Space Marines Combat Patrol: $168 (current price)
- Tyranids Combat Patrol: $168 (current price)
- STC-Hab Bunker and Stockades Terrain: $80
- Rulebook: $25
- Rulers, dice, and mat: Added value
Total Value of Both Halves: $441
Total Value Versus $210 MSRP: $231
Is it Worth it?
Well, in a way, this has a lower value than the other starter, but that’s just because it’s two Combat Patrols that both have value themselves. Considering Leviathan was only $250, this feels a little bad on the price point, considering you get way less, and the box is only $20 cheaper.
Even with that, there is still a ton of value inside, and if you’re starting either army, it would be completely worth splitting this box with someone; you would each get a Combat Patrol for $105, and maybe split the terrain.
Leviathan Starter $250
Notably, this is harder to find but has the highest value among them all. However, this has some of the highest value we’ve ever seen in a box! So here are the overall contents for the Leviathon box. We’ll break it down by faction, starting with the Space Marines.
- Captain in Terminator Armour $44
- Librarian in Terminator Armour $42
- Lieutenant with Combi-flamer $37
- Apothecary Biologis $40
- Sternguard Veterans $62.50
- Infernus Squad $60 (based on Intercessors)
- Spare Marines Terminators $65
- Ballistus Dreadnought $70
Total Estimated Value: $420.50
There are a lot of new characters in this box, but if you split this with someone, this is actually crazy value!
Now let’s go into the Tyranid side of things…
- Screamer-Killer $60 ($105 for 2)
- Neurotyrant $60
- Neurogaunts $42
- Winged Tyranid Prime $42
- Von Ryan’s Leapers $52
- Termagants $90 (2 $45 boxes)
- Barbgaunts $45
- Psychophage $60
Total Value: $451
We’ll add in the price for the rulebook, but the other accessories are more of a “value add” than anything else.
- Total Value of Both Halves: $871.50 +Rulebook ($60)?
- Total Value Versus $250 MSRP: $681.50 (That’s $340.75 split between both factions)
Is it Worth it?
Yes, with a side of yes! If you can still find this at the $250 price point, or even at $300, this is a wild deal! If you find a friend to split it with, you will both only have to spend $125 and come out with over $400 in value each. This was really a great starter from GW and has the most value of any box here.
Space Marine 2 Recruit Edition
- Miniatures:
- 1 Ultramarine Lieutenant Demetrian Titus miniature $45 (based on other named characters)
- 10 Tyranid Termagant miniatures $45
- 1 Ripper Swarm miniature included in the Termagant box
- Hobby Tools:
- Clippers for assembling miniatures $50
- Paintbrush for detailing miniatures $11.50
- Paints:
- Macragge Blue $7.80
- Wraithbone $7.80
- Naggaroth Night $7.80
- Balthasar Gold $7.80
- One additional unspecified color $7.80
- Rulebook and Lore:
- 48-page handbook with game rules and Warhammer 40k lore $25
Total MSRP: $215.50
Total Value Versus $65 MSRP: $150.50
Is the Space Marine 2 Recruit Edition Worth it?
Do you want Titus and hobby supplies? Then the quick answer is yes! If you don’t need the paints or hobby supplies, it’s better to just try to snag Titus on his own. Considering this is geared towards build, paint, and play for new hobbyists without any of the supplies, this is a good buy for them. Released in Fall of 2024, this is the most recent starter set for Games Workshop, desgined as “all in” buy for anyone who may have played the Space Marine 2 video game.
Final Thoughts on The 40k Starters
If you’re looking to get into Warhammer 40k or want a solid way to kick off the 10th Edition, these starter sets bring serious value, especially when split with a friend. From the budget-friendly Recruit Edition to the stacked (and harder to find) Leviathan box, there’s something here for every kind of player.
Check what’s inside, do the math, and go with the set that fits your budget, army goals, and how much hobby gear you already own. Got thoughts on which one’s the best deal? Drop them in the comments—we’re always down to talk plastic.
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All The 40k Combat Patrol Pricing & Values
What do you think about the value and pricing for the new 10th Edition Warhammer 40k starter set boxes? Will you be picking either of them up?
