Get the quick guide to every current Warhammer 40k starter set from GW, with breakdowns on price, value, and which box is actually worth your cash.
Trying to figure out the best Warhammer 40k starter set to grab now? We break down all the options, compare prices and contents, and call out the real values. Whether you are jumping into the game for the first time or you are trying to convert a friend with the power of tiny plastic warriors, this breakdown keeps things simple.
With so many options out now, from quick-start 40k Combat Patrol boxes to full-blown army bundles, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. That’s where this guide comes in.
Which Warhammer 40k Starter Set Is the Best in 2025 2026?
Updated on December 5th, 2025, by Rob Baer with new information and links to relevant content.
Jumping into Warhammer 40k can feel like trying to decode a small library of rules, so a good Warhammer 40k starter set or Warhammer starter kit goes a long way. The good news is Games Workshop has rolled out several options, each built to get you playing fast with solid models and everything you need to hit the table.
So here is the plan. We are going through every current Warhammer 40 000 starter set to see which ones offer the best value, the best armies, and the cleanest path into the hobby. Some kits pack in paints and tools, some jump straight into gameplay, and some just stack crazy plastic value.
If you want the easiest on-ramp to 40k, or you are hunting for the smartest buy in the lineup, these Warhammer starter sets are where the real answers live.
#1 Warhammer 40k Starter Set Review Price and Contents $110
The Warhammer 40k Starter Set hits that overall 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.
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 This Warhammer Starter Set Worth Buying?
Short answer: yes, with a couple of things to keep in mind.
The downside:
The Tyranids get more total models, so the box looks a bit lopsided at first glance (but the value is almost the same). These are also push-fit sculpts reused from Leviathan, so nothing here is brand new.
The upside:
The overall savings are extremely strong, and both factions walk away with a hefty pile of minis. If you split the box, the value feels even better since each player gets a solid force without spending much.
Bottom line:
If you want an easy and affordable way to start either army, this starter delivers plenty of plastic for the price.
#2 10th Edition Warhammer 40 000 Ultimate Starter Set Guide and Value: $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 the Warhammer 40k Ultimate Starter Set Worth It?
Short answer: yes, but with some caveats.
The downside:
The value looks lower at first glance because this box is basically two Combat Patrols bundled together. When you remember Leviathan was $250 for way more plastic, the price stings a bit.
The upside:
You still get solid savings overall, plus full Combat Patrols for both factions. If you split the box, you are paying about $105 per Combat Patrol, and you can divide the terrain however you want.
Bottom line:
If you are starting Space Marines or Tyranids, this is a clean and affordable jump start for both players.
#3 Leviathan Warhammer 40k Starter Set Breakdown $250
Notably, this is harder to find but has the highest value among them all. If you can find this for anywhere near the original price, you should probably buy it. However, it’s just really hard to find at a reasonable price anymore.
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
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 the Warhammer 40k Leviathan Starter Set Worth it?
Short answer: absolutely yes.
The downside:
Leviathan is nearly impossible to find at retail now. The scarcity is the only reason it is not sitting at the top of the list.
The upside:
If you score it for $250, or even $300, the value is ridiculous. Splitting it with a friend means you each spend about $125 and walk away with more than $400 in models.
Bottom line:
This is the highest value Warhammer 40k starter set Games Workshop has dropped in years. If you see it at a sane price, grab it instantly.
#3: Warhammer 40k: Introductory Starter Set $69
The Introductory Warhammer 40 000 starter set gives you everything you need to jump into the hobby, from push-fit models to paints, tools, guides, and a full setup to play your first games. If you want an easy on-ramp into Warhammer 40k or a simple way to bulk up an existing collection, this Warhammer Starter Kit is decent. Now, let’s check out the kind of value this comes with.
- 5x Infernus Marines $30 ($60 for 10)
- 10x Termagants and Ripper Swarm $48
- 5x Citadel paints $39
- Citadel Starter Clippers $35 (not the $53 version on their site)
- Citadel Colour Starter Brush $6.50
- Handbook $25
- Double-sided gaming mat, dice, cardboard tokens, and terrain markers. Added Value
Total Value: $183.50
Total Value Versus $69 MSRP: $114.50
Is the Warhammer 40k Introductory Starter Set Worth It?
Short answer: yes, if you are brand new.
The upside:
You get paints, clippers, dice, a brush, a simple mat, and enough minis to build, base coat, and get a game going. It is basically a full hobby toolkit in a box.
The downside:
The mat is just a thin paper sheet, and the model value is low if you have been in the hobby for any amount of time. Most of the cost is tied up in the accessories, not the plastic.
Bottom line:
Great for first timers, not great for existing players.
#4: Space Marine 2 Recruit Edition Warhammer Starter Kit $65
Released in the Fall of 2024, this is the most recent starter set for Games Workshop, designed as “all in” buy for anyone who may have played the Space Marine 2 video game. However, like Leviathan, this is nearly impossible to find at a reasonable price now. It appears some on the secondary market, but it is usually quite expensive.
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 bo
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 Warhammer 40k Starter Set Worth it?
Short answer: yes, if you want Titus and the hobby gear.
The upside:
New players get paints, tools, and a solid hero model all in one box, which makes it a clean build, paint, and play starter.
The downside:
If you already have hobby supplies, it is smarter to hunt down Titus on his own. The value drops fast if you are only after the mini.
Bottom line:
At retail price, this kit is a steal. If it is marked up, it’s probably better to grab a different set instead.
#5 11th edition Warhammer Starter Set
You could always hold out for the rumored Orks vs Space Marines Warhammer 40k starter set dropping in summer 2026. Sure, it is a gamble since we do not have the full contents yet, but the rumor mill has been batting pretty high lately. If either faction is on your wishlist, this box is almost guaranteed to save you a pile of teef.
The catch is simple. You do not know exactly what you are getting until GW decides to show their cards. The upside is even simpler. Massive value, fresh models before they hit shelves in their own boxes, and a stacked launch box to kick off the new edition.
If you can handle the wait, this one could be a monster score.
Warhammer 40k Starter Set FAQ
What is the best Warhammer 40k starter set for new players?
If you want the quickest way to start playing without melting your brain, the standard Warhammer 40k Starter Set is the sweet spot. You get solid armies, a rules primer, and enough tools to actually play without hunting down extra gear.
Which Warhammer starter kit has the best value in 2025?
That crown still belongs to Leviathan. Nothing else comes close to the sheer plastic mountain you get for the price. If you see it for retail, grab it before someone else does.
Is the Ultimate Warhammer 40 000 starter set worth the higher price?
If you want full Combat Patrols for both armies, plus terrain and complete rules support, then yes. It costs more, but you get fully playable forces right out of the box.
What is the cheapest Warhammer starter set right now?
The Space Marine 2 Recruit Edition is the budget pick. It is built for brand new hobbyists and includes paints, tools, and Titus himself. If you want a low-cost Warhammer starter kit, this is the one.
Should I split a Warhammer 40k starter set with a friend?
Absolutely. Every set in this lineup splits cleanly into two armies, and the math almost always works out in your favor. Grab a buddy and cut that cost in half.
Are push-fit models good for beginners?
Yes. They snap together fast, the sculpts look great, and you can always glue them later. For starter sets, push fit is basically the hobby cheat code.
Do I need anything else to start playing?
For most boxes, no. Starter sets usually include dice, rulers, missions, and rules. If you want to paint your minis, you will eventually want better brushes and more colors, but you can play right out of the box.
Can I use these starter set models in bigger Warhammer 40k armies?
For sure. Everything here slots into full 40k lists, and most kits form the backbone of larger collections. Starter sets are basically step one of building a real army.
Final Thoughts on the Best Warhammer 40k Starter Sets
At the end of the day, every Warhammer 40k starter set brings something different to the table, so the real win is picking the box that matches your budget and your future army plans. Whether you want the best deal, the best models, or the fastest path to rolling dice, there is a starter here that gets you into the game without any headaches.
If you spot one of the high-value Warhammer Starter kits at retail, snag it fast, because in the grimdark future, hesitation means someone else buys your plastic.
Where to Buy Your Warhammer 40k Starter Set
- Take the plunge into the 41st Millennium with the Ultimate Starter Set for Warhammer 40,000.
- This box gives you a complete introductory experience, with loads of incredible models, a battlefield to fight over, helpful guides, and all the dice, tools, and rules you need to play your first games.
- Pick the noble Space Marines or swarming Tyranids, give control of the other army to a friend or family member, and battle it out for hours of entertainment.
- There’s no better way to get into the Warhammer 40,000 hobby – this box is also an excellent way to expand your existing collections.
Last update on 2025-12-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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