Here’s the new Dark Imperium Warhammer 40k 8th Edition Starter box set contents list, release date, rules, value, and pricing in our updated savings breakdown!
Updated March 17th, 2025, by Rob Baer- with new pricing that has been updated to 2025 and what the value is in today’s hobby dollars.
The Warhammer 40k Dark Imperium 8th Edition Starter Box is here, and the value is interesting for sure. Packed with must-have units for building or expanding your Chaos and Space Marine armies, this Warhammer 40k 8th Edition Starter Set box has players talking about its contents, release date, and just how much you’re saving compared to buying everything separately.
Ready to see if this is the best bang for your buck? We have our take on this box, with a breakdown of what’s inside and how it stacks up against the competition.
Contents List, Release Date, Pricing & Value
Dark Imperium is packed with 53 miniatures, with plenty of models on both sides of the battle! There is quite a bit of content included in this set, but at the time of release, it was the most expensive starter box, priced at $160 (if you can still find it for that price, it’s a great deal, as new Battleforces are usually $230).
The release date of the Dark Imperium Warhammer 40k Starter box is June 17, 2017.
What Comes in the Dark Imperium Box Set?
Here is a contents list of what comes in the Warhammer 40k Dark Imperium Starter box:
- 10x Intercessors
- 5x Hellblasters
- 3x Inceptor Squad
- 1x Primarus LT PS
- 1x Primaris LT Bolt
- 1x Primaris Ancient
- 1x Captain in Gravis Armor
- 7x Death Guard Plague Marines
- 1x Foetid Bloat Drone
- 20x Pox Walkers
- 1x Lord of Contagion
- 1x Noxious Blightbringer
- 1x Malignant Plaguecaster
- 8th Edition Rulebook & accessories
Warhammer 40k 8th Edition Dark Imperium Starter Review
If you’re aiming to add some flair to your armies, this box is like hitting the jackpot at the game store (if you can still find them at a reasonable price). With a strong lineup of miniatures ready to rain down chaos on the battlefield, you really can’t go wrong here. In most cases, it’s like assembling an all-star team right out of the gate.
Dark Imperium 8th Edition Starter List Price: $160 CAD$190 £95 €120
Death Guard Half
| Models | Unit Name | Value |
| 7 | Plague Marines | $60 |
| 1 | Bloat Drone | $60 |
| 20 | Poxwalkers | $74 ($37 for 10) |
| 1 | Noxious Blightbringer | $35 (part of the Chosen of Mortarion) |
| 20 | Malignant Plaguecaster | $35 (part of the Chosen of Mortarion) |
| 1 | Lord of Contagions | $35 |
| Dark Imperium | ||
| Total MSRP: | $299 (with 2025 prices) | |
| Savings Versus Half Box Price: | $219 | |
Space Marine Half
| Models | Unit Name | Value |
| 10 | Intercessors | $62.50 |
| 5 | Hellblasters | $32 ($62.50 for 10) |
| 1 | Primaris Ancient | $42 |
| 3 | Inceptor Squad | $60 |
| 1 | Captain in Gravis Armor | $42 |
| 2 | Primaris Lieutenants | $74 ($37 for 1) |
| Dark Imperium | ||
| Total MSRP: | $312.50 (with 2025 prices) | |
| Savings Versus Box Price: | $232.50 | |
Overall Value
| Dark Imperium | ||
| Total MSRP: | $611.50 (with 2025 prices) | |
| Savings Versus Box Price: | $451.50 | |
Combat Patrol Warhammer 40k Comparisons
Check out how the new combat patrol stacks up against other bundle box releases, including the Adepta Sororitas Combat Patrol box from 2024.
| Box Set Name | Price | Qty of Minis | Value |
| Deathwing Assault | $220 | 22 | $124 |
| Aeldari Combat Patrol | $170 | 21 | $82 |
| Dark Imperium updated to 2025 | $160 | 53 | $451.50 |
| Dread Talons Battleforce | $230 | 35 | $140 |
| Stompa Boyz Battleforce | $210 | 23 | $166 |
Combat Patrol Pricing By Country
| Country | Price |
| United States | $160* |
| Canada | CAD$190 |
| United Kingdom | £95 |
| Europe | €120 |
* This was released back in 2017, and the prices of the values are updated to 3035, which makes the value seem extremely high.
Is it Worth It?
Well… If you can somehow get this at the old price of $160 (maybe tucked away at your LGS), then this is a huge steal! However, as of right now, most of the finds are more expensive or just half the box. Either way, this was loaded with value.
The only downside is the giant focus on characters. This is perfect if you have a bunch of troops and need some characters to lead the charge. If you are just starting an army, with this box, you won’t have to buy characters for a long time!
How Many Points Are in the Dark Imperium Box Set?
In Warhammer 40k 10th edition, each side hits with about 500 points (but not the best armies, as you have tons of points in characters). But, as you know, the tides of the Grimdark universe are ever-shifting, and with the latest points updates, that number could quickly fluctuate.
Where To Buy The Warhammer 40k 8th Edition Dark Imperium Starter Set
Snag your new starter box from our handpicked list of retailers, and give us a high-five in support! Every qualifying purchase helps Spikey Bits keep the lights on and the fun going.
Quick Order Links Get 15% Off or More:
Mid Atlantic US: Fabricators Forge | Bazooka Games | Frontline Gaming (West Coast US) | The Rogue Traders | Central US: Dicehead Games | Noble Knight Games | Warpfire Minis | West Coast US: Squadmarks |
Worldwide: Amazon | eBay| or | Games Workshop’s Store | UK: Element Games (UK) | Merlin’s Minis | Wayland Games | Canada: Tista Minis | Abyss Game Store | Kingdom Titans |
Warhammer 40k Dark Imperium 8th Edition Starter List Price: $160 CAD$190 £95 €120
- Base Size: Varies
- Height: Varies
- Alignment: Chaos & Adeptus Astartes
- Faction: Death Guard and Space Marines
- Role: Fast Attack, Elites, Troops, HQ
- Material: Plastic
- Number of Minis: 53
- Release Date: June 17th, 2017
What to Buy Next?
With this box, you have a ton of characters for each army. This means you’ll need plenty of troops for them to lead (just make sure the boxes you grab can be led by all the characters you have. Then, once you have the infantry section sorted out, you’ll need some heavy armor and firepower for both factions!
Since you don’t have a ton of points for either army, you can pretty much build up the forces in any way you want. Just be sure to get stuff you like to paint, because the meta will always change, but having cool models will always be fun.
Conclusion on Value
So, there you have it! The Warhammer 40k Dark Imperium Box Set is a solid buy for anyone looking to amp up their army with some fantastic units. With its great value and a nice mix of models, it’s like getting a leg up on the battlefield (pun intended) without breaking the bank.
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What do you think of the Warhammer 40k Dark Imperium Starter Set pricing, value, rules, contents list, and release date?
