Games Workshop’s new Warhammer 40k Kill Team Starter set solves two massive problems with one single release for them.
New Warhammer 40k Kill Team Starter Set Solves Two MASSIVE Problems For Games Workshop
Games Workshop’s latest release, the 40k Kill Team Starter set, brings more than just new models to the tabletop—it addresses two significant issues that have affected players for years. By introducing this new product, GW offers solutions to both the rising secondary market prices for models (like the Space Marine Heroes) and the ongoing terrain problem that has plagued stores and players alike.
This set isn’t just about new models—it’s a strategic move to make the hobby more accessible and streamlined for both new players and long-time fans.
Combatting Scalper Inflation with Strategic Releases
Over the years, scalping has become a frustrating problem in the world of Warhammer, particularly for limited-edition models or boxed sets. Some of these figures, like the Nurgle Sorcerer from the Heroes box set, have been sold for over $100 on secondary markets such as eBay, pushing them far out of reach for many hobbyists. As scalpers drive prices higher, casual collectors and new players find it harder to engage with the game.
GW has found a way to take control of this issue by introducing reprints, made-to-order (MTO) offerings, and boxed sets like the new Kill Team Starter. By making highly sought-after miniatures more widely available, GW cuts the legs out from under scalpers. The latest Kill Team Starter set features popular models that can now be purchased directly from GW at retail price, ensuring that the models remain accessible. This approach helps prevent inflated secondary market prices and ensures players can add key units to their collections without paying exorbitant amounts.
Streamlining Terrain Production for Players and Stores
Another challenge GW has faced in recent years is providing players with the terrain necessary for specific game layouts, particularly for new Kill Team seasons like Pariah Nexus. In the past, players often had to turn to third-party companies, such as Frontline Gaming (FLG) and Micro Art Studio, for full-color printed MDF terrain, as these types of products weren’t available directly from GW. While these companies provide high-quality options, newer gamers might not know where to look when trying to find appropriate terrain.
The new Kill Team Starter set changes this dynamic by bringing terrain production in-house. Instead of using bulky plastic sprues that require lengthy manufacturing and shipping times—sometimes from across the globe—GW is using pre-printed or “pre-painted” MDF terrain, similar to what third-party sellers offer. This shift allows GW to provide terrain specific to the new Kill Team starter set of even whole seasons more efficiently and cost-effectively, cutting out the middlemen and reducing logistical delays.
For players, this is a huge win. With the Kill Team Starter, players can now get terrain that matches the layouts for current and upcoming seasons directly from GW without having to spend tons of terrain from them or make their own. This not only helps players get their Kill Teams up and running faster but, in the future, could ensure that stores have the terrain they need for official events and tournaments.
A Future-Proofed Kill Team Experience
The release of the new Kill Team Starter set marks a pivotal moment for Games Workshop. By addressing the challenges posed by scalpers and the terrain supply chain, GW is creating a more balanced and accessible experience for all players. Whether you’re looking to expand your collection with Space Marines or build your next battlefield with “pre-painted” terrain, this new release offers something for every hobbyist.
GW’s focus on both the quality of the models and the efficiency of the terrain solutions makes this an important step forward in ensuring the hobby remains fun, affordable, and widely available.
Final Thoughts on the Latest Kill Team Release
In short, GW’s new Kill Team Starter set is like the Emperor’s blessing in plastic and MDF form. By curbing scalper-induced headaches and providing terrain solutions faster than an Eldar jetbike, they’ve made this release a smart play for hobbyists across the globe. Whether you’re a newcomer gearing up for your first skirmish or a long-time player ready to send your squad into battle, GW has given us all a reason to celebrate.
Getting Started with Warhammer 40k Kill Team: Your Ultimate Rules Guide
What do you think about the new Warhammer 40k Kill Team Starter Set? Will you be grabbing it?
About the Author: Rob Baer
Rob Baer
Job Title: Managing Editor
Founded Spikey Bits in 2009
Socials: Rob Baer on Facebook and @catdaddymbg on X
About Rob Baer: Founder, Publisher, & Managing Editor of Spikey Bits, the leading tabletop gaming news website focused on the hobby side of wargaming and miniatures.
Rob also co-founded and currently hosts the Long War Podcast, which has over 350 episodes and focuses on tabletop miniatures gaming, specializing in Warhammer 40k. and spent six years writing for Bell of Lost Souls.
Every year, along with his co-hosts, he helps host the Long War 40k Doubles Tournament at Adepticon and the Long War 40k Doubles at Las Vegas Open, which attracts over 350 players from around the world.
Rob has won many Warhammer 40k Tournaments over the years, including multiple first-place finishes in Warhammer 40k Grand Tournaments over the years and even winning 1st place at the Adepticon 40k Team Tournament.
With over 30 years of experience in retail and distribution, Rob knows all the products and exactly which ones are the best. As a member of GAMA (Game Manufacturers Association), he advocates for gaming stores and manufacturers in these difficult times, always looking for the next big thing to feature for the miniatures hobby, helping everyone to provide the value consumers want.
While he’s played every edition of Warhammer 40k and Warhammer Fantasy (since 5th Edition) and has been hobbying on miniatures since the 1980s, Titans of all sizes will always be his favorite! It’s even rumored that his hobby vault rivals the Solemnance Galleries, containing rulebooks filled with lore from editions long past, ancient packs of black-bordered Magic Cards, and models made of both pewter and resin.
