Have you ever looked at the epic battles of Warhammer and thought, “I want to do that!”? The sheer scope of the Warhammer universes, from grimdark futures to fantastical realms, can be incredibly exciting. But then you see the starter sets, and suddenly that excitement can turn into a bit of confusion. Which one is right for you? It’s a big question, and the wrong choice can leave you feeling a little lost before you even roll your first dice.
Picking the perfect starter set is like choosing your first adventure; it sets the stage for everything that comes after. You want an army that looks cool, plays in a way you enjoy, and gives you a solid foundation to build upon. But with so many factions and sets available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure where to begin. That’s where this guide comes in.
By the end of this post, you’ll have a much clearer picture of the Warhammer Starter Sets available. We’ll break down what makes each one special, who they’re best suited for, and how they’ll help you dive headfirst into the thrilling world of tabletop wargaming. So, let’s get started and find the perfect entry point for your Warhammer journey!
Our Top 5 Warhammer Starter Set Recommendations at a Glance
Image | Product | Rating | Links |
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Games Workshop – Warhammer 40 | 9.3/10 | Check Price |
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Games Workshop – Warhammer 40 | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
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Warhammer 40 | 9.3/10 | Check Price |
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GAMES WORKSHOP Warhammer 40K: Space Marines: Infernus Marines & Paints Set | 8.7/10 | Check Price |
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Games Workshop – Warhammer 40 | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Warhammer Starter Set Detailed Reviews
1. Games Workshop – Warhammer 40
Rating: 9.4/10
Ready to dive into the grim darkness of the far future? The Games Workshop – Warhammer 40,000: Starter Set is your perfect gateway into this epic universe. It’s designed for beginners, making it super easy to start your adventure in the Warhammer 40,000 hobby. You get everything you need to play right out of the box.
What We Like:
- It’s a fantastic way to start your Warhammer 40,000 journey.
- The set includes the basic rules, so you can learn the game quickly.
- You get all the essential gaming accessories like dice, a gaming mat, reference sheets, and range rulers.
- It comes with 38 awesome push-fit models.
- These models make up two balanced armies: the heroic Space Marines and the terrifying Tyranids.
- Building the models is simple because they are push-fit, meaning no glue is needed!
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s a great starting point, some players might want more advanced rules or different model options later on.
- The included gaming mat is basic; serious hobbyists might want a more detailed or larger one down the line.
This Starter Set truly gives you a solid foundation for playing Warhammer 40,000. It’s an excellent value for anyone eager to explore this rich and engaging tabletop game.
2. Games Workshop – Warhammer 40
Rating: 9.3/10
Dive into the epic universe of Warhammer 40,000 with the brand-new Introductory Set for 10th Edition! This box is your perfect starting point. It gives you everything you need to jump into the thrilling battles of the 41st millennium. You’ll get the basic rules to play the game. There are also dice, a gaming mat, and handy reference sheets. A range ruler is included too, so you can measure your attacks accurately.
What We Like:
- This set provides a fantastic and affordable entry into the Warhammer 40,000 hobby.
- It includes two balanced starter forces: iconic Space Marines and terrifying Tyranids, each with 16 easy-to-assemble, push-fit models.
- Essential hobby supplies like glue and paint are included, letting you build and paint your miniatures right away.
- The inclusion of basic rules, dice, a gaming mat, and reference sheets means you can start playing almost immediately.
- It’s designed for new players, making the complex hobby much more accessible.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the included paints are great for beginners, hobbyists might want a wider color selection for more detailed customization later on.
- The gaming mat is basic; more experienced players might desire a larger or more elaborate mat for their battles.
This introductory set is an excellent gateway into the vast world of Warhammer 40,000. It offers a complete package for anyone looking to start their journey in this engaging hobby.
3. Warhammer 40
Rating: 9.3/10
Dive headfirst into the grim darkness of the far future with the Warhammer 40,000: Ultimate Starter Set. This all-in-one box is your gateway to a massive universe of sci-fi warfare. It’s packed with everything a new player needs to get started, from awesome miniature models to the rules and tools for your first epic battles. You can choose to lead the mighty Space Marines or command the ravenous Tyranids. Grab a friend or family member, and let the galaxy-spanning conflict begin!
What We Like:
- It offers a complete introduction to Warhammer 40,000.
- You get a fantastic selection of detailed models.
- The set includes a battlefield to fight on.
- It comes with all the necessary tools, dice, and rules.
- It’s a fun way to play with friends and family.
- It’s also great for adding to your existing armies.
What Could Be Improved:
- The sheer number of rules might seem a bit overwhelming at first.
- While great for two players, buying additional sets is needed for larger games.
This Ultimate Starter Set truly provides an unparalleled entry point into the Warhammer 40,000 hobby. It’s an exciting package that promises hours of strategic fun and a fantastic start to your collection.
4. GAMES WORKSHOP Warhammer 40K: Space Marines: Infernus Marines & Paints Set
Rating: 9.5/10
Ready to dive into the epic universe of Warhammer 40,000? The GAMES WORKSHOP Warhammer 40K: Space Marines: Infernus Marines & Paints Set offers a fantastic entry point for anyone looking to start their own Space Marine army. This set includes everything you need to build and paint your first warriors, making it an ideal gift or personal starter kit.
What We Like:
- It’s a perfect way to begin collecting Space Marines.
- You get three easy-to-assemble, push-fit models.
- Six essential paints are included to bring your models to life.
- A starter brush is provided, so you have all the basic tools.
- The models feature cool molded squad markings and Ultramarines symbols.
- The miniatures come with the correct bases for display.
What Could Be Improved:
- The miniatures arrive unassembled and unpainted, requiring some initial effort.
- While six paints are provided, a wider color selection would be beneficial for more advanced customization.
This set truly makes starting your Space Marine collection an exciting and accessible experience. It’s a great way to get a feel for the hobby.
5. Games Workshop – Warhammer 40
Rating: 9.3/10
Dive into the epic universe of Warhammer 40,000 with the Games Workshop – Warhammer 40,000: Paints + Tools Set (2023 Edition). This all-in-one kit is your gateway to building, preparing, and painting your own mighty armies. It comes with everything a budding hobbyist needs to bring their miniatures to life.
What We Like:
- It includes a fantastic selection of essential base paints like Abaddon Black and Corax White, perfect for starting your models.
- You get some great highlight and effect paints too, like Thunderhawk Blue and Magos Purple, to add cool details.
- The set comes with a Citadel Starter Brush, Citadel Starter Clippers, and a Citadel Mouldline Scraper, which are all you need to get started right away.
- The inclusion of Armageddon Dust technical paint lets you add realistic battlefield effects.
- This set is a brilliant way for beginners to jump into the Warhammer 40,000 hobby without buying everything separately.
What Could Be Improved:
- More advanced hobbyists might find the selection of paints a bit limited for complex schemes.
- While the starter brush is good, a second, finer brush would be helpful for smaller details.
This comprehensive set is an excellent starting point for anyone eager to assemble and paint their Warhammer 40,000 miniatures. It equips you with the fundamental tools and colors to begin your painting journey.
Your First Step into the Grim Darkness: The Warhammer Starter Set Buying Guide
So, you’ve heard the whispers of epic battles, mighty warriors, and alien horrors. You’re ready to dive into the vast universe of Warhammer, but where do you even begin? The Warhammer Starter Set is your gateway. This guide will help you pick the perfect one.
Key Features to Look For
When choosing a Warhammer Starter Set, keep an eye out for these important features:
- Faction Choice: The most crucial feature is the armies included. Most starter sets feature two opposing factions. Think about which side you find cooler. Do you like the brave Space Marines or the savage Orks?
- Miniature Count: More models usually mean more fun for longer. Starter sets offer a good number of miniatures to build a small, playable army.
- Rulebook Access: A good starter set includes a beginner-friendly rulebook. This book teaches you the basics of how to play the game.
- Dice and Measuring Tools: These are essential for playing! Your starter set should come with everything you need to start rolling dice and measuring distances.
- Building and Painting Supplies: Some sets include glue, clippers, and basic paints. This lets you assemble and paint your miniatures right away.
Important Materials
The miniatures themselves are usually made of plastic. This plastic is easy to cut, glue, and paint. The rulebooks and other components are printed on cardstock and paper.
Factors that Improve or Reduce Quality
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Improved Quality:
- Detailed Miniatures: High-quality plastic molds create miniatures with sharp details. This makes them look fantastic when painted.
- Clear Rulebook: A well-written and easy-to-understand rulebook makes learning the game much smoother.
- Included Tools: Having quality clippers and glue in the box is a big plus.
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Reduced Quality:
- Flimsy Plastic: Some older or cheaper sets might have softer plastic that’s harder to cut cleanly.
- Confusing Instructions: If the building or painting instructions are unclear, it can be frustrating.
User Experience and Use Cases
Warhammer Starter Sets offer a fantastic user experience. They are designed to introduce new players to the hobby.
- Building: Assembling the miniatures is a rewarding process. You’ll learn how to use clippers and glue.
- Painting: Painting your miniatures brings them to life. Even basic paint jobs look great.
- Playing: Once built and painted, you can play your first games! The starter set rulebook guides you through this.
Use Cases:
- Learning the Game: This is the primary use. You get everything to start playing.
- Expanding an Army: If you already play Warhammer, a starter set can be a great way to add more models to your existing army.
- Gift for a Friend: It’s an excellent gift for anyone interested in tabletop gaming or miniature wargames.
Warhammer Starter Set FAQs
Q: What are the main Key Features of a Warhammer Starter Set?
A: The main key features are the specific factions included, the number of miniatures, the quality of the rulebook, and whether it comes with essential tools like dice and glue.
Q: What materials are the miniatures typically made from?
A: The miniatures are usually made from high-quality plastic, which is easy to assemble and paint.
Q: What makes a starter set have better quality?
A: Better quality comes from detailed miniature designs, a clear and helpful rulebook, and included tools that are easy to use.
Q: What can reduce the quality of a starter set?
A: Reduced quality can happen with poorly detailed miniatures or confusing instruction manuals.
Q: What is the typical user experience when buying a Warhammer Starter Set?
A: The user experience is generally very positive, focusing on the enjoyable process of building, painting, and learning to play the game.
Q: What are the main use cases for a Warhammer Starter Set?
A: The main use cases are for new players to learn the game, for existing players to expand their armies, or as a gift for someone interested in the hobby.
Q: Do I need any other tools besides what’s in the starter set?
A: Most starter sets include the basics. You might want to get more advanced paints or brushes later, but you can start playing with what’s provided.
Q: How many players can usually play with a starter set?
A: Starter sets are designed for two players, as they typically include two opposing armies.
Q: How difficult is it to assemble the miniatures?
A: The miniatures are designed to be assembled by beginners. The instructions are usually clear, and the plastic parts fit together well.
Q: Can I use the miniatures from a starter set in official games?
A: Yes, all miniatures included in official Warhammer starter sets are designed for use in the game according to the rules.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.

Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!