Walking into Warhammer for the first time feels like being handed the keys to an enormous machine with no manual. Dozens of factions, rules across multiple books, paints called "Screamer Pink," and four different "starter" boxes on the shelf.
Every veteran you'll ever meet started exactly where you are: overwhelmed and slightly obsessed. This guide gets you from zero to your first game and your first painted model, and it tells you exactly what to buy (and what to skip).
What Is Warhammer 40K?
Warhammer 40,000 is a tabletop miniatures wargame set in a grim science-fantasy future. You build an army of plastic miniatures, paint them however you like, and battle other players with dice and a ruleset. The current ruleset is 11th edition, which launched in June 2026 with the Armageddon box (Space Marines vs. Orks). If a guide or video tells you 10th edition is current, it's out of date.
It's also a hobby: plenty of people spend more time building and painting than rolling dice. Both are the "right" way to do it.
Which First Box Should You Buy?
Games Workshop released four beginner boxes for 11th edition. Here's how they compare:
| Box | Best for | Models | Paints included | Price tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introductory Set | Trying the hobby before committing | 12 (Space Marines + Orks) | Yes: 6 paints + brush | $ |
| Getting Started With Space Marines | Starting a Space Marine army solo | A full Combat Patrol | Yes: 11 paints + brush | $$ |
| Getting Started With Orks | Starting an Ork army solo | A full Combat Patrol | Yes: 11 paints + brush | $$ |
| Starter Set | Two players, or the best value per model | 46 (two Combat Patrol armies) | No | $$$ |
Pick the Introductory Set if…
You're curious but not sure you'll enjoy building and painting. You get 12 exclusive miniatures (a Space Marine Lieutenant, 5 Intercessors, an Ork Nob and 5 Boyz), six paints, a brush, a playmat, card terrain, dice, a ruler and a 48-page handbook with simplified rules. It's the cheapest real taste of the whole hobby, and the models are unique sculpts that still fit into a bigger army later.
Pick a Getting Started box if…
You already know you want Space Marines or Orks and you're starting on your own. Each box has a full Combat Patrol army plus 11 paints picked for that faction and a starter brush, so it's an army and a paint kit in one.
Pick the Starter Set if…
You're starting with a friend, or you want the most miniatures for your money. It includes two complete Combat Patrol armies (Space Marines: Captain, Librarian, 5 Intercessors, 5 Vanguard Veterans, Land Speeder; Orks: Warboss, Weirdboy, 20 Boyz, 10 Gretchin, Wartrakk), the Core Rules book, 15 pieces of terrain, a double-sided board, rulers, dice and a Starter Guide. Split it with a friend and you each get an army. It does not include paints or tools, so budget for the checklist below.
Already have a faction in mind?
If your army isn't Space Marines or Orks, start with that faction's Combat Patrol box. Browse all Combat Patrols here.
Beyond the Box: Your Beginner Checklist
This is where most beginners get stuck: the box is in the cart, but nothing to build or paint it with. Here's what you actually need:
- Clippers / hobby tools (required). Every box ships on plastic frames. The Army Painter Hobby Tool Kit covers clippers, a hobby knife, a file and super glue in one box.
- Plastic glue (required for the Starter Set and Combat Patrols). Tamiya Extra Thin Cement is our best-selling hobby supply. It welds plastic and leaves clean joins.
- Primer (strongly recommended). Paint sticks to primer, not bare plastic. Building Space Marines? Macragge Blue spray primes and base-coats Ultramarines in one step. For other armies, see all primers and sprays.
- Paints (if your box has none). The Citadel Paints & Tools Set is the simplest add-on for Starter Set buyers. Want more models too? The Intercessors & Paint Set and Boyz & Paints Set add a squad, paints and basic tools.
- Better brushes (once you're hooked). The Army Painter Hobby Starter Brush Set is a big step up from box brushes.
Everything above is in one place: Shop the Get Started With Warhammer collection.
The Rules Are Free
You don't need to buy a rulebook to start. The 11th edition Core Rules are a free download on the Warhammer Community site, and Combat Patrol rules and datasheets are free in the official Warhammer 40,000 app. The Introductory Set and Starter Set also include printed rules to learn from.
The fastest way to learn is to play: set up a Combat Patrol game, keep the rules open on your phone, and push models around. One game teaches more than hours of reading.
Build, Then Prime, Then Paint
Build your models before painting them. Painting separate pieces leaves bare patches at every join once they're glued. Clip parts cleanly, scrape off the mould lines, glue, prime, then paint.
For your first models, keep it simple: a base color, a shade or Contrast paint for instant depth, and a drybrush for highlights. Tabletop-ready beats perfect.
Join the War Games USA Discord
Most online hobby shops don't offer a real community. Ours does. Our Discord connects beginners with experienced painters and veteran players who genuinely enjoy helping people start. Which primer works in Florida humidity? What color scheme suits your chapter? Is your list legal? Someone in the server knows and is happy to help.
Members also get first word on new Games Workshop releases, which sell out fast. Join the Discord here.
Beginner FAQ
What's the best Warhammer 40K starter set in 2026?
For most solo beginners, a Getting Started box (Space Marines or Orks). For two players or best value, the Starter Set. If you're not sure the hobby is for you, the Introductory Set.
Do I need to buy anything besides the box?
Yes, at minimum clippers. The Starter Set and Combat Patrols also need plastic glue, primer and paints. The Introductory Set and Getting Started boxes include paints and a brush.
Which faction is best for beginners?
Pick the one you think looks coolest. Space Marines have the most tutorials and players; Orks are forgiving and fun to paint. Both are in every 11th edition beginner box.
Is 10th edition still current?
No. 11th edition launched in June 2026 and is the current version of the game.
Why Buy From War Games USA?
- 15% off MSRP on Games Workshop products.
- Pre-orders and custom orders: if you need something specific, ask.
- Full paint range: Citadel, Army Painter, AK Interactive, Vallejo and more.
- A real store in South Daytona and a Discord full of people who want to help you start.