New Starter Sets & More Previewed For Warhammer 40,000

The 11th Edition of Warhammer 40,000 is here and whilst there were plenty of folks diving in using the new Armageddon boxed set, a lot of other folks will be looking for other routes into the game. That's where the new Starter Sets and other entry points into Warhammer 40,000 come in, previewed as part of the livestream last week.

Starter Set // Warhammer 40,000

A natural starting point would then be the new Starter Set for Warhammer 40,000. This comes with two Combat Patrol armies (although Combat Patrol does still seem rather underbaked at the moment) for the Space Marines and Orks. It's a smaller selection of the figures from the Armageddon boxed set but also comes with unpainted terrain, a double-sided game board, range rulers, dice and a Starter Guide which eases you into playing Warhammer 40,000.

If you'd prefer a smaller-scale introduction to the game then you could also go with the Introductory Set for Warhammer 40,000.

Introductory Set // Warhammer 40,000

This does what it says on the in, giving you enough miniatures for you and a friend to get their heads around the game of Warhammer 40,000 without being buried under an avalanche of plastic. The set comes with twelve miniatures covering a Space Marine Lieutenant, five Intercessors, an Ork Nob and five Boyz.

Introductory Set - Space Marines // Warhammer 40,000

Introductory Set - Orks // Warhammer 40,000

The cunning amongst you will have realised that the plastic miniatures from this Introductory Set are actually brand-new miniatures not found anywhere else at present. This means that the Introductory Set isn't just a good buy for a newcomer but also for a veteran wanting to add in a few more unique figures to their army.

This is also an easy way for an Ork player to add in the rocket launcha and big shoota to their Boyz from the Armageddon launch box, at least before the full Boyz kit comes out with the launch of the Codex down the line.

The set also comes with folding card terrain (I don't know why we don't have more of this sold separately) alongside a game mat, an introductory book and six paints (plus a brush), which means you can start working on your miniatures.

Getting Started Armies

If you're not fussed about one of the sides in the above boxes, you could also go for one of the new Getting Started With... boxes for the Space Marines and Orks.

Getting Started Space Marines // Warhammer 40,000

These sets give you the Combat Patrol forces for the Space Marines and Orks alongside an introductory guide to your army of choice, which contains step-by-step tutorials to help with your first games, building and painting guides and more. You will also get a starter paintbrush and eleven paints designed for your faction.

Getting Started Orks // Warhammer 40,000

I hope that this is the formula that they are going to be using in the future for the other factions of 11th Edition. It would be nice to actually get more in-the-box for your Combat Patrol force to guide you through the process, even if it all eventually links up to the app. I like what they've done for the Space Marines and Orks, though, so fingers crossed.

New Warhammer 40,000 Paint Sets

Games Workshop always has introductory painting sets for folks looking to get started in their games and this edition is no different.

Space Marine Paint Set // Warhammer 40,000

Orks Paint Set // Warhammer 40,000

There are sets for the Orks and Space Marines that will allow you to get those all-important basecoats down. Plus, there is a larger set which comes with loads of paints and a set of your basic Games Workshop tools.

Paints & Tools Set // Warhammer 40,000

Interestingly, Games Workshop has gone back to their traditional base, wash, highlight style of paint set rather than using Contrast as the entry point for people getting started. I suppose they see it more as a tool now rather than THE way to get into the painting side of the hobby.

Could you or someone you know be tempted into Warhammer 40,000 using some of these entry points?