Diving into Warhammer 40k is an exciting adventure that opens the door to endless creativity, strategic gameplay, and personal expression. Whether you’re setting foot into the universe of towering Space Marines or mysterious Tyranids, the choices can feel overwhelming. 

With so much to choose from, you might be wondering, “What comes in the Warhammer 40k starter set?” or “Which one is the best for me?”. Our selection of starter sets is designed to make your Warhammer 40k introduction as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll unpack: 

• How to navigate the different Warhammer 40k starter sets 

• How to paint your models with confidence

• Help you find the set that’s perfect for your hobby style

Ready to jump in? Let’s discover the world of Warhammer 40k!

 

What Comes in the Warhammer 40k Starter Set? (A Beginner’s Overview)

Embarking on your Warhammer 40k journey offers an amazing hobby experience that involves assembling and painting your own army. But before you begin, it’s important to know what’s included in your Warhammer 40k starter set.

When you purchase a Warhammer 40k Starter Set, you’re getting everything you need to begin playing right away. Here's a quick breakdown of what you'll find in most sets:

• Warhammer 40k Miniatures - Your starter set comes with a set of detailed miniatures that you’ll assemble and paint. These figures bring the game to life and represent your army on the battlefield.
  
  

• Warhammer 40k Rulebook - A comprehensive rulebook is included to help you understand the mechanics of the game. For beginners, this will serve as your guide to the strategic aspects of Warhammer 40k, from movement to combat rules.
  
  

• Warhammer 40k Dice & Tokens - Your starter set includes dice for determining outcomes of battles, alongside tokens for keeping track of stats, damage, and status effects during gameplay.
  
  

• Paints & Tools (in some sets) - Many sets come with a basic painting kit to bring your miniatures to life. For those who want a more advanced set, the Warhammer 40k Ultimate Starter Set includes everything you need to paint your models with precision.
  
  

• Terrain (in some sets) - If you're looking to add terrain right from the start, the Ultimate Starter Set includes additional pieces for creating unique battlefield environments, enhancing the visual appeal and adding depth to your games.
  
  

How to Paint Warhammer 40k Starter Set Models (Step-by-Step Tips)

Painting your Warhammer 40k miniatures is one of the most exciting parts of the hobby. It’s where you can truly bring your army to life and add a personal touch that reflects your creative vision. 

Whether you're new to painting or have painted models before, these beginner-friendly tips will help you get started with confidence:

1. Start with the Right Tools & Paints

Before you begin, it’s important to have the right Warhammer paints and tools to ensure the best results. As a beginner, you don’t need an overwhelming collection of supplies. A basic set will do wonders, especially for your Warhammer 40k Starter Set miniatures.

The Warhammer 40k Paints & Tools Set is a great starting point for new painters. It includes essential tools like brushes, paints, and a palette, so you can start painting right out of the box.

2. Base Coating: The Foundation of Your Miniatures

Base coating is the first step in bringing your miniatures to life. It’s a simple process where you cover the entire model with a solid colour, usually a darker tone, that will act as your foundation.

Choose a paint colour that matches the primary colour of your army. For example, if you're painting Space Marines, you may want to start with a dark blue or black base coat.

3. Shading: Adding Depth and Realism

Once the base coat has dried, it’s time to add shading to give your miniatures depth and dimension. Shading helps to create the look of light and shadow on the model, making the details pop.

Use a wash or shade paint, which is a thinner consistency that settles in the model's recesses to create shadows. This technique is especially effective for beginners as it’s easy to apply and makes a huge difference in the final look.

4. Dry Brushing: Highlighting for Detail

Dry brushing is used to bring out the raised details on your models. It’s an easy method that adds highlights, making your miniatures look more dynamic and visually interesting. Our Army Painter Hobby Starter Brush Set has the perfect tools to get you started. 

Lightly dip a dry brush into your paint, wipe off the excess, and gently drag the brush across the raised areas of the model. This will highlight edges and raised details, bringing out the texture of the miniature. 

 

5. Detailing and Finishing Touches

After base coating, shading, and dry brushing, you’ll want to focus on the finer details. Paint the small areas like eyes, weapons, and insignia with precision. 

These little details add a lot of character to your models, making them truly unique. The Vallejo AV Detail - Definition Set is perfect for nailing those finer lines. 

 

Which Warhammer 40k Starter Set Is Best for You? (Find Your Perfect Box)

Choosing the right Warhammer 40k starter set can be a bit overwhelming, especially with so many options available. Each set is designed with a different player in mind, and the best set for you will depend on your experience level, budget, and preferred gameplay style. 

To make it easier for you, we’ve broken down the key differences between these popular sets, so you can find the perfect Warhammer 40k box for your needs.

1. Warhammer 40k Introductory Set

The Warhammer 40k Introductory Set is ideal for those just starting out in the hobby. It’s the most affordable option and includes everything you need to dive into your first game. This set provides a simple, streamlined experience to help you learn the basics of the game.

• Price: Budget-friendly, perfect for newcomers.

• Miniatures: A small collection of models, usually fewer than in more advanced sets.

• Gameplay Modes: Focuses on the core rules, ideal for beginner-level gameplay.

• Additional Items: Basic terrain pieces and accessories for building your battlefield.

2. Warhammer 40k Ultimate Starter Set

If you’re looking for a more comprehensive experience, the Warhammer 40k Ultimate Starter Set is the way to go. It includes a larger collection of miniatures, more advanced rules, and additional painting tools. 

• Price: Higher than the Introductory Set, but offers more value in terms of content.

• Miniatures: A larger variety of miniatures, perfect for building a full-fledged army.

• Gameplay Modes: More advanced, with additional game rules and strategic depth.

• Additional Items: Premium terrain pieces, extra paints, and tools to kickstart your hobby.

3. Combat Patrol Sets

The Combat Patrol Sets, like the Astra Militarum Combat Patrol, are perfect for players who want to focus on a specific faction and expand from there. These sets provide a targeted experience, offering everything you need to build and command a particular army.

• Price: Moderate, depending on the faction.

• Miniatures: Tailored to specific factions, giving you a focused army to start with.

• Gameplay Modes: Ideal for tactical play, with customisation for advanced players.

• Additional Items: Faction-specific terrain pieces, models, and often exclusive or special miniatures.

 

Where to Buy Warhammer 40k Starter Sets: Shop with Confidence at Loaded Dice

Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to expand your army, Loaded Dice is the ultimate destination for all your Warhammer 40k starter set needs. 

With our expertly curated selection of starter sets, fast shipping, and unrivalled customer support, we make it easier than ever to get started and grow your Warhammer collection.

Here's why we stand out from the competition:

• Expertly Curated Selection: We offer a handpicked range of Warhammer 40k starter sets to help you find the perfect match for your needs. With over 8,000 products available, we’ve got you covered.
  
  

• Fast, Reliable Shipping: No one likes waiting, especially when it comes to starting a new hobby. With next-day shipping as standard and pay-later options with Klarna available, you can start assembling your army without delay.
  
  

• Expert Advice: Not sure which starter set is right for you? Our team of Warhammer experts is here to help! With years of experience, we offer tailored advice to guide you in choosing the perfect set based on your gameplay style, experience, and budget.

Don’t wait to begin your Warhammer 40k adventure. Explore our collection of starter sets and take the first step towards commanding your army with Loaded Dice. 

 

---

 

Warhammer 40k Starter Sets: FAQs

What is the best Warhammer 40k Starter Set for beginners?

The Warhammer 40k Introductory Set is perfect for beginners. It offers a simplified version of the game with fewer miniatures and an easier-to-follow rulebook, making it an ideal starting point to learn the basics without feeling overwhelmed.

How long does it take to paint Warhammer 40k miniatures?

The time it takes to paint Warhammer 40k miniatures depends on your experience and the level of detail you want to achieve. For beginners, painting your first set of miniatures may take a few hours per figure, while more experienced painters can complete them faster. 

Remember, painting is a fun and relaxing process, so take your time and enjoy the journey!

Can I play Warhammer 40k solo, or do I need a second player?

While Warhammer 40k is traditionally played with two players, you can enjoy solo play with the right setup. Many players enjoy practising their army-building skills, painting miniatures, or setting up small battles to practise tactics and strategies. 

However, to fully experience the game’s strategic depth, playing with a friend or joining a local community, such as our Ministry of Dice, is ideal.

What are the key tools I need to build and paint my Warhammer 40k miniatures?

To build and paint your Warhammer 40k miniatures, you'll need a few essential tools:

• Model clippers for cutting miniatures from the sprue.

• Fine-tipped brushes for detailed painting.

• Plastic glue for assembly.

• Paints and a palette for applying colours.

You can find sets like the Warhammer 40k Paints & Tools Set that include all the basics you need to get started.