Best Warhammer Starter Sets for New Players (2025)

Looking to jump into Warhammer but not sure which box to buy first? This guide compares the best Warhammer starter sets across game systems—Warhammer 40,000, Age of Sigmar, Kill Team, Warcry, and Warhammer Underworlds—so you can match time, budget, and playstyle with the right product. We’ll cover what’s inside, how long it takes to get playing, and who each box is best for.

How to Choose in 60 Seconds

• I want a full army game with tanks/monsters: Warhammer 40,000 Starter tiers or Age of Sigmar Starter tiers.
• I want compact skirmishes with 10–20 models: Kill Team Starter Set (sci‑fi) or Warcry: Crypt of Blood (fantasy).
• I want a fast, board‑game‑style duel I can play in 40–60 minutes: Warhammer Underworlds (current core box).
• My budget is low, I just want to try the hobby: Introductory Sets (both 40K & AoS have them) plus a Paints + Tools kit.

Warhammer 40,000 – Three Starter Tiers

For 40K, Games Workshop offers a clear, three‑step ladder so beginners can start small and scale up. The product names and prices vary by region, but you’ll typically see: Introductory Set (smallest), Starter Set (mid), and a top tier sometimes labeled Ultimate or Combat Patrol Starter Set (largest). These appear on the official 40K “getting started” pages and product listings, with current tiers and pricing shown for your country or region. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

40K Introductory Set – Best “First Taste”

• What you get: A handful of push‑fit minis, a simplified booklet, basic tools for play (range rulers/dice), and a fold‑out play area in many regions.
• Why it’s great: You can build and play the same evening; low cost; minimal rules overhead.
• Time to table: ~60–90 minutes to build + a short demo scenario.
• Who it’s for: Absolute beginners, parents with kids, and hobby‑curious players.

40K Starter Set (Mid Tier) – Best Overall Value

• What you get: Two small forces, a softback core rules booklet/learn‑to‑play, and a play surface (contents vary by region/print run). :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
• Why it’s great: A robust 2‑player experience; you’ll learn core phases, missions, and list building fundamentals.
• Time to table: ~2–4 hours to build and get through your first full game.
• Who it’s for: New players who want a proper 2‑player box with room to grow.

40K Ultimate / Combat Patrol Starter (Top Tier) – Best Long‑Term Start

• What you get: Larger model count on both sides and often extras like terrain or a thicker rules manual. Regional listings show this as an Ultimate Starter Set or a Combat Patrol Starter Set that aligns with 40K’s Combat Patrol format. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
• Why it’s great: You’re closer to a small matched‑play force on day one; terrain helps games feel cinematic.
• Time to table: ~4–8 hours to build/paint enough to play comfortably.
• Who it’s for: Players sure they want 40K as a main hobby.

Warhammer Age of Sigmar – Three Starter Tiers (4th Edition)

Age of Sigmar mirrors 40K’s ladder with Introductory, Starter, and a larger Spearhead Starter Set (the “ultimate” tier for AoS). The “Starter Set” currently features push‑fit Stormcast Eternals vs Skaven and totals 35 miniatures (10 Stormcast + 25 Skaven). :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

AoS Introductory Set – Best Budget Fantasy Start

• What you get: A small selection of push‑fit models, a learn‑to‑play guide, dice/rulers, and a compact play surface in many regions. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• Why it’s great: Lowest cost of entry; teaches movement, combat, and Battleshock without overwhelming rules.
• Time to table: ~60–90 minutes.
• Who it’s for: First‑timers who want a low‑risk taste of the Mortal Realms.

AoS Starter Set (Mid Tier) – Best Two‑Player Fantasy Box

• What you get: 35 push‑fit minis (10 Stormcast, 25 Skaven) and a step‑by‑step booklet to expand into full games. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
• Why it’s great: A complete 2‑player experience with iconic armies and simple assembly.
• Time to table: ~2–4 hours to build and play your first full battle.
• Who it’s for: New players who want a rich fantasy start with room to grow.

AoS Spearhead Starter Set (Top Tier) – Best “Play More, Sooner” Box

• What you get: The largest of the AoS starter family—packaged for the Spearhead play mode—with more models and materials to support repeat games. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
• Why it’s great: Faster path to AoS’s new Spearhead format; an excellent stepping stone before full‑size armies.
• Time to table: ~4–8 hours to build; you’ll be playing substantial games soon after.
• Who it’s for: Players ready to invest and play weekly out of one box.

Kill Team Starter Set – Best Compact Sci‑Fi Skirmish

Kill Team is a tight, objective‑driven skirmish set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. The Starter Set packages two complete teams, a game board, terrain, templates/tokens, dice, and the rules you need to start. Expect fast, cinematic missions where positioning and operative actions decide the day. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

• Why it’s great: Low model count, deep tactics, easy to store/transport.
• Time to table: ~2–3 hours to assemble basic teams and learn the core loop.
• Who it’s for: Players who prefer squad‑level stealth and mission puzzles over big battle lines.

Warcry: Crypt of Blood – Best Compact Fantasy Skirmish

Warcry is Age of Sigmar’s fast skirmish cousin—dicey, punchy, and terrain‑centric. The Crypt of Blood Starter Set is designed as a true on‑ramp, with two warbands, game board, terrain, dice, and rules in one box. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

• Why it’s great: Quick setup and short rounds—great for club nights or casual sessions.
• Time to table: ~90 minutes to build and play your first game.
• Who it’s for: Fantasy fans who love kinetic skirmishes and narrative scenarios.

Warhammer Underworlds (Current Core Box) – Best “Board Game” Warhammer

If you want Warhammer’s miniatures with a fast, card‑driven duel, Underworlds is the pick. The latest season box (e.g., Embergard) bundles warbands, pre‑built/expandable decks, boards, tokens, and dice for 40–60 minute matches. It’s quick to learn and highly replayable thanks to deckbuilding and Rivals formats. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

• Why it’s great: Tight rules, short games, and minimal painting required to start.
• Time to table: ~30–60 minutes—push‑fit models mean minimal assembly.
• Who it’s for: Board‑gamers and TCG players who enjoy tactical, best‑of‑three style play.

Must‑Have Add‑Ons for Any Starter

• Paints + Tools: Each range offers a beginner kit with clippers, mold‑line scraper, starter paints, and brush—handy for your first army or warband. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
• Free In‑Store Intro: Warhammer stores run free build‑and‑paint sessions and demo games—perfect to learn assembly, painting basics, and core rules before you buy big. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

Decision Matrix – Pick Your Box by Playstyle

• Best 2‑Player Big‑Battle Start (Sci‑Fi): Warhammer 40,000 Starter Set (mid tier) – robust forces, real missions. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
• Best 2‑Player Big‑Battle Start (Fantasy): Age of Sigmar Starter Set – 35 push‑fit minis with Stormcast vs Skaven. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
• Best Premium “All‑In” Path: 40K Ultimate/Combat Patrol Starter or AoS Spearhead Starter – most models, fastest growth curve. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
• Best Small‑Footprint Game (Sci‑Fi): Kill Team Starter Set – deep tactical play with few models. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
• Best Small‑Footprint Game (Fantasy): Warcry: Crypt of Blood – quick setup, punchy turns. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
• Best “Teach & Play in an Hour” Option: Underworlds (Embergard season box). :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}

Build Time, Complexity & Table Space (At a Glance)

• Introductory Sets (40K/AoS): Build: 60–90 min • Complexity: very low • Table: small mat or coffee table. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
• Starter Sets (mid tier): Build: 2–4 hours • Complexity: moderate • Table: kitchen/dining table. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
• Top‑Tier (Ultimate/Combat Patrol/Spearhead): Build: 4–8 hours • Complexity: moderate • Table: full 60"×44" (40K) or 44"×60" (AoS) once you expand. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
• Kill Team / Warcry: Build: ~2 hours • Complexity: moderate (short rules loops) • Table: game board size. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
• Underworlds: Build: 30–60 min (push‑fit) • Complexity: low‑to‑mid • Table: two folding boards. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}

New Player Tips (Win More, Spend Smarter)

• Assemble, then play ASAP: Don’t wait for a perfect paint job—get a few units built and learn the turn flow first.
• Pick a paint recipe you can repeat: Primer → base → wash → quick highlight beats perfection on your first army.
• Read scenarios early: Warhammer games reward movement and objective play more than raw damage.
• Use the starter ladder: Intro → Starter → top tier prevents buyer’s remorse while you learn what you enjoy.
• Join a demo day: The free in‑store intros shorten the learning curve—use them. :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}

Image Suggestions

• Hero banner: A flat‑lay of multiple starter boxes (40K, AoS, Kill Team, Warcry, Underworlds) with dice and rulers.
• Side‑by‑side: 40K Starter vs AoS Starter—callouts for model counts and “push‑fit” assembly.
• Skirmish spotlight: Kill Team and Warcry boards set up mid‑game.
• Paint & play: A Paints + Tools kit beside a half‑finished squad.

FAQs – Warhammer Starter Sets (tap + to expand)