The Combat Patrol boxes are pre-built Warhammer 40,000 forces, one per faction, designed so you can buy a single box and start playing straight away. They replaced the old Start Collecting! kits and have stayed the recommended on-ramp into the game ever since.
What’s actually in a combat patrol box
Each box holds a complete, playable force for one faction, balanced to roughly 500 points or 25 Power. You don’t build a list, you just open the box and play. That’s the whole appeal.
The first two, for Deathwatch and Space Wolves, went up for pre-order in October 2020, and Games Workshop has rolled out boxes for most factions since. As new codexes arrive, they’ve steadily replaced the Start Collecting! range.
- One faction, one fixed roster, no list-building needed
- Roughly 500 points or 25 Power of models
- Designed as a complete force, not a random assortment
- Works as a base you can expand later
Why they matter for new players
Combat Patrol is the smallest standard game size in 40k, and it’s the fastest way to learn. Small armies mean fewer rules to track, quicker games, and less time spent reading before you push models around.
They’re also a sensible foundation for a bigger collection. Play a few Patrol games, then scale up to Incursion and beyond by adding Fast Attack for mobility or Heavy Support for firepower.
Value, pricing, and what to expect
Not every box offers the same savings. Some factions pack in genuinely good deals, others less so, and it’s worth comparing contents before you commit. The current MSRP baseline sits around $177 after Games Workshop’s September 2026 price increase, though third-party stores often undercut that.
By raw numbers, the Daemons, Imperial Agents, Genestealer Cults, Ultramarines, and Death Guard boxes tend to lead on savings. For actual list-building usefulness, the out-of-print Drukhari box still gets a lot of praise despite not topping the savings chart.
| Pick | Why |
|---|---|
| Best raw savings | Daemons, Imperial Agents, Genestealer Cults, Ultramarines, Death Guard |
| Best for real lists | OOP Drukhari Combat Patrol |
| Baseline MSRP | Around $177 (post Sept 2026 increase) |
Where combat patrol sits now
Games Workshop confirmed Combat Patrol is staying for 11th edition, with a 184-page Combat Patrol Companion covering lore, hobby guidance, and army overviews, plus free rules in the 40k app. That’s a strong signal it’s meant as a core entry point, not a side mode.
You can also build a custom Combat Patrol without a box, using White Dwarf guidance, if you’d rather pick your own units. Availability on individual boxes is often ‘while stocks last’, so older ones can vanish.
Key facts
- Combat Patrol boxes are complete, playable forces of roughly 500 points or 25 Power, one per faction.
- They replaced the Start Collecting! range, starting with Deathwatch and Space Wolves in October 2020.
- Combat Patrol is the smallest standard 40k game size and the recommended way to learn the rules.
- Baseline MSRP sits around $177 after the September 2026 price increase, though retailers often go lower.
- Games Workshop confirmed Combat Patrol continues in 11th edition, with a 184-page Companion and free app rules.
FAQ
Do I need to build a list to play Combat Patrol?
No. Each box comes with a fixed roster for its faction, so you can play balanced games right out of the box without any list-building.
How many points is a Combat Patrol?
Around 500 points, or 25 Power. That’s the smallest standard game size in Warhammer 40,000.
Are Combat Patrols going away in 11th edition?
No, Games Workshop confirmed they’re staying, with a dedicated Companion book and free rules in the 40k app.
Which Combat Patrol box is the best value?
By raw savings, Daemons, Imperial Agents, Genestealer Cults, Ultramarines, and Death Guard tend to lead. For actual list usefulness, the out-of-print Drukhari box gets frequent praise.