Warhammer 40,000 isn’t one thing, it’s a whole hobby universe. You can start with the tabletop miniatures game, a video game, a novel, or just the lore, and none of those doors is wrong. The trick is picking the one that fits your time, money and patience.
Pick your door into the hobby
40k is a setting first and a game second, which is why there’s no single correct entry point. If you already play video games, a 40k title is the cheapest and fastest way in. If you like reading, the novels and lore wikis will carry you for years. If you want the actual toy soldiers experience, you’ll need to buy miniatures, glue and paint.
Most people drift between these over time. Starting with one doesn’t lock you out of the others, and plenty of fans never touch the tabletop at all.
- Video games: Space Marine 2 is the easy on-ramp, Rogue Trader is the deeper, lore-heavy pick.
- Books: tie-in novels cover everything from Space Marines to Inquisitors, no models required.
- Tabletop: buy a starter set, build, paint and play. The most expensive and most rewarding route.
- Lore only: wikis, YouTube channels and codexes if you just want the story.
Which starter set should you buy?
Games Workshop sells a ladder of starter boxes aimed at different levels of commitment. They all include two opposing forces so you can play straight out of the box, but the contents and price climb quickly.
For a first purchase, the Introductory Set is the low-risk option. If you’re already sure you want in, the Starter Set or Ultimate Starter Set gives you more models, paints and terrain to keep going.
| Set | Best for | What’s inside |
|---|---|---|
| Getting Started magazine | A cheap taste of the setting | 2 miniatures, 88-page magazine |
| Introductory Set | First full step into the hobby | 16 miniatures, 48-page book, 5 paints, brush, clippers, dice, mat |
| Starter Set | Learning rules and lore properly | 38 miniatures, 64-page rulebook, dice, rulers, mat |
| Ultimate Starter Set | Two armies plus terrain | 44 miniatures, 72-page rulebook, gaming board, terrain |
How the tabletop actually works
You don’t need a huge collection to play. 40k has three formats, and the smallest, Combat Patrol, uses fixed forces that come straight out of a starter box. That’s the fastest way to get models on a table.
The other two formats are Chapter Approved (matched play, points-based, the tournament standard) and Crusade (narrative play where your army grows and gains story between games). Both use the same core rules and miniatures, so you’re not locked in.
- Combat Patrol: fixed small forces, ideal for beginners.
- Chapter Approved: points-based matched play, usually 2,000 points and about three hours.
- Crusade: narrative campaign play, starting around 1,000 points.
What you’ll actually need beyond the box
A starter set covers most of it, but you’ll want clippers, plastic glue and a few paints if you’re going to build and paint your models. A kitchen table works fine as a battlefield; you don’t need a dedicated gaming room.
Terrain helps, but books, boxes and household objects do the job while you’re learning. The free core rules are available from Games Workshop, and most local stores will happily run you through a demo game.
Key facts
- Warhammer 40,000 is a setting, not a single product: tabletop game, novels, video games and animations all share the same universe.
- The tabletop game has three formats: Combat Patrol, Chapter Approved and Crusade.
- Starter sets range from a two-model magazine up to the Ultimate Starter Set with 44 miniatures and terrain.
- Combat Patrol is the beginner-friendly format because it uses fixed forces straight out of a starter box.
- The core rules are available free from Games Workshop, and most local stores offer demo games.
FAQ
Do I need to play the tabletop game to enjoy 40k?
No. Plenty of fans only read the novels, play the video games, or follow the lore online. The hobby is deliberately split so you can pick whichever part appeals.
What’s the cheapest way to start Warhammer 40k?
A video game or a novel costs far less than miniatures. If you want the tabletop, the Introductory Set is the lowest-cost box that still gives you models, paints and a rulebook.
How many miniatures do I need to play?
Combat Patrol uses a fixed small force, so one starter box is enough. Full matched play typically runs to 2,000 points, which takes a lot more models and time.
Which Warhammer 40k video game should I play first?
Space Marine 2 is the easiest starting point for most people. Rogue Trader is the better pick if you want a deeper, more lore-focused RPG.