Warhammer 40,000 starter set boxes and a large tabletop battlefield with blue miniatures and ruins for a game session.

GW Summer Preview – New GW Starter Sets on the Horizon

The new edition push is not only about codexes, apps, and tournament tools.

Sometimes, the key release is the box that gets someone playing. This preview focuses on that doorway into Warhammer 40,000. However, it gives veterans terrain and Combat Patrol setup.

New Starter Boxes Make the First Game Easier

Space Marines deluxe box with blue-armored soldiers, a blue transport, and battlefield bases from Warhammer 40,000

The main Starter Set is a launch ramp for new 40K players. It includes Space Marines, Orks, core rules, 15 terrain pieces, a board, dice, rulers, and a Starter Guide. That matters, because beginners need structure more than a mountain of plastic. Also, veterans get a simple route into miniatures. For players choosing sides on Armageddon, the Getting Started boxes narrow the focus.

Warhammer 40,000 Orks starter set: box art, two paint pots, and a large squad of Ork miniatures with a vehicle in front.

Space Marines and Orks each get a Combat Patrol, guide, brush, and 11 paints. The guides cover first games, building, painting, lore, and faction identity. Meanwhile, the Introductory Set targets the very curious. It includes 12 brand-new miniatures, six paints, folding terrain, a mat, and starter information. The models are a Lieutenant, five Intercessors, an Ork Nob, and five Boyz. Naturally, the Lieutenant joke lands because every new edition needs one. However, Ork players also get squad upgrades, including a rokkit launcha and big shoota. Paint sets support Intercessors or Ork Boyz with six paints.

Warhammer 40,000 Introductory Set boxes on a white background with a tabletop battle featuring blue Space Marines, green Orks, ruined walls, dice, and a measuring strip.
Assorted Warhammer Colour paint pots with pliers, brushes, and a craft knife on a black background; logo reads The Big Summer Preview Show.

Also, the Paints + Tools Set adds 13 paints, brush, clippers, and scraper. Combat Patrol: Battlezone brings push-fit scenery, boards, and footprints for fast setup. You can also buy separate ruins, power lines, capacitors, and table pieces.

Warhammer battle scene with blue Space Marines and green orks on ruined industrial terrain, city ruins in the background and logo visible on top right.

Finally, Battlefields: Armageddon offers 28 ready-painted pieces, footprints, and double-sided boards for a Strike Force table. That is huge for kitchen-table gaming, since painted terrain often delays better-looking games. The matching fabric Battle Mat adds a cleaner surface and easier storage.

Summary and Final Thoughts

This preview lowers friction. New players get guided routes into building, painting, and playing. Meanwhile, veterans get terrain and models that make games easier to stage.

author avatar
Sam
The resident Flames of War, Historical, and narrative gaming expert. I have been playing tabletop games for 20 years with armies for 40k, Warhammer Fantasy, Horus Heresy, Age of Sigmar, Flames of War, Legions Imperialis, Battlefleet Gothic, and even Titanicus. I love narrative campaigns above all and dabble in customs missions too.

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