Choosing your first Warhammer set should feel exciting, but the different names on the boxes can make the decision more complicated than it needs to be. Introductory Sets, Starter Sets and Ultimate Starter Sets all help new players begin. However, they suit different budgets and different ways of approaching the hobby.
An Introductory Set is a particularly accessible place to start. It gives a new hobbyist a manageable first experience of building, painting and playing. You do not need to commit to a large collection immediately. This makes it a strong choice for younger hobbyists, families and anyone who wants to try Warhammer on a sensible budget.
Larger Starter and Ultimate Starter Sets provide more miniatures and a broader two-player experience. In this guide, we’ll explain how the different options compare, what you can expect from each type of set and how to choose between Warhammer 40,000 and Warhammer Age of Sigmar.
First, Which Warhammer Setting Appeals to You?
Before choosing a starter set, it helps to decide which version of Warhammer catches your imagination.
Warhammer 40,000 takes place in a distant and dangerous future filled with Space Marines, aliens, daemons and enormous war machines. It is a natural choice if you enjoy science fiction and futuristic weaponry. Its battles take place across hostile planets.
Warhammer Age of Sigmar is a fantasy setting populated by warriors, gods, monsters, undead armies and magical creatures. Do you prefer swords, armour, sorcery and mythical realms? If so, Age of Sigmar may be the better place to begin.
Both games combine collecting, building, painting and tabletop battles. The best choice is usually the setting and miniatures that excite you most. You can learn more about the wider hobby in our complete guide to starting Warhammer.
What Is a Warhammer Introductory Set?
An Introductory Set makes your first steps into Warhammer as straightforward and affordable as possible. It provides a small selection of miniatures together with beginner-friendly materials that introduce the main parts of the hobby.
Rather than presenting everything at once, these sets allow you to experience building, painting and playing on a manageable scale. You can assemble your first models, try painting them and follow introductory activities that explain how a tabletop battle works.
This makes an Introductory Set particularly useful if you are completely new to miniature gaming. It is also a good option for parents buying for a younger hobbyist. It offers a varied first experience without requiring a large initial collection.
The smaller number of miniatures means that completing the models feels achievable. Once they are ready, you can enjoy some introductory games and decide which part of Warhammer you would like to explore next.
If you want to discover the hobby gradually and keep your starting budget under control, an Introductory Set is often the most sensible choice.
What Is a Warhammer Starter Set?
A Starter Set provides a larger introduction to the gaming side of Warhammer. You will usually receive two opposing groups of miniatures, gaming accessories and the guidance needed to begin learning the rules.
This makes Starter Sets ideal for two people who want to begin together. You can build the included forces, divide them between two players and start playing without each person needing to choose and purchase an army immediately.
They are also useful for an individual hobbyist who enjoys both sides included in the box. The two forces provide more miniatures to build and paint. They also let you introduce friends or family members to the game.
A Starter Set requires a little more time and investment than an Introductory Set, but it gives you a broader foundation for regular games. It is a strong middle ground if you already know that Warhammer appeals to you but are not ready to begin a much larger army project.
What Is an Ultimate Starter Set?
An Ultimate Starter Set is intended for someone who wants a more substantial beginning. It normally builds upon the standard Starter Set idea with additional miniatures, gaming materials or battlefield features, depending on the range and edition.
The main advantage is that it creates a more complete two-player experience from one purchase. You will have more models to assemble and paint, while the additional contents help your games feel closer to a full tabletop battle.
This can be the right choice for two friends, siblings, couples or family members who already expect to play regularly. It may also suit an established hobbyist who wants to introduce someone else to Warhammer while adding two groups of miniatures to their collection.
There is more to build and learn, so it is not automatically the best option for every beginner. Would you prefer a smaller project that you can complete more quickly? An Introductory or standard Starter Set may feel more welcoming.
Which Warhammer Starter Set Should You Choose?
The right set depends on who will use it. It also depends on how certain you are that you want to continue with the hobby.
Choose an Introductory Set if you want the most accessible first experience. It suits someone who wants to try building, painting and playing before investing in a larger collection.
Choose a Starter Set if two people want to begin together or if you would like a broader introduction with more miniatures and more scope for playing games.
Choose an Ultimate Starter Set if you want a more complete two-player collection and are comfortable beginning with a larger hobby project.
There is no disadvantage to starting small. Warhammer collections are normally built over time, so you can begin with a manageable set and expand once you know which faction, models and style of play you enjoy most.
Start Playing Warhammer
Are Starter Sets Suitable for Younger Players?
Starter sets can be an excellent way for younger hobbyists to discover miniature gaming. A parent, guardian or experienced hobbyist can help them begin.
Introductory Sets are especially appealing because the first project is kept manageable and the activities introduce different parts of the hobby gradually. Building and painting the miniatures can encourage patience, creativity and attention to detail, while playing the game introduces measuring, decision-making and friendly competition.
Age guidance should always be checked on the individual product. Miniatures contain small components, and some hobby tools or assembly products require suitable supervision. Beginning together can make the experience safer, easier to understand and much more enjoyable.
Do You Need Anything Else to Begin?
The contents vary between sets, so it is always worth reading the individual product page before choosing one. Some sets provide a wider collection of hobby and gaming essentials than others.
Depending on the set, useful additions may include:
- Suitable miniature clippers to remove components carefully from their frames
- Plastic glue for models that do not push together
- Additional paints for expanding your first colour scheme
- Different brushes for base colours and finer details
- A tape measure, dice or other gaming accessories
- Storage to protect your finished miniatures
You do not need to purchase everything at once. Start with the items required for your chosen set, complete your first miniatures and add more supplies as your confidence grows.
You can browse our Warhammer painting and modelling collection when you are ready to add more colours, brushes or hobby tools.
Our beginner’s guide to painting miniatures then takes you through preparation, primer, base colours, shading, highlighting and basing one straightforward step at a time.
Start Building and Painting
What Comes After a Starter Set?
Once you have built, painted and played with your starter set, your next step will depend on what you enjoyed most.
If one of the included forces has become your favourite, you can begin expanding it with another unit, a character or a larger boxed collection. There is no need to create a complete army immediately. Adding one kit at a time keeps the project enjoyable and gives you an opportunity to practise your building and painting.
If you are more interested in learning the game, our guide explaining how to play Warhammer covers the basic structure of a battle and what to expect when you begin playing.
When you are ready to select a dedicated Warhammer 40,000 faction, our guide to choosing the right Warhammer 40K army will help you compare the miniatures, background and playing styles that make each army different.
Begin Your Warhammer Hobby at Your Own Pace
The best Warhammer starter set is the one that makes you want to open the box and begin. For some hobbyists, that will be an affordable Introductory Set and a small group of first miniatures. Others will prefer a larger set to share with a friend or family member.
Whichever route you choose, there is no need to rush. Build a few models, experiment with your first colours and enjoy learning how the game works. Your collection can grow naturally as you discover the factions and parts of the hobby that interest you most.
Explore our Warhammer Guides for more friendly advice on choosing, building, painting and playing with your miniatures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an Introductory Set enough to start Warhammer?
An Introductory Set gives you a useful first experience of building, painting and playing. It provides a starting point rather than a complete long-term army. You can add more miniatures once you know which direction you would like to take.
Can two people use one Starter Set?
Yes. Starter Sets commonly contain two opposing groups of miniatures, making them a practical way for two people to learn together. Check the individual set contents to see what is included.
Should a complete beginner buy an Ultimate Starter Set?
You can begin with an Ultimate Starter Set if you want a larger two-player project and are happy to spend more time building and painting. If you would prefer a smaller and more affordable introduction, start with an Introductory or standard Starter Set.
Do Warhammer starter sets include paint?
Some beginner-focused sets include paints and a brush, while others concentrate more heavily on miniatures and gaming materials. Check the contents shown on the individual product page before ordering.
Can I expand the armies in a Starter Set?
Yes. The included miniatures can provide the beginning of a larger collection. Once you have chosen your favourite side, you can add compatible units and characters from the appropriate Warhammer range.
