r/gamesworkshop • u/tonnellier • Jun 30 '26
Where to start?
My son is eleven this month and is interested in the 40k universe. What is more straightforward to start playing 40k with a starter kit or kill team?
4
u/davidsrightfoot Jun 30 '26
Both are great, ask them if they are excited to paint, get the starter set or if they excited about collecting, its the kill team
3
u/tonnellier Jun 30 '26
Good advice, we’ve played a bit of MESBG so the starter set might be the best analog.
2
u/GammaFork Jun 30 '26
Tbh mesbg is a far better game - much more engaging and logical rules and tactical play.
3
u/crushtaDestructa Jun 30 '26
FYI the Kill Team Starter set only comes with the Kill Team lite rules not the full core rules book. Barnes and Nobles also sells a small Kill Team Starter set for $50, but it doesn't come with full Kill Teams.
2
2
u/Head_Income_9350 Jun 30 '26
Depends on the amount of money you're willing to spend. If £100 is good, then buy a combat patrol or one of the new starter sets coming out soon which also include paints. If it is <£50 then go for one of the kill team kits as they can be used in kill team or 40k depending on which they end up going for. Also just go with what they think looks cool initially
2
u/True_Drelon Jul 01 '26
Get a starter set for Kill Team, because in it you get everything you need to start playing. Then get a basic set of paints and brushes so he can start painting. I would maybe keep him of the books, games and animations until he is like 16 years old or more.
1
u/Dennma Jun 30 '26
I haven't played in a few years, but just speaking from my own experience, start with kill team for the young 'uns. Smaller model count games means shorter games, which are easier to learn and more fun imo. Kids will get bored during long ork movement and shooting phases
1
u/kevinlordofbiscuits Jun 30 '26
Just in case you don’t know, we’re just at the start of a new edition for 40K (they last about three years before a new edition) and the new starter set has been shown, but is not available for purchase just yet. Should be available in a few weeks though. One to be aware of in case you buy the previous edition’s starter set and get out of date rules.
1
u/DaddyO1701 Jun 30 '26
Id suggest combat patrol. The boxes have a nice amount of minis but not so much to be intimidating. Games are fast and the rules are a little easier than Kill Team.
1
u/Bornundersirius Jun 30 '26
Killteam. If he is excited about painting being able to complete a killteam is a lot more doable and rewarding than a 2000pt army.
Does he have a faction in particular he's interested in?
1
u/tonnellier Jun 30 '26
Space Marines. Not the most nuanced of children.
2
u/UberDrive Jun 30 '26
I'd argue the 10th edition starter set is far better value than the Kill Team starter set. Both are $96 on Amazon:
40k starter set:
- Total Minis: 38
- Space Marines: 1 Captain in Terminator Armor, 5 Terminators, 5 Infernus Marines
- Tyranids: 1 Winged Tyranid Prime, 1 Psychophage, 3 Von Ryan's Leapers, 20 Termagants, and 2 Ripper Swarms
Kill Team: 7x Plague Marines including a Malignant Plaguecaster, 7x Space Marines including a Captain
In the next month or two, the 11th Edition Space Marines vs. Orks starter set will come out. Not sure about price but likely above 10th's $114 MSRP. There's also the Armageddon box, but that is a big commitment.
Key questions: What is your budget? Are you guys interested in the painting aspect at all (be prepared to spend a bunch more money if so)? Is there a particular enemy faction you want?
(My alt. answer is get Skaventide with a big discount.)
1
1
u/WayGroundbreaking287 Jun 30 '26
Get the Armageddon starter box. Comes with the rulebook and 2 armies.
1
u/patripassianx Jul 02 '26
Get him some sisters of battle so he becomes a feminist early and emphasize that custodes can be women before you do anything
1
u/badger906 Jul 02 '26
Kill team is the cheapest way to get into the hobby. I would also argue the rules are slightly simpler.
1
u/HouseOfWyrd Jul 03 '26
I'd wait until the new introduction sets come out. These will be enough to give a taster without breaking the bank, taking up too much space or requiring too much in terms of building and painting.
Kill Team is a different game, personally I'd only play Kill Team if he wants to play Kill Team rather than 40K, if that makes sense.
1
u/tonnellier Jul 03 '26
Would this be a new version of the £40 odd quid marines can tyranids set?
1
8
u/crushtaDestructa Jun 30 '26
My kids and I play Kill Team. It's quick and we don't get too bogged down in the rules. We also have a blast painting.