Only a few weeks ago Warhammer 40,000 hit a new milestone with the release of the 11th Edition of the game, which arrived in the shape of a brand new launch box, Armageddon.

With the dust barely having chance to settle, Games Workshop are releasing two brand new boxes which feature the models from the aforementioned Armageddon box, only this time targeting newcomers to the game, or veterans of the game looking to collect a new faction.

For the purpose of this review we are going to take a look at Getting Started with Space Marines, which is up for preorder today. The other box, Getting Started with Orks, is also up for preorder today and you can watch the unboxing and read the review for that one right here.

Before we go any further, our thanks to Games Workshop for sending us both of these boxes to unbox and review. You can preorder one of these (or both!) from our affiliates over at Element Games. Not only will you help us out, but you’ll also save money VS RRP!

Unboxing Getting Started with Space Marines

First things first, let’s get the box open.

You can watch me do just that in the video below:

What’s in the Box?

So what do you get in this box? Well, you get the majority of the models from the Space Marine half of Armageddon for starters:

• Captain with Relic Shield
• 5 x Intercessors
• 5 x Vanguard Veterans
• Landspeeder

So this means you do not get:

• Chaplain with Jump Pack
• Ancient with Banner
• Eradicators
• 5 more Intercessors

Armageddon originally came with 10 Intercessors. This box only contains 5. They are all push-fit models.

Whilst you are missing a few models from Armageddon, you are still left with a solid Combat Patrol number of models, plenty to get your teeth into.

Models aside, you also get 11 paints, of which are:

• Retributor Armour
• Mournfang Brown
• Dawnstone
• Astrogranite
• Leadbelcher
• Nuln Oil
• Wraithbone
• Corax White
• Abaddon Black
• Mephiston Red
• Macragge Blue

You also get a Starter Paint brush, a texture spreader for your basing paint and a very hand booklet, which we’ll delve into shortly.

It’s a fairly decent brush that you get, a good workhorse brush that you can use for basecoats.

The paints are absolute staples. Even if you don’t use them on these minis, you’ll 100% end up dipping into these with other projects, as they are all very commonly used paints.

The Booklet

The box comes with a glossy, softback booklet.

If you are new to Warhammer 40k, or are returning after a prolonged period away, then this book is 100% for you.

It opens with a little bit of lore regarding the Space Marines (Adeptus Astartes), before kicking into an assembly guide for your models and a very comprehensive guide to painting your brand new models using the paints in the box.

The level of detail it goes to is fantastic. From how to turn your model, tips re: brush strokes, basing and shading to name a few. If you have never painted a Warhammer model before, then this guide is detailed enough to give you the confidence to pick up a brush and give painting a go. It does stop at basecoats and shades however, it does not show how to highlight, but that’s fine as this booklet is all about getting the models from this box on the tabletop battle ready.

Value for Money

Let’s take a quick look at what value lies in this box.

A pot of Warhammer paint typically costs £2.75, slightly more for Shades and Texture, but if for the purpose of this exercise run with £2.75 a pot, then that equates to £30.25 for the paint alone.

The Starter Brush is comparable to a Medium Base Brush, which are priced at around £5. A texture spreader is £6.25.

The box is £105 RRP, which means, paints and tools aside, you are getting the models for about £63, which based on the current cost of kits, I feel is a great price.

Summary

Games Workshop have done Starter Boxes before, but this is by far the best Faction focused Starter Set they have done for some time.

The get some great push fit kits, with a great selection of paints you’ll use on these kits and behind, a good brush and an ever handy texture spreader.

For newcomers, the booklet is great, with brilliant tips on getting your models on the tabletop.