Combat Patrol – the easiest way to get into Warhammer 40K

Combat Patrol is the perfect way to start playing Warhammer 40K. Discover what it is, how it works, and which starter boxes are best for you in 2025.

Starting with Warhammer 40,000 can feel overwhelming.
Hundreds of models, thick rulebooks, and advanced army lists – where do you even begin?

This is where Combat Patrol comes in.
It's Games Workshop's official beginner format that lets you start playing quickly, without having to buy a full army or learn all the rules.

In short, Combat Patrol is:

Warhammer 40K in a smaller, faster, and more accessible format.

What is Combat Patrol?

Combat Patrol is a complete game system where two small forces battle in quick matches lasting approximately 45–60 minutes.

• Each Combat Patrol army is built around a pre-packaged box (e.g., Combat Patrol: Space Marines, Combat Patrol: Tyranids, etc.).

• All boxes are balanced against each other – so you can play Space Marines against Orks or Necrons without having to adjust points or rules.

• You only need a small playing area (approx. 44”x30”), dice, and a tape measure – and you're ready to go.

The purpose of Combat Patrol is to give beginners a quick, fun way to learn how Warhammer works, without getting bogged down in complexity.

Why Combat Patrol is perfect for beginners

1. Everything you need in one box

Each Combat Patrol box contains everything you need for a small army:

• 15–30 models

• A leader (HQ)

• Troops and special units

• A clear battle plan within the rules

You don't have to count points, build lists, or worry about balance – the box is already set for you.

2. Shorter matches

Combat Patrol games often take under an hour, making it easy to fit in a game even on weekday evenings.

It requires less table space, fewer dice, and much faster setup – perfect for hobby rooms, kitchen tables, or game nights at the store.

3. Low cost

While a regular 40K army can cost several thousand kronor, a Combat Patrol box costs around 1,400–1,900 SEK.
It's an affordable way to try the game without having to invest in everything at once.

4. Easy painting and assembly

Since you only have 15–30 models, it becomes a manageable first painting project.
You can complete your entire army in a week – not months.

5. Easy to expand

Combat Patrol is not an “end format” – it's a stepping stone.
When you're ready, you can easily expand your force to 1000 or 2000 points by adding more units.

How to play Combat Patrol

Combat Patrol uses the official 40K rules, but on a simplified scale.

• Matches are played in 5 rounds, with objective-based missions.

• You win by holding objectives, destroying the enemy, and fulfilling secondary objectives.

• Each box has a specific datasheet and special rules, so you don't use Codex points at all.

All rules are available for free on Games Workshop's website or in the Warhammer 40K Core Rules PDF.

Popular Combat Patrol armies 2025

Here are some of the most popular and well-balanced Combat Patrol boxes right now – perfect choices for beginners:

💡 Tip:
If you're completely new, start with Space Marines or Necrons – they are forgiving, easy to paint, and often found in starter kits.

How to get started with Combat Patrol

Step 1: Choose your army

Start with aesthetics and playstyle.
Do you want to play mighty superhumans? → Space Marines.
Technological and cold logic? → Necrons or T'au.
Chaotic brutality? → Orks or Chaos.

Step 2: Buy your Combat Patrol box

All boxes contain the right amount of models to be ready to play immediately.
You can find them at retailers like Playoteket, Games Workshop, or Alphaspel.

Step 3: Acquire the basics

In addition to the box, you will need:

• Rulebook (or free PDF)

• Tape measure and dice

• Glue, hobby knife, and paint kit

• A playing mat (44"x30" is sufficient)

💡 Tip: many stores sell "Combat Patrol starter kits" with all of this included.

Step 4: Paint your army

There's no right or wrong color.
Games Workshop has pre-made Painting Guides for each faction – you can find ready-made Citadel kits for your specific army.

Step 5: Play!

Start with small matches against a friend.
Learn how turns, attacks, saves, and objectives work.
After just a few games, you'll feel ready to move on to larger formats.

Advantages of Combat Patrol compared to standard 40K

Combat Patrol is thus the perfect entry point – but not a compromise.
It's fast, fun, and still tactical enough to provide real challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Codex for Combat Patrol?
No. Each Combat Patrol box has its own, balanced rules available for free online.

Can I use my Combat Patrol army in regular 40K?
Yes, it can easily be expanded into a full-fledged army.

How long does a match take?
About 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Which box offers the best value?
Necrons, Space Marines, and Tyranids offer the most models per krona.

Conclusion

Combat Patrol is the easiest, most affordable, and most fun way to get into Warhammer 40K in 2025.
You get a playable army straight away, learn the rules at your own pace, and can experience the thrill of 40K without stress or high costs.

It's not a scaled-down version – it's Warhammer in its purest form: fast, intense, and full of tactics and personality.

So if you've ever hesitated to start:
start with Combat Patrol, build, paint, play – and discover why Warhammer 40K is still the world's most beloved miniatures game.