Kill Team vs Combat Patrol – which format is best for you?

Kill Team or Combat Patrol? Two of Warhammer 40K's most popular games – but very different. Learn the difference, what you need, and which format is best for you in 2025.

If you want to start playing Warhammer 40,000 today, you'll quickly encounter two popular entry points: Kill Team and Combat Patrol.
Both offer fast, fun battles on a smaller scale – but they are designed for completely different types of players.

So which should you choose?
Will you lead a small elite team on a secret mission, or a complete army in miniature?

In this guide, we'll go through the differences between Kill Team and Combat Patrol, what you need to get started – and which format suits your playstyle and budget.

What is Kill Team?

Kill Team is a fast, tactical skirmish game for two players, where you control a small group of 5–10 specialists.
Each model is individual, with its own abilities, equipment, and special rules.

It's not about massive armies – but about precision missions, infiltration, and small-scale battles.

Basic facts:

• Playtime: approx. 45–60 minutes

• Number of models: 5–10

• Playing area: approx. 22”x30”

• Core focus: tactics, positioning, and individual heroes

• Style: similar to a “skirmish” game – small troops, big personalities

Kill Team suits players who enjoy strategy, detailed control, and variation.
Every game feels unique, as each soldier plays a vital role.

What is Combat Patrol?

Combat Patrol, on the other hand, is a scaled-down version of Warhammer 40K.
You lead a complete small army (usually 15–30 models) in fast, balanced matches.

Unlike Kill Team, Combat Patrol isn't about individual soldiers – but about troop cooperation and army composition.

Basic facts:

• Playtime: approx. 60–90 minutes

• Number of models: 15–30

• Playing area: approx. 44”x30”

• Core focus: army tactics, objective play, and battles in miniature

• Style: “real” 40K, but in a manageable format

Combat Patrol suits players who want to feel like generals – but without having to paint 100 models or read an entire Codex.

Differences between Kill Team and Combat Patrol

To clearly see what distinguishes them:

In short:

• Kill Team = tactical, fast, character-driven.

• Combat Patrol = classic 40K, army-focused.

What you need to get started

For Kill Team:

• Kill Team: Core Rulebook

• A Kill Team squad (e.g., Kommandos, Veteran Guardsmen, Necron Hunters)

• Killzone game board / terrain (often included in starter boxes)

• Measuring tools, dice, and tokens

Recommended start: Kill Team Starter Set – everything you need to start right away.

For Combat Patrol:

• Combat Patrol box for your chosen faction (balanced army)

• Warhammer 40K Core Rules (free PDF online)

• Dice, tape measure, game board

• Glue, paint, brushes

Recommended start: Combat Patrol: Space Marines or Combat Patrol: Necrons – perfect balanced boxes for new players.

Pros and Cons

Advantages of Kill Team

✅ Fast and smooth – play in less than an hour
✅ Fewer models to paint
✅ Lots of variation between teams
✅ Deep strategy in every move
✅ Cheapest way into Warhammer

Disadvantages of Kill Team

❌ Not directly compatible with regular 40K armies
❌ More focus on individual rules
❌ Can feel “too small” for some players

Advantages of Combat Patrol

✅ Feeling of full-scale battle in a compact format
✅ Directly compatible with 40K
✅ Ready-made boxes – no need to build lists
✅ Perfect for growing into larger games

Disadvantages of Combat Patrol

❌ A few more models to paint
❌ Slightly longer matches
❌ Requires more space

Which suits you best?

It depends entirely on what you want to get out of the hobby:

In short:

Do you want to play personal, cinematic missions → choose Kill Team.
Do you want to play army-based battles with a Warhammer feel → choose Combat Patrol.

Gaming tips for both formats

For Kill Team:

• Learn to use terrain – height, cover, and flanks are crucial.

• Utilize each soldier's special ability.

• Keep track of Action Points – they are the true currency of the game.

For Combat Patrol:

• Play objectives – not just kills.

• Think about movement – control area rather than rushing forward.

• Learn when to strike and when to hold position.

Combine both formats

Many players find that Kill Team and Combat Patrol complement each other perfectly.

You can:

• Use your Kill Team squad as an elite squad in your larger 40K army.

• Play Kill Team for quick matches at home and Combat Patrol for longer games in store.

• Paint the same faction and build up the history between your characters.

An example:
Start with Kill Team: Kommandos → then build up to Combat Patrol: Orks.
You keep the theme, aesthetics, and feel – but get a whole new level of combat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Kill Team and Combat Patrol compatible?
Not directly – they use different rule sets, but the same universe and models.

Which is cheapest to start with?
Kill Team – fewer models and less equipment required.

Can I play both?
Absolutely. Many do! They offer different experiences and paces.

Which is best for children or younger players?
Kill Team – faster, simpler, and cheaper.

Which gives the most “Warhammer feel”?
Combat Patrol – you get the feel of a real battle, but without a full-scale game.

Conclusion

Kill Team and Combat Patrol are two sides of the same coin.
Both are fantastic ways to experience Warhammer 40K – but with different focuses.

• Kill Team is about detail, story, and tactics – perfect for small games and hobby nights.

• Combat Patrol is about battles, strategy, and progression – perfect for those who want to grow into the full Warhammer 40K.

Whichever you choose, it's an easy, fun, and affordable way into the galaxy's darkest future.

So:
Do you want to play fast and tactical? → Kill Team.
Do you want to play classic and grand? → Combat Patrol.

Start where you feel most comfortable – paint, build, and let the galaxy burn your way.