Space Marines are the most-played faction in Warhammer 40k and the recommended starting point for new players. Durable, versatile, and well-supported by tutorials, guides, and a large community — if you are new to the hobby and cannot decide, Space Marines are the safe choice. The Combat Patrol box is the fastest, cheapest way to start. Here is whether it is worth buying.
What Is in the Space Marines Combat Patrol Box?
The Space Marines Combat Patrol contains Primaris Space Marine units covering the character, troops, and heavy support roles. Expect a Captain or Lieutenant character, a core infantry squad (Intercessors, Infernus Marines, or Infiltrators depending on current edition contents), and a heavier support option such as a Redemptor Dreadnought or Impulsor. The combination gives you the essential Space Marine playstyle — resilient infantry supported by a powerful centrepiece unit. Confirm exact contents on the GW website before purchasing.
Is the Savings Worth It?
Space Marines kits are among GW’s most consistently available and well-priced options. The Combat Patrol bundles multiple kits at approximately 30–40% below combined individual retail pricing. The inclusion of a larger centrepiece model (Dreadnought or vehicle) alongside infantry makes the savings particularly meaningful — centrepiece models retail at $50–70 individually.
Who Should Buy It?
- New 40k players: Yes — Space Marines are the standard recommendation for beginners. The Combat Patrol gives you the right starting models, a playable Combat Patrol list immediately, and a foundation for expansion.
- Players who want the biggest community: Space Marines have the largest online tutorial library, the most YouTube painting guides, and the most forum discussion of any faction. Anything you do not understand will have a clear answer somewhere.
- Players who want flexibility: Space Marines have the widest range of units and subfaction options (Ultramarines, Blood Angels, Space Wolves, etc.) of any faction. The Combat Patrol core units work across every Space Marine chapter.
Are Space Marines Good for Beginners?
Yes — they are the recommended beginner faction for good reasons. The rules are straightforward: shoot with guns, charge when necessary, survive better than most other armies. The faction has few trap choices at the unit level. The painting is accessible — power armour suits nearly every painting technique from beginner drybrushing and washes to advanced NMM and OSL. Any chapter colour scheme — Ultramarines blue, Blood Angels red, Space Wolves grey — works well with basic techniques.
See our Space Marines painting guide for step-by-step colour schemes covering six chapter variants. For game rules, the Warhammer 40k beginner guide walks through everything from dice rolls to army building.
Space Marines Combat Patrol — Verdict
Worth it: Yes — especially for beginners. The Space Marines Combat Patrol is the most universally safe purchase in Warhammer 40k. You will always find use for these models, the faction has a clear expansion path at every price point, and the community support is unmatched. The only reason to choose a different starting faction is if another faction’s visual identity appeals to you strongly — in which case, follow the models you want to paint.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Space Marine chapter should I choose?
Any chapter works with the Combat Patrol box — the choice is primarily aesthetic. Ultramarines (blue) are the default and have the most tutorial support. Blood Angels (red) and Space Wolves (grey) have unique unit options at larger army sizes. If you are purely interested in the combat patrol format, pick the colour scheme you want to paint and ignore the sub-faction detail until you expand to larger armies.
Can I use the Combat Patrol box in larger games?
Yes — all models in the Combat Patrol are standard 40k units fully legal in any game size. The box is a starting point for the Combat Patrol format but the models are identical to those in a full-size army. Expand by adding individual kits or a second Combat Patrol box.
What is the difference between Space Marines and Primaris Space Marines?
Primaris Space Marines are a newer, taller, slightly more powerful version of the classic Space Marine introduced in 8th Edition. The Combat Patrol contains Primaris models. In 10th Edition, all Space Marine infantry is treated under a unified rules framework — the visual distinction between old-scale and Primaris is primarily a modelling concern. New players buying in 2026 will get Primaris models as standard.