Tabletop GamingWarhammer 40,000: Kill TeamYou can play like it’s 1993 with the new Warhammer Kill Team starter set, but I’m unsure if you shouldWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Tabletop GamingWarhammer 40,000: Kill TeamYou can play like it’s 1993 with the new Warhammer Kill Team starter set, but I’m unsure if you shouldWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Warhammer)
As it happens, the Warhammer Kill Team starter set I’ve spent the last couple of weeks raving about isnotthis edition’s starter set at all – and now I look like an idiot. That’s because Games Workshop has just revealed an actual beginner box for the game’s current version, and it’s a throwback to the 1990s.
Bearing the very catchy name of ‘Kill Team Starter Set,’ it contains two hard-to-find squads, introductory rules, tokens, dice, and MDF terrain. Yes, that’s right; we’re partying like it’s 1993 with push-fit scenery, just like in second edition Warhammer 40K. This is apparently to make setting up a session as easy (and quick, so you can fit matches in over lunchtime) as possible. I’m all for this. Lowering barriers to entry isalwaysa good thing, and being able to play over the course of lunch is a luxury normally reserved for thebest board games. Actually, I’d be keen on Games Workshop making a full range of this MDF scenery for exactly that reason.
Similarly, the two factions included here – Angels of Death Space Marines and Plague Marines – aren’t easy to get your hands on anymore. Indeed, they were released via the blind-box ‘Heroes’ range, so getting a full set of either would set you back a lot. This is simply more practical.
But if I’m honest, I can’t help feeling a mite disappointed. Specifically, I’m not sure this starter set puts the game’s best foot forward… and would argue there’s a better option that’s only just come out.
Dive into the Hive(storm)(Image credit: Benjamin Abbott)If I was recommending a good starting point for Kill Team beginners, I’d probably point to Hivestorm instead (which is$192.50 at Amazonrather than the full MSRP of $230, or£123.99 at Zatuas opposed to £145). While it’s on the pricier end of the spectrum, splitting it with a pal will get you evocative Kill Teams, the full core rules, special scenarios for a new warzone, accessories, and 3D plastic terrain to use in your 40K games as well. The value here is impressive.
Dive into the Hive(storm)
(Image credit: Benjamin Abbott)If I was recommending a good starting point for Kill Team beginners, I’d probably point to Hivestorm instead (which is$192.50 at Amazonrather than the full MSRP of $230, or£123.99 at Zatuas opposed to £145). While it’s on the pricier end of the spectrum, splitting it with a pal will get you evocative Kill Teams, the full core rules, special scenarios for a new warzone, accessories, and 3D plastic terrain to use in your 40K games as well. The value here is impressive.
(Image credit: Benjamin Abbott)
If I was recommending a good starting point for Kill Team beginners, I’d probably point to Hivestorm instead (which is$192.50 at Amazonrather than the full MSRP of $230, or£123.99 at Zatuas opposed to £145). While it’s on the pricier end of the spectrum, splitting it with a pal will get you evocative Kill Teams, the full core rules, special scenarios for a new warzone, accessories, and 3D plastic terrain to use in your 40K games as well. The value here is impressive.
Don’t get me wrong – I love the principle. I appreciate that this makes sense from a cost/outlay perspective for Games Workshop as well, because they haven’t had to shell out time or resource on new models. I also suspect it’ll be at least a little more affordable thanks to that slimline rulebook and 2D scenery. In other words, it should be the easiest and cheapest way to try what I’d argue is one of Warhammer’s best games.
Part of me is left cold, though.
It isn’t even that I’m not the target audience. (That’s absolutely fine.) Rather, I’m not sure these groups are the best introduction to the Kill Team theme. Astartes and Chaos Space Marines are always a welcome sight, and the models are rather handsome. Yet this game revolves around the most elite, characterful operatives going on black-ops strike missions, not rank-and-file troops you’d find on a 40K battlefield (even if the ‘rank-and-file’ in this instance are super soldiers). You could tell me this is a 40K starter set and I’d believe you. Actually, Ihavea starter set from years ago with a very similar setup.
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Part of me had hoped for a unit like the Tempestus Aquilons fromKill Team: Hivestormor the new space hobbitsrevealed for Warhammer Dayinstead. The lastKill Team Starter Setis another good example, thanks to its heavy metal Death Korps of Krieg and Ork Kommandos.
(Image credit: Warhammer)
Hey, maybe I’m wrong. I certainly hope so, and with any luck I’ll be able to go hands-on with this box soon to let you know what I think.
In the meantime, here’s where to get my personal pick for less.
Kill Team: Hivestorm |$230$192.50 at AmazonSave $37.50 -It doesn’t list the full MSRP on this deal, but it should be almost $40 more expensive than it is here. That’s an excellent price on something that has literally only just come out.Buy it if:✅You want to get the new edition✅ You’re new to Kill TeamDon’t buy it if:❌You’d rather wait for the core rules separatelyPrice check:💲Miniature Market | $195.99💲Warhammer | $230⭐UK price:£145£123.99 at ZatuView Deal
Kill Team: Hivestorm |$230$192.50 at AmazonSave $37.50 -It doesn’t list the full MSRP on this deal, but it should be almost $40 more expensive than it is here. That’s an excellent price on something that has literally only just come out.Buy it if:✅You want to get the new edition✅ You’re new to Kill TeamDon’t buy it if:❌You’d rather wait for the core rules separatelyPrice check:💲Miniature Market | $195.99💲Warhammer | $230⭐UK price:£145£123.99 at ZatuView Deal
Kill Team: Hivestorm |$230$192.50 at AmazonSave $37.50 -It doesn’t list the full MSRP on this deal, but it should be almost $40 more expensive than it is here. That’s an excellent price on something that has literally only just come out.Buy it if:✅You want to get the new edition✅ You’re new to Kill TeamDon’t buy it if:❌You’d rather wait for the core rules separatelyPrice check:💲Miniature Market | $195.99💲Warhammer | $230⭐UK price:£145£123.99 at ZatuView Deal
Kill Team: Hivestorm |$230$192.50 at AmazonSave $37.50 -It doesn’t list the full MSRP on this deal, but it should be almost $40 more expensive than it is here. That’s an excellent price on something that has literally only just come out.Buy it if:✅You want to get the new edition✅ You’re new to Kill TeamDon’t buy it if:❌You’d rather wait for the core rules separatelyPrice check:💲Miniature Market | $195.99💲Warhammer | $230⭐UK price:£145£123.99 at Zatu
Kill Team: Hivestorm |$230$192.50 at AmazonSave $37.50 -It doesn’t list the full MSRP on this deal, but it should be almost $40 more expensive than it is here. That’s an excellent price on something that has literally only just come out.Buy it if:✅You want to get the new edition✅ You’re new to Kill TeamDon’t buy it if:❌You’d rather wait for the core rules separatelyPrice check:💲Miniature Market | $195.99💲Warhammer | $230⭐UK price:£145£123.99 at Zatu
Kill Team: Hivestorm |$230$192.50 at AmazonSave $37.50 -It doesn’t list the full MSRP on this deal, but it should be almost $40 more expensive than it is here. That’s an excellent price on something that has literally only just come out.Buy it if:✅You want to get the new edition✅ You’re new to Kill TeamDon’t buy it if:❌You’d rather wait for the core rules separatelyPrice check:💲Miniature Market | $195.99💲Warhammer | $230⭐UK price:£145£123.99 at Zatu
View Deal
View Deal
View Deal
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GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1
Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
2
Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
3
Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
4
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
5
Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
1
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
2
Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
3
Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
5
Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now”
1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now”
1
Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now”
2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
2
Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
3
Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
4
Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
5
Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”