In this article we will make an attempt to collect all major Warhammer 40k Launch boxes, Battleforce boxes, Army boxes and similar products. The list, most likely, will become less detailed the further we travel in time due to lack of information online on earlier Warhammer 40k releases. We shall update this list with new releases from time to time.
Warhammer 40k Box Sets 2025
Space Wolves Army Set (2025 Space Marines Army Set)
The Space Wolves Army Set, announced at Adepticon 2025, featured 28 detailed miniatures ideal for building or expanding a Space Wolves army. The set included 10 aggressive Blood Claws, 10 disciplined Grey Hunters, six elite Wolf Guard Headtakers, a Wolf Guard Battle Leader, and a revered Wolf Priest. Additionally, it provided the updated Codex: Space Wolves, complete with rules for 20 units, detailed lore, and artwork. Expected pricing around $230 made this set an exceptional value, appealing to both new and seasoned collectors.
Champions of Slaanesh Army Set (2025 Emperor’s Children Army Set)
The Champions of Slaanesh Army Set showcased the deadly elegance of the Emperor’s Children, featuring 33 detailed miniatures: a charismatic and cruel Lord Exultant, 12 Noise Marines equipped for devastating sonic warfare, and 20 flexible Infractors/Tormentors units, buildable for melee or ranged combat. Combining strategic brilliance, ornate armour, and unique daemonic weaponry, this set perfectly represented Fulgrim’s warriors and their relentless pursuit of perfection and pleasure on the Warhammer 40,000 battlefield.
Death Korps of Krieg Army Set (2025 Astra Militarum Army Set)
The Death Korps of Krieg Army Set captured the grim determination and disciplined bravery of Krieg’s iconic soldiers. Led by Lord Marshal Varnan Dreir, this set featured 18 detailed miniatures: 10 Death Riders on mutated steeds, six resilient Combat Engineers, and a versatile Artillery Team customizable as a mortar, quad launcher, rocket launcher, or siege cannon. This kit offered tactical flexibility and stunning detail, ideal for recreating the gritty trench warfare synonymous with the Death Korps, providing an excellent starting point or expansion for Astra Militarum collectors.
Warhammer 40k Box Sets 2024
Blood Angels Army Set (2024 Space Marines Army Set)
The Blood Angels Army Set featured iconic characters and elite units, showcasing the Chapter’s ferocity and martial pride. Led by dynamic new miniatures of Chaplain Lemartes and High Chaplain Astorath, it included 20 Death Company Intercessors (10 standard, 10 with Jump Packs), and a powerful Brutalis Dreadnought. The set provided extensive customization through Blood Angels upgrades and transfers.
Imperial Agents Battleforce: Ordo Malleus
The Ordo Malleus guards humanity against Chaos daemons, led by powerful Inquisitors supported by assassins, agents, and the secretive Grey Knights. This boxed set introduced the new Inquisitor Coteaz miniature, alongside a Munitorum Priest with Vindictor, a deadly Culexus Assassin, five resilient Grey Knights Terminators, 12 Inquisitorial Agents accompanied by Tome-skulls, and a Chimera transport for Coteaz and his retinue.
Imperial Agents Battleforce: Ordo Hereticus
The Ordo Hereticus relentlessly hunts mortal Chaos cultists under Inquisitor Greyfax’s stern leadership. This battleforce includes Greyfax herself, a Munitorum Priest, six Inquisitorial Agents with Tome-skull, ten Adeptus Arbites supported by a Cyber-mastiff and Nuncio-aquila, ten Adepta Sororitas Battle Sisters with a Cherub, and an Immolator tank for when ultimate fiery purification is required.
Imperial Agents Battleforce: Ordo Xenos
The Ordo Xenos counters alien threats swiftly, often acquiring advanced technology along the way. Led by the radical Lord Inquisitor Kyria Draxus, this battleforce includes a Navigator, six Inquisitorial Agents with Tome-skull, a Rogue Trader with her entourage, five Voidsmen-At-Arms accompanied by their loyal hound, and five Deathwatch Veterans deploying from a formidable Corvus Blackstar attack aircraft.
Biosantic Broodsurge Battleforce (2024 Genestealer Cults Battleforce)
The Biosantic Broodsurge Battleforce showcased the subversive strength of the Genestealer Cults. Centered around the powerful new psyker mutant, Benefictus, it featured an Abominant leader with Mindwyrm Familiar, 10 Neophyte Hybrids, five brutal Aberrants, and 10 lethal Purestrain Genestealers. Vehicle support came from a Goliath Rockgrinder and Goliath Truck. The set aligned with the Biosantic Broodsurge detachment detailed in the updated Codex: Genestealer Cults, which provided comprehensive lore, artwork, and rules—perfect for players and collectors aiming to command an insidious uprising against the Imperium.
Army of Faith Battleforce (2024 Adepta Sororitas Battleforce)
The Army of Faith Battleforce introduced the dynamic new Canoness with Jump Pack, customizable with multiple weapon and head options. Accompanying her were 15 versatile Seraphim models, buildable alternatively as Zephyrim for close combat. Supporting them was the iconic Exorcist tank, merging sacred aesthetics with formidable missile firepower. This set emphasized the Adepta Sororitas’ fierce devotion, offering players a visually striking, tactically flexible core force ideal for leading righteous crusades on the Warhammer 40,000 battlefield.
Veterans of the Long War Battleforce
The Veterans of the Long War Battleforce featured a Chaos Lord who embodies the tragic fall from grace, leading a formidable force composed of five Chosen, five Possessed warped by dark powers, ten Chaos Space Marines, and ten heavily armoured Chaos Terminators. This set highlighted themes of betrayal and vengeance, offering players an immersive entry into Warhammer 40,000’s darker narratives, allowing them to command a powerful, lore-rich army dedicated to the domination of mortal and divine realms alike.
Dread Talons Battleforce
The Dread Talons Battleforce introduced a new Chaos Lord with Jump Pack commanding a dynamic warband. The set featured the airborne Lord leading 10 Raptors, supported by a formidable Daemon Prince accompanied by a Dark Commune, eight Accursed Cultists, and 10 standard Cultists. This composition provided two complementary forces: rapid-strike airborne units designed to swiftly eliminate key threats, and large groups of expendable mortal followers intended to secure objectives and absorb enemy fire.
Auric Champions Battleforce (2024 Adeptus Custodes Battleforce)
The Adeptus Custodes Auric Champions Battleforce is a powerful Warhammer 40,000 box set featuring elite, resilient units known for their superior combat abilities and tactical versatility. The set includes a Shield Captain for leadership, five Custodian Wardens skilled in melee, six heavily armored Allarus Terminators, and six Vertus Praetors on Dawneagle Jetbikes for swift, airborne assaults. Ideal for players wanting a robust army capable of both withstanding enemy attacks and delivering precise, high-impact strikes.
Stompa Boyz Battleforce (2024 Orks Battleforce)
The Stompa Boyz Battleforce is a powerful Warhammer 40,000 Ork box set featuring the massive Stompa, supported by versatile Boyz fighters, heavy-firepower Lootas, a rapid Trukk transport, and led by an innovative Big Mek leader. This set includes 1 Big Mek, 1 Stompa, 1 Trukk, 10 Boyz, and 10 Lootas, ideal for players seeking chaotic, customizable, and dynamic Ork armies.
Kroot Hunting Pack (2024 T’au Empire Army Set)
The Kroot Hunting Pack showcases the primal strength of the T’au Empire’s allies, featuring new War Shaper and Flesh Shaper leaders, 20 Kroot Carnivores with dynamic poses and specialized weapons, 4 revered Krootox miniatures, and an exclusive Codex: T’au Empire. Ideal for thematic players seeking a unique, alien-focused army, though less appealing for traditional T’au builds.
Deathwing Assault Army Box (2024 Space Marines Army Box)
The Deathwing Assault Box Set featured elite Dark Angels Deathwing warriors, renowned for their iconic bone-white armor and combat prowess. It included 22 miniatures: Belial, Master of the Deathwing; 5 Deathwing Knights; 10 Terminators; 3 Teleport Homers; 3 Watchers in the Dark; and a 96-page Dark Angels Codex Supplement with 20 Datasheet Cards, ideal for players who sought a lore-rich, elite Space Marine force.
Holiday Season 2024 Battleforces
Penitent Crusader Host (2024 Adepta Sororitas Battleforce)
A Holiday Season Battleforce box focused on Sisters of Battle infantry and penitent engines. Includes a Ministorum Priest leading 10 Sisters Repentia, 10 Arco-flagellants, two Rhinos, and two Penitent Engines/Mortifiers. This set embodies the Sororitas strategy of overwhelming the enemy with waves of zealous troops supported by brutal penitent machines.
Hypercrypt Legion (2024 Necrons Battleforce)
A Necron box led by a C’tan Shard of the Void Dragon, assembling a phalanx of Necron infantry and elites. Contains a Necron Lord with Translocation Shroud, 10 Lychguard (or Triarch Praetorians), and 10 Necron Warriors – an ideal core for a Necron army centered on durable troops and a god-like Void Dragon shard.
Retaliation Cadre (2024 T’au Empire Battleforce)
A T’au collection emphasizing battlesuits and firepower. Includes a Commander (buildable as Coldstar or Enforcer), a Broadside Battlesuit, a Ghostkeel Battlesuit, and a Riptide Battlesuit. This cadre is packed with high-tech suits to deliver the Greater Good’s firepower and mobility on the battlefield.
Inner Circle Task Force (2024 Dark Angels Battleforce)
A Dark Angels strike force themed around the return of Lion El’Jonson. Contents include Lion El’Jonson himself, a Chaplain in Terminator Armour, 6 Inner Circle Companion guard, and 10 Deathwing Knights (terminators with halberds or maces). This elite force is a close-combat powerhouse for Dark Angels players, featuring the Primarch and his terminator brethren.
Valourstrike Lance (2024 Imperial Knights Battleforce)
A Knights box set fielding a full lance of engines. Comes with one Questoris-class Knight (buildable as one of six variants, e.g. Knight Paladin or even the named Canis Rex) and four Armiger class Knights (which can be built as Helverins or Warglaives). This limited set provides a formidable mini-army of Imperial Knights, towering over the battlefield with customization options for loadouts.
Warhammer 40k Box Sets 2023
Warhammer 40,000: Leviathan (2023 Space Marines vs Tyranids Starter Set)
The 10th Edition launch box, featuring two armies of brand-new models and the 10th Edition rulebook. This huge set includes 72 miniatures. The Space Marines side (31 models) has a Captain in Terminator armor, Librarian in Terminator armor, Lieutenant with combi-weapon, an Apothecary Biologis, 5 Terminators, 5 Sternguard Veterans, 10 Infernus Marines, and a Ballistus Dreadnought. The Tyranids side (41 models) features a winged Tyranid Prime, a Neurotyrant (with 2 Neuroloid assistants), a Screamer-Killer (massive Carnifex), a Psychophage, 3 Von Ryan’s Leapers (Lictor variants), 5 Barbgaunts, 11 Neurogaunts, 20 Termagants, and 2 Ripper Swarm bases. Leviathan included a special edition hardback rulebook and was a limited-run launch set. It set the stage for the new edition’s storyline (the Fourth Tyrannic War) by pitting elite Space Marines against a fresh Tyranid invasion force.
10th Edition Starter Sets (2023 Space Marines vs Tyranids Starter Sets)
Following Leviathan, GW released smaller starter kits for 10th edition. The Introductory Set, Starter Set, and Ultimate Starter Set all featured scaled-down portions of the Leviathan contents (such as Terminators vs Termagants, etc.), with the Ultimate set adding terrain. These boxes provided newcomers with two balanced forces and simplified rulebooks to learn the game (Space Marines with Terminators, Infernus Marines, etc. against Tyranids with Termagants, Ripper Swarms, etc.). (These starters replaced the older Recruit/Elite/Command sets from 9th Edition.)
Wrath of the Soul Forge King (2023 Dark Angels vs Chaos Battlebox)
A narrative two-army box released alongside the Arks of Omen series. It depicts Vashtorr the Arkifane’s assault on The Rock (Dark Angels’ fortress-monastery). The set contains the reborn Supreme Grand Master Azrael with his retinue (5 Deathwing Terminators and 10 Intercessor Marines) facing off against the daemon-engine lord Vashtorr leading Chaos forces (10 Chaos Cultists, 2 Obliterators, and a Venomcrawler). It also included a 24-page scenario booklet with rules and lore for their conflict. Wrath of the Soul Forge King introduced new models for Azrael (updated as a Primaris Marine) and Vashtorr, and allowed players to reenact the climactic battle from the Arks of Omen: Vashtorr storyline.
Strike Force Agastus (2023 Space Marines Army Box)
Strike Force Agastus delivers heavy firepower with 17 miniatures, including 5 Heavy Intercessors and 12 new models: a customizable Primaris Lieutenant with multiple weapon choices, a Brutalis Dreadnought specialized in melee combat, and 10 Desolation Marines equipped for either infantry suppression or tank destruction. The Brutalis can shred vehicles with claws or dual fists featuring bolt rifles. Desolation Marines offer missile options for varied targets, complemented by indirect-fire castellan launchers. The box also includes a 16-page rules booklet and two Ultramarines Infantry Transfer Sheets (279 decals each).
Arks of Omen Balefleet Battleforce
The Balefleet Battleforce featured a powerful Chaos Space Marine force led by a Daemon Prince, accompanied by 10 Possessed, five Terminators, and a devastating Heldrake. Blending daemonic strength with corrupted Astartes armour, this set provided an ideal starting point for players joining the Warmaster’s ranks to spread chaos across the galaxy.
Holiday Season 2023 Battleforces
A set of six one-faction army bundles released at the end of 2023 (each around 20–30 miniatures, excluding Start Collecting/Combat Patrols). These limited boxes offered large force combinations at a discount:
Defenders of the Ancestors Battleforce (2023 Leagues of Votann Battleforce)
The Leagues of Votann prioritize the defense of their Ancestor Cores above all else, relying exclusively on their heaviest firepower to repel attackers. At the heart of their formation, a resilient squad of ten Einhyr Hearthguard, commanded by an Einhyr Champion, charges into battle aboard a heavily-armed Hekaton Land Fortress. Guiding them with ancestral wisdom is a Grimnyr living ancestor, while a swift Sagitaur ATV supports their advance with mobile firepower.
Beast Snagga Stampede Battleforce (2023 Orks Battleforce)
As snow gently falls and companions gather to share gifts, there’s no better crew to plunder a tempting pile of presents than the Beast Snaggas. These green-skinned big-game hunters are itching for a fight, led by the infamous all-slayer Mozrog Skragbad—who can alternatively be assembled as a standard Beastboss on Squigosaur if preferred—at the front of three Squighog Boyz and a Nob riding a Smasha Squig. Supporting them are a Painboss medic and a rowdy mob of 10 Beast Snagga Boyz, riding aboard a psyker-enhanced Kill Rig—which can also be built as a Hunta Rig accompanied by a psychic Wurrboy on foot—ensuring they keep pace with the cavalry in their festive winter rampage.
Cadian Defence Force Battleforce (2023 Astra Militarum Battleforce)
Guardsmen armed with trusty lasguns and mighty rumbling tanks—what more could an Astra Militarum enthusiast ask for? The Cadian Defence Force is an iconic display of humanity’s military strength, bringing together 20 disciplined Cadian Shock Troops, a versatile five-strong Cadian Command Squad, and two formidable Rogal Dorn battle tanks, creating an unyielding barrier of firepower capable of making even the boldest Black Crusader reconsider their plans.
Spearhead Force Battleforce (2023 Space Marines Battleforce)
The swiftest warriors from the latest Space Marine releases have quickly united into a formidable Spearhead Force. This boxed set features a dynamic force of 15 Jump Pack Intercessors, spearheaded by a Captain equipped with a Jump Pack. To complement their lightning-fast assault capabilities, highly mobile fire support is essential—provided here by a trio of Outriders and an Invader ATV, ensuring their rapid strikes are backed by powerful supporting fire.
Onslaught Swarm Battleforce (2023 Tyranids Battleforce)
Overwhelm your enemies beneath an unstoppable wave of claws with the Onslaught Swarm, one of the most fearsome collections of Tyranid horrors ever assembled in a single box. A colossal Norn Emissary teams up with a Winged Hive Tyrant—which can alternatively be built as a ground-based Hive Tyrant or Swarmlord—to command an onrushing swarm of 20 swift, blade-limbed Hormagaunts and 10 ferocious Genestealers, accompanied by two ravenous Ripper Swarms.
Exalted of the Red Angel Battleforce (2023 World Eaters Battleforce)
Angron, the Daemon Primarch of Khorne, gathers his most ruthless warriors—10 bloodthirsty Khorne Berzerkers and six savage Exalted Eightbound, who can alternatively be assembled as standard Eightbound—for a worldwide rampage of carnage and destruction.
Warhammer 40k Box Sets 2022
Eldritch Omens (2022 Aeldari vs Chaos Space Marines Campaign Box)
A two-army narrative box set for the War Zone Nachmund storyline. It featured a Craftworld Aeldari force (led by a new Rangers Autarch and including 5 Ranger scouts and 3 ShroudRunner jetbikes) facing a Chaos Space Marines force (led by a new Warp Smith and including 5 Chosen Chaos Marines and a Forgefiend/Decimator). Eldritch Omens introduced new sculpts for Eldar Rangers/jetbikes and Chaos Chosen. The box also came with a campaign booklet for scenarios on a maiden world.
Chaos Knights Army Set (2022 Chaos Knights Launch Box)
A limited release army box to launch the Chaos Knights in 9th Edition. It contained the brand-new Knight Abominant kit (a huge psychic Chaos Knight) along with two War Dog Knights (War Dogs can be built as Huntsman, Karnivores, etc.), plus the Codex: Chaos Knights (9th Ed) and datacards. This set allowed Chaos Knight players to get the new big knight and supporting armigers plus the codex early. It was an event-exclusive style release and sold out quickly.
Leagues of Votann Army Set (2022 Leagues of Votann Launch Box)
The debut box for the brand-new Leagues of Votann faction (the “Squats”). Released in late 2022, it included the first wave of Votann models and the faction rules. Contents: 1× Ûthar the Destined (the named Kâhl, buildable alternatively as a generic Kâhl leader), 1× Einhyr Champion (elite hero in exo-armor), 3× Hernkyn Pioneers (hover trike bikes), 20× Hearthkyn Warriors (infantry troops), as well as the exclusive limited-edition Codex: Leagues of Votann (hardcover) and Votann datacards. This set provided a complete starting army of the new Squats and was the only way to get the codex upon release.
Cadia Stands: Astra Militarum Army Set (2022 Imperial Guard Launch Box)
A limited army set heralding the 9th Edition Imperial Guard refresh. It contained all-new Cadia models: 1× Cadian Command Squad (5 models), 20× Cadian Shock Troops (infantry), 1× Armoured Sentinel walker (which could be built as a Scout Sentinel) and 2× Field Ordnance Teams (heavy weapon artillery pieces). Importantly it also included the new hardcover Codex: Astra Militarum (with exclusive cover art) and a full deck of Imperial Guard datacards. In total, over 25 new miniatures were included. Cadia Stands gave Guard players the new units (shock troops, artillery, etc.) a few months early in one big box.
Holiday Season 2022 Battleforces
Eight faction-themed boxes were released December 2022, each a large one-faction bundle (roughly 15–25 models each) offering a discounted army sampler. In a suprising move Games Workshop released four more Space Marine batteforce boxes after the Christmas, bringing the total number of battleforces released during holiday season 2022 to 12!
Raven Guard “Ravenstrike” Battleforce (2022 Space Marines Battleforce)
The Raven Guard specialize in swift, precise assaults, extensively using stealthy Phobos armour. Chapter Master Kayvaan Shrike spearheads this strike force, accompanied by a Librarian in Phobos Armour. Supporting them are 10 Primaris Reivers, two agile Invictor Tactical Warsuits, and three stealthy Eliminators. The set also includes three Raven Guard transfer sheets for custom detailing.
Imperial Fists “Bastion Strike Force” Battleforce (2022 Space Marines Battleforce)
The resolute Imperial Fists deploy an unstoppable force led by Tor Garadon, their veteran Battle Company Captain. This Battleforce includes three heavily-armoured Primaris Aggressors and 15 robust Heavy Intercessors in Gravis armour. Additionally, it features Imperial Fists Primaris Upgrades and Transfers to proudly distinguish your army as Dorn’s true successors.
Court of the Crimson King Battleforce (2022 Thousand Sons Battleforce)
Magnus the Red commands a Battleforce brimming with sorcerous power. Alongside him are three Exalted Sorcerers—ancient masters of the arcane arts predating the Horus Heresy—and 20 Rubric Marines, empty suits of power armour animated by devastating infernal warpfire.
Council of the Death Lord Battleforce (2022 Death Guard Battleforce)
Mortarion, Daemon Primarch of Nurgle, eagerly spreads contagion across the battlefield. He leads a repulsive Battleforce featuring five resilient Blightlord Terminators in ancient, corrupted armour, alongside 14 relentless Plague Marines armed with an array of devastating special weapons.
Chainbreaker Lance Battleforce (2022 Imperial Knights Battleforce)
Sir Hekhtur, known as ‘Chainbreaker’ for liberating numerous slaves from the Iron Warriors, commands the formidable Chainbreaker Lance. Led by the Knight Preceptor Canis Rex—also buildable as any other Questoris-class Knight and accompanied by a pilot—this force includes four agile Armiger-class Knights: two Helverins specializing in ranged combat, and two close-combat Warglaives piloted by junior Nobles.
Elimination Maniple Battleforce (2022 Adeptus Mechanicus Battleforce)
When complete annihilation is required, the Adeptus Mechanicus deploy Elimination Maniples under the command of Belisarius Cawl. This powerful force includes two deadly Kastelan Robots with their Cybernetica Datasmith, six versatile Kataphron Destroyers (or Breachers) equipped with devastating weapons, and a unit of Skitarii Vanguard, alternatively buildable as Skitarii Rangers.
Watchers of the Gate Battleforce (2022 Adeptus Custodes Battleforce)
The Adeptus Custodes are the Emperor’s finest warriors, sworn defenders of Terra. This battleforce features the renowned Captain-General Trajann Valoris, supported by three Vertus Praetors on Dawneagle Jetbikes (optionally built as a Shield Captain) and three resilient Allarus Custodians (also buildable as a Shield Captain or Vexilus Praetor). At its core are 15 elite Custodian Guard, versatile enough to include additional Shield Captains or Vexilus Praetors.
Sanctorum Guard Battleforce (2022 Adepta Sororitas Battleforce)
Morvenn Vahl leads a fierce crusading force of Adepta Sororitas, determined to punish enemies of the God-Emperor. This battleforce includes Vahl herself, six powerful Paragon Warsuits, five elite Celestian Sacresants with unyielding shields, and a versatile Battle Sisters Squad—buildable alternatively as Celestians or Dominions—to secure the line while their armored sisters bring righteous fury to the enemy.
Iron Hands “March of Iron Strike Force” Battleforce (2022 Space Marines Battleforce)
The March of Iron Strike Force emphasizes the might of Space Marine Dreadnoughts. Two powerful Redemptor Dreadnoughts lead, supported by a Primaris Techmarine and Iron Father Feirros, both capable of battlefield repairs—Feirros restores 3 wounds per turn. Ten Intercessors follow to secure territory. Adding Gladiator tanks would complete this formidable mechanized formation, demonstrating the superiority of machine over flesh.
Salamanders “Warforged Strike Force” Battleforce (2022 Space Marines Battleforce)
The Warforged Strike Force embodies Salamanders toughness, led by Adrax Agatone alongside 20 resilient Intercessors. Supporting this solid core are three Gravis-armoured Eradicators and three Aggressors, ideal for achieving the chapter’s new secondary objectives. With striking flame detailing opportunities, this force excels visually and strategically. Consider adding a Bladeguard Veteran bodyguard for Adrax and an Impulsor transport to further strengthen and expand your army.
White Scars “Storm of Chogoris” Battleforce (2022 Space Marines Battleforce)
The Storm of Chogoris battleforce delivers rapid offensive power, featuring six Primaris Outriders, two Invader ATVs, and a Primaris Chaplain on Bike. Kor’sarro Khan provides strategic oversight on foot. Enhance this lightning-fast White Scars force with Assault Intercessors and Stormhawk Interceptors for a complete, thematic army built for aggressive speed and decisive strikes.
Space Marines “Scions of Macragge” Battleforce (2022 Space Marines Battleforce)
The Ultramarines battleforce highlights their exceptional versatility, featuring 10 Intercessors for objective control, 10 Hellblasters providing heavy firepower, three Bladeguard Veterans for close combat, Marneus Calgar’s tactical brilliance accompanied by two Victrix Guard, and Chief Librarian Tigurius for psychic strength. This balanced core is ideal for expanding your force in any direction—consider adding Primaris Inceptors for extra firepower or Roboute Guilliman himself for ultimate battlefield dominance.
Warhammer 40k Box Sets 2021
Piety and Pain (2021 Sisters of Battle vs Drukhari Battlebox)
A two-army box set depicting an intense clash between the Adepta Sororitas and the Drukhari, tying into the narrative of the Rising Tide/Psychic Awakening series. The Sisters of Battle side was led by a new Palatine (Sisters junior officer) and included a squad of Repentia (penitent melee sisters) with a Repentia Superior, and a Penitent Engine walker. The Drukhari (Dark Eldar) side was led by Lelith Hesperax (new plastic sculpt of the famed Wyche gladiator) and included her Wych Cult units – a squad of Wyches and Reaver jetbikes. This set not only introduced the Palatine and new Lelith models, but also provided a thematic scenario booklet.
Hexfire (2021 Grey Knights vs Thousand Sons Battlebox)
A battlebox released during the Hexfire campaign, featuring psychic warfare between the Imperium and Chaos. The Grey Knights army was led by the legendary Castellan Crowe (updated in plastic) with a squad of Grey Knight Purifiers/Strike Marines and a Nemesis Dreadknight. The Thousand Sons force was led by an Infernal Master (new HQ sorcerer) with a squad of Rubric Marines and Tzaangor troops. This box came with a campaign book to play out the “Hexfire” conflict on the planet Hexenfast, as Magnus the Red’s sorcerers fought Kaldor Draigo’s daemon-hunters.
Beast Snagga Orks Army Set (2021 Orks Launch Box)
A limited-release Ork box introducing the “Beast Snagga” sub-culture and new Ork models. Contents included the new Ork Warboss Zodgrod Wortsnagga (or Beastboss on Squigosaur – a huge ork mounted on a squig), a unit of Beast Snagga Boyz (savage Ork infantry armed with snagga weapons), Squighog Boyz with their bomb-squig, and perhaps a painboy or codex supplement. Notably, this set came with the Codex: Orks (9th Edition) early (with a special cover featuring Beast Snaggas). It was the first chance for players to get the new squig-riding Orks and their army rules.
Black Templars Army Set (2021 Black Templars Launch Box)
A celebration of the Black Templars Chapter, released as a limited box alongside their 9th Edition codex supplement. Contents: 13 new models – 1× Black Templars Marshal (Primaris Captain in Templar gear), 1× Emperor’s Champion (updated sculpt of the iconic duelist), 1× Crusader Squad (10 models, consisting of 6 Primaris Initiates and 4 Neophyte scouts, with options to build a Sword Brother leader) and 1× Redemptor Dreadnought. It also included an exclusive hardcover Codex Supplement: Black Templars (80-page book) and a deck of datacards. This set was the only way to get the Templars codex upon release and featured John Blanche cover art and all the new Primaris Templar units, allowing fans of this crusading Chapter to field their zealous warriors immediately.
Shadow Throne (2021 Adeptus Custodes vs Genestealer Cults Battlebox)
A narrative box released at the end of 2021, setting the stage for the War Zone Terra storyline. It portrays a covert war on Terra’s throneworld. The Adeptus Custodes side introduced the Blade Champion (new Custodes swordsman character) alongside a squad of Custodian Guards. The Genestealer Cults side introduced the Reductus Saboteur (new explosive expert character) accompanied by a unit of Genestealer Cult Neophyte Hybrids and Aberrant hybrids. Shadow Throne thus debuted the new characters for each faction (which coincided with upcoming codexes for Custodes and Genestealer Cult in early 2022). The box included lore and missions about a cult uprising on Terra and the swift, deadly response of the Emperor’s Custodians.
Holiday Season 2021 Battleforces
Six Christmas battleforce boxes were released for 40k in 2021, each containing a sizable mono-faction army selection:
Shieldbreaker Strike Force Battleforce (2021 Space Marines Battleforce)
The Shieldbreaker Strike Force delivers rapid, decisive assaults and durable objective control. Led by a Captain with Bladeguard Veterans, this balanced heavy infantry force includes 10 Intercessors, 10 Assault Intercessors, and five Heavy Intercessors. Complementing them is an agile Storm Speeder Hailstrike—also buildable as Hammerstrike or Thunderstrike variants—ideal for flanking attacks or eliminating enemy armor.
Plaguefester Warband Battleforce (2021 Death Guard Battleforce)
The Plaguefester Warband embodies the unstoppable might of the Death Guard, gifted with daemonic resilience by Nurgle. Led by a Champion and Icon Bearer, it includes seven Plague Marines and three elite Deathshroud Terminators. Supporting their relentless advance are three Myphitic Blight-haulers and a powerful Plagueburst Crawler, devastating enemies with overwhelming, corrupted firepower.
Worldscour Legion Battleforce (2021 Necrons Battleforce)
The Worldscour Legion is a Necron force dedicated to annihilating all life swiftly and mercilessly. Commanded by a Psychomancer Cryptek, its durable core consists of 10 Necron Warriors and three Scarab Swarms. Providing lethal offensive power are a Lokhust Heavy Destroyer, three Ophydian Destroyers, five Flayed Ones, and two towering Canoptek Doomstalkers, each designed for maximum devastation.
Killdakka Warband Battleforce (2021 Orks Battleforce)
The Killdakka Warband exemplifies the Orks’ love for combat, speed, and destructive weaponry. Led by a warboss on a Deffkilla Wartrike, this force includes five Nobz, 20 Boyz, and 10 expendable Gretchin accompanied by their Runtherd. A Big Mek with Shokk Attack Gun provides chaotic support by teleporting Snotlings into enemies, while a roaring Dakkajet delivers devastating airstrikes from above.
Purgatos Mission Battleforce (2021 Adepta Sororitas Battleforce)
A Purgatos Mission features an armoured assault force designed to crush enemy resistance with heavy troops and devastating rocket artillery. Led by the disciplined Sister Dogmata, this powerful formation includes five Celestian Sacresants, 10 Battle Sisters for clean-up duties, an armed Immolator transport, and a formidable Exorcist tank, combining firepower with unyielding determination.
Omnissiah’s Talon Battleforce (2021 Adeptus Mechanicus Battleforce)
The Omnissiah’s Talon is a swift Adeptus Mechanicus force assembled to quickly secure valuable archaeotech. It features fast-moving units: five airborne Pteraxii, five stealthy Ruststalkers, and three agile Serberys Raiders, supported by the heavy firepower of an Ironstrider Ballistarii armed with cognis lascannons. Following closely are 10 Skitarii Rangers led by a Tech-priest Manipulus, ready to examine and secure the recovered technology.
Warhammer 40k Box Sets 2020
Prophecy of the Wolf (2020 Space Wolves vs Orks Campaign Box)
A battlebox released during the Psychic Awakening series, featuring the legendary showdown between Ragnar Blackmane and Ghazghkull Thraka. The Space Wolves half included Ragnar Blackmane (Primaris-upgraded, new sculpt) and a pack of Primaris Infiltrators/Incursors (10 models) to represent Ragnar’s strike team.
The Orks half introduced the massive new Ghazghkull Thraka mega-Warboss (with his grot banner-waiver Makari) accompanied by a mob of Ork Nobz (5 Nobz) and 3 Ork Meganobz. This box allowed players to reenact the epic duel from Saga of the Beast, where Ragnar duels Ghazghkull. It was the only way to get the new Ghazghkull model at release.
Warhammer 40,000: Indomitus (2020 Space Marines vs Necrons Launch Box)
The 9th Edition launch set, a limited-run starter for two players. Indomitus packed an impressive 61 miniatures with no terrain but a hardcover rulebook. The Primaris Space Marines contingent (24 models) was led by a Primaris Captain, and included a Primaris Lieutenant, a Judiciar (new melee executioner), a Primaris Chaplain, a unit of 3 Bladeguard Veterans, a Bladeguard Ancient, 3 Outriders (Primaris bikers), 3 Eradicators (melta-gunners), and 10 Assault Intercessors.
The Necron contingent (37 models) was led by a Necron Overlord, and included a Royal Warden, a Plasmancer Cryptek, 2 Cryptothralls bodyguards, a Skorpekh Lord, 3 Skorpekh Destroyers with 1 Plasmacyte, a Canoptek Reanimator, 10 Necron Warriors and 3 Scarab Swarm bases. Indomitus also came with the full Warhammer 40k 9th Edition Rulebook (softcover) but notably no supplemental terrain or dice.
This set was enormously popular and sold out quickly in July 2020. It marked the beginning of the Era Indomitus, showcasing the new Primaris units and Necron units (many of which – like the Judiciar, Outriders, Skorpekh destroyers, etc. – debuted here).
Recruit, Elite, and Command Edition Starter Sets (2020 Space Marines vs Necrons Starter Sets)
After Indomitus, GW released three tiered starter boxes for 9th Edition: Recruit Edition (smallest, aimed at beginners, with a few Assault Intercessors vs Necron Warriors + Royal Warden, and introductory rules); Elite Edition (mid-sized, adding more units like Outriders and Skorpekh Destroyers); and Command Edition (largest retail starter, including everything in Elite plus a cardboard gaming mat and modular terrain pieces, as well as a full mini rulebook). These sets all featured Primaris Marines fighting Necrons, offering a more accessible follow-up for those who missed Indomitus.
Holiday Season 2020 Battleforces
Six Christmas 2020 battleforce boxes were released (each around ~£125 MSRP), containing the following:
Interdiction Force Battleforce (2020 Space Marines Battleforce)
Elevate covert operations with the Interdiction Force, an elite collection of Space Marine Vanguard units. Led by a Captain in Phobos Armour, this stealth-focused group includes 10 versatile Infiltrators or Incursors, 10 aggressive Reivers, an agile Invictor Tactical Warsuit, and an Impulsor transport. Your enemy won’t see this force until it’s too late.
Eradication Legion Battleforce (2020 Necrons Battleforce)
The Eradication Legion is perfect for aspiring Necron conquerors. Featuring 10 Warriors, five Immortals or Deathmarks, five Triarch Praetorians or Lychguard, a Canoptek Spyder, a Triarch Stalker, a Doomscythe or Nightscythe flyer, and a Technomancer, this comprehensive force has everything you need to dominate the galaxy for the Silent King—or your own dynasty.
Bastion Platoon Battleforce (2020 Astra Militarum Battleforce)
The Bastion Platoon delivers Astra Militarum’s key strengths: Guardsmen, guns, and even bigger guns. It includes 20 Guardsmen, a Command Squad and Officer, a Heavy Weapon Squad, a Sentinel (or Scout Sentinel), a Chimera transport, and a Hydra (or Wyvern) artillery tank. Alternatively, this versatile collection offers excellent kitbashing opportunities for Genestealer Cultists aiming to subvert planetary populations.
Decimation Warband Battleforce (2020 Chaos Space Marines Battleforce)
The Decimation Warband is ideal for Chaos Space Marine players eager to bring fiery destruction to the galaxy. Featuring 10 Chaos Space Marines, five Havocs, five Chaos Terminators, a Maulerfiend (or Forgefiend), and a Chaos Lord armed with a thunder hammer, this powerful combination provides everything you need for brutal, devastating warfare.
Starpulse Cadre Battleforce (2020 T’au Empire Battleforce)
The T’au Starpulse Cadre Battleforce brings overwhelming firepower in pursuit of the Greater Good. Featuring 10 Fire Warriors, 10 Pathfinders, three Crisis Battlesuits, one Broadside Battlesuit, a Piranha, a Commander, and numerous accompanying Drones, this versatile force ensures you’re fully equipped to wage superior warfare when diplomacy falls short.
Brood Swarm Battleforce (2020 Tyranids Battleforce)
The Brood Swarm is perfect for Tyranid players eager to devour entire worlds. Featuring 16 Genestealers, 10 Gargoyles, three Hive Guard (or Tyrant Guard), an Exocrine (or Haruspex), and a Hive Tyrant (or Swarmlord), this battleforce ensures your swarm will quickly overwhelm and consume any opposition.
Warhammer 40k Box Sets 2019
Shadowspear (2019 Vanguard Space Marines vs Chaos Daemonkin Campaign Box)
A major box released in early 2019 that introduced the Vanguard Space Marines and updated CSM sculpts. The Space Marines side included a Primaris Captain in camo cloak (Phobos armor), a Librarian in Phobos armor, a Lieutenant in Phobos, 3 Suppressor jump-pack Marines (with autocannons), 3 Eliminator sniper Scouts, and a 10-man Infiltrator squad.
The Chaos side featured the Master of Possession (new Chaos Sorcerer), a Venomcrawler daemon engine walker, 2 Obliterators (new sculpts), and a 10-man squad of Chaos Space Marines (with updated models) plus some Greater Possessed. Shadowspear came with a campaign book detailing the conflict on Nemendghast. It was essentially a “starter set” for the Psychic Awakening series, and all models in it were new at the time.
Blood of the Phoenix (2019 Craftworld Aeldari vs Drukhari Campaign Box)
Blood of the Phoenix was a Warhammer 40,000 battlebox released for the game’s 8th Edition, launching the Psychic Awakening campaign. It featured a showdown between Phoenix Lord Jain Zar’s Eldar forces and Drazhar’s Dark Eldar. The set included Jain Zar, 5 Howling Banshees, a Falcon, and a Vyper for the Eldar; and Drazhar, 5 Incubi, 5 Hellions, 5 Scourges, plus a Venom carrying 3 Wyches for the Dark Eldar. It also came with a campaign rulebook and datasheets.
Sisters of Battle Army Set (2019 Adepta Sororitas Launch Box)
A limited edition “army set” released in Nov 2019 to re-launch the Adepta Sororitas range in plastic. This set included 25 new plastic Sisters models: a Canoness leader, 10 Battle Sisters, 5 Seraphim (jump infantry), 1 Repentia Superior with 4 Repentia, 3 Arco-flagellants, and a Penitent Engine walker. Critically, it also contained the Codex: Adepta Sororitas (8th Edition) hardback – which was the first Sororitas codex in years – plus datacards and an exclusive Order of Our Martyred Lady transfer sheet. This box was the only way to get the new units and codex initially, and it sold out within hours. It’s considered the spiritual successor to the classic 2nd edition Sisters release, finally bringing the faction fully into modern Warhammer 40k.
Warhammer 40,000: Apocalypse
In 2019 Games Workshop released ten Apocalypse Battalion box sets, enabling players to recreate massive Warhammer 40k battles on an epic scale. Each set featured vast armies of tanks, infantry, mechanised walkers, and heavy weaponry, designed to bring immense battles to life. Initially, there was price speculation, but retailers later confirmed each set’s price at £100. These battalions offered excellent value, giving players the opportunity to decide the fate of enormous conflicts through strategic dice rolls.
Orks Spearhead Detachment (2019 Apocalypse Box)
The Ork Apocalypse box featured a Spearhead Detachment consisting of six Killa Kans, two Deff Dreads, a Mek, and a Big Mek equipped with a powerful Shokk Attack Gun. The total value of the set was £152.50 (£56 for Kans, £62 for Dreads, £13 for Mek, and £22.50 for Big Mek). Additionally, this force was ideal for the “Dread Mob” Specialist Detachment from Vigilus Defiant, enhancing the Big Mek’s weapon capabilities.
Imperial Knights Super-Heavy Detachment (2019 Apocalypse Box)
The Apocalypse Battalion box featured a Super Heavy Detachment containing a powerful Knight Castellan accompanied by two Armiger Helverins. Though comprising only three models, their combined firepower was immense. Using the Questor Mechanicus rules and the Helm Dominatus relic allowed the Helverins’ autocannons to improve accuracy against targets within 24 inches, ensuring devastating damage alongside the Castellan’s massive weaponry. Purchased individually, the contents were valued at £145.
T’au Empire Vanguard Detachment (2019 Apocalypse Box)
The T’au Apocalypse Battalion featured a Vanguard Detachment packed with advanced battlesuits, including one Riptide, six Crisis suits, multiple drones, and a T’au Crisis Commander. Adding a Broadside and Commander Farsight could nearly complete “The Eight,” making the set ideal for conversions. With a combined retail value of £170, this set offered significant value to players looking to expand their T’au Empire forces.
Adeptus Mechanicus Vanguard Detachment (2019 Apocalypse Box)
The Adeptus Mechanicus Apocalypse Battalion featured six Kastelan Robots, three Datasmiths, and a Tech-Priest Dominus, providing immense phosphor-based firepower valued at £148. Additionally, this battalion paired effectively with the “Cybernetica Cohort” Specialist Detachment from Vigilus Defiant, enhancing Robots with improved charges, turning Heavy weapons into Assault, and simplifying protocol changes through the Dominus with an appropriate relic.
Tyranids Spearhead Detachment (2019 Apocalypse Box)
The Tyranid Apocalypse Battalion featured massive bio-monstrosities ideal for a “Nidzilla” playstyle, including a Hive Tyrant, two Carnifexes, a Tyrannofex, and a Trygon. Offering powerful close combat and ranged threats, this set was valued at £159, making it an excellent starting point for players interested in fielding large Tyranid creatures.
Craftworlds Vanguard Detachment (2019 Apocalypse Box)
The Eldar Apocalypse Battalion included two Wraithlords, 15 Wraithguard/Wraithblades, and a Spiritseer previously exclusive to the “Wake the Dead” box. With a total value of £157, this force was formidable both in terms of cost-effectiveness and tabletop strength. Using the Specialist Detachment from Vigilus Defiant, players could further enhance Wraithblades with rerolled charges and cover bonuses from a dedicated psychic power.
Necrons Outrider Detachment (2019 Apocalypse Box)
The Necron Apocalypse Battalion presented an unconventional, speed-focused army, featuring six Tomb Blades, six Canoptek Wraiths, a Ghost Ark (convertible into a Doomsday Ark), and a Cryptek for support. With a total retail value of £156, this battalion offered a fresh and aggressive playstyle, perfect for Necron players seeking mobility and rapid assault tactics.
Space Marines Battalion Detachment (2019 Apocalypse Box)
The Space Marines Apocalypse Battalion featured an imposing force of 30 Intercessors, a Primaris Captain, and a Redemptor Dreadnought. Valued at £167.50, this battalion provided exceptional value and substantial firepower, ideal for players wanting to deploy a powerful, infantry-heavy Primaris force.
Chaos Space Marines Battalion Detachment (2019 Apocalypse Box)
The Chaos Space Marines Apocalypse Battalion featured a powerful force led by a Chaos Terminator Lord, supported by 30 Chaos Space Marines and six Chaos Bikers. Valued at £162, this battalion offered significant value, showcasing numerous new sculpts perfect for rapid painting techniques like Contrast paints.
Astra Militarum Spearhead Detachment (2019 Apocalypse Box)
The Astra Militarum Apocalypse Battalion featured a Spearhead Detachment valued at £155, including a Leman Russ Demolisher, two Leman Russ Battle Tanks, a Chimera, three Heavy Weapons Teams, and a Command Squad. Despite lacking artillery, this flavorful set allowed players to form a Specialist Emperor’s Fist Tank Company Detachment, benefiting from upgrades like a Tank Commander equipped with the powerful Hammer of Sunderance Battle Cannon available through Vigilus Defiant.
Holiday Season 2019 Battleforces
Six battleforce army boxes were released at end of 2019:
Crimson Spear Strike Force Battleforce (2019 Blood Angels Battleforce)
A Blood Angels Primaris collection. Included 10 Primaris Intercessors, 5 Death Company Marines, 5 Sanguinary Guard, a Baal Predator tank, a Jump Pack Chaplain, and a Terminator Captain. A well-rounded Blood Angels force mixing Primaris and classic units (with an emphasis on jump troops and melee, fitting their style) – Total 23 models, including characters.
Bioswarm Battleforce (2019 Tyranids Battleforce)
A Tyranid swarm focusing on countless creatures. Included a Carnifex Brood (2 Carnifexes), a Hive Tyrant, 12 Termagants, 12 Hormagaunts, 8 Genestealers, and 10 Gargoyles. This massive bioswarm gave Tyranid players a bit of everything – monstrous creatures, swarms of gaunts, and elite Genestealers – Total 46 models. It had one of the highest model counts and savings (~$105 off) of the year.
Starclaimer Hunter Cadre Battleforce (2019 T’au Empire Battleforce)
A T’au force combining infantry and battlesuits. Included 1 Commander (Coldstar battlesuit), 3 Crisis Battlesuits, 3 Stealth Suits, 10 Fire Warriors, and a Devilfish transport. A strong core for T’au with both troop volume and battlesuit support – Total 28 models.
Talons of Morkai Battleforce (2019 Space Wolves Battleforce)
A Space Wolves Primaris force with a touch of the Chapter’s unique units. Contained 5 Wulfen (elite werewolf Marines), 10 Primaris Intercessors, an Iron Priest (Techmarine), and a Stormwolf flyer (assault transport). This mixed classic Space Wolf units (Wulfen, Iron Priest) with Primaris and a flyer, representing the Space Wolves’ savage and high-tech elements together – Total 17 models.
Poisonblade Raiding Party Battleforce (2019 Drukhari Battleforce)
A Drukhari (Dark Eldar) army box oriented around a fast raiding force. It included 1 Archon, 20 Kabalite Warriors (two squads), 3 Reaver Jetbikes, 1 Venom transport, 1 Talos Pain Engine, and a Razorwing Jetfighter. Essentially a mix of an Archon’s personal Kabal force with infantry, a dedicated transport, and heavy support – Total 27 models.
Vengeance Warband Battleforce (2019 Chaos Space Marines Battleforce)
A Chaos Space Marine force centered on heavy infantry. It comprised 1 Chaos Terminator Lord, 5 Chaos Terminators, 10 Chaos Space Marines, 5 Havocs, and 1 Chaos Rhino. This gave a solid backbone of Chaos elite and core units with a transport – Total 22 models + Rhino – a strong starting force for a Chaos warband.
Warhammer 40k Box Sets 2018
Forgebane (2018 Adeptus Mechanicus vs Necrons Campaign Box)
Forgebane was a Warhammer 40,000 boxed set featuring two opposing armies: the cybernetic Adeptus Mechanicus and the ancient, robotic Necrons. It included miniatures for playing three connected missions based on the battle for Amontep II, and provided additional units for expanding gameplay. The set contained a Necron Cryptek, 5 Immortals, 5 Lychguard, and 3 Canoptek Wraiths; opposing them were 2 Armiger Warglaives, 10 Skitarii Rangers, and a Tech-Priest Dominus for the Adeptus Mechanicus.
Tooth and Claw (2018 Space Wolves vs Genestealer Cults Campaign Box)
Tooth and Claw was a Warhammer 40,000 boxed set containing two opposing armies: the fierce Space Wolves Space Marines and the sinister Genestealer Cults. Designed around four connected missions depicting the violent battles on Vigilus, the set provided detailed miniatures for gameplay and collection expansion. Included were Space Wolves units such as a Primaris Battle Leader (Haldor Icepelt), 5 Primaris Intercessors, 3 Primaris Aggressors, and a Space Wolves Primaris Upgrade frame; opposing them were Genestealer Cults models including an Abominant, 5 Aberrants, an Acolyte Iconward, 5 Hybrid Metamorphs, and 8 Genestealers.
Wake the Dead (2018 Craftworld Eldar vs Space Marines Campaign Box)
Wake the Dead was a Warhammer 40,000 battlebox released in 2018 for the game’s 8th Edition, featuring a conflict between the Aeldari of Saim-Hann and the Ultramarines on the war-torn planet Vigilus. The set depicted the Aeldari seeking vengeance after an Imperial betrayal, opposed by Ultramarines defending humanity. Included were Eldar units—1 Spiritseer, 10 Guardians, 5 Wraithguard, and 1 Wave Serpent—and Space Marine forces—1 Lieutenant, 5 Intercessors, 5 Reivers, and 5 Inceptors.
Speed Freeks (2018 Ork vehicle combat Boxed Game)
Speed Freeks was a high-speed, Ork-themed racing board game released by Games Workshop in October 2018, set in the deserts of Vigilus. Players commanded customized Ork vehicles in chaotic, combat-filled races. The game included 8 plastic vehicle miniatures: a Kustom Boosta-Blasta, a Shokkjump Dragsta, and 6 Warbikers, along with barricades marking the courses, offering intense battles and unpredictable action for Ork racing dominance.
Blackstone Fortress (2018 40k Warhammer Quest Adventure Game)
Warhammer Quest: Blackstone Fortress was a cooperative board game released by Games Workshop in 2018, set in the 41st Millennium. Players explored a mysterious, procedurally generated ancient citadel, each adventure uniquely unfolding. The game included 9 Explorer miniatures, such as a Rogue Trader, Imperial Navigator, and Kroot Tracker, and 35 Hostile miniatures, including Chaos forces, traitor guardsmen, and robotic enemies.
Imperial Knights: Renegade (2018 Knight vs Knight Boxed Game)
A second edition of 2016 Imperial Knights: Renegare box. Had updated Knight kits (Knight Crusader and Knight Paladin). It’s considered an event-exclusive style box and was the way to start a Knight household on a budget. This edition swapped out the older Sector Imperialis ruins for a shiny new Galvanic Magnavent. This kit was a pretty appealing option for Chaos players too, as they were able to field both Knights inside as Renegades using the rules in Index: Chaos.
Holiday Season 2018 Battleforces
GW offered several Holiday Season bundles in 2018 as well (the concept of battleforce was in full swing). The 40k battleforces for 2018 numbered six, with the following known sets:
Primaris Interdiction Force Battleforce (2018 Space Marines Battleforce)
The Space Marine Primaris Interdiction Force was a versatile and cost-effective box set for Warhammer 40,000, suited for both new and existing Adeptus Astartes players. It included a customizable Primaris Captain, 10 Intercessors with various bolt rifles, 10 Reivers equipped with grav-chutes and grapnel launchers, 3 Inceptors armed with assault bolters or plasma exterminators, and a fully configurable Repulsor Tank, providing significant tactical options and combat power.
Supremacy Force Battleforce (2018 Imperial Fists Battleforce)
The Imperial Fists Supremacy Force was a Warhammer 40,000 boxed set that highlighted the chapter’s expertise in siege warfare and disciplined firepower. It included a customizable Primaris Captain, 10 Intercessors with various bolt rifle options, 5 Hellblasters armed with plasma weapons, 3 Aggressors equipped for ranged or flame attacks, a fully customizable Redemptor Dreadnought, and specialized Imperial Fists upgrade frames to personalize units, offering players extensive tactical flexibility and chapter-specific customization options.
Fist of the Omnissiah (2018 Adeptus Mechanicus Battleforce)
The Fist of the Omnissiah was a Warhammer 40,000 boxed set offering players a versatile mix of Adeptus Mechanicus units. It included 1 Tech-Priest Enginseer, 10 Skitarii Vanguard, 5 Sicarian Ruststalkers, 2 Kastelan Robots with a Cybernetica Datasmith, and 1 Onager Dunecrawler, providing diverse tactical options and powerful support for expanding Mechanicus armies.
Infection Cluster Battleforce (2018 Death Guard Battleforce)
The Infection Cluster was a Warhammer 40,000 boxed set designed to start or expand a Death Guard army, offering both tactical flexibility and value. It included a Plague Surgeon, 7 customizable Plague Marines, 5 versatile Blightlord Terminators, a Foetid Bloat-drone with multiple weapon options, and a heavily armed Plagueburst Crawler siege vehicle, providing a strong core force for Death Guard players.
Asuryani Bladehost Battleforce (2018 Craftworlds Battleforce)
The Bladehost was a Warhammer 40,000 boxed set designed to build or expand an Asuryani (Craftworld Eldar) army. It included versatile units such as a Farseer with a singing spear, 10 Guardians with a heavy weapons platform, 5 Dire Avengers (including an Exarch option), 3 customizable Windriders, a Vyper with multiple weapon choices, and a powerful Wraithknight with varied armament options, providing players significant tactical flexibility and value.
Dominion Spearhead Battleforce (2018 Necrons Battleforce)
The Dominion Spearhead was a Warhammer 40,000 box set designed to launch or expand a Necron army. It featured a Necron Overlord with a resurrection orb and warscythe, 12 Necron Warriors, 10 Immortals (optionally assembled as Deathmarks), a Canoptek Spyder with multiple upgrade options, 3 Canoptek Scarab Swarms, 3 customizable Tomb Blades, and a versatile Ghost Ark, which could alternatively be built as a Doomsday Ark, offering excellent tactical variety and value.
Warhammer 40k Box Sets 2017
Warhammer 40,000: Dark Imperium (2017 Primaris Space Marines vs Death Guard Starter Set)
The 8th Edition launch box, released June 2017, which was a huge milestone as it introduced the Primaris Marines and Death Guard range. Contents: 53 miniatures. The Ultramarines Primaris force (22 models) included Marneus Calgar’s lieutenants: a Primaris Captain, 2 Lieutenants, an Ancient banner bearer, 10 Intercessors, 3 Inceptors (jump-pack troops), and 5 Hellblaster plasma Marines. The Death Guard Chaos force (31 models) included a Lord of Contagion, a Noxious Blightbringer, a Malignant Plaguecaster (psyker), 7 Plague Marines, 1 Foetid Bloat-drone (daemon engine), and 20 Poxwalker zombies. Dark Imperium also provided the full hardback 8th Ed rulebook and lore books. It was a complete game in a box and kicked off the new storyline of the Indomitus Crusade and Nurgle’s invasion. This set was discontinued after 2018, but its models were later split into smaller starters (see Know No Fear).
Know No Fear (2017 Primaris vs Death Guard Starter Set)
Know No Fear was a Warhammer 40,000 starter set released in 2017 for the game’s 8th Edition, featuring Primaris Space Marines and Death Guard. The set included 31 detailed miniatures: for the Space Marines, a Captain, 5 Intercessors, 3 Inceptors, and 5 Hellblasters; for the Death Guard, a Lord of Contagion, 5 Plague Marines, a Foetid Bloat-drone, and 10 Poxwalkers, providing players an excellent starting point for both factions.
First Strike (2017 Primaris vs Death Guard Intro Set)
First Strike was a starter set for Warhammer 40,000’s 8th Edition, designed for newcomers to the hobby. Released with everything needed to begin playing, it featured 15 push-fit miniatures: 3 Primaris Intercessors and 3 Primaris Reivers from the Ultramarines, and 3 Plague Marines along with 6 Poxwalkers from the Death Guard. The set also included a double-sided gaming mat, scenery, and essential rules, offering a simple yet comprehensive introduction to the game. (These two, Know No Fear and First Strike, along with Dark Imperium, covered all price points for getting into 8th edition.)
Talons of the Emperor (2017 Adeptus Custodes Battleforce)
Talons of the Emperor was a Warhammer 40,000 boxed set featuring the elite Adeptus Custodes and Sisters of Silence, released to counter the threat of Chaos. It included 5 versatile Adeptus Custodes (with options for a Shield-Captain and Vexila), a Contemptor Dreadnought, a Venerable Land Raider, 5 Sisters of Silence (customizable as Vigilators, Prosecutors, or Witchseekers), and a Null-Maiden Rhino transport. Additionally, the set contained two 24-page Codexes detailing rules for fielding these powerful Imperial forces.
Triumvirate Boxes (2017 Gathering Storm)
In the months just before 8th Edition, GW released a series of notable character sets (though not full armies, they were large figure sets) as part of the Gathering Storm narrative in early 2017:
Triumvirate of the Imperium
Included Inquisitor Greyfax, Archmagos Cawl, and Celestine with Geminae Superia (5 models), representing heroes of the Imperium.
Triumvirate of the Primarch
Included the resurrected Roboute Guilliman, Cypher, and Grand Master Voldus (3 models).
Triumvirate of Ynnead
Included Yncarne (avatar of Ynnead), Yvraine, and the Visarch (3 Aeldari Ynnari models).
These sets were limited-run and tied to the climactic 7th edition storyline, introducing Guilliman’s return. While not exactly “army boxes,” they were significant 2017 releases of large figures used in 40k games.
Holiday Season 2017 Battleforces
GW revived Christmas battleforces in 2017 with four sets for 40k:
Insurrection Battleforce (2017 Genestealer Cults Battleforce)
This Warhammer 40,000 boxed set featured a versatile Genestealer Cults force, ideal for starting or expanding an army. It included a Goliath Rockgrinder (which could alternatively be assembled as a Goliath Truck), a Broodcoven of 5 models (Patriarch, Primus, Magus, and 2 Familiars), 5 Acolyte Hybrids (optionally Hybrid Metamorphs), 10 Neophyte Hybrids, and an additional 11-model Neophyte Hybrid squad, created by combining Cadian Shock Troopers with a Genestealer Cults Upgrade Frame. Total 32 models.
Kult of Speed Battleforce (2017 Orks Battleforce)
This Warhammer 40,000 boxed set provided a versatile Ork force ideal for starting or expanding an army. It included a heavily armed Battlewagon, a reinforced Trukk, a Big Mek equipped with a Shokk Attack Gun, a Warbiker Mob of three Orks, 11 Boyz armed with various weapons, and 5 Lootas with powerful weaponry, offering tactical flexibility and value for players. Total 22 models.
Battlegroup Battleforce (2017 Astra Militarum Battleforce)
This Warhammer 40,000 boxed set featured an extensive Astra Militarum force, ideal for building or expanding an army. It included a versatile Leman Russ Battle Tank (optionally an Eradicator, Exterminator, or Vanquisher), a Chimera transport with various weapon options, a Sentinel configurable as Scout or Armoured, 3 Ogryns (optionally Bullgryns or the special character Nork Deddog), a 5-man Cadian Command Squad with diverse equipment choices, and 20 fully customizable Cadian Shock Troops, providing significant tactical versatility and excellent value. Total 31 models.
Rapid Insertion Cadre Battleforce (2017 T’au Empire Battleforce)
This Warhammer 40,000 box set featured a versatile T’au Empire battlesuit force, ideal for starting or expanding an army. It included an XV95 Ghostkeel Battlesuit with stealth drones, 6 XV25 Stealth Battlesuits with markerlight drones, a team of 3 XV8 Crisis Battlesuits (including the option for an XV8-02 experimental suit) and 6 drones, and a Commander model configurable as either the XV85 Enforcer or XV86 Coldstar Battlesuit variant, providing significant tactical flexibility and value. Total 24 models.
Warhammer 40k Box Sets 2016
Space Marine Strike Force Ultima (2016 Space Marines Army Set)
Strike Force Ultima was a Warhammer 40,000 Space Marine boxed set designed for rapid and powerful assaults. It included 25 Space Marine miniatures: a Terminator Captain, a 5-man Sternguard Veteran Squad, 5 Terminators, a 10-man Tactical Squad, a Drop Pod, a Land Raider, a Razorback, and a Stormhawk Interceptor. Additionally, the box featured an exclusive formation, vehicle transfers, and bases, providing a versatile and elite force ready for immediate tabletop play.
Deathwatch Overkill Board Game (2016 Deathwatch vs Genestealers Board Game)
Deathwatch Overkill was a two-player Warhammer 40,000 boxed game featuring Kill Team Cassius battling a Genestealer Cult infestation on the mining world of Ghosar Quintus. Led by Chaplain Ortan Cassius, the Kill Team comprised 11 unique Deathwatch Space Marines from various chapters. Opposing them were 39 Genestealer Cult models, including a Patriarch, Magus, Primus, Aberrants, and Hybrids. The box included 9 linked narrative scenarios, 8 double-sided board tiles, dice, a ruler, and a detailed 48-page rulebook.
Death Masque (2016 Deathwatch vs Harlequins Campaign Box)
Death Masque was a Warhammer 40,000 boxed set centered around the battle between Eldrad Ulthran’s Eldar forces and Watch Captain Artemis’s Deathwatch on the crystal moon Coheria. The set included Eldrad Ulthran, 12 Harlequin Players, a Death Jester, Voidweaver, and two Skyweavers for the Eldar; and Watch Captain Artemis, 5 Deathwatch Veterans, 5 Vanguard Veterans, a Venerable Dreadnought, and a Deathwatch Upgrade Frame for the Deathwatch. It also featured a 208-page rules book, narrative missions, background lore, and exclusive formations for both armies.
Burning of Prospero (2016 Horus Heresy Boxed Game)
The Horus Heresy: Burning of Prospero was a strategic board game set during the dramatic battle between the Space Wolves and Thousand Sons on Prospero. It featured six narrative scenarios, with gameplay emphasizing tactical decisions alongside dice-driven combat. The box included detailed Citadel miniatures: heroes Geigor Fell-Hand and Azhek Ahriman, a Legio Custodes squad, Sisters of Silence (with customizable weapon options), 30 Legion Veteran Tactical Marines in MkIII ‘Iron’ armor, and 5 customizable Tartaros Terminators. Also included were double-sided board tiles, rulebooks, Psychic Power cards, dice, and a transfer sheet, providing players everything needed to reenact this legendary conflict.
Imperial Knights: Renegade (2016 Knight vs Knight Boxed Game)
A big box set (April 2016) containing two Imperial Knight models and terrain, packaged as a game of Knight dueling. The set included one Knight Warden kit and one Knight Paladin kit, plus a Sector Mechanicus Basilica Administratum ruin. It provided rules for a 2-player mini-game where one Knight was a Renegade (Chaos-corrupted) Knight and the other a loyalist Knight. Essentially, it was “buy two Knights, get a terrain + game rules free.”
This box was fantastic value (almost a two-for-one for Knight kits) and even included 40k datasheets for fielding a Renegade Knight in normal games. Imperial Knights: Renegade was re-released in 2018 (2nd Edition) with updated Knight kits (Knight Crusader and Knight Paladin). It’s considered an event-exclusive style box and was the way to start a Knight household on a budget.
Battle for Vedros (2016 Space Marines vs Orks Starter Set)
The Battle for Vedros Starter Set was a simplified, beginner-friendly Warhammer 40,000 boxed set released in mass-market stores in 2016, featuring Space Marines versus Orks. It included Space Marine units (1 Captain, 6 Tactical Marines, 1 Terminator, and 1 Dreadnought), Ork units (1 Warboss, 5 Nobz, 12 Boyz, and 1 Deffkopta), a simplified rulebook, dice, and narrative content designed for new and younger players.
Lost Patrol (2016 Boxed Game)
Lost Patrol was a two-player boxed game set on the deadly jungle world of Moraz III, released by Games Workshop. One player controlled a squad of Space Marine Scouts trying to recover vital surveillance files and escape, while the other commanded swarms of deadly Genestealers. The set included 5 Space Marine Scouts, 12 Genestealers, 6 Infestation markers, and 30 hex tiles, offering fast-paced, strategic gameplay in a hostile environment.
Holiday Season 2016 Battleforces
Eradication Cohort Battleforce (2016 Adeptus Mechanicus Battleforce)
This Adeptus Mechanicus Battleforce was a Warhammer 40,000 boxed set containing 17 miniatures representing a ruthless, augmented army devoted to the Machine God. It included 1 Sydonian Dragoon, 2 Kastelan Robots with a Datasmith, 3 Kataphron Destroyers, 5 Sicarian Infiltrators, and 5 Fulgurite Electro-Priests. The set featured the “Eradication Cohort” formation, providing a ready-to-use, thematic army for immediate gameplay.
Targeted Reconnaissance Cadre Battleforce (2016 T’au Empire Battleforce)
This Tau Empire Battleforce provided an instant Warhammer 40,000 collection emphasizing advanced technology, tactical speed, and firepower. It included a TY7 Devilfish, an XV86 Coldstar Battlesuit, an XV88 Broadside Battlesuit, an XV95 Ghostkeel Battlesuit, 3 XV25 Stealth Suits, and a 10-model Pathfinder Team, each accompanied by drones. The set formed the “Targeted Reconnaissance Cadre,” ready for immediate play.
Ironclaw Strike Force Battleforce (2016 Space Wolves Battleforce)
This Space Wolves Battleforce offered a ready-to-play Warhammer 40,000 collection highlighting the chapter’s savage combat style and technological prowess. It featured 28 miniatures: an Iron Priest, a Stormfang Gunship, a Venerable Dreadnought, 5 Wolf Guard Terminators, 5 Fenrisian Wolves, and 15 Bloodclaws. Together they formed the “Ironclaw Strike Force,” playable immediately upon assembly and painting.
Watchblade Taskforce Battleforce (2016 Deathwatch Battleforce)
This Deathwatch Battleforce provided a ready-to-use Warhammer 40,000 collection, representing the elite alien-hunting force of the Imperium. It included 27 miniatures: a Watch Master, a Razorback transport, 5 Deathwatch Bikers, 5 Deathwatch Terminators, three 5-man Deathwatch Kill Teams, and 3 Deathwatch Upgrade frames. Together, they formed the “Watchblade Task Force,” playable immediately upon assembly and painting.
Warhammer 40k Box Sets 2014–2015 (7th Edition era)
Space Marine Battle Demi-Company (2015 Space Marines Army Box)
The Battle Demi-company was a Warhammer 40,000 boxed set representing a powerful core Space Marine formation, ready for battle as described in the Codex: Adeptus Astartes. It included a Space Marine Commander, three Tactical Squads, an Assault Squad, a Devastator Squad, and a Dreadnought, offering players significant tactical power and extensive customization options.
Execution Force (2015 Officio Assassinorum vs Chaos Board Game)
A self-contained board game where 4 Imperial Assassins infiltrate a Chaos base. Included 4 Assassin models (Vindicare, Eversor, Culexus, Callidus – first time all in plastic) and a slew of adversaries: 15 Chaos Cultist models and 3 Traitor Chaos Space Marines, plus a Chaos Sorcerer Lord. This was both a game and a convenient way to get the assassins for 40k armies. Launched in 2015, it’s a large mini set in 40k context, though as a board game.
The Horus Heresy: Betrayal at Calth (2015 Ultramarines vs Word Bearers Campaign Box)
The Horus Heresy: Betrayal at Calth was a standalone Warhammer boxed game set during the 31st Millennium, depicting the civil war between the loyal Ultramarines and traitorous Word Bearers. It featured fast-paced, squad-based tunnel combat across six narrative-driven missions. The box contained highly detailed Citadel miniatures: a Terminator Captain, a Dark Apostle, a Contemptor Dreadnought, five Cataphractii Terminators, and thirty Legion Tactical Space Marines with extensive weapon options. Also included were four double-sided game boards, a 48-page rulebook, command cards, dice, and game markers.
Sanctus Reach: Stormclaw (2014 Space Wolves vs Orks Campaign Box)
A limited-run box released for the Sanctus Reach campaign (July 2014). It featured Krom Dragongaze (Space Wolves Wolf Lord character) with 5 Wolf Guard Terminators and 10 Space Wolves Grey Hunters, versus Grukk Face-Rippa (Ork Warboss character) with 5 Nobz and 10 Gretchin, plus an ammo runt. It included the Sanctus Reach campaign book. Stormclaw sold out quickly and is remembered for its named characters (Krom and Grukk) and being a bridge between 6th and 7th Edition 40k.
Shield of Baal: Deathstorm (2014 Blood Angels vs Tyranids Campaign Box)
Released winter 2014 as part of the Shield of Baal series. The Blood Angels force had Captain Karlaen (Terminators Captain) and a squad of 5 Terminators plus 5 Death Company Marines. The Tyranids force had The Spawn of Cryptus (special Genestealer broodlord) and a horde of 8 Genestealers plus 3 Tyranid Warriors and a Carnifex. A campaign book told the story of the conflict on Phodia. This set corresponded with the Blood Angels codex update and Tyranid campaign in late 7th edition.
Dark Angels: A Dark Vengeance Expansion Set
This boxed set was created to complement the Dark Angels Space Marines from Dark Vengeance, or to build an independent Dark Angels army. It included 9 Citadel miniatures: 1 Ravenwing Dark Talon, 3 Ravenwing Black Knights, and 5 Deathwing Knights, along with transfer sheets, bases, and rules for Warhammer 40,000 gameplay.
Crimson Slaughter: A Dark Vengeance Expansion Set
This boxed set complemented the Chaos Space Marines of the Crimson Slaughter from Dark Vengeance, or expanded any Chaos Space Marines army. It included 16 Citadel miniatures: a Land Raider, 5 Warp Talons, 5 Terminators, and 5 Cultists, along with a transfer sheet, bases, and rules for Warhammer 40,000 gameplay.
Dark Vengeance (2012 and 2014 Dark Angels vs Chaos Starter Set)
Dark Vengeance was the 6th Edition starter in 2012, but it was re-released in 2014 for 7th Edition with minor updates. Contents: Dark Angels Space Marines (Company Master Balthasar, Librarian Turmiel, 5 Deathwing Terminators, 3 Ravenwing Bikes, 10 Tactical Marines) vs. Chaos Crimson Slaughter (Chaos Lord Kranon, Sorcerer, 6 Chosen Chaos Marines, 20 Chaos Cultists, and a Helbrute walker) – 49 minis total.
The 2014 version swapped the limited-edition Chaplain for a regular Company Master. Dark Vengeance provided an excellent self-contained set of unique sculpts and was the face of 6th/early 7th edition 40k. (It was the last starter to include fully unique sculpts for every model, many of which remain iconic.)
Warhammer 40k Box Sets 2013 and Earlier
Astartes Ultra Box (2013 Space Marine Army Set)
The Astartes Ultra – A Complete Ultramarines Chapter was a massive, limited-edition Warhammer 40,000 collection representing an entire Ultramarines Space Marine Chapter as deployed at the Battle of Orar’s Sepulchre. This immense set featured nearly 1,200 miniatures, including 1 Veteran Company, 4 Battle Companies, 4 Reserve Companies, and 1 Scout Company, alongside all Codex-specified vehicles, characters, and support units. Additionally, it included signed codexes, art prints, and detailed organizational charts. With a price tag of $11,690, this set was the ultimate collector’s item for Space Marine enthusiasts.
Assault on Black Reach (2008 Space Marines vs Orks Starter Set)
The 5th Edition Warhammer 40k starter box. Space Marines: 1 Captain, 10 Tactical Marines, 5 Terminators, 1 Dreadnought. Orks: 1 Warboss, 20 Ork Boyz, 5 Nobz, 3 Deffkopta vehicles. This box (around 46 minis) was famed for its quality sculpts at the time and was many players’ introduction to 40k. It also included a mini rulebook and templates. Black Reach was available for several years and is remembered for the plastic Deffkoptas and the solid basic forces it provided.
Space Marine Battle Company (2007 Space Marine Army Set)
Released in 2017 the Space Marine Battle Company was a limited-edition Warhammer 40,000 boxed set from Games Workshop. It contained a substantial Space Marine force, including 1 Commander, 5 Command Squad Marines, 60 Tactical Marines, 20 Devastator Marines, 20 Assault Marines, 8 Rhinos, and 1 Razorback, providing an entire Battle Company ready for large-scale battles.
Battle for Macragge (2004 Space Marines vs Tyranids Starter Set)
The 4th Edition starter set, a true introduction for many in the early 2000s. Space Marines: 10 Ultramarine Tactical Marines (with snap-fit designs) and 1 Space Marine pilot model (downed pilot objective). Tyranids: 8 Termagants, 6 Genestealers. It also came with jungle temple terrain, crashed shuttle scenery, spore mine models, and a slim rulebook with starter missions. While the Marines had fewer models, the focus was on cinematic scenarios (rescuing the pilot, etc.). Battle for Macragge set the standard for including cool extras like terrain in a starter.
Warhammer 40,000 (3rd Edition) Boxed Set (1998 Space Marines vs Dark Eldar Starter Set)
The 3rd Edition starter set. It introduced the Dark Eldar as a new faction. Contents: 10 Space Marines (Black Templars scheme) including a Sergeant and a Landspeeder, versus 20 Dark Eldar Warriors. No characters were included beyond the sergeant. It came with cardboard ruins terrain, dice, templates, and three small rulebooks (Rules, Wargear, and Armies booklets). This set was cheaper ($50 in 1998) and provided a basic marine patrol and a horde of spiky Dark Eldar raiders – notably the only starter set to ever feature Dark Eldar. Many veteran players remember the heaps of mono-pose Dark Eldar from this box.
Warhammer 40,000 (2nd Edition) Box Set (1993 Space Marines vs Orks Starter Set)
The classic 2nd Edition starter. Space Marines: 20 Space Marines (plastic monopose “RTB01” beakies, divided as 2 squads with sergeants). Orks and Gretchin: 20 Ork Boyz and a whopping 40 Gretchin grots, plus a cardboard Ork Dreadnought/Killa Kan token. This set also contained numerous books: the main 2nd Ed rulebook, the Codex Imperialis background book, a Wargear book with cards, and assorted card components (wargear cards, psychic power cards, vehicle datafaxes, etc.). It included dice, templates, and even a cardboard ruin. The 2nd ed box is legendary for its massive number of minis (60 infantry models) and the lavish components – truly a “big box”. It’s fondly remembered for the John Blanche cover art of Blood Angels vs Orks and for being the entry point of many ’90s gamers.
Rogue Trader (1st Edition) (1987 Not a boxed miniatures set)
The original Warhammer 40k edition was a hardcover book, not a boxed game. However, in the late ’80s GW did release the RTB01 Imperial Space Marines plastic kit (1988) which gave 30 mono-pose Marines (often considered the first 40k miniatures boxed set), and games like Space Hulk (1989) and Advanced Space Crusade (1990) introduced boxed miniatures games in the 40k universe. Those are beyond the scope of “40k miniature box sets” but are notable as early large sets.
Each of the above sets (especially from the 2000s onward) has since been discontinued or superseded by newer editions and boxes. This list covers the major Warhammer 40,000 boxes by year – from the latest releases back through each edition’s starters, campaign boxes, special army sets, and Holiday Season bundles – providing a comparison of their contents and the factions involved. It highlights how Games Workshop frequently packages miniatures into limited-run sets to introduce new editions, new factions, or narrative events, giving players exciting ways to start or expand armies over the years.
