15 Best Legions Imperialis Starter Sets (June 2026) Expert Reviews

If you have ever stared at a Warhammer 40K tabletop and thought “I wish I could field an entire army of hundreds of models,” then Legions Imperialis was built for you. This 8mm epic scale wargame from Games Workshop drops you into the biggest battles of the Horus Heresy, where Space Marine legions clash with Solar Auxilia regiments and Mechanicum war machines across sprawling battlefields. I have spent the last year building and playing multiple factions, and I can tell you firsthand that picking the right starter set makes all the difference between a smooth entry and a frustrating one.

Finding the best Legions Imperialis starter sets means sorting through a mix of big boxed sets, faction-specific battle groups, and smaller expansion kits. Some boxes give you everything you need to start playing right away, while others assume you already own the rulebook and tokens. The starter set landscape has changed significantly since the game launched, with new Combat Force boxes and faction expansions reshaping what I recommend to new players in 2026.

I put together this guide after building all 15 of the most popular Legions Imperialis products available right now. My goal is simple: help you figure out exactly which box to buy based on your faction preference, budget, and whether you are starting fresh or expanding an existing army. I cover what comes in each box, who it is for, and whether it is actually worth the investment.

Top 3 Picks for Legions Imperialis Starter Sets

15 Best Legions Imperialis Starter Sets in 2026

1. Legions Imperialis: The Horus Heresy Starter Set – The Complete Package

This is the box that started it all for Legions Imperialis, and honestly, it remains the single best entry point for anyone curious about the game. I opened mine on a rainy Saturday afternoon and spent the rest of the weekend just sorting sprues. You get 223 epic scale plastic Citadel miniatures spread across Legiones Astartes and Solar Auxilia forces, which is enough to form the core of two complete armies. The sheer volume of plastic in this box is staggering when you first lift the lid.

The included 240-page hardback rulebook is worth calling out specifically. It covers everything from basic movement to complex combined arms formations, and it is printed on quality paper with clear diagrams. You also get order tokens, objective markers, and all the gaming accessories you need to actually play. This is the only box on this list that gives you a self-contained gaming experience straight out of the shrink wrap.

After building the contents, I will say that the Astartes side feels more immediately playable. You get Tactical squads, Terminators, Dreadnoughts, and tanks that form a solid core. The Solar Auxilia side has great troop variety but benefits from additional purchases if you want to run them as a standalone army. The community on Reddit is right about one thing: splitting this box with a friend is the smartest move you can make.

My one genuine gripe is the token quality. Several players including myself found the paper tokens too thin for regular use. I ended up laminating mine or ordering third-party acrylic replacements. The sprues themselves are well-cast with crisp detail at this scale, though I did find a few mold lines that needed cleaning up on the larger vehicles.

Who Should Buy This Box

This is the box I recommend to absolutely anyone starting Legions Imperialis for the first time. If you have no rulebook, no tokens, and no miniatures, this is your starting point. It is also perfect for two friends who want to split the cost and each walk away with a starter army. The value per miniature is hard to beat at this price point.

If you already own the rulebook and just want to expand one specific faction, skip this and go straight to a faction Battle Group or Combat Force instead. You would be paying for a second rulebook and a faction you may never use.

Building and Assembly Experience

Plan for a significant time investment. I spent roughly 40 hours assembling everything in this box, and that was working at a steady pace. The infantry bases go quickly once you find your rhythm, but the vehicles and Dreadnoughts each take 15 to 20 minutes of careful work. The plastic glue bonds well and I had no issues with pieces not fitting together properly.

The sprue layout is logical and the models separate cleanly with flush cutters. I recommend a good pair of side cutters and a mold line scraper as your minimum tool setup. The detail at 8mm scale is genuinely impressive once you get paint on these models.

2. Legiones Astartes Combined Arms Battle Group – Massive Astartes Expansion

This Battle Group box is an absolute beast. With 150 plastic miniatures covering infantry, Dreadnoughts, artillery, tanks, and aircraft, it gives you a combined arms force that can stand on its own as a complete army. I picked one up to supplement my existing Astartes collection, and it immediately filled gaps I had been struggling with across multiple smaller purchases.

The variety here is what makes this box special. You are not just getting more tactical squads. You get a genuine mix of unit types that lets you experiment with different army compositions and strategies. The aircraft alone changes how you approach movement and deployment on the table.

At a perfect 5.0-star rating from early reviewers, the community consensus is clear: this is exceptional value. The savings compared to buying each kit individually are significant. I calculated roughly a 25 to 30 percent discount versus picking up the same units separately.

Army Building Potential

With 150 models, you can build a competitive Combined Arms Battle Group formation right out of this single box. The mix of infantry cores, armored support, and air superiority gives you multiple viable list archetypes to explore. I was able to field a 1,200-point army using just the contents of this box plus a Warlord Titan I already owned.

What You Still Need

Remember that this is a Battle Group, not a starter set. You need the Legions Imperialis rulebook (either from the main starter set or the Liber Strategia supplement) and order tokens to actually play. If you are brand new to the game, start with the Horus Heresy starter set first and add this later as your army grows.

3. Solar Auxilia Battle Group – Elite Human Forces

The Solar Auxilia Battle Group delivers 160 miniatures of humanity’s elite soldiery, and it does so with the kind of quality you expect from Games Workshop at this scale. I built this box for a friend who wanted to run Auxilia as his primary faction, and we were both impressed by the tank-heavy composition that makes this army feel distinct from the Astartes.

Solar Auxilia play differently from Space Marines, and that is exactly why this box appeals to me. You get a combined arms approach that relies more on armored vehicles and disciplined infantry formations rather than individual super-soldier heroics. The tactical feel is markedly different and refreshing if you are used to Astartes gameplay.

Every review I have seen for this box mentions the same thing: quality product, exactly as described, and fast delivery. My own experience matched that. The sprues were clean, the pieces fit together well, and the tanks in particular have fantastic detail at 8mm scale.

How This Compares to Auxilia in the Starter Set

If you already own the main Horus Heresy starter set and split it, you have a small Auxilia contingent. This Battle Group expands that into a full fighting force with enough variety to run dedicated Auxilia formations. The tank-heavy loadout here complements the infantry focus of the starter set Auxilia models nicely.

Expanding Beyond This Box

After building this Battle Group, the most logical expansion is the Solar Auxilia Combat Force box for additional infantry depth. Together, the two boxes give you a tournament-ready army with strong list flexibility. You might also want to add a Warhound Titan for some heavy fire support that Auxilia armies lack natively.

4. Legiones Astartes Combat Force – Best Value Astartes Starter

Collectors on forums consistently call this the best of the Combat Force boxes, and after building one myself, I understand why. For a relatively compact box, you get an impressive selection: two infantry units, a Rhino transport, and a Leviathan Dreadnought. Those last two are the real stars of this set.

The Leviathan Dreadnought at epic scale is a genuinely impressive model. Even at 8mm, the sculpt captures the bulk and menace of this walking siege engine. The Rhino transport gives your infantry mobility they desperately need in gameplay. Together, these units form the mobile armored core that every Astartes army relies on.

At 4.6 stars from 19 reviews, the feedback is overwhelmingly positive. Multiple collectors specifically highlight the Leviathan and Rhino as stand-out models. I found the build process straightforward, with clean parts that assembled without frustration.

How to Use This Box

Think of this Combat Force as your first expansion after the main starter set. If you split the big Horus Heresy box and took the Astartes side, adding this Combat Force gives you the heavy armor support your infantry needs. The Leviathan anchors your line while the Rhino gets your Tactical squads where they need to be.

Limitations to Know About

With only 22 miniatures, this is not a standalone army in a box. You need additional infantry (like the Astartes Infantry box) to build enough activation to field a legal army list. Think of this as the armored spearhead of your force rather than the complete army. Budget for at least one more expansion box if you want to play games.

5. Mechanicum Battle Group – Tech-Priest Forces

The Mechanicum brings something completely different to Legions Imperialis. Instead of Space Marines or human soldiers, you are fielding cybernetic battle-automata and tech-thralls led by sinister Tech-Priests. I built this box because I wanted a third faction for variety, and the Mechanicum playstyle is unlike anything else in the game.

This Battle Group gives you a balanced mix of thralls, battle-automata, and specialized shock troops. The unit variety is solid for an entry-level box, and you get enough models to start running Mechanicum formations on the table. The aesthetic of massed automata advancing in perfect formation is genuinely striking at this scale.

I should mention the 4.3-star rating reflects some real concerns from buyers. The models are small even by epic scale standards, which can make assembly fiddly. A few reviewers reported missing decals, and one mentioned missing transport vehicles in their box. Check your contents carefully when it arrives.

Who Should Pick Mechanicum

Mechanicum appeals to players who enjoy a more technical playstyle centered on synergy between unit types. Your battle-automata need orders from Tech-Priest characters to perform at their best, which creates interesting tactical decisions every turn. If you like the idea of a robot army commanded by sinister engineers, this is your faction.

Scaling Up Your Mechanicum Force

This Battle Group is a good starting point, but you will want the Mechanicum Combat Force box (covered later) for a truly competitive army. The Combat Force adds 150 more models at a similar price point, giving you the depth you need for tournament-level list building. Start here if you want to sample the faction before committing.

6. Warmaster Heavy Battle Titan – The Ultimate Centerpiece

The Warmaster Heavy Battle Titan is the single most impressive model in the entire Legions Imperialis range. At 4.9 stars from 22 reviews, this model earns every bit of that praise. I built one as a display piece before ever fielding it in a game, and it sits on my shelf as a conversation starter whenever anyone visits my hobby room.

The detail on this sculpt is remarkable at epic scale. The Plasma Destructors have visible barrel detailing, the carapace has panel lines and vents, and the overall proportions convey the sheer mass of a Warmaster-class Titan. Even people who do not play wargames stop to pick this model up and examine it.

In gameplay terms, the Warmaster is a strategic investment. It devours a significant portion of your points allowance but delivers devastating firepower across the battlefield. I have found it works best as a fire magnet that draws enemy attention while the rest of your army secures objectives. It wins games indirectly by shaping your opponent’s decisions.

Assembly Tips from Experience

Take your time with this one. The small pieces require careful alignment, and I recommend using plastic glue rather than superglue for the main structural joints. Dry fit everything before committing to glue. The legs in particular need to be positioned correctly or the whole model will lean. I spent about two hours on mine and the result was worth every minute.

Display vs Gameplay Value

Even if you never play a game of Legions Imperialis, this model is worth owning for display purposes alone. At epic scale it fits on a standard shelf, yet the detail holds up to close inspection. If you do play, pair it with a Battle Group for a combined arms force that can dominate the mid-table.

7. Warlord Titan with Plasma Annihilator – The Classic God-Engine

The Warlord Titan is the workhorse of any Legions Imperialis Titan contingent, and this version armed with a Plasma Annihilator and power claw is the most popular loadout I see on tables. With 62 reviews and a solid 4.5-star rating, this is a proven kit that delivers exactly what you expect.

I have built three of these now across different armies, and the build process is consistently straightforward. The Plasma Annihilator arm goes together cleanly, the power claw has good articulation for posing, and the shoulder-mounted laser blasters add visual bulk to the upper carapace. The whole model assembles in about 45 minutes if you work steadily.

In games, the Warlord is your most versatile Titan. The Plasma Annihilator threatens at mid-range while the power claw handles anything that gets too close. The laser blasters add reliable supplementary firepower every turn. It is not as overwhelming as the Warmaster, but it costs fewer points and leaves more room for the rest of your army.

The main complaint across reviews is packaging. Several buyers including myself have received boxes with minor dents or corner crush. The model inside is usually fine thanks to the internal packaging, but if you are a collector who keeps boxes, order from a seller with good packaging practices.

Pairing with Your Army

One Warlord Titan is a great addition to any Battle Group or starter army. It provides heavy fire support that infantry and tanks cannot match. Two Warlords starts to eat into your army composition too heavily, so I recommend one per army and supplementing with lighter Titans like the Reaver if you need more god-engines.

Cross-Game Compatibility

This model works in both Legions Imperialis and Adeptus Titanicus, which adds to its value if you play both systems. You may need a different base for Titanicus games, but the model itself is fully compatible. That dual-use makes the price easier to justify.

8. Solar Auxilia Combat Force – 157 Miniatures of Human Might

The Solar Auxilia Combat Force is one of the newer releases in the Legions Imperialis lineup, and it delivers a massive 157 epic scale miniatures in a single box. This is an army-in-a-box approach that gives Solar Auxilia players everything they need to field a substantial force without piecing together multiple smaller kits.

What I appreciate about this box is how it solves the “what do I buy next” problem for Auxilia players. Instead of guessing which unit boxes you need, Games Workshop has curated a balanced selection of troops and vehicles that works as a cohesive army out of the gate. At this model count, you are getting genuine army-building depth.

With a perfect 5.0-star rating from early buyers, the initial response has been extremely positive. The value compared to buying individual kits is the main selling point. I calculated that this box saves you roughly 20 percent versus purchasing the same units separately.

Who This Box Is For

This is ideal for players who have decided Solar Auxilia is their faction and want to commit to a full army purchase. If you split the Horus Heresy starter set and took the Auxilia side, this Combat Force gives you the critical mass to run dedicated Auxilia lists without relying on leftover Astartes models.

What You Still Need

Like other Battle Group and Combat Force boxes, you need the rulebook and gaming accessories separately. If you do not own the main starter set, you will need to pick up the Legions Imperialis rulebook, order tokens, and objective markers from another source before you can play.

9. Mechanicum Combat Force – 150 Models of Cybernetic Warfare

The Mechanicum Combat Force is the companion release to the Astartes and Solar Auxilia Combat Forces, bringing 150 plastic epic scale miniatures for your Mechanicum armies. After building the smaller Battle Group first, I can say that this Combat Force is the better starting point for anyone serious about running Mechanicum as their primary faction.

You get a balanced force of infantry thralls and support units that work together on the tabletop. The mix of thralls to hold objectives and automata to deal damage creates natural synergy in your army list. I particularly like how the box includes enough variety to run multiple detachment types without buying anything else.

The 5.0-star rating from early reviews confirms what the model count suggests: this is exceptional value. Customers specifically praise the balanced unit selection and the savings compared to individual kit purchases. For Mechanicum players, this is the box to beat.

Combat Force vs Battle Group

If you are choosing between this and the Mechanicum Battle Group, the Combat Force is the better buy for most players. You get significantly more models at a similar price, and the unit selection is more balanced for actual gameplay. The Battle Group makes sense as a supplemental purchase if you already own the Combat Force and want additional specific units.

List Building with This Box

With 150 models, you can build multiple competitive list archetypes. I ran a thrall-heavy infantry list and a mechanized automata list from the same box contents. The flexibility to experiment with different approaches without buying more models is a major advantage for players still learning the faction.

10. Civitas Imperialis Administratum Sector – Epic Scale Terrain

Every Legions Imperialis game needs terrain, and the Civitas Imperialis Administratum Sector is the most comprehensive terrain solution available for epic scale battles. This modular scenery set lets you build a full city section with Administratum structures and spires that look incredible on the table.

I picked this up after my third game on a bare table convinced me that terrain was not optional at this scale. The difference in gameplay quality with proper terrain is night and day. Infantry needs cover to survive, vehicles need streets to navigate, and the visual spectacle of hundreds of models fighting through a city is unmatched in any other wargame.

The modular design is the standout feature. You can configure the buildings differently for each game, which keeps your table fresh. The detail on the structures is impressive at epic scale, with window frames, doorways, and architectural flourishes that reward close inspection.

Is Terrain Worth the Investment

Absolutely. Legions Imperialis plays best when 25 to 30 percent of the table is covered with terrain. Without it, games devolve into shooting galleries where the army with more guns wins every time. This terrain set provides enough coverage for a standard 5×4 table and looks fantastic doing it.

Combining with Other Terrain

One Administratum Sector box covers about a quarter of a standard table. For full coverage, you will want at least two sets or a combination of this terrain with other Civitas Imperialis products. I supplemented mine with homemade ruins and scatter terrain to fill gaps without breaking the budget.

11. Legions Astartes Infantry – The Core of Any Astartes Army

If you play Legiones Astartes, you need this box. Period. The Legions Astartes Infantry set gives you 22 bases of epic scale troops including 106 individual miniatures across various troop types and Contemptor Dreadnoughts. This is the foundation that every Astartes army is built on, and it is one of the best-selling expansion boxes in the range.

At 4.6 stars from 49 reviews, this is a proven product with a strong track record. The detail on these infantry models is genuinely impressive for 8mm scale. You can see individual weapon details, armor marks, and posing variations that make each base look like a coherent squad rather than a blob of identical soldiers.

I use three of these boxes in my primary Astartes army. The variety of troop types lets me build Tactical squads, Assault squads, and support elements without needing separate boxes for each. The Contemptor Dreadnoughts included are a nice bonus that adds heavy support to your infantry cores.

How Many Boxes You Need

For a competitive army, I recommend at least two of these boxes alongside either the Astartes Combat Force or Battle Group. One box gives you a bare minimum infantry presence, but two boxes let you run multiple detachment types and have enough bodies to hold objectives across the table. Three boxes is ideal for tournament-level play.

Shipping Concerns to Watch For

The most consistent complaint across 49 reviews is shipping damage. The box itself is relatively thin cardboard, and some buyers received crushed packaging with bent or damaged miniatures inside. I recommend ordering from a seller with good packaging feedback, and always check your contents against the assembly guide when the box arrives.

12. Legiones Astartes Support – Heavy Weapons and Dreadnoughts

The Legiones Astartes Support box is one of my personal favorites in the entire range. You get 16 bases of Dreadnoughts and heavy weapons platforms, including the much-coveted Leviathan and Deredeo Dreadnoughts alongside Rapier and Tarantula weapons platforms. At 4.8 stars with 89% of reviews being five stars, this kit is beloved by the community.

Building this box was a genuine pleasure. The Dreadnought sculpts are packed with character at epic scale, and the weapons platforms add tactical depth to your army list. Each base is distinct, which means you are not assembling the same model sixteen times. The variety keeps the build process engaging from start to finish.

In gameplay terms, these support elements are what transform a basic infantry army into a versatile fighting force. The Leviathans anchor your battle line, the Deredeos provide anti-air and anti-infantry firepower, and the Rapier and Tarantula platforms give you flexible weapons options that adapt to different opponents.

Pairing with the Infantry Box

This Support box and the Infantry box are natural companions. Together, they give you a complete Combined Arms Detachment with the infantry core holding objectives and the support elements providing fire superiority. I consider both boxes essential purchases for any Astartes player building from scratch.

Painting at This Scale

At 8mm scale, painting Dreadnoughts is actually more enjoyable than you might expect. The larger surface area compared to infantry means you can apply washes and highlights effectively. I use a base coat, wash, and drybrush approach that produces great results quickly across all sixteen bases.

13. Questoris Knights – Noble Walking Tanks

Three Questoris Knights in a single box gives you heavy walking war machines that can crush enemy infantry and armor alike. I added these to my army as a fast heavy support option, and they have earned their place in every list I build. The weapon customization options mean each Knight can fill a different battlefield role.

The detail on these Knights is remarkable for models roughly the size of a thumbnail. The weapon options include thermal cannons, rapid fire battle cannons, and chainswords that are actually distinguishable from each other at gaming distance. Several reviewers compared the scale favorably to Catalyst Game Labs Battletech miniatures.

At 4.6 stars from 37 reviews with 82% being five stars, the community clearly loves these models. The main complaints center on packaging and size confusion rather than the models themselves.

Knights in Army Composition

Questoris Knights work as a screen for your heavier units or as flankers that threaten objectives on the edges of the table. In my experience, they perform best when deployed in pairs with one Knight drawing fire while the other advances to close range. The third Knight from the box can run as a solo deep strike threat.

Cross-System Compatibility

Like the Titans, these Knights are also usable in Adeptus Titanicus games. The dual-system compatibility adds genuine value if you play both games. The weapon options included cover both game systems, so you can build Knights that work in either context without compromise.

14. Legions Astartes Thunderhawk Gunship – Air Superiority

The Thunderhawk Gunship is the iconic flying transport of the Legiones Astartes, and at epic scale it makes a stunning addition to any army. This is a single model kit rather than a multi-unit box, but what a model it is. The sculpt captures the Thunderhawk’s distinctive silhouette perfectly, and the detail holds up under close inspection.

With 76% five-star reviews from 46 buyers, this kit is well-regarded despite being one of the more expensive single-model purchases in the range. The level of detail is what wins people over. Panel lines, weapon housings, and engine intakes are all crisp and well-defined at 8mm scale.

On the table, the Thunderhawk serves as both transport and gunship. It can deliver infantry to hot zones while laying down suppressing fire from its arsenal. The tactical flexibility of a flying transport changes how you approach deployment and objective play in meaningful ways.

Aeronautica Imperialis Compatibility

This Thunderhawk is also usable in Aeronautica Imperialis games with an appropriate base, which is sold separately. If you play both systems, this model pulls double duty. The weapon loadout works for either game, making it a versatile addition to your collection.

Assembly and Display

The build is straightforward but the landing gear deserves special attention. Several reviewers noted that you cannot magnetize the gear for alternate display positions, so decide before you glue whether you want the Thunderhawk in flight mode or landed. I built mine in flight on a clear acrylic stand and it looks incredible hanging above my army display shelf.

15. Reaver Titan with Melta Cannon and Chainfist – Mid-Range God-Engine

The Reaver Titan fills the middle ground between the imposing Warlord and the nimble Warhound. Armed with a melta cannon and chainfist, this version is built for mid-range engagements where it can leverage both ranged and close-combat capabilities. I added one to my army as a flexible Titan that adapts to whatever the opponent fields.

At 4.7 stars with 87% five-star reviews, this is one of the highest-rated Titan kits in the range. The weapon options deserve special mention: the melta cannon excels against armored targets, the volcano cannon threatens at long range, and the chainfist handles anything that gets too close. You build the weapons you want and tailor the Reaver to your preferred playstyle.

The assembly experience is smooth and satisfying. The Reaver is less complex than the Warlord, which makes it a great first Titan build if you are new to epic scale god-engines. I completed mine in under an hour, including cleanup and test fitting.

Tactical Role in Your Army

The Reaver works best as a versatile mid-table presence that responds to threats as they develop. It does not have the raw firepower of a Warlord or the crushing presence of a Warmaster, but it costs fewer points and leaves more of your army budget for infantry and vehicles. I run mine alongside a Warlord for a one-two Titan punch.

Adeptus Titanicus Use

Like all Legions Imperialis Titans, the Reaver is fully compatible with Adeptus Titanicus. The weapon options are legal in both game systems. If you are building a Titan collection that works across both games, the Reaver is an excellent choice that sees regular table time in either context.

Buying Guide: How to Choose Your Legions Imperialis Starter Sets?

Choosing the right starter set comes down to three questions: what faction appeals to you, whether you already own the rulebook, and how much you want to spend on your initial purchase. I have guided several friends through this decision process, and the right answer varies wildly depending on their situation.

Pick Your Faction First

Legions Imperialis currently supports three main factions: Legiones Astartes (Space Marines), Solar Auxilia (elite human soldiers), and Mechanicum (cybernetic armies led by Tech-Priests). Each plays distinctly differently. Astartes are the most straightforward to learn with flexible unit options. Solar Auxilia rewards disciplined positioning and armored tactics. Mechanicum demands more strategic thinking but delivers satisfying synergy between unit types.

If you have no preference, go with Legiones Astartes. They have the largest model range, the most community support, and the most forgiving learning curve. You can always add a second faction later once you understand the game mechanics.

The Starter Set vs Battle Group Decision

This is the most common question I see on Reddit and forums. The answer is simple: if you do not own the rulebook, buy the Horus Heresy starter set. Period. It includes the 240-page rulebook, order tokens, objective markers, and enough miniatures for two armies. No other box gives you this complete a package.

If you already own the rulebook (maybe you split the starter set with a friend and took one faction), then jump straight to the Battle Group or Combat Force for your chosen faction. The Combat Force boxes are the newer, better value option with more models per dollar.

Splitting the Starter Set Strategy

The community strongly recommends splitting the Horus Heresy starter set with another player. Here is why: each person gets a complete starter army for roughly half the box price. The Astartes player gets a solid infantry and vehicle core. The Auxilia player gets a strong tank-heavy foundation. Both sides can immediately start playing games against each other.

The one downside to splitting is that neither player gets a complete legal army on their own without adding at least one more box. Budget for an additional Infantry box or Combat Force to reach legal army size after splitting.

What You Need Beyond the Box

Regardless of which starter set you choose, you will need a few additional items to play:

First, a 5×4 foot playing surface. This does not need to be fancy. A felt mat or printed vinyl mat works great for starting out.

Second, dice. You need a good quantity of six-sided dice. I keep a box of 36 dice in my gaming bag for Legions Imperialis games.

Third, measuring tools. You need a tape measure or ruler marked in inches for movement and range measurements.

Fourth, the Liber Strategia supplement if you want access to all army lists and advanced formations. The base rulebook covers core rules, but the Strategia opens up list building options that many players consider essential.

Budget-Friendly Starting Path

If you want to start Legions Imperialis on a budget, I recommend this sequence: buy the Horus Heresy starter set and split it with a friend. Then add one Combat Force box for your chosen faction. That gives you a legal army with enough variety to enjoy the game for months. You can always add Titans, Knights, and support units later as your collection grows.

For Astartes players specifically, the most cost-effective path is the starter set split plus the Astartes Combat Force plus one Infantry box. That combination gives you a fully competitive army that covers all the basic formations and unit types you need.

FAQs

Final Thoughts on the Best Legions Imperialis Starter Sets

After building and playing with all of these products, my recommendations are straightforward. If you are brand new to Legions Imperialis, start with the Horus Heresy starter set. It is the only box that gives you everything you need to play right out of the box, and its value per dollar is unmatched. If you are expanding an existing army, the Combat Force boxes for your faction are the smartest investment you can make in 2026.

For Astartes players, the Combat Force plus the Infantry and Support boxes form the perfect army core. Solar Auxilia players should look at the Battle Group or Combat Force as their foundation. Mechanicum players finally have a clear path with the Combat Force box delivering 150 models at excellent value. Whatever faction you choose, the best Legions Imperialis starter sets are the ones that match how you want to play.

Pick a faction, grab the box that fits your budget, and start building. The Horus Heresy is waiting.