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So I've never played any 40k, but would like to give it a shot. I'm a bit older than most the players at the local store and I have kids so getting into the local scene isn't going to work - I won't have time to spend gaming at a store. I do have some gaming friends though that I can convince to play especially if I provide the minis etc, then maybe if we get into it we can go from there. Is dark vengeance pretty much all I need to play? It looks like it to me, and seems like a decent deal when you factor in the rulebook and everything. Or, would you suggest going another route? Chaos space marine and the Dark Angels are fine, I have no attachment to the fluff yet so as long as the two armies are fun and semi-balanced I'll be happy.

Also if I wanted to build a small necron army that would compare to the the two in dark vengeance what would you suggest? I'd just like to be able to switch things up and throw in a different, comparable force so we can get the feeling for a few different armies - maybe sucker them into investing with me. Thanks.

Literally the best way to do it; short of a free army and Tourney-player lessons.

It gives you everything you need to start, and is super user friendly. Not to mention, seems like it'll be the best starter yet. (I personally like that they have two "solo-play" missions in the game-book to get the player used to the mechanics on their own.)

I hadn't noticed anything about the solo play missions. That sounds very promising. Thanks for the info.

Paving mantis wrote:
I hadn't noticed anything about the solo play missions. That sounds very promising. Thanks for the info.

It's in the corresponding white dwarf. Really sounds quite cool; I wish there was more solo-playability for 40k. I'd love to be able to test out my squads in the comfort of my own home in a designed mission.

That said; first two missions are solo.

First is Chaos chose, cultists, and lord against the rampaging helbrute.

Second is the ravenwing fighting/outmaneuvering three waves of cultists (sounds quite fun).

third-6th are Pvp with different, cool parameters, and all are build to familiarize the player with different aspects of the game (Psykers, reserves, objectives, etc.)

Well it is a starter set, so there's really no better way to get into the hobby than Dark Vengeance. Unless you're really just not into the armies that are in the set.

TheCaptain has answered your question pretty comprehensively, so I'll just add that either side of the starter set make for a great springboard into either a Dark Angels or Chaos army, or normal Space Marines (the Dark Angels codex is pretty old and generally considered to be slightly worse than "normal" space marines, if pretty cool. But since the Dark Angels *are* space marines, you can use the Space Marine Codex for them, or switch between the two).

A necron player will need to answer your other question.

I started with the last starter set, AoBR.
Being 2-3 times the age of most in the local GW, I also wanted to be able to learn the basics, without having to spend too long in the store.
That set comes with Space Marines and Orks. I hgave gone with a custom chapter with the SM, and expanded into Eldar. The Orks have been used to practice my painting skills.

So, you get everything you want in the box.
You can easily swap the models to get something you want. It's a good start into a group if you find a club, or similar.
If you're stuck with them, use them as practice.

As said, the box seems to be good value to start with. And if you really don't like the armies you should be able to swap them with someone. There's people who buy a bunch of models, paint it all, test a few times and then just sell them away in order to get the next set of models.

In fact, the starter set is of great value for somebody starting 40k or one of the armies included.
I have shelved 6painted RW Bikers and 20 unpainted robed DA Veterans. Now I can bring them to the battle field as an ally detachment and later eventually as a full force (depending on the new codex).

Paving mantis wrote:
Also if I wanted to build a small necron army that would compare to the the two in dark vengeance what would you suggest? I'd just like to be able to switch things up and throw in a different, comparable force so we can get the feeling for a few different armies - maybe sucker them into investing with me. Thanks.

i have played necrons since the begining of 5th edition with there old codex if you want a little bit of help PM me

to answer your question it is fine to do that

necrons are quite fun to play if a little fiddly so maybe play them more than the other armies so you can get some practices with them.