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I am desperately trying to get back into the game after a looooooooooooooooong absence. I tried back in 5th or 6th edition but it didn't happen :(
Now I am determined more than ever to get back in and I downloaded the free rules off GW but I know I still need the BRB for detachment lists.
But I guess that since my Wolves don't have a codex for 8th yet, I'm supposed to use some index list until then?

What exactly am I looking for so I can start planning my lists?

Thank you

You're looking for Index: Imperium 1. That's the book containing all the unit entries for the various Space Marine factions, and it's still the reference for SW, DA and BA. (And for a few units for vanilla marines that aren't in the Codex but per the FAQ are still legal, like biker Techmarines.)

Ok, thank you I found it finally
As soon as my payment to my CC clears, I can go spend it again LOL

Yep, more or less here's the skinny.

1) Bare basic rules are available for free via GW's website or any of the cheaper starter sets. Consisting of 8-12 pages of basic rules - how to play.

2) The big rule book contains the bulk of necessary rules to do scenarios, etc. It contains all the detachment lists, scenarios, stratagems, rules for terrain (scant), and maelstrom-esque stuff (if you want to play that way).

3) Once you have the rules sorted out you'll need a codex as always - however in the interim, they released a number of Indexes which are quick compilations of starter rules for all the factions --- being replaced as codices are released. Each index features 4-7 factions or so, and provides playable rules for the army until they receive their own codex proper. Forgeworld also has a couple of Indexes which cover the majority of their models.

Now, it is noticeable that codex armies have a pretty significant upper hand over armies stuck on Indexes, but that's to be expected. No one knows the long term release schedule for codexes, but expect all armies within the next 3-6 months.

Thank you both.
Restraint is such a hard thing to control.

I promised myself that I wouldn't buy anything more with my credit card until I had it paid off. The what did I do? went and picked up 2 drop pods (Even though I've seen people say they are pretty useless this ed, I've not had any yet)

And now I'm thinking to myself, well the index is only $20 that's pretty cheap... I want to click the buy now button so bad...

I would recommend you pick up all 5 basic indexes first. Imperium 1, Imperium 2, Chaos, Xenos 1, and Xenos 2. That way you will be able to see what all the other factions have, minus the specific Stratagems, Relics, Tactics, Warlord traits, and Psyker Powers. Each index usually covers from 4 to 7 different factions.

The indexes are also a general good idea to have since they are likely the only source of "legacy units" for the foreseeable future. GW is discontinuing some units (or unit options) that no longer have in-production models. They're still perfectly valid but only appear in the Indexes, so it's a good idea to get them before the indexes (inevitably) go out of print.

I would hold off on buying the BRB unless you intend to do Tournament play.

So far, I have been playing with the free rules, index and the card sets (Open War and SM/AdMech/Grey Knights/Chaos), and using Battlescribe to build point-based armies. (If you are using some sort of army-builder program, there is little to no need for the BRB at all). Conceivably, you could hold off on buying the index for a few games or until the codex is released if you are likewise using an army builder program.

I used an army builder in the past, but it was pretty difficult to find the list files I needed and then there were discrepancies in the list and options I should have been able to take but the builder wouldn't let me.

If you're not doing tournaments (or anything else that require up to date rules) then the Index + free online rules make for a very good game. With few exceptions (Dire Avengers, Conscripts and Scions) the Index among themselves have very good balance, especially for casual play. for a night with your friends, beer and some pretzels, the index and the free rules are basically all you need to have a good time.