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I am very new and would like to start building an army I've never played but maybe would like to try but it all looks very complicated. I have decided I like Astra militarum and wandered if the combat patrol would be enough to get me started?. I also have no idea how to go about getting a game or findingothers that wouldn't mind helping a total newb.

Dave

Combat Patrol is a tightly controlled version of 40k that basically takes away all choice from the player in what you can use.

What you get in the box is all you get, exactly as it appears on the box. Doesn't give you any real form to experiment or try things out to see what you like.

Some of the Combat Patrol boxes are good starts, but I wouldn't bother with the Combat Patrol game type.

The combat patrol rules are a bit stripped down to be easier to learn. And the lack of options in theory let them all be balanced against each other. (They are still some that are stronger)

It’s not a bad entry point.

One thing to consider is what you want your end army to look like. For example if you are a major tread head and want to build a tank heavy army, do you want the units in the combat patrol? I don’t play that army personally, so can’t comment on how good/bad they are.

Check your local game stores, facebook groups, or ask in the section here for games. There is probably a store near you doing 40k nights where someone would be glad to show you the basics and have an intro game or two.

Welcome to 40k and Dakka!

If you are actually a total newb then you should first visit a local game store or GW store to see it, maybe even demo a game.
I don't think the Start Collecting boxes are sold anymore but that would have been a good alternative for unit types. (No tank in the Guard box, for shame!)

Thank you for the replies the main thing for getting involved is the models I'm a scale modeler but love the tanks and valkyrie I had considered just building the vehicles I like within the same army so I could play if the mood takes me I would build up some infantry to display with them I think I might go with this option and the playing will develop.

Building the models you like is for me the best way to start any army!

You should keep in mind that, for the time being, all equipment costs are included in the unit itself. It does not matter wether your model is sporting only the main turret, both sponsons or all the available equipment to it (like hunter-seeker missiles).

The differences are reflected in the actual rules, though. If you don't have a gun equipped, you can't use the profile.

I'd suggest that you think about magnetizing these things.

Hello Bbdave,

I would say Combat Patrol can be a nice starting point as it will provide you with a relatively achievable painting & modelling goal, remove some of the indecision that is often part of early list building (some people can see this as a negative though), and make for an introduction to 40K (although, as was said, some of the rules are a little different, so keep that in mind).

To find other players, you should check if there are some stores or clubs in the vicinity (perhaps your town or neighboring towns have a registry of all clubs, from tabletop wargaming to knitting or rafting). If there are, I'm sure you will find others who will be at the same level as you, or who won't mind playing some Combat Patrol games to get you in the loop.

Combat Patrol mode of 40k is restricted, for many reasons. It is a good way to get in to 40k, but model-wise, quite locked-down.
Combat Patrol models are expected to have the weapon load-outs in the datasheets, with no variation.

Most larger GW models are fairly straight-forward to magnetise. Some take well to push-in, for barrel ends or hull weapons, etc
Infantry can be too, depending on the model.
If you are more into building for display, glue away, but be ready to need more models for the various build options.

As for games, look at the tools at the top of the Dakkadakka page:
https://www.dakkadakka.com/core/store_finder.jsp
https://www.dakkadakka.com/core/player_finder.jsp
There is also the Local Gaming thread, listing gaming groups by area: https://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/forums/show/13.page

I think your question is pretty much answered but I'll double down that if you're priority is building these for display first, play second, then a Combat Patrol is ideal. If you expand from there then be sure to follow the rules on unit and wargear composition. 40k units can actually be built "wrong" which means they would be worth less for resale or best case scenario, would need explaining and note keeping to play with.
You can find all that in their index or pretty much any past index or codex.

I'd have thought most people would be happy to have a combat patrol intro game, particularly as you could probably get a couple games in but it's not hugely likely many people will have the exact models needed for opposing combat patrols.