Games Workshop has standardized the Warhammer 40,000 Combat Patrol experience by making all rules for these forces available for free within the official mobile app. Players no longer require a physical Codex, rulebook, or paid subscription to access unit data, as the system is designed to house all necessary information directly on smartphones and tablets.
Universal Access to Combat Patrol Rules
The transition to a digital-first rule set ensures that every faction in Warhammer 40,000 is supported at launch with at least one dedicated Combat Patrol. According to Games Workshop, these lists represent an archetypal selection of units intended to provide a thematic, balanced introduction to each army.
Pro Tip: You don’t need to hunt for physical rulebooks during your games. Since all rules are housed in the app, use a tablet or phone stand at the table to keep your data visible without cluttering your play area.
Future Support and Expansion Plans
While the initial app launch focuses on the core Combat Patrol sets currently found in retail stores, Games Workshop has confirmed that support for legacy Combat Patrol sets is currently in development. The company intends to maintain a current, thematic representation for every army as the game edition evolves.

Looking ahead, the roadmap includes the release of brand-new Combat Patrol sets alongside future Codex launches. These upcoming releases will be integrated into the app ecosystem, ensuring that the digital rules remain consistent with the physical models sold in stores.
Getting Started with Starter Sets
Players looking to build multiple forces can utilize the Warhammer 40,000 Starter Set, which includes the Ork ‘Ardmob and the Space Marines Assault Force. These specific detachments are fully supported in the app. The starter box is designed as an all-in-one package, providing enough miniatures for two Combat Patrols and a full battlefield’s worth of new terrain.

Did you know?
The “Getting Started” boxes for Orks and Space Marines contain the exact same unit configurations as those found in the comprehensive Warhammer 40,000 Starter Set, allowing players to build their collections gradually.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need a subscription to see Combat Patrol rules?
No, all Combat Patrol rules are free within the official Warhammer 40,000 app and do not require a subscription to access. - Will older Combat Patrol sets be supported?
Yes, Games Workshop has confirmed that support for previously released Combat Patrol sets is planned for the app. - Do I need a Codex to play Combat Patrol?
No, the app provides all the rules required to play Combat Patrol, making physical Codexes unnecessary for this specific game mode.
Are you currently building a new Combat Patrol force? Let us know which faction you are starting with in the comments below, or explore our painting tutorials to get your models tabletop-ready.
Worth a look