Do you need the Combat Patrol Companion book?
No. You can play Combat Patrol without it, because the Combat Patrol rules in the Warhammer 40,000 app are free. The book is a 184-page introduction to the hobby and the armies.
It is £17.00 (RRP £20.50) here and is in stock.
What the book is
Games Workshop describes the Combat Patrol Companion as an introductory guide to Warhammer 40,000 for new builders, painters and players. It has two halves. The first is an overview of the hobby with key concepts for new players. The second is a guide to the setting and to each army you can play. It is full of artwork and lore as well.
Our listing describes it as introductory guides and tips for Combat Patrol games, plus up-to-date lore. It is the 11th edition book.
Where the rules are
The book is not the rulebook. The Combat Patrol rules, with each army's datasheets and missions, are in the Warhammer 40,000 app for free, and the Core Rules are a free download.
Who should buy it
| You are | Buy it? |
|---|---|
| A new player who wants to start playing | No. Use the app and the free Core Rules, and spend the money on models or tools, such as the Paints and Tools set (10th Edition) at £21.73 or a mouldline remover at £13.04 |
| A new player still choosing an army | Yes, it has a guide to each army and the setting |
| Someone giving a first box as a gift | Yes, it is a book to read while the models are built |
| An existing player | Only for the lore and artwork |
How to use it with the app
Games Workshop says the key-concepts half can be used alongside the upgraded Warhammer 40,000 app. Read it while you set up your first game from the app, then use the army guide to decide what to add next.
Common questions
Is the Combat Patrol Companion worth it for a beginner?
It is worth it as a read about the hobby and the armies. It is not where the rules are: those are free in the app.
Does the Combat Patrol Companion contain the Combat Patrol rules?
The book is not the rulebook. Its description lists a hobby overview, key concepts for new players, a guide to the setting and armies, and guidance for playing your first games of Combat Patrol. The Combat Patrol rules are in the app.
Do I need the Combat Patrol Companion to play Combat Patrol?
Games Workshop says the Combat Patrol rules in the app are free and need no rulebook, Codex (army book) or subscription, so you can play without the book.
Book description: Warhammer Community, 11 May 2026. Combat Patrol rules in the app: Warhammer Community, 23 July 2026. Core Rules download: Warhammer Community, 1 June 2026. Our listing: product page read 29 October 2026. Prices and stock: this shop, read live.