The Best Hobby Starter Set for Absolute Beginners

The Best Hobby Starter Set for Absolute Beginners in 2024

Meta Description: Ready to start painting miniatures? We compare the top starter sets for absolute beginners. Find the perfect all-in-one kit to learn essential skills without overwhelm or breaking the bank.

So, you want to get into miniature painting. You've seen the stunning armies, the detailed dioramas, and you feel the pull of this incredibly rewarding hobby. But where do you even begin? The array of paints, brushes, and tools can be paralyzing. This is where a well-designed hobby starter set is worth its weight in gold. A good set doesn't just give you supplies; it gives you a guided path to your first finished model. After testing the most popular options, we've found the clear winner for anyone taking their first steps into the hobby.

---

What Makes a Great Beginner Set?

Before we name names, let's define the criteria. The best starter set for an absolute beginner must have:

1. All-In-One Contents: Everything you need in the box—paints, brushes, miniatures.

2. Structured Learning: A clear, step-by-step guide that teaches technique, not just color-by-numbers.

3. Forgiving Materials: Miniatures that are easy to work with and hide mistakes well.

4. Outstanding Value: The cost should be less than buying the components individually.

5. Low Risk: An affordable price point that makes it easy to try the hobby.

---

And the Winner Is: The Reaper Bones Learn to Paint Kit

After extensive testing and consideration, the Reaper Bones Learn to Paint Kit remains the undisputed champion and our top recommendation for absolute beginners.

Why It's the Best:

• Progressive Learning: The kit includes three miniatures (a Skeleton, an Orc, and a Knight) and a detailed guide that teaches you core skills in a logical order: basecoating, washing, drybrushing, layering, and fine details.

• No Primer Needed: The Bones plastic miniatures can be painted right out of the box, removing a intimidating and messy step for newcomers.

• Incredible Value: The kit often retails for around $40, which is significantly less than the cost of buying the 11 paints and three figures separately.

• Quality Components: The paints are high-quality, water-based acrylics in dropper bottles (reducing waste), and the brushes are perfectly adequate for learning.

What's in the Box:

• 3 Reaper Bones Miniatures

• 11 Paint Dropper Bottles (including a pre-thinned wash)

• 2 Brushes

• A full-color, step-by-step instruction booklet

---

Honorable Mention: Army Painter Mega Starter Set

For the beginner who is already certain they're all-in and wants a massive color range from the start, the Army Painter Mega Starter Set is a compelling option.

• Why It's Great: You get a huge array of paints (often 50+), a wash set, a few brushes, and even a few miniatures. It's a phenomenal value for the volume of paint.

• The Drawback: It's overwhelming. It provides the "what" but not the "how." Without a structured learning guide, a complete beginner might not know where to start. It's better thought of as a massive paint set that includes some starter extras.

Verdict: Best for the committed beginner who has already decided they love the hobby and wants to build a massive paint collection on day one.

---

How to Choose: Quick Comparison

Feature	Reaper Bones Kit	Army Painter Mega Set
Best For	Learning Fundamentals	Building a Paint Collection
Guidance	Excellent (Structured Guide)	Minimal (Color Theory Pamphlet)
Miniatures	3 Included, No Primer Needed	2-3 Included, May Need Primer
Paint Quantity	11 Curated Colors	50+ Colors
Price Point	Low (~$40)	Higher (~$100+)

---

6 FAQs for Absolute Beginners

1. Do I need to buy anything else?

For the Reaper Bones Kit, you truly only need water (for cleaning brushes) and a palette (a white tile, plate, or piece of parchment paper works perfectly). You are 100% ready to start.

2. Are the brushes any good?

The brushes in starter sets are decent synthetic brushes. They will help you learn brush control but will eventually wear out. Once you're hooked, your first upgrade should be a higher-quality size 1 or 2 detail brush.

3. What if I make a mistake?

This is a crucial lesson: mistakes are okay! Acrylic paint is very forgiving. If you make a error, just let the paint dry completely and then paint over it with the correct color. Thinner paint layers make this easier.

4. What should I paint after the starter set?

You're ready for any other Reaper Bones miniature! They are affordable and perfect for practicing. The skills you learn apply to any brand, from Games Workshop to WizKids.

5. Is it okay to use cheaper craft paint?

It's not recommended for miniatures. Craft paint (like Apple Barrel) has larger pigment particles, is less opaque, and can obscure the fine details on your models. Hobby paints are specifically formulated for this purpose.

6. How do I keep my brushes from getting ruined?

Never let paint dry in the ferrule (the metal part). Always rinse your brushes thoroughly in water while painting and when you're done. Gently reshape the bristles before storing them.

                       

Conclusion: Start Here, Then Go Everywhere

The goal of a starter set is to turn confusion into confidence. It should be a teacher, not just a box of supplies.

For the absolute beginner, the clear and overwhelming choice is the Reaper Bones Learn to Paint Kit. Its structured, progressive approach holds your hand through the core techniques that form the foundation of the entire hobby. It proves to you that you can do this, and that's the most valuable thing any product can offer.

Once you've completed the kit, you'll have the skills and confidence to expand in any direction—whether that's buying more Reaper figures, diving into a Warhammer 40,000 starter set, or building your paint collection with a larger set like Army Painter's. Your journey starts with a single, well-taught step.

---