INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the fascinating world of Warhammer 40K! If the idea of leading your own army in a far future, sci-fi universe filled with intense strategy and epic battles appeals to you, then you’re in the right place. This is a beginner-friendly guide designed to introduce you to the lore, gameplay, resources, and the ever-growing community of this exciting tabletop wargame.
WHAT IS WARHAMMER 40K?
Warhammer 40K, sometimes also referred to as 40K, is a miniature wargame produced by Games Workshop. It’s set in a dystopian future where humanity, represented by the vast Imperium of Man, battles against a variety of hostile alien races and supernatural threats in the 41st Millennium. Much like chess, but with more complexity and engaging lore, Warhammer 40K involves moving your miniature models (representing your faction’s warriors) across a tabletop battlefield and using dice to determine the outcomes of battles.
HOW WARHAMMER 40K WORKS
Unpacking Warhammer 40K might seem intimidating initially, but once you grasp the basics, the fun truly begins. Here’s a simplified guide on how it works:
Step 1: Choosing a Faction: Your first step is to choose which faction you want to align with. This could be the Space Marines, Orks, Eldar, or the numerous other factions, each with unique strategies and aesthetics.
Step 2: Building Your Army: After selecting your faction, you will need to acquire the miniature figures for your army, which you’ll often need to assemble and paint.
Step 3: Learning the Rules: The core rules for the game are available free from the Games Workshop website. It explains how to set up and play a game of Warhammer 40K, from moving your units to battling your opponents.
Step 4: Battle: The gameplay proceeds in turns, with players tactically moving their units, firing with their weapons, and charging into melee combat. Dice rolls determine the success or failure of actions.
WHAT YOU NEED TO PLAY
To start playing Warhammer 40K, you’ll need the following:
1. Miniatures: You can begin with a Starter Set, which typically contains two factions and the basic rules.
2. Rulebook: The latest edition of the Warhammer 40K Rulebook is important in understanding the full range of strategies and scenarios available.
3. Dice and Measurement Tools: These are used to determine the outcomes of battles and the movement of your units.
4. Modelling tools and Paints: You’ll need these to assemble and customize your miniatures.
TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
1. Take your time to understand the rules.
2. Start with a small army and gradually expand.
3. Painting can be daunting at first, but there are plenty of tutorials available.
4. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice or help within the community.
5. Enjoy the process. Building, painting, and gaming should all be parts of the fun.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
A few resources for new players include:
1. Warhammer 40K App: This gives you access to the rulebook digitally as well as list-building tools.
2. Warhammer Community: This site offers news, painting guides, and gaming resources.
3. Reddit’s r/Warhammer40k: A strong community of fellow players ready to help.
4. YouTube: Many channels offer painting tutorials and gameplay explanations.
GLOSSARY: COMMON TERMS EXPLAINED
1. Faction: The different types of armies you can choose in Warhammer 40K.
2. Miniature: The small figures used to represent soldiers, vehicles, and monsters.
3. Dice Roll: Random outcomes determined by rolling dice.
4. Battle Report: A documented account of a 40K game.
5. Turn: When a player takes their actions in-game.
NEXT STEPS: WHERE TO GO FROM HERE
Now that you know the foundations of Warhammer 40K, it’s time to take action. Choose your faction, buy a starter set, and start assembling your first army. Visit a local hobby shop to connect with fellow enthusiasts and potential opponents. And most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy the journey as you step into the vast, thrilling universe of Warhammer 40K, where the only limit is your imagination. Welcome to the hobby!
