INTRODUCTION
Do you love strategy? Tabletops? Epic battles in a grim-dark universe? If so, you’re entering an exciting world filled with eons of lore, intense battles, and an astoundingly vast universe. Welcome to an introduction to Warhammer 40K, the iconic tabletop miniatures game that has fascinated players for decades. This beginner-friendly guide aims to help you, whether you’re a new recruit or a former Guardsman returning after a long hiatus. Yes, it seems complex, but the thrill that Warhammer 40K brings is undeniably rewarding.
WHAT IS WARHAMMER 40K?
Born from the creative minds at Games Workshop, Warhammer 40K is a tabletop miniature war game set in a dystopian universe in the far-off future. Think of it like a classic game of chess, but on an epically grandier scale, with rich lore spanning thousands of years, brilliantly detailed miniatures, and teams known as ‘factions’ that bring unique tactics and abilities to the table. The game, famous for its line, “In the grim darkness of the far future, there is only war,” is immersive and intricate, a testament to its enduring popularity since its arrival in 1987.
HOW IT WORKS / HOW TO START
The game begins with players choosing their factions, each with unique storylines, playstyles, and aesthetics. You might lead the noble Adeptus Astartes (Space Marines), pilot massive war machines with the Adeptus Mechanicus, or create insidious plots with the Chaos Daemons. Each faction’s diversity means every game is a unique strategic and tactical exercise. Remember, Warhammer 40K is a turn-based game, so knowing when to strike or defend is key.
Players take turns, maneuvering their models across the tabletop, attacking their enemies, and completing mission objectives for points. The game uses a combination of six-sided (D6) or unique dice for the varying actions.
Example: An Adeptus Astartes player could move their Tactical Marines forward in the movement phase, fire at the enemy Necrons in the shooting phase, and finally charge into a heroic melee in the assault phase.
WHAT YOU NEED TO PLAY
To get started with Warhammer 40K, there are a few essentials:
– Miniatures: Choose a faction and purchase a Start Collecting box or check out the Battleforces for a bigger initial army.
– Rulebook: The official Warhammer 40K rulebook is a must-have to understand gameplay and rules.
– Dice: Typically, six-sided dice (D6) are required, but there are also specialized dice for certain aspects of the game.
– Tape Measure: Distances are a key part of Warhammer 40K, so a tape measure or ruler is a necessity to measure movement and attack ranges.
– Painting Material: This includes paints and brushes as all models come unpainted. Note that this aspect of the hobby can be as detailed or straightforward as you prefer.
TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
1. Start Small: You don’t need a massive army to get started. Learning the basics with a few units helps build a solid foundation of understanding.
2. Take Time Painting: It is an essential aspect of the hobby. Not only do painted miniatures look great, but the process can also be a soothing, rewarding part of your Warhammer experience.
3. Read the Lore: Understanding your chosen faction’s backstory can deepen your appreciation for the game and your army.
4. Practice: As with any game, practice helps refine tactics and strategies. It’s also okay to make mistakes – they’re steps toward becoming a master tactician.
5. Join the Community: Connect with the Warhammer 40K community online or at your local gaming store. They offer tips, helpful criticism, and occasional friendly games to practice your tactics.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
The Warhammer 40K community is vast, with numerous resources for new players:
– Warhammer 40K Official Site: A comprehensive resource for rules, lore, and model information.
– BattleScribe: A great resource for organizing your army’s data sheets and statistics.
– YouTube Channels: Channels like Warhammer TV, Tabletop Tactics, and MiniWarGaming offer painting tutorials, battle reports and other useful content.
– Reddit: Subreddits like /r/Warhammer40k foster a vibrant community with discussions, tips, strategies, and lore discussions.
GLOSSARY: COMMON TERMS EXPLAINED
1. Wargear: The equipment and weapons your unit uses.
2. Psyker: Similar to a magician, has abilities that rely on using the ‘warp’, a parallel dimension of psychic energy.
3. HQ: This refers to a ‘headquarters’ unit, often a leader or an impactful figure, crucial to your army’s functions.
4. Armour Save: The roll you make to see if a model’s armor has deflected or absorbed an attack.
5. Melee: Combat that takes place in close quarters, not at a range.
NEXT STEPS: WHERE TO GO FROM HERE
With the basics covered, your next step might be to try a demo game. Visit a local hobby shop where many have in-house Warhammer 40K setups and offer tutorial games, or find online platforms to play virtually. As you delve deeper, consider expanding your army or perhaps start painting your miniatures. Remember, despite the complexities, Warhammer 40K is about fun, camaraderie, and strategic battles. Welcome to the Warhammer 40K universe, and may your battles always be epic!
