INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the rich, captivating, and imaginative realm of Warhammer 40,000 — a vast, engaging tabletop wargame that brings space fantasy, strategy, painting, and lore together. Those who are excited by strategic battles, expansive lore, and the joy of physical game pieces should find themselves right at home here. This beginners guide will guide you through getting started and unraveling the intricacies of the game.
WHAT IS WARHAMMER 40K?
Warhammer 40,000—or 40K, as it’s often referred to by fans—is a miniatures game first released in 1987 by Games Workshop, a British company. It is set in a dystopian far future where interstellar empires wage ceaseless war across the galaxy. Players take the roles of leaders and commanders of these various factions, rallying armies to their call and vying for dominance.
The genius of 40K consists of two main parts: the miniature figurines themselves that you assemble, paint, and customize to represent units in your army, and the strategic gameplay, where you utilize strategies and tactics to outmaneuver and overthrow your opponents on the battlefield.
HOW TO START
Starting Warhammer 40K may seem overwhelming, but don’t worry—we’ll go through it step by step.
1. PICK YOUR FACTION: Your first critical choice would be choosing your army, also known as a faction or race. Your choice will shape your entire gaming experience, determine your strategy, and guide your purchasing decisions.
2. BUY AND ASSEMBLE MINIATURES: Once you pick your faction, visit the Games Workshop website or any hobby store and buy the ‘Start Collecting’ box for your faction, which includes the basic miniatures you need. Each miniature comes on sprues, and you’ll need to clip them off and assemble them using the provided instructions.
3. PAINT YOUR MINIATURES: This step is where your creative side comes out — painting! It’s advisable to get a basic set of paints, brushes, and perhaps some primer.
4. LEARN THE RULES: The rulebook that comes with your box set will be invaluable. Read through it to learn about movement, attacking, and morale.
5. PLAY THE GAME: You’re ready to play! Scout out local gaming stores or clubs—you might find friendly matches that can help you improve your skills.
WHAT YOU NEED TO PLAY
You’ll need a few things to play Warhammer 40K:
1. MINIATURES: Every army is made up of models. A ‘Start Collecting’ box will include enough for your first few games.
2. RULEBOOK: This book outlines all the necessary gameplay mechanics and rules and often includes lore about the universe and armies.
3. PAINTS AND BRUSHES: These are used to paint and personalize your miniatures.
4. DICE AND MEASURING TAPE: The game requires six-sided dice (D6), and some armies need eight-sided dice (D8) and twelve-sided dice (D12). A measuring tape is needed to gauge movement and weapon distances.
TIPS FOR ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS
Here are some tips to help beginners:
1. Start Small: Focus on building and painting a few miniatures at a time.
2. Learn by Playing: Nothing beats hands-on experience. Don’t be afraid to play and learn.
3. Join a Community: Connect with other players in local clubs or online communities. They are often very welcoming and can provide advice and guidance.
4. Make a Budget: Consider setting a budget for purchases related to your new hobby.
5. Enjoy the Process: Remember, at its heart, Warhammer 40K is about having fun and enjoying the experience.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
For those starting out, the Warhammer 40K subreddit and community on Discord are both valuable platforms packed with friendly fans, advice, and inspiration. Also, consider checking out channels on Youtube such as MiniWarGaming or Tabletop Tactics for gameplay videos, tips, and strategies.
GLOSSARY
1. FACTION: A group or race that forms your army (e.g., Space Marines, Orks, Eldar)
2. MINIATURES: The detailed models that represent units in your army.
3. RULEBOOK: The guide that explains how to play the game.
4. TABLETOP: Refers to the surface you play the game on, typically a table.
5. WARGAME: A strategy game that simulates warfare.
NEXT STEPS
Go ahead and dive right into the amazing world of Warhammer 40K now! Buy a ‘Start Collecting’ box of your chosen faction or borrow an army from a friend. Familiarize yourself with the basic rules, get your miniatures assembled and painted, and don’t be afraid to join a local game or two. As you grow in knowledge and experience, the game just gets even more exciting and fun. Remember to enjoy the journey. Welcome to the grimdark future!
