INTRODUCTION
You might be new to the world of miniature war gaming or perhaps you’re a veteran in this fantastic hobby. Either way, you’ve probably come across mentions of a game known as ‘Kill Team’. If you’ve become curious and are wondering what it’s all about, this beginner-friendly guide is just for you. Kill Team is a fast-paced, intimate and exciting game full of tactical warfare and strategic maneuvers. If this description has piqued your interest, keep reading to learn more about what Kill Team is, how to get started, and some handy tips for beginners.
WHAT IS KILL TEAM?
Kill Team is a standalone game designed by Games Workshop, creators of the acclaimed Warhammer 40,000 (often shortened to 40K) franchise. Loosely based on the larger 40K universe, Kill Team lets players engage in close quarter battles with squads, or ‘kill teams’, rather than the large-scale armies in the traditional Warhammer 40000 universe. The game was first released in 2018 and has quickly gained a large following due to its flexible and fast-paced nature.
HOW DOES KILL TEAM WORK?
Getting into Kill Team is straightforward and requires lesser commitment than the larger Warhammer universe. In Kill Team, a game involves two players pitting their squads against each other, with each squad consisting of about 5-20 models. The game is turn-based, and each turn usually involves three phases: the movement phase, the shooting phase, and the fight phase.
1. Movement Phase: This is where you position your models strategically on the battlefield. Your choices in this phase heavily affect the following phases.
2. Shooting Phase: This is where models can attack each other depending on a number of factors such as their weapon range, line of sight and more.
3. Fight Phase: This phase happens after both the moving and shooting phases where any models locked in close combat duke it out.
Moreover, games are made even more interesting with the addition of objectives and special rules which can bring new depth and tactics to the games, making every match a unique experience.
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO PLAY KILLTEAM?
To get started you’ll need a few key items. First is the Kill Team Core Manual, which has all the necessary rules and guidelines. You’ll also require a Kill Team box set which usually consists of the miniatures to build your squad, a battlefield, and terrain pieces. Dice and a measuring tool for determining movement and shooting distances are also necessary. Lastly, you might need a team roster for keeping track of your squad’s abilities and equipment.
TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
1. Start Small: One of the advantages of Kill Team is that you don’t have to commit to a full army. Start with a few models and gradually increase your squad size.
2. Learn the Rules: The Core Manual is your best friend. Thoroughly understanding the rules will make the game more enjoyable.
3. Play with Terrain: Utilizing the terrain to your advantage can turn the tide in your favor.
4. Playtest: Early on, experiment with different factions and teams to find out what suits your playstyle the best.
5. Be Patient: Miniature painting can be complex, take your time while painting the models, and keep practicing.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
YouTube channels like Winters SEO, Tabletop Tactics, and MiniWarGaming provide in-depth video tutorials, match reports, and other content regarding Kill Team. The Kill Team subreddit and Dakkadakka forums are also great communities for discussing strategies and sharing experiences. BattleScribe can also help with creating your team rosters.
GLOSSARY
1. Model: A miniature figure representing a game unit.
2. Squad: The team of models controlled by one player.
3. Faction: The in-game race or organization chosen for your squad.
4. Rulebook/Core Manual: The book containing the game’s rules.
NEXT STEPS
Your first step should be to explore more about the game lore and pick a faction that you resonate with, then purchase a Kill Team box set and start building your own squad. Remember, miniature war gaming is a marathon, not a sprint. Enjoy the journey of building and painting your models, learning the tactics, and immersing yourself in the rich Warhammer 40,000 Kill Team universe.
