INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the thrilling world of Kill Team! Whether you’re a complete novice to tabletop gaming or you’re returning to the hobby after a hiatus, this beginner-friendly guide promises to unravel all the mysteries and complexities of Kill Team, so you can jump right into the action. Kill Team allows you to experience the narrative-driven, strategic gameplay Warhammer 40,000 is known for, but with a far leaner, more accessible rule set and a much smaller collection of models. If you’ve ever wanted to indulge in cinematic, squad-based battles without needing to invest in a massive army, Kill Team is definitely a game to try.
WHAT IS KILL TEAM?
Kill Team is a standalone skirmish game set in the dystopian sci-fi universe of Warhammer 40,000. Developed by Games Workshop, Kill Team offers a more tactical, individual model based approach compared to the grandiose, army-scale battles of the main Warhammer 40,000 game. Kill Team puts you in control of a small band of warriors, each with its own distinct capabilities and objectives. The game’s focus is on tight, tactical engagement where every model matters and each decision can be crucial.
HOW IT WORKS OR HOW TO GET STARTED
Kill Team is designed to be accessible and quick to play, without losing the strategic depth Warhammer 40,000 players love. Here’s a basic rundown of how a match unfolds:
1. Form a Kill Team: A Kill Team is your squad of models, assembled from a selected faction. Ensure your team meets the points limit for the chosen game type.
2. Set Up the Battlefield: Use terrain pieces and the Killzone rules to shape your battlefield.
3. Deploy Your Kill Team: Position your models on the battlefield in your deployment zone.
4. Take Turns: During a turn, players alternate activating models until all are activated.
5. Battle Rounds: Each battle round is divided into four phases – Initiative, Movement, Shooting, and Fight. Battles are typically resolved through rolling dice and comparing results against a model’s profile.
6. Victory & Aftermath: The game ends when a victory condition is met, points are tallied, and the victor is declared.
WHAT YOU NEED TO PLAY
At the very minimum, you will need the following:
Kill Team Core Manual: This book contains the primary rules, as well as instructions for forming a Kill Team from different factions.
Kill Team: Your selection of miniatures from a single faction, typically totalling 100 points.
Dice: You’ll need lots of six-sided dice (also known as D6), as well as a few ten-sided dice (or D10) for determining certain actions.
Measuring Tool: To measure movement distances and attack ranges.
Terrain and a Game Board: Kill Team includes a wide variety of terrain, adding three-dimensional strategy to your games.
TIPS FOR ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS
1. Start small: Enjoy the game at its most basic level before delving into more complex rules and expansions.
2. Learn from losing: Each loss is an opportunity to identify and learn from your tactical mistakes.
3. Diversity matters: A team of diverse abilities gives you more options on the battlefield.
4. Use the terrain: Use the terrain to block line of sight and provide cover for your Kill Team.
5. Practice makes perfect: The more you play, the better you’ll get at understanding the intricate strategies.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
Warhammer Community: Games Workshop’s official site with news, painting guides, and articles.
r/killteam: A subreddit dedicated to Kill Team discussions and content.
For rules, list-building and tracking, Battlescribe is an invaluable tool.
GLOSSARY: COMMON TERMS EXPLAINED
Faction: The category your Kill Team belongs to, often bound by a shared backstory or aesthetic.
Point Value: The ‘cost’ to include a model in your Kill Team.
Killzone: A miniaturised environment set up for a game.
Morale Phase: A phase in the game where the courage of your warriors is tested.
Datasheet: A document detailing everything you need to know about a model’s abilities and costs.
NEXT STEPS: WHERE TO GO FROM HERE
Your journey with Kill Team has only just begun. Continue learning more about your chosen faction, brush up your painting skills, and meet new players in your local gaming community. Above all, remember to have fun and enjoy the thrilling narratives and epic battles that make up every Kill Team game!
