INTRODUCTION
If you’ve ever thought of stepping into the expansive and exciting world of tabletop wargaming, or are looking to expand on your current hobby, then Warhammer 40K: Kill Team is a fantastic platform to start or deepen your journey. No, you don’t need to be a seasoned gamer to dive into the world of Kill Team; it’s user-friendly and easy to understand, yet immersive and enjoyably complex. This beginner-friendly guide will unravel the specifics, enabling you to step confidently into the game.
WHAT IS KILL TEAM?
Kill Team is a tabletop wargame developed by Games Workshop, set in the grimdark universe of Warhammer 40K. The game shares a theme with its parent game Warhammer 40,000, but instead of large-scale battles, Kill Team focuses on small-scale skirmishes between squads of individual warriors, each with their unique abilities and personal quirks, offering a much more intimate and strategic gaming experience. It’s a great introduction to the Warhammer 40K universe, but also offers a new perspective to seasoned 40K players due to its unique, objective-driven mechanics.
HOW IT WORKS / HOW TO START
Getting started with Kill Team essentially involves selecting your squad, setting up the battlefield, and then fighting your opponent in turn-based combat.
1. Pick a Kill Team: Simply select a faction from the Warhammer 40K universe. Each faction has different units available and unique tactics cards for use in battles. Kill Teams are smaller than a standard 40K army, typically consisting of around 5 to 15 models.
2. Set Up the Battlefield: You would set up a tabletop battlefield with terrain and tokens representing objectives. The size of the battlefield is much smaller than a 40K game, making it more approachable for beginners.
3. Fight the Battle: Turn-based combat ensues, with players taking turns to move and attack with their warriors, using a combination of dice-rolling and strategy. Each game round consists of multiple phases: Movement, Psychic, Shooting, and Fight, with both players taking turns in each phase.
WHAT YOU NEED TO PLAY
To get started with Kill Team, you will need a few basic items:
1. Kill Team Core Manual: This book includes the main rules of the game, as well as information on each Kill Team, their weapons, and abilities.
2. Miniatures: You’ll need a set of miniatures to represent your Kill Team. These can be bought individually, or in starter sets that often include some scenery.
3. Dice: A few six-sided dice are used to determine the outcome of attacks and other actions during the game.
4. Measuring Tools: Rulers or measuring tapes are used to measure movement and shooting distances.
5. Scenery: You’ll need some terrain to make your battlefield more diverse and interesting.
TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
1. Start Small: Begin with a ‘Start Collecting’ box or a Kill Team specific box, this gives you a good foundation to build on.
2. Learn the Basics: Take time to understand the basic rules before diving into the more intricate mechanics of the game.
3. Practice Makes Perfect: The more you play, the more you’ll get a feel for your Kill Team’s strengths and weaknesses.
4. Use Cover: Terrain isn’t just for show, using it strategically can protect your team and give you an advantage in-game.
5. Have Fun: The objective of the game is to have fun, not just to win. Embrace the narrative and enjoy the journey!
HELPFUL RESOURCES
For additional help and further understanding of the game, explore resources like the Warhammer 40K official website, the Kill Team subreddit, and numerous YouTube channels such as Tabletop Tactics and StrikingScorpion82. Online apps like BattleScribe can also assist in managing your Kill Team roster.
GLOSSARY
1. Kill Team: Your squad of warriors in the game.
2. Faction: The race or group your Kill Team belongs to.
3. Units: Individual warriors in your Kill Team.
4. Scenery: The terrain and objects on your battlefield.
5. Turn-Based Combat: A style of combat in which players take turns to execute actions.
NEXT STEPS
So, where to go from here? First off, purchase a Kill Team starter set and begin assembling and painting your warriors. Explore your local hobby or gaming store, they often host demonstration games which can help you learn the rules hands-on. Lastly, remember, it’s about having fun and creating your own narrative in the dense and captivating world of Warhammer. Once you’ve given Kill Team a go, you’ll be amazed at how engrossing this hobby can be. Welcome to the adventure!
