INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the vast and thrilling world of Warhammer 40K! As a beginner, you may find this universe rather baffling at the onset, but fear not, this guide is here to help you navigate your way. Intriguing, intense, and packed with a whopping amount of lore, Warhammer 40K combines strategic gameplay with collectible miniatures to provide an enchanting experience. It’s captivating, it’s sci-fi, and it’s absolutely worth a try. Sit back and relax, as everything you need to know to get started is discussed in this beginner-friendly guide.
WHAT IS WARHAMMER 40K?
Warhammer 40K, short for Warhammer 40,000, is a popular tabletop miniature wargame produced by Games Workshop. Based on a dystopian far future, the world of Warhammer is inhabited by various factions or ‘races’ such as the Space Marines, Orcs, Tyranids and Eldar, each battling for control, survival, or simply the annihilation of others. The game is based on miniature figures which players assemble and paint themselves, and is known for its detailed artwork and extensive lore. Filled with rich backstories and exciting conflicts, it’s like stepping into your own customizable science fiction novel.
HOW IT WORKS OR HOW TO GET STARTED
Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:
1. Assemble your army: Start by choosing an army or faction you want to play with. Each faction has its strengths and weaknesses along with unique models and lore.
2. Set up the game: The game is played on a tabletop with various terrains. You can purchase these or create your own.
3. Learn the rules: The game operates on a set of complex rules provided in the rulebook. Spend some time familiarizing yourself with them to get a good handle on gameplay elements like combat, movement, and strategy.
4. Plan your move: Each player takes a turn moving their miniature army, launching attacks and implementing stratagems. Gameplay can be thrilling with each move potentially altering the course of the game.
5. Win battles: The game ends when one player wipes out the other’s army or achieves the mission objective. Each game can last anywhere between 30 minutes to several hours.
WHAT YOU NEED TO PLAY
Here’s your basic checklist for starting with Warhammer 40K:
1. Miniatures: Purchase a starter set which includes a variety of unit types, or pick individual models for a more customised army.
2. Rulebook: This provides the comprehensive set of rules and guidelines for the game.
3. Dice: The game uses six-sided and twelve-sided dice to determine the outcomes of battles and other actions.
4. Measuring Tapes: These are crucial for determining the movement and attack range of your units.
5. Paints and Brushes: These would help you to personalize your army and bring your miniatures to life.
TIPS FOR ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS
1. Start small: You don’t need a gigantic army to begin. Start with a starter set and understand the basic gameplay before expanding your army.
2. Watch Tutorials: Online tutorials can be a big help in understanding the rules.
3. Paint carefully: Painting your miniatures can be fun but challenging. Look up tutorials, take your time and remember: practice makes perfect!
4. Join a community: Finding a local community or online group of fellow players can be a great way to learn and enjoy the game.
5. Enjoy the process: Assembling and painting your army, learning strategies, and playing games are all part of the overall Warhammer experience. Enjoy it!
HELPFUL RESOURCES
1. Games Workshop: The official website offers a range of products and resources to aid your journey.
2. Warhammer Community: This site is packed with articles, news and tips for beginners.
3. YouTube: Look up tutorials both for playing the game and painting miniatures. Channels like Warhammer TV are particularly useful.
4. Reddit: Forums like r/Warhammer40k can be a good place to seek advice and share experiences.
GLOSSARY: COMMON TERMS EXPLAINED
1. Tabletop: The surface on which the game is played.
2. Faction: A race or team that you play as in the game.
3. Miniatures: The collectible units that make up your army.
4. Dice: Tools used to determine the results of actions.
5. Rules: The gameplay guidelines and mechanics.
6. Starter Set: A beginner’s kit containing everything you need to start playing.
NEXT STEPS: WHERE TO GO FROM HERE
So, you’re now ready to take on the world of Warhammer 40K! Start by purchasing a starter kit or choosing the miniatures for your army. Then, spend some time reading the rules and assembling or painting your figures. Find a local community or group of players and observe some games to get a more practical understanding of the gameplay. Remember, every master was once a novice. With patience and practice, you too will command your army with expertise and enjoy the enchanting world of Warhammer 40K. Good luck and have fun!
