INTRODUCTION
So, you’ve heard of Warhammer 40k, maybe from friends, a pop culture mention, or saw some incredibly detailed miniatures in a hobby shop. Now, you’re curious about how to dive into this immersive universe. This beginner-friendly guide is specifically created for those who are either completely new to Warhammer 40k or returning veterans after a break. We aim to make you familiar with all you need to know about this thrilling game. This isn’t just rolling dice and moving pieces around a board, Warhammer 40k is a passionate convergence of strategy, lore, and craftsmanship.
WHAT IS WARHAMMER 40K?
Created by Games Workshop in 1987, Warhammer 40,000 (40k) is a tabletop miniatures game set in a dystopian science-fantasy universe. Imagine Star Wars meets Lord of the Rings, with a dash of Mad Max dystopia. The game pits various factions such as Space Marines, Orks, Eldar against each other in strategic battles.
Warhammer 40K is different from typical board games. It combines elements of tactical war games with intricate model building and painting. Besides, the Warhammer world is rich with lore and history, providing an immersive background that sets the stage for every battle.
HOW IT WORKS OR HOW TO START
The first step to starting a Warhammer 40k game is choosing your faction, also known as an army. These range from religious zealots like Sisters of Battle to technologically advanced crafty aliens such as the T’au.
After choosing a faction, you’ll start building and painting your miniatures, keeping in mind that each model represents a unit in your army with unique capabilities.
When your army is ready, you layout a battlefield, usually a 6’x4′ surface filled with terrain. The game commences with players taking turns to move their miniatures, enact their strategies, and roll dice to determine the outcomes of their actions, such as shooting or melee combat.
WHAT YOU NEED TO PLAY
To start, you’ll need a Warhammer 40k starter set, which includes miniatures, rulebooks, and often dice and a range ruler. You’ll also need model paints, brushes, and plastic glue to build and colour your models. It’s also recommended to get a game mat and some terrain to make your battles more immersive and tactical.
TIPS FOR ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS
1. Start Small: Consider focusing on a small number of units, get comfortable with painting and playing, then scale up.
2. Practice Painting: Your models reflect your personal style. Don’t worry about perfection, but practice and patience will improve your skills.
3. Engage with the Community: Warhammer 40k has a huge, friendly community both online and offline. They can provide invaluable help and guidance.
4. Learn the Lore: The rich history and lore of Warhammer 40k add depth and immersion to every aspect of the game.
5. Have Fun: Don’t get too competitive. The aim of the game should be enjoyment, not just winning.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
Websites like Warhammer-community.com, Reddit’s r/Warhammer40k, and the Games Workshop YouTube channel are excellent resources for tutorials, news, and community engagement. BattleScribe is an excellent tool for army building, and the Citadel Colour app has tutorials and instructions for painting all your models.
GLOSSARY: COMMON TERMS EXPLAINED
1. Army: The faction-controlled force of miniatures.
2. Miniature: The individual model representing a unit in your army.
3. Dice: Used to determine the outcomes of battles. Warhammer 40k mainly uses six-sided dice (D6).
4. Tabletop: Refers to the playing surface.
5. Factions: The races or alliances in the Warhammer 40k universe.
NEXT STEPS: WHERE TO GO FROM HERE
Now that you have the basics down, try a demo game. Most hobby shops or Games Workshop stores will have staff willing to guide you through a beginner game. Get familiar with assembling and painting miniatures and start building your army.
Remember, the journey into Warhammer 40k is long, but it’s filled with enjoyment, community, and constant learning. Forge ahead, future commander! Your saga is just beginning!
