INTRODUCTION
Welcome, brave explorers, to the grim, dark, and thrilling universe of Warhammer 40K! If you’re a fan of immersive, lore-rich games or you simply crave epic battles and teaming up to take on daunting enemies, then you’re in luck. Warhammer 40K is a miniature wargame that offers countless hours of tactical strategies, lore exploration, and creativity with painting, and much more. Those unfamiliar with Warhammer 40K might think it’s an intimidating beast, but fear not. This guide is tailored for absolute beginners or those returning after a long hiatus to decode the complexities of this fantastic game.
WHAT IS WARHAMMER 40K
Warhammer 40,000 (40k for short) is a tabletop miniature war game produced by Games Workshop. First released in 1987, it’s set in a dystopian future where various factions and races battle across the galaxy: it’s a Tolkien-level fantasy epic with a heavy dose of sci-fi. This game isn’t just about epic battles, it’s about immersing yourself in a fascinating universe with an extensive history, the thrill of customizing your miniature models, and the satisfaction of outwitting your opponent in strategic face-offs. With the 40K universe being as huge and layered as it is, the possibilities for gameplay are near endless.
HOW IT WORKS/HOW TO GET STARTED
The core mechanics of Warhammer 40K revolve around assembling and painting your own armies of miniatures, then pitting them against your friends’ forces in epic, dice-driven tabletop combat. Let’s break down a typical game session step by step:
1. Assemble your army: Start by choosing a faction you like, each having unique advantages, traits, and gameplay mechanics. Build your army from models available to that faction.
2. Prepare the battlefield: Place terrain elements on the gaming table to block movement and line of sight, adding tactical depth.
3. Determine objectives: These can be as simple as “eliminate the opposing army” or can involve completing specific tasks or maintaining control over certain areas.
4. Deploy your forces: Depending on the scenario, forces may start from opposing table edges, or in reserves to join later.
5. Take turns: Each turn represents a brief amount of time in the game world, and it’s broken down into phases. These include the movement phase, the psychic phase, the shooting phase, and the assault phase.
WHAT YOU NEED TO PLAY
To get started, you’ll need a few things:
1. Starter Set: Ideal for beginners, these include miniatures from two different factions, dice, rulers, a guidebook, and often a game mat and terrain features.
2. Rulebook: This book is your bible, filled with detailed rules, scenarios, and background information about the universe and factions.
3. Miniatures: Depending on the faction(s) you’re interested in, you can purchase additional models to expand your army.
4. Paints and Brushes: These are needed for customizing your miniatures.
5. Dice and Measurement Tools: Essential for gameplay.
TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
Here are some handy tips for Warhammer 40k newcomers:
1. Start Small: Don’t rush into building a massive army. Start with a small force, learn the ins-and-outs of their gameplay mechanics, then expand.
2. Read the Rules: Warhammer 40k isn’t a game you can easily bluff your way through; understanding the rules is crucial.
3. Join the Community: Connect with other players, join discussions, ask questions, and share your experiences.
4. Practice Painting: Painting is part of the fun of Warhammer 40k, but like any skill, you need to practice to get better.
5. Think Strategically: Consider your army’s strengths and weaknesses, understand your opponent, and learn how to adapt to changing battle conditions.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
1. Games Workshop’s Official Website – The best place for news and updates.
2. Warhammer YouTube Channel – Excellent source for painting tutorials and game lore.
3. Reddit’s r/Warhammer40k: A bustling forum filled with painters, gamers, and fans of the 40K universe.
4. BattleScribe: A handy app for building and organizing your armies.
GLOSSARY
1. Turn: A round of gameplay during which each player moves, attacks, and performs actions with their army.
2. Faction: One of the many different, playable racial or sub-faction groups represented by the miniatures.
3. Army: The collection of miniatures a player commands in the game.
4. Tabletop: The physical space (like a table or a flat surface) where the game is played.
5. Dice Roll: The process of rolling dice to determine the outcome of actions during gameplay.
NEXT STEPS: WHERE TO GO FROM HERE
Warhammer 40K has a lot to offer, no doubt. But don’t be daunted. Start small: Try a demo game, or maybe even one of the smaller skirmish games in the same universe, like Team töten or Warhammer 40K: Conquest. Use online tutorials to help with painting your first miniatures and building your army. Visit a local hobby shop or gaming club to discover the community, and remember – the grim universe of Warhammer 40K may seem dark, but the journey you’re starting is packed with fun, creativity, and camaraderie. Good luck, and may you lead your army to victory!
