INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the thrilling universe of Warhammer 40,000! Whether you’re an absolute beginner or, perhaps, are returning to the game after a long hiatus, this guide is tailored specifically for you. In this guide, we will dive into the heart of the magnificent lore-filled universe, helping you learn the rules, understand the lore, deploy your armies, and lead them to glory in the grim darkness of the far future. If you’re a fan of strategy, storytelling, or just love the idea of building and painting your own epic army, Warhammer 40k is the hobby for you.
WHAT IS WARHAMMER 40K?
Warhammer 40,000 (often abbreviated to 40k) is a tabletop miniature wargame produced by Games Workshop. Set in a dystopian sci-fi future, it is a game of dark, grim warfare, strategic planning, and tactical execution, where players command armies of beautifully detailed miniatures in battles against each other. Whether you’re leading the heroic forces of the Imperium, commandeering alien armies, or guiding the malevolent forces of Chaos, there are countless narratives to explore and battles to wage. It’s like chess if the pieces were space marines, alien beasts, and mechanical monstrosities, and the board was a war-torn landscape.
HOW TO GET STARTED
The magic of Warhammer 40K lies in assembling armies, building terrains, and subsequently, storytelling through battles. Here’s an easy, step-by-step guide on how to dive into 40k:
1. Pick Your Army: Choose a faction that resonates with you either by look, lore, or playstyle.
2. Get a Starter Set: This kit will come with a variety of miniature models, dice, rulers, and a simplified rulebook.
3. Assemble Your Minis: Get stuck into some model-making. There’s guides for this, too!
4. Learn the Basic Rules: Starter sets come with a simplified rulebook which covers all the fundamental gameplay mechanics.
5. Start Your First Battle: Set up a basic game with a friend and see how it plays out.
6. Expand and Customize: Once you’re comfortable with the gameplay mechanics, you can buy more miniatures and expand your army!
WHAT YOU NEED TO PLAY
To get started with Warhammer 40k, you’ll need a few basic supplies:
1. Miniature Models: These represent your units on the battlefield.
2. Rulebook: The essential guide to how the game is played.
3. Dice and Ruler: For measuring distances and determining outcomes.
4. Paints and Brushes: To bring your models to life with detail and color.
For beginners, it’s recommended to buy a starter set as it includes a selection of miniatures, a condensed rulebook, dice, and range rulers.
TIPS FOR ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS
1. Start Small: Getting overwhelmed is easy. Stick to a smaller number of units when you first start out.
2. Learn to Paint: There’s no requirement to paint your miniatures, but it adds to the feel of the game.
3. Understand the Basics: Get your head around the basic rules before diving into complex strategies.
4. Practice, Practice, Practice: As with any game, practice makes perfect.
5. Enjoy the Journey: Remember, the idea is to have fun!
HELPFUL RESOURCES
For new players, there’s plenty of resources online. The official Warhammer website has lots of lore and articles, while YouTube channels like MiniWarGaming and StrikingScorpion82 offer in-depth tutorials and battle reports. Reddit’s /r/Warhammer40k is also a great community to get involved in.
GLOSSARY: COMMON TERMS EXPLAINED
1. HQ: Stands for Headquarters. It refers to your leader models on the battlefield.
2. WYSIWYG: An abbreviation for “What You See Is What You Get”. This commonly used rule means that your models should be equipped exactly as they are represented on the battlefield.
3. TROOPS: These are your common soldiers. Every army needs them!
4. MELEE: Close combat in the game, where models physically fight each other.
5. LIST: Your army list, detailing all the units and models you plan to use in a battle.
NEXT STEPS: WHERE TO GO FROM HERE
Your exciting journey into the world of Warhammer 40K has just begun. We suggest expanding your army and trying out different strategies as a next step. Remember, practice makes perfect! Whether you win or lose, it’s all part of the adventure. Also, don’t forget to explore the lore behind your factions more – it’ll make your game playing experience even more enriching. Happy wargaming!
