INTRODUCTION
Welcome, future Kill Team commanders! If you’ve ever dreamed of leading your own squad of sci-fi soldiers into battle, then you’ve come to the right place. Kill Team is a fast-paced tabletop miniatures game that combines strategy, tactics, and imagination in a unique and exciting way. Perfect for beginners and seasoned gamers alike, Kill Team offers an immersive gameplay experience that’s as captivating as it is fun. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get started. Get ready to launch your first mission!
WHAT IS KILL TEAM?
Kill Team is a game produced by Games Workshop, creator of the popular Warhammer 40,000 universe. Its setting is a gritty, futuristic galaxy plagued by perpetual warfare among countless alien species and human factions. Kill Team zooms in on the action, focusing on small, specialized squads who undertake vital missions behind enemy lines. This stands in contrast to large-scale battles portrayed in typical Warhammer 40k games.
Having its ties with the 40k universe, Kill Team is enriched with glorious lore and backstory, adding depth and flavor to your gaming experience. Whether you’re leading a squad of Space Marines, Necron warriors, or Eldar rangers, every team has its unique history and motivation, giving you complete immersion into the game.
HOW IT WORKS / HOW TO START
A game of Kill Team is broken down into a series of rounds with each round containing four phases: Initiative, Movement, Shooting and Fight phase. Players take turns moving their models around the battlefield, shooting at enemies, or engaging in close hand-to-hand combat.
To get started, you’ll need to assemble your team. This usually consists of about 5 to 20 models drawn from a single faction of the Warhammer 40k universe. What sets Kill Team apart is the personalization. Unlike traditional 40k games, individual models in Kill Team act independently, creating a richer, more detailed level of gameplay.
A unique feature of Kill Team is its emphasis on narrative. Missions are not just about eliminating enemies – they can involve object retrieval, sabotage, or other objectives, making the gameplay varied and engaging.
WHAT YOU NEED TO PLAY
To start playing Kill Team, you’ll need a few things. The Kill Team Starter Set is a great choice. This contains everything you need including a couple of factions, a rulebook, a gaming mat, and terrain pieces. You’ll also need a set of six-sided dice, called D6s, and a measuring tape for movement.
For your Kill Team squad, you can pick up a box of your chosen faction. This will contain models that you’ll assemble and paint. It’s not just a game, it is also a hobby, providing an opportunity to creatively express yourself.
TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
1. Start Small: Begin with a few models from one faction, learn the rules, and gradually expand your collection.
2. Plan Your Moves: Unlike grand-scale 40k, Kill Team emphasizes tactics. Plan your movements carefully to seize the objective and outmaneuver your opponent.
3. Embrace the Narrative: The more invested you are in the story, the richer your experience.
4. Paint Your Team: Part of the joy of Kill Team comes from painting and personalizing your models. It adds to the immersion of the experience.
5. Have Fun: It’s a game, so enjoy it!
HELPFUL RESOURCES
1. Games Workshop’s Website: Official source of news, resources and product releases.
2. Warhammer Community: Helpful tips and updates from the community.
3. YouTube Channels: Tabletop Tactics, Guerrilla Miniature Games – offer guides, tutorials, and gameplays.
GLOSSARY: COMMON TERMS EXPLAINED
1. Faction: The team you choose to play, like Space Marines or Tyranids.
2. Specialist: A model with a unique role and special abilities within your team.
3. Command Points: Resources you can spend on strategic advantage.
4. Morale: A measure of your team’s fighting spirit. It can affect gameplay.
5. Wound: The health points of your model, once depleted, the model is removed from play.
NEXT STEPS: WHERE TO GO FROM HERE
Now that you’re armed with knowledge, the next step is gathering your supplies and diving in. Assembling and painting your first Kill Team can be one of the most rewarding aspects of the hobby. Don’t forget to join a community online, make friends, share tips, and keep refining your strategies. Remember, every great commander started as a beginner. Happy gaming!
