INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the exhilarating world of Kill Team, a tabletop skirmish game set in the infamous Warhammer 40,000 universe. If you’re a fan of strategy games or have ever wanted to lead a squad of intergalactic soldiers in a fight for supremacy, then Kill Team is just the challenge you’ve been looking for. This beginner-friendly guide is designed to take you from complete novice to discerning commander, equipped with everything you need to conquer your very first battle and beyond.
WHAT IS KILL TEAM?
Kill Team is a skirmish game developed by the globally renowned Games Workshop. A spin-off set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe, Kill Team carves a niche of its own, focusing on tense, small-scale battles as compared to full-blown warfare. In Kill Team, each player commands a squad of a dozen or so individually controlled models representing different factions–from the humanoid Space Marines to terrifying alien races–each with their unique abilities, weapons, and tactics. As the commander, you will carefully maneuver your team across the battleground, aiming to outwit your opponent and achieve your battle objectives.
HOW IT WORKS or HOW TO GET STARTED
Getting into Kill Team is surprisingly easy, and games usually last just one to two hours, making them quicker than conventional Warhammer battles. Here’s how you can get started:
1. Pick Your Kill Team: Choose a faction you like the look or lore of, and purchase a box of miniatures for that faction. You’ll typically need between 5-20 models.
2. Assemble: Most miniatures come unpainted and in pieces, so you’ll need to assemble them.
3. Paint Your Miniatures: Painting is a big part of the Kill Team experience. It’s a hobby in itself that allows you to personalize your team.
4. Read the Core Rules: The Kill Team core manual provides all the rules you need to play the game. Read and familiarize yourself with it.
5. Play the Game: Set up your terrain, deploy your kill team, and immerse yourself in the tactical gameplay that Kill Team offers.
WHAT YOU NEED TO PLAY (SUPPLIES, GEAR, SETUP)
To get started with Kill Team, you’ll need the following items:
– Kill Team Starter Set: This contains a selection of miniatures, a game mat, terrain, and the core manual with all the rules.
– Dice: You’ll need a set of six-sided dice (or D6) for the game.
– Tape Measure: To measure movements and distances.
– Paints and Brushes: To paint your miniatures.
TIPS FOR ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS
– Practice Assembly First: Assembling your miniatures can be tricky. Before you use glue, dry fit the parts to see how they fit together.
– Start with Basic Paint Schemes: Don’t feel you need to paint your miniatures like a pro from the start. Use basic color schemes and improve your skills over time.
– Focus on the Objectives: A common mistake is to focus on annihilating the opponent’s team. Remember, you win by scoring more victory points, which usually come from completing objectives.
– Use Cover: Use terrain to your advantage. It can provide cover to your team and obscure them from enemy attacks.
– Learn Your Faction’s Strengths: Every faction has its unique strengths and abilities. Learn how to leverage these to your advantage.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
Several online resources can provide useful tips and guides for Kill Team. Check out the Warhammer Community website, the r/Killteam subreddit, and the Kill Team Tactics Wiki. YouTube channels like Tabletop Tactics and Glacial Geek offer beginner guides and battle reports.
GLOSSARY: COMMON TERMS EXPLAINED
– Melee Combat: Hand-to-hand combat in the game.
– Ranged Combat: Combat involving shooting weapons.
– Psychic Phase: A game phase where players with psychic abilities can unleash psychic powers.
– Cover: Terrain that provides protection against range attacks.
– Pinned: A model that cannot do anything due to enemy fire.
NEXT STEPS: WHERE TO GO FROM HERE
You’re now ready to embark on your tumultuous journey in Kill Team! Start by assembling and painting your miniatures, familiarize yourself with the basic rules, and try a demo game. Remember to focus not just on the game, but also enjoy the hobby aspect of painting and creating your unique squad. Practice, learn from your mistakes, and don’t forget: the primary aim is to have fun. Welcome to Kill Team!
