INTRODUCTION
If you ever dreamed of wielding powerful magic, commanding formidable armies, exploring distant galaxies or relishing in the blended thrill of science fiction and fantasy, then your next adventure lies in the world of Warhammer 40K. Warhammer 40K, a game shrouded in rich lore and captivating myth, is a thrilling tabletop miniature wargame that is as exciting as it is unique. This beginner-friendly guide aims to introduce newcomers to the mesmerizing universe of Warhammer 40K, to guide you through your first battles, and to support you in becoming the general of your very own army.
WHAT IS WARHAMMER 40K?
Warhammer 40K—developed by Games Workshop—is a miniature wargame set in a dystopian, science fiction universe, and is the futuristic counterpart to the fantasy-themed Warhammer. The 40K universe is characterized by endless warfare, where powerful factions fight for dominion, faith, survival or simply to feed their bloodlust. Players gather and paint armies of miniatures which represent the game’s various factions, turning their tabletops into dynamic battlegrounds. Compared to contemporary strategic board games, Warhammer 40K stands out due to its expansive lore, intricate miniature models and wide scope for strategic planning.
HOW TO GET STARTED
After choosing your faction—which could range from the secular Adeptus Mechanicus, hulking Space Marines, savage Orks, to the inscrutable aliens known as the Eldar or the malevolent forces of Chaos—you will construct your army. This involves selecting units, assembling miniatures and painting them. Once your army is ready, it’s time for battle.
A game of Warhammer 40K typically involves two phases: movement and combat. In the movement phase, players move their models across the game board according to each unit’s movement characteristics. In the combat phase, players roll dice to determine the result of units’ attacks, with each unit having distinct strengths and weaknesses.
WHAT YOU NEED TO PLAY
Our biggest recommendation is a Warhammer 40K starter set, which includes miniatures, dice, measuring tools and a basic rulebook. A core rulebook is also essential for understanding the more nuanced rules of the game. Additionally, you’ll need a set of paints and brushes to bring your miniatures to life and, of course, a space to play. Bear in mind that the game board should ideally be filled with terrain pieces to replicate the battle-ridden landscapes of the 40K universe.
TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
1. Begin with a starter set: These are designed to ease beginners into the game and provide an excellent introduction to assembling and painting models.
2. Watch online tutorials: There are countless resources for painting miniatures and understanding gameplay online.
3. Practice makes perfect: Like any game of strategy, Warhammer 40K benefits from repeated play.
4. Join a community: Whether offline or online, experienced players are often happy to help newcomers.
5. Take your time: It’s a complex game. Don’t rush yourself and don’t be afraid of making mistakes.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
Check out the Warhammer 40K website and Games Workshop’s official YouTube channel for tutorial videos. Join the Warhammer community on Reddit or the Warhammer 40K subreddit to connect with other players, discuss strategies and share your progress. Apps like BattleScribe can be particularly helpful for building your army list.
GLOSSARY: COMMON TERMS EXPLAINED
1. Wargear: The equipment that your units carry into battle.
2. Psyker: In-game characters with the ability to use psychic powers.
3. Faction: The various races, species, organizations or groups in the Warhammer 40K universe.
4. Unit: A group of similar models that move and act together on the battlefield.
5. Commander: The named character leading your army.
NEXT STEPS: WHERE TO GO FROM HERE
Now it’s time to step into the world of Warhammer 40K. Visit your local gaming store or order a starter set online. Take your time assembling and painting your miniatures—it’s part of the fun! Then, play your first game. Remember, it’s not just about winning, but experiencing the rich lore and strategy within the Warhammer 40K universe. Happy wargaming!
