INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the world of gaming, where war, strategy, and the thrill of battle are just a dice roll away. Have you heard of Warhammer 40,000 (40K)? Well, consider Kill Team a streamlined, scaled-down version of it. If you’re interested in getting into the world of 40K without getting overwhelmed, Kill Team is a perfect starting point. It’s less daunting, requires fewer miniatures and is fast-paced. This beginner-friendly guide will introduce you to the fascinating world of Kill Team, walking you through every step from understanding the game to your first play.
WHAT IS KILL TEAM?
Kill Team is a tabletop wargaming experience set in the dystopian science fiction universe of Warhammer 40K. Produced by Games Workshop, Kill Team allows you to lead a small team or squad known as a Kill Team in skirmish combat, in contrast to the mass warfare of the parent Warhammer 40K game.
These combat missions form a narrative campaign where the teams can advance and grow over several games, adding an exciting role-playing element. Each game typically lasts around 30 to 60 minutes, making it quicker and more accessible for those seeking a less time-consuming tabletop gaming experience.
HOW IT WORKS: GETTING STARTED
To get started with Kill Team, you’ll need a rulebook for the structured guidance on game dynamics and a Kill Team of your choice. The game starts with the setup of a battlefield filled with terrain pieces like buildings and obstacles. Each player then deploys their Kill Team at the respective deployment zones on opposite ends of the battlefield. A game can typically last between four to six rounds.
A round of Kill Team can play out as follows:
– Initiative Phase: Each player rolls two dice, with the highest total deciding who goes first on that round.
– Movement Phase: Players take turns moving their miniatures across the battlefield.
– Psychic Phase: Only if your team has any psychic abilities, they can use these to affect the battlefield.
– Shooting Phase: Players take turns in shooting at enemy Kill Teams using the ranged weapons.
– Fight Phase: This is where close-quarters combat occurs if any models end up within 1” of your enemies.
– Morale Phase: Check if any of your squad flees the battlefield due to casualties.
WHAT YOU NEED TO PLAY
Kill Team is brilliantly simple when it comes to the requirements. Here’s what you’ll need to start playing:
– Core Manual: This is the KilL Team rulebook. It has all the rules you need to play.
– Kill Team: This is a team of miniature warriors. You can assemble them as per your preference.
– Battlefield and Terrain: You can use a dining table or any flat surface as your battlefield. You can get creative with your terrain placement!
– Dice: You’ll need six-sided dice and ten-sided dice for playing.
TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
1. Start Small: Choose a Kill Team that is easy to assemble and manage.
2. Rules First: Familiarize yourself with the Core Manual thoroughly.
3. Practice: Play a few practice games to get used to the rules and mechanics.
4. Be Patient: It’s a strategy game, a hasty move might cost you dearly.
5. Connect with Other Players: Join online communities, discussion boards to learn from the experiences and tips shared by others.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
To dive deeper and ask questions, you can join Kill Team communities on Reddit or Facebook. For visually learning the game, YouTube channels like SteveFortheDee or Tabletop Titans provide handy tutorials. Find your troops’ data sheets and track their statistics with tools like BattleScribe.
GLOSSARY: COMMON TERMS EXPLAINED
– Command Points: These are the resources each player has to spend on tactical assets during the game.
– Hit Roll: This roll determines whether an attack hits its target.
– Wound Roll: If an attack hits, a wound roll is then made to see if it causes damage.
– Dice Terms: D6 (a six-sided die), D10 (a ten-sided die).
NEXT STEPS: WHERE TO GO FROM HERE
Now that you have a basic understanding of Kill Team, your next step could be visiting a local hobby shop or gaming group where you can find like-minded individuals, get advice, and perhaps even play a demo game. You can also consider online gaming communities for virtual matches. Remember, it just gets better and more satisfying the more you play. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s start strategizing!
