INTRODUCTION
Are you looking for an engaging, fast-paced, and tactical tabletop game that combines the thrill of small-scale combat with an expansive galaxy lore? Say hello to Kill Team! Whether you’re completely new to this compelling realm or returning to it after a hiatus, I am thrilled to guide you through its mechanics, the equipment needed, some beginner’s tips, and plenty of other helpful resources. Buckle up for an exciting ride!
WHAT IS KILL TEAM?
Kill Team is a skirmish-based tabletop war game that’s set in the illustrious Warhammer 40,000 universe, brought to life by Games Workshop. Unlike its big brother, Warhammer 40K, Kill Team focuses on intimate, squad-based battles where every unit counts and individual heroics can drastically alter the tide of the conflict.
Launched in 2018 as a standalone game, Kill Team has carved a niche for itself thanks to its accessibility and speedy skirmishes, perfect for those of us short on time or space. Additionally, its narrative potential, player agency, and exciting, strategic play make it an immersive adventure that keeps players coming back for more and more.
HOW KILL TEAM WORKS/HOW TO GET STARTED
First, each player assembles their “Kill Team”, a squad of individual soldiers drawn from a faction of choice. Next, set up your gaming area with terrain that can provide cover and act as obstacles to promote strategic maneuvering.
Here’s a quick rundown of how to play:
1. Choose a mission from the official rule book. Each mission has unique objectives.
2. Set up your battlefield based on the map provided in the mission description.
3. Deploy your Kill Team onto the field. The mission will specify which player deploys first.
4. Take turns moving your models and declaring actions such as shooting, charging, or retreating.
5. The game ends when the conditions listed in the mission have been met.
WHAT YOU NEED TO PLAY
Essentials include the Kill Team Core Manual, which provides the rules, guidelines, and missions; a Kill Team box set of your chosen faction, containing models and faction-specific rules; a gaming surface with terrain, either using a kill zone set or creating your own, and a set of 6-sided dice (D6s).
Additionally, tools for assembling and painting your figures, like clippers, glue, brushes, and paint, can come in handy if you want to fully plunge into the hobby aspect of the game.
TIPS FOR ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS
1. Choose a Kill Team box that resonates with you in terms of aesthetics and lore. Enjoying your faction will motivate you to explore more.
2. Fully understand the rules. Reading the Core Manual may seem boring but it’s the key to mastering the game.
3. Use cover effectively; it can make or break a match.
4. Vary the composition of your squad. Having models with different roles allows for flexibility in the battlefield.
5. Don’t be afraid to lose. Each game is a learning experience.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
Warhammer Community is the official site with updates, articles, and tutorials. YouTube channels like Tabletop Tactics, and MiniWarGaming offer great kill team content from battle reports to painting tips. For a supportive digital community, the Kill Team subreddit and Discord are fantastic places where players share their experiences, strategies, and fan-made scenarios.
GLOSSARY:
1. Faction: The race or organization your kill team belongs to.
2. Mission: The game’s objective.
3. Deployment: The initial placement of your models on the battlefield.
4. Models: The miniatures representing your warriors.
5. Cover: Terrain that can block or limit attacks.
NEXT STEPS: WHERE TO GO FROM HERE
The next phase is to dip your toe in the immersive Warhammer 40,000 universe with Kill Team. Try seeking out a demo game at a local hobby shop or game cafe, or check out some batrep (battle report) videos online to see the game in action. The world of Kill Team is a thrilling and in-depth adventure that gets more exciting with every game. Happy gaming, and remember, each defeat is a step towards victory!
