INTRODUCTION
Warhammer 40,000, also known as 40k, is an exciting, thrilling, and elaborate universe of tabletop wargaming. One of its standout games is known as Kill Team. But what is Kill Team, and why are so many people drawn to it? Whether you’re new to 40k entirely or you’ve been in the hobby for a time but never dipped your toes into Kill Team, this detailed, beginner-friendly guide will break down everything you need to know to get started. It’s a fun and tactical game, perfect for quick matches and in-depth strategic gameplay.
WHAT IS KILL TEAM?
Kill Team is a standalone skirmish game set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. It focuses on small-scale, squad-based combat where every model becomes its own character, giving gameplay an intimate, story-driven feel. Instead of controlling an entire army, like in standard 40k games, players command a small ‘Kill Team’ comprising about 5 to 20 miniatures, depending on the faction and loadouts chosen.
Kill Team was introduced in 2018 as a way to enjoy the 40k universe without investing the time and money required for full-size army battles. Apart from its smaller scale, the key aspect that sets Kill Team apart from its parent game is its emphasis on choices and consequences. Every move and every action need to be considered carefully, making it a game of strategy and cunning.
HOW IT WORKS OR HOW TO GET STARTED
Kill Team is played on a typically smaller battlefield of 22″ by 30″, utilizing various scenery pieces to provide horizontal and vertical strategic options. The game operates in a turn-by-turn basis, following a sequence of phases; Movement, Psychic (if any Psykers are present), Shooting, and Fight phase.
1. Assemble your Kill Team: Choose your faction and assemble a team of individual specialists. Each Kill Team consists of a Leader, and then a mix of combat, comms, demolitions, veteran, or other specialists depending on your chosen faction and model type.
2. Learn the turn structure: Movement phase, Psychic Phase, Shooting Phase, then Fight Phase. Each phase has specific actions that can be carried out.
3. Play a Match: Most games of Kill Team are scenario-based, with objectives to accomplish. Combat is dice-based, so you will roll dice to determine outcomes of shooting and fights.
WHAT YOU NEED TO PLAY
For beginners, the simplest way to start is picking up a Kill Team Starter Set. This set comes with two small armies, a game board, scenery, a rulebook, and dice. The rules for each model are contained in accompanying datasheets.
If you want to expand beyond the Starter Set, you’ll want individual Kill Team faction boxes and potentially the Kill Team Core Manual, which provides the full rules and datasheets for each faction’s options.
TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
1. Learn your Kill Team’s abilities and synergies.
2. Utilize the terrain: Cover can mean the difference between survival and elimination.
3. Practice makes better: Play as many practice games as possible.
4. Be mindful of the morale: Losing miniatures can impact the morale of your team.
5. Experiment with different factions: Each faction has its unique flair.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
A great starting point is the official Warhammer website, which contains introductory guides and articles. YouTube channels like Tabletop Titans, MiniWarGaming, and WooHooMiniatures offer how-tos and battle reports. The r/killteam subreddit is excellent for asking questions and advice from experienced players.
GLOSSARY: COMMON TERMS EXPLAINED
1. Wargear: The equipment that a model carries.
2. Psyker: A model that can use psychic powers.
3. Datasheet: The rules for a specific model or unit.
4. Cover: Terrain that obscures a model and can offer protection.
5. Command Points (CP): Points spent to use special game abilities.
NEXT STEPS: WHERE TO GO FROM HERE
The best thing to do next is start playing! Grab a Kill Team Starter Set, assemble your team and get a game in. The more hands-on experience you have, the more familiar the rules will become, and the more comfortable you’ll feel commanding your Kill Team. If you’re eager to dive deeper, explore different factions and expand your existing team with new specialists. Remember, while competitiveness can be part of the enjoyment, the real victory lies in having fun. Welcome to Kill Team, commander!
