INTRODUCTION
Having a passion for strategy games and tabletop miniatures can introduce you to numerous fun and engaging worlds. One such world is the thrilling battlefield of Kill Team, a game set in the Warhammer 40,000 Universe. It’s a game of tense, small-scale skirmishes between opposing squads of warriors that allows you to pilot them into battle. What’s more, it doesn’t matter if you’re an absolute novice or an old hand returning after a lengthy sabbatical — this guide is designed specifically with beginners in mind. Ready to learn what makes Kill Team so exciting? Let’s delve into it!
WHAT IS KILL TEAM?
Kill Team is a skirmish-style, table-top game produced by Games Workshop, known for their Warhammer fantasy shares Universe. It offers a smaller-scale alternative to larger Warhammer 40,000 battles, focusing on individual squads called ‘Kill Teams,’ each with their distinct tactics and abilities. Much like chess but with a lot more fighting, the game pits these Kill Teams against each other in scenario-driven combats. These combats play out in the grim dark future of the 41st millennium, where scores of races including human-like Space Marines, Eldar, and even the robotic Necrons vie for control.
HOW IT WORKS / HOW TO START
Getting started is as straightforward as acquiring a Kill Team boxed set. Inside, you’ll find everything needed to play – miniatures, terrain, a gaming mat, rulebooks, and dice. Here’s how it works:
1. Choose Your Kill Team: You begin by selecting which faction you’d like to represent. This could be anything from Space Marines, Necrons, Orks, or any other race available in the 40,000 universe.
2. Assemble and Paint: Next, you assemble and paint your models. This creative process is one of the most rewarding aspects of the game.
3. Deployment: You set up your models on the game board, each team starting from its deployment zone.
4. Gameplay: You take turns moving, shooting, charging and fighting your enemy, aiming to complete the mission’s objectives.
5. Winning: The game usually ends after a set number of rounds. The winner is the team that controls the most objectives and has killed the most enemies.
WHAT YOU NEED TO PLAY
Getting yourself set up to play Kill Team is quite simple. You’ll mostly need a Kill Team Starter Box which comes with everything required to get playing. It includes a double-sided game mat, a collection of miniatures, full set of dice, Kill Team Core Manual, data cards, and a scenery kit. After getting the hang of things, you might want to extend your Kill Team with more models or add some more scenery for your battles.
TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
If you’re completely new to Kill Team, and tabletop gaming in general, here are some tips to get you off to a good start:
1. Begin with Ready-made Kill Teams: Starter Boxes come with recommended Kill Teams, which are perfect for beginners.
2. Patience with Painting: Painting miniatures is an art. Don’t rush it; take your time and enjoy the process.
3. Learn the Rules: Read the Core Manual thoroughly to understand the game’s rules.
4. Practice Makes Perfect: The more you play, the better you’ll become. Start easy with one-on-one games then progress to bigger battles.
5. Be a Good Sport: Remember, it’s a game, and the aim is to have fun.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
There there are a multitude of resources available for anyone interested in Kill Team. Websites like Warhammer Community, Games Workshop and DakkaDakka offer informative articles and helpful forums. YouTube channels like MiniWarGaming and Striking Scorpion 82 are full of useful tutorials and battle reports.
GLOSSARY
Kill Team does involve some specific jargon, but don’t worry, here are few key terms:
1. Initiative: which determines who moves first in a round
2. Faction: a particular race or group, each with their unique statistic and abilities.
3. Craftworlds: homeworlds of the Eldar species.
4. Adeptus Astartes: Also known as Space Marines.
5. Psychic Phase: part of a game round where psychic abilities can be used.
NEXT STEPS
Now that you know what Kill Team is and how to start, it might be time to try a test game. Find a local hobby shop or gaming club where you can play a demo game. Many game stores host Warhammer games and the community is usually welcoming to newcomers. As you become more comfortable, expand your Kill Team and experiment with different strategies. Now go forth into the galaxy and bring glory to your faction! Good luck and have fun in the grim dark world of Warhammer 40,000 Kill Team!
