INTRODUCTION
Hello there, eager adventurer! If you’ve ever been fascinated by the hidden lore of eternal conflicts between colossal empires and the rush of strategic warfare in a grim, dystopian future, then you’ve made a fantastic discovery: Warhammer 40K. This guide is dedicated to all beginners entering this thrilling universe; we’ll help you navigate through this epic tabletop game that combines strategic warfare, deep lore, painting, and the joy of miniature collection. Don’t worry if this is your first journey into this realm or hobby – this guide is made just for you.
WHAT IS WARHAMMER 40K?
Warhammer 40K, or simply 40K, is a miniature wargame created by Rick Priestley and produced by Games Workshop. Set in a dystopian future in the 41st Millennium (hence the name), Warhammer 40K invites players to control armies from a vast array of factions, each with their unique lore, weapons, and play-style. The game’s grim and gothic universe, dominated by the militaristic human empire known as the Imperium, is filled with factions of aliens, robots, and even demons. Warhammer 40K is often compared to other tabletop games like Dungeons and Dragons for its immersion and deep world-building but stands distinctive in its emphasis on strategized warfare.
HOW IT WORKS / HOW TO START
Playing Warhammer 40K requires assembling an army of plastic miniatures, painting them to bring character and life, and strategically moving them across a battlefield. How does this work? Let’s break it down:
1. BUILD YOUR ARMY: Players purchase miniatures of specific factions they resonate with, build and paint them. Your choice of faction determines your units’ special abilities, aesthetics, lore background, and game strategy.
2. SETUP THE BATTLE GROUND: The game is played on a tabletop battlefield (typically 44″ x 60″), often decorated with terrain like hills, buildings, etc., which can impact the game’s movement and sightlines.
3. PLAYING THE GAME: Player turns are divided into phases, that cover movement, psychic powers, shooting, and combat. The game’s objective can be as simple as destroying your opponent’s army or involve capturing strategic points on the battlefield.
CE QU'IL FAUT POUR JOUER
Here’s what you typically need to get started:
1. MINIATURES: Purchase a Start Collecting! box or faction-specific beginner box; these offer an assortment of basic units for a particular faction at a discount.
2. RULEBOOK: The Warhammer 40,000 Core Book has all the rules you need to play the game.
3. PAINTING SUPPLIES: Brushes, paints, and a sprue cutter will be necessary to assemble and customize your miniatures.
4. MEASURING TAPE & DICE: You’ll need a tape measure for movement and multiple six-sided dice for gameplay.
TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
Starting your adventure in Warhammer 40K can seem daunting. Here are some tips:
1. START SMALL: Start with a L'équipe de tueurs or Combat Patrol game as they require fewer miniatures and provide a more manageable entry point.
2. LEARN TO PLAY: Watch playthrough videos online and use the free basic rules from the Games Workshop website to get a grasp of the game mechanics.
3. PRACTICE PAINTING: Start painting with cheaper units. With time and practice, your skills will improve.
4. STAY PATIENT: Building, painting, and learning the rules can take time. Enjoy the process.
5. JOIN A COMMUNITY: Local gaming stores, online forums, or social media groups can provide tips, friendships, and give you opponents to play against.
RESSOURCES UTILES
GAMES WORKSHOP: Official website that provides rules, lore, painting guides, and an online store.
WARHAMMER COMMUNITY: Official blog with news, tutorials, and updates.
r/Warhammer40k: A Reddit forum where you can share, learn and ask questions.
MINIWARgaming: A YouTube channel with battle reports, painting tutorials, and lore videos.
GLOSSARY
1. FACTION: A playable army with its background, aesthetics, rules, and miniatures.
2. MINIATURE: Also referred to as ‘models,’ these are the characters and units you control in your games.
3. BATTLEFIELD: The game’s physical playing surface filled with terrain features.
4. DICE ROLLING: Determines the game’s random events, like hitting a target or avoiding damage.
NEXT STEPS
Ready to dive into the Warhammer 40K universe? Your first step is to visit the official Games Workshop website or a local gaming store. Explore the different factions, choose one that resonates with you, and get a Start Collecting! box. Remember, it’s all about having fun, exploring a rich universe, creating stunning miniatures, and making strategic moves on the battlefield. Get ready for an exciting journey – welcome to Warhammer 40K!
