INTRODUCTION
Hello! Have you ever wanted to lead star-spanning space empires, ancient alien civilizations, or grim and gritty future armies into battle? Have you had dreams of painting miniature warriors, creating fantastical landscapes or weaving intricate stories in a dark and gothic universe? If you have, then Warhammer 40K is the perfect place for you! As a tabletop wargame with endless room for creativity, Warhammer 40K presents a fascinating nexus of strategy, hobbyism, and story-telling. And the best part? It’s not as intimidating as it looks to get started. This guide is specially designed for those starting from scratch, making the magic of Warhammer 40K accessible for all.
WHAT IS WARHAMMER 40K?
Warhammer 40K, often simply called 40K is a tabletop miniatures game created by Games Workshop. Set in a dystopian, science-fiction universe in the 41st millennium. Filled with countless alien species, warring factions, deeply woven lore, and countless planets, the Warhammer 40K universe is an expansive playground for anyone fascinated by the blend of fantasy and future.
Despite its complex looks, the gameplay in Warhammer 40K is relatively straightforward. Each player collects and paints their army of miniatures, each with its own set of rules, capabilities, and point values, and then uses them to battle other players on a variety of different “battlefields.”
COMMENT ÇA MARCHE OU COMMENT COMMENCER
To start playing, you first choose one of the various factions to lead into battle. Each faction, for instance, Space Marines, Necrons, or Orks has its own unique play style and tactics, and you’ll likely gravitate towards one or two that resonate with your preferred strategy or aesthetic appeal.
Once you have your army, you assemble and paint your miniatures and prepare for battle. The rules for battle are laid out in various Games Workshop books, the most important being the Core Rulebook, and the many faction-specific Codexes.
A typical game of Warhammer 40K will generally last around two hours, with players taking turns to move their units, unleash devastating weaponry, and engage in brutal close-combat, each endeavoring to fulfill their chosen mission objectives.
CE QU'IL FAUT POUR JOUER
To start playing Warhammer 40K, you’ll first need an army. This generally means investing in one or more boxed sets of miniatures, the exact ones depend on which faction you want to play.
You’ll also need a copy of the Core Rulebook, and likely, a codex (or two) for your chosen faction. Furthermore, several six-sided dice (D6) are needed to resolve battles.
Other essential supplies include model glue for assembling miniatures, paints, paintbrushes, and a good workspace. More optional supplies could include a modeling toolkit and a gaming mat for added realism.
TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
1. Start small: It may be tempting to buy a huge army right from the off, but it’s best to start small, getting to grips with painting and playing before you expand.
2. Use YouTube: There are many fantastic painting tutorials available on YouTube. Don’t be afraid to use them!
3. Play with friends: Warhammer 40K is a social hobby. Try and find a friend or two to learn and grow with.
4. Ask for help: The Warhammer community is incredibly welcoming. Never hesitate to ask more veteran players for advice or tips.
5. Enjoy the journey: Remember, this is a hobby and it’s meant to be fun. Don’t stress too much about winning games or painting like a master. Enjoy every step of the journey.
RESSOURCES UTILES
There is a wide range of resources available to help you in your Warhammer journey. Websites like the official Warhammer Community page, and forums like DakkaDakka or Bolter and Chainsword can offer invaluable advice.
YouTubers like Warhammer TV provide painting and playing tips. Apps like Battlescribe can assist in building and tracking your armies.
GLOSSARY
1. Miniature: The game pieces used in 40K, each representing a character or vehicle from your chosen army.
2. Dice, “D6”: The six-sided dice used to resolve actions in the game.
3. Codex: A rulebook specifically for one faction, detailing its lore, rules, and unit stats.
4. Rules: The guidelines and norms laid down to play the game.
5. Army: The collection of miniatures a player chooses to use in their games of 40K.
NEXT STEPS
Now that you have the basics, the next step is to choose your faction. Go with what looks cool or what resonates with you. Then buy your first box of miniatures, start painting, and look forward to your first game. Enjoy the ride, for like they say in the 41st millennium – “In the grim darkness of the far future, there is only war”. Don’t worry though, it’s a lot of fun!
