INTRODUCTION
If you’ve always wanted to dive into the world of miniature wargaming, but been daunted by vast armies and complex rules, then Kill Team might be just the game for you. This small-scale, skirmish level tabletop game by Games Workshop combines tactical strategy with the thrill of tabletop combat. It’s a part of the vast Warhammer 40,000 (a.k.a. 40k) universe, but it’s quicker, simpler, and cheaper to get into. This guide is specifically designed to introduce beginners to the game, explain how it works, and give you everything you need to get started.
WHAT IS KILL TEAM?
Kill Team is a standalone game in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. Unlike in Warhammer 40k, where players command vast armies, Kill Team focuses on small-scale battles involving a team of individual heroes, or ‘kill team’. Each kill team is usually composed of 5–20 models, representing elite squads battling each other in the beleaguered landscapes of the far future. The small scale ensures games are quick, usually between 30 minutes to an hour, making it more beginner-friendly than its larger counterpart.
HOW KILL TEAM WORKS/HOW TO GET STARTED
Kill Team is typically played on a 22 by 30-inch board, filled with terrain to provide a realistic and immersive battlefield. To play a game, each player chooses a kill team from their collection of models, based on a point system to ensure an even playing field.
The game involves a series of rounds where each player takes turns to move their units, shoot with them, and engage in close combat. Dice are used to add an element of luck and uncertainty, keeping the game exciting and unpredictable. The rules of the game are tactically deep but streamlined enough for easy understanding and quick play. You can customize your kill team with different weapons, special abilities, and even level them up over a series of games, giving it an additional role-playing element.
WHAT YOU NEED TO PLAY
To start playing Kill Team, you will need models to represent your kill team, a rulebook, six-sided dice (D6), measuring tools (for determining movement and range of attacks), and terrain for your battlefield. Games Workshop offers a Kill Team Starter Set, which includes everything you need to play the game, including two kill teams, a set of terrain, a game board, dice, and the rulebook.
TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
1. Start Small: Begin with a basic kill team before adding more units and complexity.
2. Use Cover: Use terrain for cover to protect your models from enemy attacks.
3. Learn the Basics: Understand the basic rules and gameplay before moving onto more complex rules.
4. Practice: Like any game, practice makes perfect. Play as much as possible to master the strategies.
5. Enjoy the Process: Remember, the goal is to have fun. Enjoy the process of building, painting, and playing with your models.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
For tutorials, strategies, and general advice, check out channels like Tabletop Tactics or MiniWargaming on YouTube. Websites like Goonhammer provide loads of articles and guides on building and playing kill teams. Reddit’s r/killteam is a helpful online community for discussions and advice.
GLOSSARY
1. Kill Team: A squad of individual models/units that a player uses in the game.
2. Model: The actual miniatures used to play.
3. Terrain: The ‘scenery’ in which battles are fought.
4. Dice: Six-sided dice used to determine outcomes of certain actions.
5. Points System: System used to balance teams and ensure fair play.
NEXT STEPS
Now that you know the basics of Kill Team, your first step should be getting the Kill Team Starter Set. Once you’ve assembled and painted your models and studied the rulebook, get a friend and start playing. As you get more comfortable with the rules, start expanding your collection, and explore the different factions and units available. Remember, building and painting your models is part of the fun. Enjoy the journey, and remember the most important rule – have fun!
