INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the fantastical and thrilling universe of Warhammer 40K! Whether you’re a novice or simply returning after a long hiatus, this beginner-friendly guide is designed to help you navigate the exciting terrain of this tabletop miniature wargame, all while painting a vivid picture about its intrigue and magnetism. This game isn’t just about rolling dice and moving miniatures. It’s an epic saga set in a dystopian future encompassing immense galaxies, legendary warriors, and high stake strategies. So grab a cup of tea and let’s dig in!
WHAT IS WARHAMMER 40K?
Founded by Games Workshop in 1987, Warhammer 40,000 (fondly known as 40K) is a miniatures-based tabletop game set in a grim-dark, far future where humankind battles fierce alien races & malevolent gods. It’s an immersive hobby that combines strategic gameplay, lavish lore, detailed miniatures, and creative modelling and painting.
In this dystopian universe, you command armies belonging to one of many distinct factions, such as the honorable Space Marines, the enigmatic Eldar, or the voracious Tyranids. Each faction has its own aesthetic, lore, and gameplay mechanics, creating a diverse and vibrant ecosystem to explore. A comparison in contemporary gaming might be to blend the strategic combat of Chess, the rich storytelling of Dungeons & Dragons, and the joy of model plane building.
HOW IT WORKS / HOW TO START
Starting a Warhammer 40K adventure may appear daunting but bear with us as we break down the process.
1. Choose Your Faction: Each player selects a faction as their army. This choice often reflects a preference for a particular playstyle, aesthetic or narrative.
2. Assemble Your Army: Using the rules in your faction’s Codex and the core rulebook, you put together a force, spending ‘points’ to include units in your army.
3. Set Up The Battlefield: Players then set up the gaming table with terrain and objectives.
4. Play The Game: Turns are divided into phases including movement, psychic, shooting, charging, fight and morale. Players alternate activating their units to move on the table, unleash deadly abilities, and engage in both melee and distance combat.
WHAT YOU NEED TO PLAY
To start your Warhammer 40K journey, you will need:
1. Miniatures: You will need to procure models for your chosen faction. Consider starting with a boxed set like “Start Collecting! Warhammer 40k” to get a mix of units.
2. Rulebooks: The central Warhammer 40K Rulebook plus your faction’s specific Codex.
3. Hobby Supplies: To assemble and paint your miniatures, you will need tools like plastic glue, paints, brushes and clippers.
4. Dice and Ruler: To resolve actions and move your units.
TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
1. Start Small: Begin with a few units before expanding your force.
2. Learn the Basics: Concentrate on understanding the fundamental rules before branching into faction-specific rules.
3. Practice Makes Perfect: Play games to understand your army’s strengths and weaknesses.
4. The Hobby Aspect: Practice your painting. It’s forgiving and you can always paint over mistakes.
5. Have Fun: Don’t get too hung up on winning. Enjoy the process and the narrative!
HELPFUL RESOURCES
For painting guides and strategies, the Warhammer TV YouTube channel and MiniWarGaming are invaluable. Engage with forums such as DakkaDakka or sites like Warseer and Spikey Bits. Warhammer 40k Wiki and Lexicanum are useful for lore exploration.
GLOSSARY: COMMON TERMS EXPLAINED
1. HQ: (Head Quarter) types of units, includes top heroes and leaders.
2. Wargear: Weapons and equipment used by your units.
3. Proxy: Used term for when a model represents another model.
4. Tabletop: Refers to the physical place where you play the game.
5. Wound: The amount of damage a model can take before it’s removed from play.
NEXT STEPS: WHERE TO GO FROM HERE
You’re now ready for a rewarding journey through Warhammer 40K. Whether your interest lies in the strategic gameplay, the comprehensive lore, or the painting and collecting, there’s something enjoyable for everyone. Visit your local gaming shop for demo games and join a community of players to continue growing in the hobby. Remember, the objective is not merely to win, but to revel in every aspect of this captivating universe. As you go forth, remember the Warhammer mantra, “In the Grim Darkness of the far future, there is only War!” Welcome to your new hobby. You’re in for an epic ride.
