Warhammer 40k, is a tabletop wargame from Games Workshop that has captivated hobbyists for decades. Set in a grim, futuristic universe rife with conflict, it allows players to build and paint armies, then wage war against their opponents on a tabletop battlefield. But for newcomers, getting started with Warhammer 40k can seem daunting.
The World of Warhammer
Warhammer 40,000, often shortened to 40k, is a sci-fi tabletop wargame that is set in a dark and brutal dystopian future. But beyond merely moving game pieces around a board, players build and paint miniature armies representing various alien races, humanity, and even daemons. Once completed, they then fight tactical battles against each other on a table using dice and rulers.
Here’s a breakdown of the core aspects:
- The Setting: The Warhammer 40,000 universe is a grim one. Humanity is a vast empire constantly at war with numerous threats. There are hostile alien races like the Orks, brutal and cunning. The Tyranids are a ravenous swarm that consumes planets. Daemons, horrifying creatures from another dimension, seek to tear reality apart.
- The Armies: You choose a faction and collect Citadel miniatures, plastic models you assemble and paint. These represent your army’s soldiers, vehicles, and powerful heroes. Popular factions include the Space Marines, humanity’s elite warriors, and the Necrons, an ancient robotic race.
- The Gameplay: Using special rulers and dice, players take turns activating their units and moving them around the table. You then use ranged and close-combat attacks to try and destroy your opponent’s forces. The game uses a complex rulebook but has beginner-friendly options to learn the ropes.
- The Hobby: Warhammer 40,000 is as much about the hobby as the game itself. Building and painting your miniatures is a big part of the fun. There’s a wide range of paints and tools available to customize your army exactly how you want.
Getting started with Warhammer 40,000 can be daunting, but there are starter sets available that include everything you need to play a basic game. There’s also a large and welcoming community of players who are always happy to help newcomers.
This brief guide will take you through everything you need to know to build your first collection and embark on your journey into the 41st millennium.
Preparing for War: Choosing Your Army
The first step in your Warhammer 40k adventure is choosing an army. Warhammer 40k features a vast array of factions, each with its unique lore, units, and playstyle. Factions are the various alien races, human sub-factions, and even forces of chaos that you can choose to play as. Choosing a faction is a big part of the fun in Warhammer 40k. It lets you find a group of characters and lore that resonates with you and shapes the way you play the game.
Here’s a brief overview of the top seven factions in Warhammer 40k:
- Imperium of Mankind: Representing humanity in its fight for survival, the Imperium boasts a massive military with countless factions like the Space Marines, the Astra Militarum (also known as Imperial Guard), and the Adeptus Mechanicus.
- Chaos: The antithesis of the Imperium, Chaos embodies corruption and destruction. Players can choose from the traitorous Space Marines known as Chaos Space Marines, the daemonic hordes of the warp, or twisted followers of the Chaos Gods.
- Orks: These brutish greenskins are a warlike race obsessed with fighting and machinery. Ork armies are known for their ramshackle vehicles and boisterous charges.
- Aeldari (Eldar): An ancient, dying race with advanced technology and psychic abilities, the Aeldari are masters of hit-and-run tactics.
- Drukhari (Dark Eldar): The cruel and sadistic kin of the Aeldari, the Drukhari are space pirates who raid and enslave other races.
- Necrons: An ancient robotic race awakened from slumber, the Necrons seek to reclaim the galaxy. Necron armies are relentless and durable.
- Tyranids: A ravenous swarm of insectoid creatures, the Tyranids consume all life in their path.
Another fun aspect of the game is to do some research and browse the Warhammer 40k wiki or lore resources to find a faction that appeals to you aesthetically or thematically.
Starting Small: The Combat Patrol Box
Once you’ve chosen your army, it’s best to start small. Games Workshop offers a fantastic line of “Combat Patrol” boxes for each faction. These boxes contain a well-balanced selection of miniatures that allows you to play introductory games without a massive investment.
Here are some examples of what you might find in a Combat Patrol box:
- Troops: These are the core of your army and will typically form the bulk of your models.
- HQ (Headquarters): This is the leader of your army and often provides buffs to your troops.
- A Vehicle or Two: Many Combat Patrol boxes include a light vehicle to add firepower or mobility to your army.
Expanding Your Collection
With your Combat Patrol box as a foundation, you can gradually expand your collection. Here are some things to consider:
- Codex: This is the essential rulebook for your chosen army. It provides detailed information on your units, their stats, and special abilities.
- More Troops: You’ll likely want to expand your core troop units to field a larger army.
- HQ Choices: Different HQ options offer various buffs and playstyles. Consider what complements your army’s strategy.
- Elite and Heavy Support: These categories include powerful units or specialized vehicles that can add firepower or tactical options to your army.
- Paint and Hobby Supplies: Painting your miniatures is a big part of the Warhammer 40k hobby. You’ll need paints, brushes, clippers, and glue to assemble and personalize your collection.
Building and Painting Your Miniatures
Warhammer 40k miniatures come in plastic sprues that require assembly and painting. Sprues are the frames that hold the individual miniature pieces before you build them. While building and painting miniatures isn’t strictly necessary to play Warhammer 40k, it’s a core aspect of the hobby for many reasons:
- Customization and Ownership: It allows you to personalize your army. You can paint your miniatures in unique color schemes and add details to make them stand out. A painted army on the battlefield creates a truly immersive experience.
- Part of the Fun: Many players find the process of building and painting miniatures relaxing and enjoyable. It’s a creative outlet that lets you express yourself and bring the grim world of Warhammer 40k to life.
- Community and Sharing: There’s a strong sense of community among Warhammer players. Sharing your painted miniatures and techniques with others is a big part of the hobby.
Creating Your Army by Your Own Hand
Most Warhammer 40k miniatures are push-fit, meaning they can be assembled without glue. However, some models may require plastic glue for a secure fit.
Painting your miniatures allows you to customize them and bring them to life. There are countless painting guides and tutorials available online to help you get started, from basic techniques to advanced effects.
The Universe of Warhammer 40k: Finding a Community
Warhammer 40k is best enjoyed with others. Luckily, there’s a thriving community of players around the world. Here’s how to get involved:
- Local Game Stores: Most gaming stores host Warhammer 40k nights where you can play games, meet other players, and learn from experienced hobbyists. Don’t be afraid to ask questions – the staff at your local game store are there to help!
- Online Communities: There are numerous online forums and social media groups dedicated to Warhammer 40k. These platforms offer a great way to connect with other players, share your painting projects, and discuss tactics.
- Warhammer 40k Official Website: The official Games Workshop website provides a wealth of information, including lore articles, painting tutorials, and a store locator to find your nearest Warhammer store.
Learning the Rules
Warhammer 40k’s learning curve has two parts: the rules and the army itself. Here’s a breakdown of the typical time it can take to grasp each:
- Basic Rules: The core mechanics of moving, attacking, and using abilities can be learned in a few hours through tutorials, reading the free basic rules https://www.warhammer-community.com/2023/06/02/download-the-new-warhammer-40000-rules-for-free-right-here/, or playing a beginner’s game with someone experienced.
- Full Rules: Warhammer 40k has a comprehensive rulebook with intricacies and exceptions. It can take weeks or even months to fully grasp all the nuances, especially weapon types, unit abilities, and specific army rules. But don’t worry, most players learn as they go, referencing the rulebook during games.
- Your Chosen Army: Understanding the strengths, weaknesses, and unique mechanics of your chosen faction can take time. Playing a few games and reading army specific codices (supplementary rulebooks) will help you master your force. This can take weeks to months, depending on how deep you want to dive.
Warhammer 40k uses a set of rules to govern gameplay. Here’s how to get up to speed:
- The Rulebook: The Warhammer 40k rulebook provides the core rules for playing the game. It covers topics like movement, shooting, combat, and psychic powers. While it’s a hefty tome, you don’t need to memorize everything at once. Start with the basic rules and learn more as you play.
- Quick Start Rules: Games Workshop offers a free “Warhammer 40,000: Kill Team” rulebook that provides a simpler version of the game, perfect for learning the basics.
Here are some tips to speed up your learning:
- Play Beginner Games: Many stores and gaming clubs offer introductory games with simplified rules. This is a great way to grasp the basics in a fun and friendly environment.
- Find a Mentor: An experienced player can explain the rules, answer your questions, and offer guidance during your first few games.
- Watch Tutorials and Battle Reports: There are many online resources with video tutorials that explain the core mechanics and showcase how the game plays.
Remember, Warhammer 40k is a hobby to be enjoyed at your own pace. The most important thing is to have fun learning, building your army, and battling your friends!
A Multi-Media Universe: Beyond the Tabletop
Warhammer 40k extends far beyond the tabletop. Here are some ways to delve deeper into the grim darkness of the 41st millennium:
- Black Library Novels: Games Workshop’s Black Library imprint publishes a vast collection of novels, novellas, and short stories set in the Warhammer 40k universe. These stories explore the lore, characters, and factions in incredible detail.
- Warhammer 40k Video Games: There are numerous Warhammer 40k video games available that allow you to experience the universe in a different way. These games range from strategy titles to action RPGs.
- Warhammer 40k Animations: Games Workshop has produced several animated series that showcase the epic battles and grimdark atmosphere of the universe.
Warhammer 40k: The Battle is Calling
Warhammer 40k is a rich and rewarding hobby that offers something for everyone. With its vast lore, tactical gameplay, and creative opportunities, it’s easy to see why it has captured the imaginations of hobbyists for decades. By following this guide, you’ll be well on your way to starting your own Warhammer 40k collection and embarking on an epic journey into the 41st millennium.
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