Warhammer 40,000: A Guide for Beginners
Are you interested in Warhammer 40,000, but don't know where to start? Do you want to learn more about this popular miniature wargame that has captivated millions of fans around the world? If so, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will give you a comprehensive introduction to Warhammer 40,000, covering everything from what it is, how to play it, why to play it, and where to play it. By the end of this article, you will have a clear idea of what Warhammer 40,000 is all about and how you can join in on the fun.
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What is Warhammer 40,000?
Warhammer 40,000 is a miniature wargame produced by Games Workshop. It is the most popular miniature wargame in the world, and is particularly popular in the United Kingdom. The first edition of the rulebook was published in September 1987, and the 10th and current edition will be released in June 2023.
As in other miniature wargames, players enact battles using miniature models of warriors and fighting vehicles. The playing area is a tabletop model of a battlefield, comprising models of buildings, hills, trees, and other terrain features. Each player takes turns moving their model warriors around the battlefield and fighting their opponent's warriors. These fights are resolved using dice and simple arithmetic.
Warhammer 40,000 is set in the distant future, where a stagnant human civilisation is beset by hostile aliens and supernatural creatures. The models in the game are a mixture of humans, aliens, and supernatural monsters wielding futuristic weaponry and supernatural powers. The fictional setting of the game has been developed through a large body of novels published by Black Library (Games Workshop's publishing division).
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Warhammer 40,000 took its name from Warhammer Fantasy Battle, which is a medieval fantasy wargame also produced by Games Workshop. Warhammer 40,000 was initially conceived as a science fiction counterpart to Warhammer Fantasy, and while they are not connected to each other in a shared universe, their settings share similar themes and tropes.
Warhammer 40,000 has spawned a large amount of spin-off media. These include board games such as Space Hulk, which is about combat in the narrow corridors of derelict spacecraft, and Battlefleet Gothic[^5^ , which is about naval warfare in space, video games such as Dawn of War, which is a real-time strategy game, and Space Marine, which is a third-person shooter game, and role-playing games such as Dark Heresy, which is about agents of the Inquisition investigating threats to the Imperium of Man. Warhammer 40,000 has also inspired fan-made films such as Astartes, which is a series of short animations featuring the Space Marines. How to play Warhammer 40,000?
To play Warhammer 40,000, you will need the following things:
The core rulebook, which contains the basic rules and guidelines for playing the game.
A codex, which is a supplement book that contains the specific rules and background for a particular faction or army.
Miniature models, which represent your warriors and vehicles on the battlefield.
A measuring tape, which is used to measure distances and movement on the battlefield.
Dice, which are used to determine the outcomes of battles and other random events.
A playing surface, which can be any flat surface that can accommodate your models and terrain features.
Terrain features, which are models or objects that represent the natural and artificial features of the battlefield.
The basic steps of playing Warhammer 40,000 are as follows:
Choosing your army
The first step is to choose your army. An army is a collection of models that belong to a certain faction or sub-faction. There are many factions and sub-factions in Warhammer 40,000, each with their own unique history, culture, appearance, and playstyle. Some of the most popular factions are:
FactionDescription
Imperium of ManThe largest and most powerful human civilisation in the galaxy. It is a totalitarian regime that worships the God-Emperor of Mankind. It consists of various sub-factions such as the Astra Militarum (the regular human army), the Adeptus Astartes (the genetically enhanced super-soldiers known as Space Marines), the Adeptus Mechanicus (the techno-religious cult that maintains the Imperium's technology), and the Inquisition (the secret police that hunts down heretics and aliens).
ChaosThe main enemy of the Imperium of Man. It is a corrupting force that emanates from the Warp, a parallel dimension of psychic energy. It consists of various sub-factions such as the Chaos Space Marines (Space Marines who have turned traitor and serve the Chaos Gods), the Chaos Daemons (the manifestations of the Chaos Gods), and the Chaos Cultists (humans who have been seduced by Chaos).
EldarAn ancient and advanced alien race that once ruled the galaxy. They are now a dying and scattered people who live in giant spacecraft called Craftworlds. They are masters of psychic powers and graceful combat. They consist of various sub-factions such as the Craftworld Eldar (the main survivors of their race), the Dark Eldar (the sadistic pirates who raid other worlds for slaves and resources), and the Harlequins (the mysterious performers who serve the Laughing God).
OrksA brutal and barbaric alien race that lives for war. They are a green-skinned and fungus-based species that can grow anywhere and reproduce by spores. They are driven by a collective psychic field that makes their crude technology work. They consist of various sub-factions such as the Goffs (the most aggressive and violent Orks), the Bad Moons (the richest and flashiest Orks), and the Deathskulls (the most cunning and looting Orks).
TyranidsA horde of alien monsters that devour everything in their path. They are a hive mind that operates through a network of synapse creatures. They adapt to any environment by mutating their forms and absorbing biomass. They consist of various sub-factions such as the Behemoth (the first Tyranid invasion that attacked Ultramar), the Kraken (the second Tyranid invasion that split into multiple tendrils), and the Leviathan (the third Tyranid invasion that attacked from multiple directions).
NecronsAn ancient and mysterious alien race that has awakened from a long slumber. They are a technologically advanced civilisation that transferred their souls into metal bodies. They seek to reclaim their lost empire and enslave or destroy all other life forms. They consist of various sub-factions such as the Sautekh (the most unified and expansionist Necrons), the Mephrit (the most aggressive and destructive Necrons), and the Nihilakh (the most defensive and isolationist Necrons).
TauA young and ambitious alien race that seeks to spread their philosophy of the Greater Good. They are a technologically advanced civilisation that relies on ranged firepower and drones. They are composed of various allied races such as the Kroot (a savage and carnivorous race that serves as mercenaries), the Vespid (a winged and insectoid race that provides aerial support), and the Nicassar (a psychic and pacifist race that navigates the warp).
There are many more factions and sub-factions in Warhammer 40,000, each with their own unique flavour and style. You can choose any faction or sub-faction that appeals to you, or even create your own custom faction using the rules in the core rulebook or the codexes.
Building and painting your models
The next step is to build and paint your models. Building your models involves assembling them from plastic or metal parts that come in boxes or sprues. You will need some tools such as a hobby knife, a pair of clippers, a file, and some glue. You can follow the instructions that come with the models, or you can customize them by swapping parts or adding accessories.
Painting your models involves applying colours and effects to them using brushes and paints. You will need some paints that are suitable for miniature painting, such as acrylic paints or enamel paints. You can follow the colour schemes that are shown in the codexes or the magazines, or you can create your own colour schemes using your imagination.
Building and painting your models is a fun and rewarding part of the hobby. It allows you to express your creativity and personality, and to make your models look more realistic and appealing. It also helps you to identify with your army and to immerse yourself in the game.
Playing a battle
The final step is to play a battle. A battle is a simulated conflict between two or more armies on a battlefield. A battle can last from a few minutes to several hours, depending on the size of the armies, the complexity of the rules, and the preferences of the players.
To play a battle, you will need to follow these steps:
Choose a scenario. A scenario is a set of rules that defines the objectives, the deployment, and the special conditions of the battle. You can use one of the scenarios that are provided in the core rulebook or the codexes, or you can create your own scenario using your imagination.
Set up the battlefield. The battlefield is the playing surface where you place your models and terrain features. You can use any flat surface that is large enough to accommodate your models, such as a table, a floor, or a board. You can also use any objects that can represent terrain features, such as books, boxes, or toys. You can arrange the terrain features in any way that suits the scenario and the aesthetics of the game.
Deploy your army. Your army is the collection of models that you have chosen for the battle. You can deploy your army according to the rules of the scenario, or you can agree with your opponent on how to deploy your army. You can also use some models as reserves, which means that they will enter the battlefield later in the game.
Take turns. Each player takes turns to move their models, shoot their weapons, fight in close combat, and perform other actions on the battlefield. Each turn consists of several phases: movement phase, psychic phase, shooting phase, charge phase, fight phase, and morale phase. Each phase has its own rules and procedures that are explained in detail in the core rulebook.
Score points. Points are awarded for achieving objectives, destroying enemy units, or fulfilling other criteria depending on the scenario. The player with the most points at the end of the game wins.
Playing a battle is an exciting and challenging part of the hobby. It allows you to test your skills and strategies, to experience the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat, and to have fun with your friends or opponents.
Why play Warhammer 40,000?
There are many reasons why you should play Warhammer 40,000. Here are some of them:
The fun of strategy and tactics
Warhammer 40,000 is a game that requires you to think and plan ahead. You have to choose your army, your models, your weapons, and your upgrades carefully. You have to consider the strengths and weaknesses of your faction and your opponent's faction. You have to adapt to the scenario, the battlefield, and the changing situations. You have to use your models effectively, positioning them, moving them, shooting them, and fighting them in the best way possible. You have to balance between offense and defense, between aggression and caution, between risk and reward. You have to outsmart and outplay your opponent.
If you enjoy strategy and tactics, Warhammer 40,000 is the game for you. It will challenge your mind, stimulate your creativity, and reward your cleverness.
The joy of creativity and expression
Warhammer 40,000 is a game that allows you to express yourself. You can create your own army, your own models, your own colour schemes, your own stories, and your own style. You can customize your models with different parts, accessories, decals, and conversions. You can paint your models with different colours, effects, and techniques. You can name your models, give them personalities, backgrounds, and histories. You can invent your own scenarios, missions, campaigns, and narratives.
If you enjoy creativity and expression, Warhammer 40,000 is the game for you. It will unleash your imagination, inspire your artistry, and showcase your individuality.
The thrill of competition and cooperation
Warhammer 40,000 is a game that can be played in different modes. You can play it as a competitive game, where you try to win against your opponent by scoring more points or achieving more objectives. You can play it as a cooperative game, where you team up with another player or players to fight against a common enemy or challenge. You can also play it as a narrative game, where you follow a story or a theme that guides the course of the game.
If you enjoy competition and cooperation, Warhammer 40,000 is the game for you. It will provide you with opportunities to test yourself against others or to work together with others, to experience the tension and excitement of the game, and to have fun and make friends.
Where to play Warhammer 40,000?
There are many places and ways to play Warhammer 40,000. Here are some of them:
Playing at home or with friends
The simplest and most convenient way to play Warhammer 40,000 is to play at home or with friends. You can use any flat surface as your battlefield, such as a table, a floor, or a board. You can also use any objects as your terrain features, such as books, boxes, or toys. You can play with your family members, your friends, or your neighbours. You can play casually or competitively, depending on your mood and preference. You can also play solo or against the computer, using some of the rules and scenarios that are provided in the core rulebook or the codexes.
If you want to play at home or with friends, Warhammer 40,000 is the game for you. It will give you the freedom and flexibility to play whenever and however you want, to enjoy the game at your own pace and comfort, and to share the hobby with your loved ones.
Playing at a local store or club
The next best way to play Warhammer 40,000 is to play at a local store or club. You can find a local store or club that sells or supports Warhammer 40,000 by using the store finder tool on the Games Workshop website. You can also join online communities and forums that are dedicated to Warhammer 40,000, such as Reddit, Facebook, or Discord. You can meet other players who share your interest and passion for the game. You can learn from their tips and advice, borrow their models and books, or join their events and tournaments. You can also access more resources and facilities, such as tables, terrain features, paints, tools, magazines, and books.
If you want to play at a local store or club, Warhammer 40,000 is the game for you. It will give you the opportunity and access to play with more people and more variety, to improve your skills and knowledge of the game, and to become part of a larger and more active community.
Playing online or on apps
The final way to play Warhammer 40,000 is to play online or on apps. You can use online platforms or applications that simulate Warhammer 40,000 on your computer or mobile device. Some of the most popular ones are Tabletop Simulator, which is a general-purpose simulator that allows you to create and play any tabletop game on your computer, and Warhammer 40,000: The App, which is an official app that contains the core rules, the codexes, and other features for playing the game on your mobile device. You can also use online platforms or applications that are dedicated to Warhammer 40,000, such as BattleScribe, which is a tool that helps you create and manage your army lists, and Wahapedia, which is a website that contains all the rules and information for Warhammer 40,000. You can play with other players who are online or with the computer itself. You can also access more resources and features, such as tutorials, guides, videos, and podcasts.
If you want to play online or on apps, Warhammer 40,000 is the game for you. It will give you the convenience and accessibility to play anytime and anywhere, to enjoy the game with more options and flexibility, and to explore more aspects and dimensions of the game.
Conclusion
Warhammer 40,000 is a miniature wargame that offers you a lot of fun and satisfaction. It is a game that combines strategy and tactics, creativity and expression, competition and cooperation. It is a game that lets you create your own army, build and paint your own models, and play your own battles. It is a game that has a rich and diverse setting, a large and passionate community, and a wide and varied media. It is a game that you can play at home or with friends, at a local store or club, or online or on apps.
If you are looking for a hobby that will challenge your mind, stimulate your imagination, and provide you with entertainment and enjoyment, Warhammer 40,000 is the hobby for you. All you need to do is to get the core rulebook, choose your faction, get your models, and start playing. You will soon discover the wonders and joys of Warhammer 40,000.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers about Warhammer 40,000:
How much does it cost to start playing Warhammer 40,000?
The cost of starting Warhammer 40,000 depends on how much you want to invest in the hobby. You can start with a small budget by getting the core rulebook (which costs $60), a codex (which costs $40), and a starter set (which costs $50-$200 depending on the size and quality of the models). You can also save money by buying second-hand models or by using alternative models or proxies. You can also spend more money by getting more models or by getting more accessories such as paints, tools, terrain features, magazines , and books. The average cost of starting Warhammer 40,000 is around $200-$300, but you can spend more or less depending on your preference and budget.
How long does it take to play a game of Warhammer 40,000?
The duration of a game of Warhammer 40,000 depends on the size of the armies, the complexity of the rules, and the speed of the players. A typical game of Warhammer 40,000 involves two armies of around 1000 points each, which is equivalent to around 20-30 models per side. A game of this size usually takes around 1-2 hours to complete, but it can take longer or shorter depending on the scenario and the players. You can also play smaller or larger games by adjusting the points limit and the number of models.
How difficult is it to learn Warhammer 40,000?
The difficulty of learning Warhammer 40,000 depends on your familiarity with miniature wargames and your willingness to learn. Warhammer 40,000 has a lot of rules and details that can be overwhelming for beginners, but it also has a lot of resources and support that can help you learn. The core rulebook contains a clear and comprehensive explanation of the basic rules and guidelines for playing the game. The codexes contain a detailed and specific explanation of the rules and background for each faction or army. The starter sets contain a simplified and streamlined version of the rules and models that are designed for beginners. The magazines, books, videos, podcasts, and online communities contain a lot of tips, advice, tutorials, guides, and examples that can help you improve your skills and knowledge of the game. Warhammer 40,000 is a game that is easy to learn but hard to master, but it is also a game that is rewarding and enjoyable to learn.
Is Warhammer 40,000 suitable for children?
Warhammer 40,000 is a game that is suitable for children who are interested in miniature wargames and science fiction. It is a game that can stimulate their imagination, creativity, and curiosity. It is also a game that can teach them about strategy, tactics, logic, and arithmetic. However, Warhammer 40,000 is also a game that has some mature and violent themes and content that may not be appropriate for younger or sensitive children. It is a game that depicts war, death, gore, horror, and evil in a dark and grim setting. It is also a game that requires some patience, concentration , and dexterity. It is a game that should be played with parental guidance and supervision, especially for children under 12 years old.
Where can I find more information about Warhammer 40,000?
There are many sources of information about Warhammer 40,000. Here are some of them:
The official website of Games Workshop, which is the producer of Warhammer 40,000. It contains news, updates, products, events, and other features related to the game. You can visit it at .
The official website of Warhammer Community, which is the online hub for Warhammer 40,000 fans. It contains articles, videos, podcasts, blogs, and other content created by Games Workshop and the community. You can visit it at .
The official website of Black Library, which is the publishing division of Games Workshop. It contains novels, short stories, audio books, and other media that explore the setting and the stories of Warhammer 40,000. You can visit it at .
The official website of Warhammer 40,000: The App, which is the official app for playing Warhammer 40,000 on your mobile device. It contains the core rules, the codexes, and other features for playing the game. You can download it from the App Store or Google Play.
The official website of Tabletop Simulator, which is a general-purpose simulator that allows you to create and play any tabletop game on your computer. It contains a workshop where you can find and download models and rules for Warhammer 40,000. You can buy it from Steam or Humble Bundle.
The official website of BattleScribe, which is a tool that helps you create and manage your army lists for Warhammer 40,000. It contains a repository where you can find and download data files for Warhammer 40,000. You can download it from .
The official website of Wahapedia, which is a website that contains all the rules and information for Warhammer 40,000. It contains a database where you can find and browse data sheets, abilities, weapons, stratagems, and other elements for Warhammer 40,000. You can visit it at .
I hope you enjoyed this article and learned something new about Warhammer 40,000. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me. Thank you for reading and happy gaming! 44f88ac181