If you’re new to Warhammer 40K, it can be overwhelming trying to navigate this vast and immersive universe. Fear not, for this comprehensive article will provide a comprehensive overview of what the game is, its origins, and what you can expect from this thrilling hobby.
What is Warhammer 40K?
Warhammer 40,000, also known as Warhammer 40K, is a tabletop miniature wargame created by Games Workshop. It is set in a dystopian future, in which humanity has spread across the galaxy and is locked in a never-ending battle for survival against alien races and supernatural entities.
The game is played on a tabletop battlefield, where players control armies of miniature soldiers, vehicles, and creatures. Each miniature is carefully crafted and painted, and the battlefield is usually customized to represent a specific setting or scenario.
Origins of Warhammer 40K
Warhammer 40,000 was first released in 1987, and it has since become one of the most popular and iconic tabletop wargames in the world. The game’s popularity is due in part to its immersive universe, rich lore, and complex gameplay mechanics.
The game’s creators drew inspiration from a wide range of sources, including science fiction, horror, and fantasy. The Warhammer 40K universe is a melting pot of different cultures, ideologies, and mythologies, and it provides players with an endless canvas on which to paint their stories and adventures.
How to Play Warhammer 40K?
Playing Warhammer 40K can seem daunting at first, but the basic rules are easy to learn, and the game becomes more complex and nuanced as you progress.
- Step 1: Choose Your Army – The first step is to choose an army. There are many factions in Warhammer 40K, each with its unique play style, strengths, and weaknesses. Some of the most popular factions include the Space Marines, the Eldar, and the Orks.
- Step 2: Build Your Army – Once you have selected your army, you need to build it. This involves selecting the miniatures you want to use and assembling and painting them. Building an army can be a time-consuming process, but it’s also one of the most rewarding aspects of the hobby.
- Step 3: Prepare for Battle – Before the battle begins, players must set up the battlefield, select their objectives, and deploy their armies. The game usually involves a series of turns, during which players take it in turns to move their units, shoot at the enemy, and engage in hand-to-hand combat.
- Step 4: Win the Game – The game is won by achieving specific objectives or by eliminating the enemy army. Victory often requires careful planning, strategic thinking, and a bit of luck.
Minimum requirements to play Warhammer 40K
In order to play Warhammer 40,000 the tabletop game, you will need the following:
- The Warhammer 40K rulebook: This contains all the rules and regulations for playing the game, as well as information about the different armies and their abilities.
- Miniature models: These are the small, detailed models that represent the different units in your army. You will need to assemble and paint these models in order to use them in the game.
- Your army’s Codex: a codex is a book that contains the rules and background information for a particular army or faction. Each codex is specific to a particular army, and includes information about the unit types, special rules, and background lore for that army.
- Dice: You will need a variety of dice, including six-sided dice, eight-sided dice, ten-sided dice, and sometimes even more specialized dice.
- A measuring tape or ruler: You will need to measure distances between models and terrain features during the game.
- A gaming surface: This can be a tabletop, a dedicated gaming mat, or even a flat floor.
- Terrain: You will need a variety of terrain pieces to represent different features of the battlefield, such as buildings, hills, and forests.
- An opponent: In order to play the game, you will need to find someone to play against. This can be a friend or a stranger, and you can play in person or online.
Note that some players also like to use other tools and accessories, such as templates, markers, and scenery, to enhance their gaming experience. These items are not strictly necessary, but can be useful for some players.
Things to know before you start buying W40 products
There are a few things you should consider when buying paints and miniatures online:
- Deciding on an army: Before purchasing any products, it is important to choose an army. Each army has its own unique strengths, weaknesses, and playstyles. You should research different armies and select one that they are interested in playing.
- Know your budget: Warhammer 40K can be an expensive hobby, so always set a budget for yourself. It is critical to consider the cost of the models, paints, and other supplies needed to get started. To help you out, we’ve put together a clear guide on how to save money with Warhammer 40000!
- Start small: You should start with a small army and gradually build it up over time. Starting with a large army can be overwhelming and expensive.
- Learn the rules: It is critical to learn the rules of the game before buying any products. You should familiarize yourself with the core rules and any army-specific rules that apply to their chosen army.
- Buy the essentials: Prioritize buying the essentials needed to play the game, such as the rulebook, dice, and measuring tape. These items are necessary for playing the game, and can be reused for future games.
- Paint and build: Building and painting models is a big part of the hobby. Invest in the necessary supplies and take the time to learn how to paint and assemble models properly.
- Join a community: Joining a Warhammer 40K community can be a great way to learn more about the hobby and meet other players. Communities can offer advice on army building, painting techniques, and gameplay strategies.
By keeping these key pieces of information in mind, you can make informed decisions when purchasing Warhammer 40K products and get the most out of your experience.
Ready to dive deeper into the rules and factions guides? Check our Warhammer 40000 guides section for comprehensive articles that will equip you with all the knowledge you need ! Another great place to start is to visit our Warhammer 40K Glossary page and familiarize yourself with the most common W40K terms.