So, you’re curious about the grim darkness of the far future? What is Warhammer 40,000? It’s a tabletop miniature wargame set in a vast, dystopian science-fantasy universe. Can you jump in without prior knowledge? Yes, absolutely! Who is it for? Anyone who enjoys strategy, building and painting models, and delving into rich lore. This Warhammer 40,000 beginner guide is your first step into a galaxy of endless conflict.
Starting Warhammer 40k might seem a little daunting. The universe is massive, the lore is deep, and the hobby itself involves several different skills. But fear not! This guide will break down everything you need to know to begin your journey. From choosing your first force to understanding the core mechanics, we’ll cover it all.
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The Grim Darkness of the Far Future: What is Warhammer 40,000?
Warhammer 40,000 (often shortened to “40k”) is a tabletop game where two or more players control armies of miniature figures on a battlefield. Players take turns moving their units, shooting at opponents, and engaging in close combat, all governed by a set of rules. The game is set in the 41st millennium, a dark and brutal future where humanity, known as the Imperium of Man, faces constant threats from alien races, daemonic entities, and internal heresy.
Core Elements of the Hobby
The Warhammer 40k hobby is multifaceted. It’s not just about playing the game. It encompasses:
- Collecting: Acquiring Warhammer 40k miniatures representing your chosen army.
- Building: Assembling these miniatures from plastic or resin components.
- Painting: Bringing your miniatures to life with color and detail.
- Playing: Engaging in strategic battles with other players.
- Lore: Immersing yourself in the rich and expansive backstory of the universe.
Deciphering the Universe: The Warhammer 40k Lore
The Warhammer 40k lore is incredibly vast, filled with millennia of history, countless wars, and epic tales of heroes and villains. At its heart is the Imperium of Man, a galaxy-spanning empire that is perpetually at war.
The Emperor of Mankind
The Imperium is ruled by the God-Emperor of Mankind, a psychic being who has sat immobile on the Golden Throne for ten thousand years, his psychic might holding the fabric of reality together. His reign is one of brutal oppression and religious fanaticism, as humanity believes itself to be the pinnacle of creation, destined to purge all xenos (alien life) and heretics from the galaxy.
Major Threats to the Imperium
- Xenos Races: Numerous alien species threaten humanity. The most prominent include:
- Orks: A green-skinned, warlike species driven by an insatiable lust for battle. Their technology is often crude but surprisingly effective, fueled by their collective psychic belief.
- Eldar (Aeldari): An ancient, psychic race with a dying empire. They are masters of psychic powers and advanced technology, often playing long-term, intricate games.
- Tyranids: A terrifying bio-engineered swarm from beyond the galaxy. They consume all life on planets they encounter, adapting and evolving with each world they devour.
- Necrons: Ancient, robotic beings who once ruled the galaxy. They are slowly awakening from millennia of slumber, their cold, metallic bodies and advanced technology posing a significant threat.
- T’au Empire: A relatively young, technologically advanced alien race that believes in the “Greater Good.” They are expanding their empire through diplomacy and military might, often incorporating other races into their caste-based society.
- Chaos: The primary antagonists of the Imperium are the forces of Chaos, corrupted entities and their mortal followers empowered by the Warp, a psychic dimension filled with raw emotion and malevolent gods. Chaos Space Marines, Daemons, and corrupted humans are a constant threat.
Fathoming the Factions: Choosing Your First Army
One of the most exciting parts of starting Warhammer 40k is choosing which army to collect and play. The Warhammer 40k factions are diverse, each with unique playstyles, aesthetics, and lore. Here’s a look at some of the most popular choices for beginners:
| Faction Name | Description | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Space Marines | Genetically enhanced super-soldiers, the poster boys of Warhammer 40k. Many different Chapters. | Versatile, durable, good shooting and melee, strong leadership. | Can be expensive to collect a diverse force. |
| Necrons | Ancient robotic skeletons awakening to reclaim the galaxy. Slow but incredibly tough. | Resilient, powerful shooting, good durability, unique reanimation ability. | Slow movement, limited psychic presence. |
| Orks | Waaagh!-fueled, green-skinned aliens who love fighting. Unpredictable but brutal. | Cheap, numerous, high melee threat, fun aesthetic. | Fragile, can be unreliable, requires swarm tactics. |
| Tyranids | A ravenous alien horde that consumes all biomass. Adaptable and overwhelming. | Swarm tactics, fast units, synaptic control, strong melee. | Can be fragile, relies heavily on close combat, often requires careful positioning. |
| Astra Militarum (Imperial Guard) | The common soldiers of the Imperium. Vast armies of infantry backed by powerful tanks and artillery. | Cheap and numerous infantry, powerful artillery and tanks, large numbers. | Fragile infantry, slow-moving tanks, requires good strategic positioning. |
| Chaos Space Marines | Traitor Space Marines who worship the Chaos Gods. Diverse units with varied abilities. | Powerful, resilient, access to Daemons and Chaos-specific stratagems. | Can be more complex to play, specific unit synergies needed. |
| T’au Empire | Technologically advanced aliens who believe in the “Greater Good.” Masters of ranged combat. | Excellent shooting, fast-moving units, synergistic abilities. | Weak in close combat, requires careful positioning and avoiding melee. |
| Aeldari (Eldar) | Ancient, psychic aliens with sleek, advanced technology. Masters of mobility and psychic warfare. | Fast, powerful psychic abilities, versatile units, excellent shooting. | Fragile, expensive points-wise, requires precise play. |
This is just a small selection! There are many more Warhammer 40k factions, each offering a unique experience.
Your First Steps: Getting Started
There are several excellent ways to begin your starting Warhammer 40k journey.
The Warhammer 40k Starter Set
Games Workshop, the creators of Warhammer 40,000, release Warhammer 40k starter sets that are perfect for new players. These sets typically include:
- Two beginner-friendly armies.
- A rulebook.
- Dice.
- Measuring tools.
- Transfer sheets.
- Assembly instructions.
These sets are designed to get you playing quickly and are often cost-effective. They introduce fundamental game concepts in a streamlined way.
What If I Don’t Want a Starter Set?
If a starter set doesn’t appeal, you can:
- Choose a Combat Patrol: These are smaller, curated boxes designed to provide a playable force for a specific faction. They are a great way to build a small, thematic army.
- Buy a Small Force: Select a handful of units that look interesting and start building from there. It’s often advisable to pick a faction that has a strong presence in your local gaming group.
- Visit Your Local Warhammer Store or Independent Retailer: Staff are usually very helpful and can guide you through your choices.
Assembling Your Forces: Warhammer 40k Miniatures
The Warhammer 40k miniatures are the physical representation of your armies on the tabletop. They are typically made from plastic, though some older or specialized kits are made from resin.
Tools You’ll Need for Assembly
- Hobby Knife (X-Acto knife): For carefully cutting parts from the sprue.
- Plastic Glue: Special glue that chemically bonds plastic.
- Hobby Clippers: For a cleaner cut than a knife.
- Files and Sanding Sticks: To smooth off mold lines and rough edges.
- Hobby Handle (optional but recommended): For holding small parts while you work.
Building miniatures is a satisfying part of the hobby. Take your time, follow the instructions carefully, and enjoy the process.
Bringing Your Army to Life: Warhammer 40k Painting
Warhammer 40k painting is where your miniatures go from grey plastic to vibrant soldiers of the 41st millennium. It’s a skill that can be learned and improved over time.
Essential Painting Supplies
- Hobby Knife & Clippers: For preparing the models.
- Plastic Glue: For assembly.
- Primer: A base coat that helps paint adhere to the model.
- Paints: Acrylic paints are the standard for miniatures. You’ll need a selection of base colors, washes, and highlights.
- Brushes: A variety of sizes for different tasks. A fine detail brush and a medium brush are essential.
- Palette: For mixing paints.
- Water Pot: For cleaning brushes.
- Varnish (optional): To protect the paint job.
A Basic Painting Process
- Assemble: Build your miniatures.
- Prime: Apply a thin, even coat of primer.
- Basecoat: Apply the main colors to different areas of the model.
- Wash: Apply a thin, dark paint that flows into the recesses, creating shading.
- Layering/Highlighting: Apply lighter shades of the base color to raised areas to make them pop.
- Detailing: Paint small details like eyes, insignia, and weapon components.
- Basing: Decorate the base of the model to represent the terrain it’s standing on.
Don’t aim for perfection on your first models. The goal is to get them on the table and enjoy the hobby. You can always repaint them later!
Playing the Game: Warhammer 40k Rules
The Warhammer 40k rules govern how the game is played. While the core rules are free, the main rulebook contains more in-depth mechanics and army-specific rules.
Core Concepts of the Rules
- Tabletop: The game is played on a flat surface, typically a table, representing the battlefield.
- Terrain: Miniature terrain pieces are used to create cover and obstacles on the battlefield.
- Measuring: Distances are measured in inches using a tape measure.
- Dice: Dice rolls determine the success or failure of actions like shooting, attacking, and making saving throws. The most common dice are D6 (six-sided dice).
- Movement: Units have a set movement characteristic, dictating how far they can move.
- Shooting: Units have weapons with specific ranges, strengths, and damage. Players roll dice to hit and then to wound their opponents.
- Combat: Melee attacks are resolved similarly to shooting, but in close proximity.
- Psychic Powers: Some units can cast powerful spells that can influence the battlefield.
- Command Points: Players can earn and spend Command Points to use special abilities and stratagems that can change the course of the game.
Getting the Rulebook
The most up-to-date rules are available on the official Warhammer Community website for free. For more in-depth rules, stratagems, and army abilities, you’ll want to get the latest Core Rules and the specific codex for your chosen army.
Building Your Warhammer 40k Armies
As you play and learn, you’ll expand your collection and build more substantial Warhammer 40k armies. There are different ways to approach army building:
- By Faction: Focusing on a single faction and collecting all its available units.
- By Theme: Creating an army based on a specific Chapter of Space Marines, a particular Ork clan, or a unique Hive Fleet of Tyranids.
- By Lore: Collecting models that represent specific characters or regiments from the Warhammer 40,000 lore.
Understanding Points and Detachments
Games of Warhammer 40,000 are usually played with armies of a specific point value. Each unit and weapon has a point cost, and players build their armies to stay within a set budget.
Detachment rules dictate how you can organize your army, often providing bonuses and special abilities. The core rulebook and your faction’s codex will detail these.
Where to Play
- Home: Play with friends or family.
- Local Game Stores: Many independent retailers have dedicated gaming nights.
- Warhammer Stores: Games Workshop operates its own stores, often hosting events and offering painting and gaming advice.
- Clubs and Societies: Look for local gaming clubs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is Warhammer 40k expensive?
A: It can be, but you can start affordably. Starter sets and Combat Patrols are good entry points. You don’t need to buy everything at once. Focus on one army and build it gradually.
Q: Do I need to be good at painting to play?
A: No! Many players have armies that are only basecoated and washed. The most important thing is to have fun and get your models on the table. You can always improve your painting skills over time.
Q: How long does a game of Warhammer 40k take?
A: A typical game can last anywhere from 1 to 3 hours, depending on the size of the armies and the number of players.
Q: Can I mix different factions in my army?
A: Generally, no. Most armies are built around a single faction, although some factions have allied units that can be incorporated.
Q: Where can I find more information about the lore?
A: The official Warhammer Community website has a wealth of lore. Black Library publishes novels, short stories, and codices that delve deep into the Warhammer 40,000 universe.
Q: Do I need to buy all the rulebooks?
A: No. The core rules are available for free online. You’ll eventually want the codex for your chosen faction, which contains all its specific rules, units, and lore.
Final Thoughts
Embarking on the Warhammer 40,000 hobby is an exciting journey. From building and painting your first Warhammer 40k miniatures to engaging in epic tabletop battles, there’s a wealth of enjoyment to be found. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, experiment with different factions, and most importantly, have fun in the grim darkness of the far future!