How to Learn to Play Warhammer 40,000

Getting Started with Warhammer 40,000

Warhammer 40,000 (or 40k for short) is a super popular tabletop game. It's set in a really dark and gritty future. Sounds intimidating? Don't worry! This guide will get you playing.

1. Pick Your Faction: Your Army's Heart

First, choose a faction. Each one plays differently and looks awesome. Here are some good ones for beginners:

• Space Marines: The Emperor's best soldiers. Tough guys with powerful weapons.
• Necrons: Undead robots! Lots of firepower and they're hard to kill.
• Astra Militarum (Imperial Guard): Huge armies of human soldiers. Lots and lots of soldiers!
• Orks: Crazy and violent. They're all about brute force.
• Chaos Space Marines: Evil Space Marines. Powerful but unpredictable.

Think about what you like. Do you want close-up fights or long-range shooting? A big army or a small, elite team? Choose wisely!

2. Build Your Army: Miniatures Come Alive

Now for the fun part: getting your miniatures! These little models are your army. You'll need:

• Miniatures: Get them from Games Workshop or other stores.
• Plastic Glue: To put the pieces together.
• Hobby Knife/Clippers: To cut the pieces from the plastic frames.
• File/Sandpaper: To smooth out the edges.
• (Optional) Paints and Brushes: To make them look awesome!

Take your time! I remember messing up my first few models. Watch some videos if you need help. It's a hobby, so relax and enjoy it!

3. Learn the Rules: It's Easier Than You Think

The rulebook looks scary, but the basic gameplay is simple. It goes like this:

1. Deployment: Set up your army.
2. Movement Phase: Move your units.
3. Psychic Phase: Use psychic powers (if you have them).
4. Shooting Phase: Shoot at the enemy!
5. Fight Phase: Close-combat battles!
6. Morale Phase: Units might run away if they're scared.

You keep going until someone wins. It uses dice, so there's a bit of luck involved.

Need help with the rules?

• The Warhammer 40,000 Core Rulebook: The main rule book.
• Online Tutorials: Tons of great videos on YouTube.
• Local Game Stores (LGS): Ask for help at your local store. They're usually super friendly.

4. Make Your Army List: Strategy Time!

Your army list shows what units you'll use. You need to stay within a point limit. This is where strategy comes in!

Each unit costs points. You need a balanced army. Think about:

• Infantry: Your basic troops.
• Vehicles: Tanks and other heavy stuff.
• Elite Units: Super strong units.
• Support Units: Units that help your other units.

Experiment! Figure out what works best for your faction.

5. Play Your First Game: Just Do It!

Don't be scared to mess up! Your first games are all about learning. Play with a friend or someone experienced. They can teach you a lot.

Focus on the basics. Get better with each game. Join a local Warhammer club! That's a great way to meet people and improve.

6. Keep Growing: The Journey Continues

Warhammer 40k is a hobby you can keep enjoying forever! Get new miniatures, paint them, and improve your skills. It's all about having fun.

So there you have it! Get ready to dive into the amazing world of Warhammer 40,000!