Dive into the Grim Darkness: A Comprehensive Guide to Playing Warhammer 40,000

Warhammer 40,000, often shortened to Warhammer 40k or just 40k, is a tabletop wargame produced by Games Workshop. Set in a dystopian far future, it involves players commanding armies of miniature models in strategic battles. The game is known for its rich lore, complex rules, and the immense satisfaction of leading your chosen faction to victory (or glorious defeat!). This guide aims to provide a comprehensive walkthrough of how to play, covering everything from gathering your forces to engaging in epic tabletop clashes.

Step 1: Understanding the Basics

Before you can charge headfirst into the fray, it’s crucial to grasp the fundamental concepts of Warhammer 40k.

What is a Tabletop Wargame?

Unlike video games, tabletop wargames involve physical miniatures, dice, and measuring tools. Players take turns moving their models across a battlefield (the table) and resolving actions based on rules and dice rolls. Warhammer 40k is a turn-based game, meaning players alternate performing all their actions within their respective turn.

Key Components of Warhammer 40k:

• Miniatures: The heart of the game. These are detailed plastic or resin models that represent the units in your army.
• Dice: Six-sided dice (d6) are used for all actions, from movement and shooting to combat and psychic powers.
• Measuring Tools: Used to accurately measure distances for movement, shooting ranges, and combat engagement.
• Rulebooks: The core rulebook is essential for understanding the game’s mechanics. Additionally, you’ll need Codexes or Index books specific to your chosen faction.
• Terrain: Model scenery that creates obstacles, cover, and thematic environments on the battlefield.
• Army Lists: A list detailing the specific units you’ll field in a battle, built according to the rules in the army’s Codex or Index.

Step 2: Choosing Your Faction

Warhammer 40k features a vast array of factions, each with its own unique playstyle, aesthetics, and lore. This is perhaps the most crucial step as it dictates the miniatures you’ll collect and the strategies you’ll employ. Here are some of the most popular factions:

The Imperium of Man

• Space Marines: Genetically engineered super-soldiers, renowned for their versatility and resilience. Often a popular starting point for beginners.
• Astra Militarum (Imperial Guard): Vast armies of human soldiers, relying on firepower and overwhelming numbers.
• Adepta Sororitas (Sisters of Battle): The militant arm of the Ecclesiarchy, known for their faith-fueled zeal and powerful weaponry.
• Adeptus Custodes: The Emperor’s personal bodyguard, elite warriors with formidable combat abilities and powerful defenses.
• Adeptus Mechanicus: Tech-priests and their augmented warriors, masters of technology with unique robotic units and powerful ranged weapons.

Chaos

• Chaos Space Marines: Traitor Space Marines corrupted by the dark gods, utilizing dark magic and terrifying power.
• Chaos Daemons: Manifestations of the Chaos gods, terrifying entities of pure warp energy with varied powers and abilities.
• Chaos Knights: War machines corrupted by Chaos, boasting immense power and devastating weaponry.

Xenos

• Orks: Savage green-skinned warriors, valuing close combat and overwhelming force with their ramshackle technology.
• Eldar (Aeldari): A highly advanced but dwindling race, known for their agility and psychic abilities.
• Dark Eldar (Drukhari): Sadistic raiders from the dark city of Commorragh, relying on speed and vicious close combat.
• Necrons: Ancient robotic skeletons, boasting powerful weaponry and the ability to quickly regenerate.
• Tyranids: Swarms of bio-engineered creatures, overwhelming opponents with their sheer numbers and relentless attacks.
• T’au Empire: A relatively young and technologically advanced race, relying on superior ranged firepower and advanced drones.
• Genestealer Cults: A subversive cult operating within Imperial society, combining stealth tactics with deadly xenos hybrids.

Consider the following when choosing a faction:

• Aesthetics: Do you like the look of the models? This is important as you’ll be spending a lot of time with them!
• Playstyle: Do you prefer a ranged army, a close-combat force, or something in between?
• Lore: Does the faction’s background appeal to you?
• Cost: Some armies are more expensive to collect than others.

Recommendation for Beginners: Space Marines are generally considered a great starting point for beginners due to their versatility and relative ease of use. However, any faction can be learned effectively with the right effort.

Step 3: Assembling Your Miniatures

Once you’ve chosen your faction, you’ll need to acquire the miniatures. These typically come on plastic sprues that need to be carefully cut out and assembled. Here’s a brief overview of the assembly process:

Tools You’ll Need:

• Clippers: To carefully remove the miniature parts from the sprue.
• Hobby Knife: For removing excess plastic (flash) and cleaning up joins.
• Plastic Glue: Specifically formulated for bonding plastic miniatures.
• File/Sanding Sticks: For smoothing out rough edges and removing mold lines.
• Optional: Pin vice (small drill) and metal pins for strengthening joins, especially for larger or more fragile models.

Assembly Steps:

1. Read the Instructions: Each kit comes with detailed instructions that should be followed carefully.
2. Cut Parts Carefully: Use your clippers to remove the parts from the sprue, being careful not to damage them.
3. Clean Up Parts: Remove any excess plastic (flash) and mold lines using your hobby knife and file/sanding stick.
4. Dry Fit: Before gluing, dry fit the parts together to ensure they fit correctly.
5. Apply Glue: Apply a small amount of plastic glue to the joining surfaces. Avoid using too much, as this can cause the glue to seep out.
6. Hold Together: Hold the parts together firmly until the glue dries. This may require the use of rubber bands or clips.
7. Allow to Dry: Allow the model to dry completely before attempting to move it or add more parts.

Step 4: Painting Your Miniatures

Painting your miniatures is a key part of the Warhammer 40k hobby. It allows you to personalize your army and brings your forces to life. While it may seem daunting initially, with practice, anyone can produce great results. Here’s a basic overview of painting:

Tools You’ll Need:

• Paints: Acrylic paints specifically designed for miniatures. Games Workshop’s Citadel paints are popular, but many brands exist.
• Brushes: Different sizes for various tasks, from basecoating to fine detailing.
• Primer: A base coat that allows paint to adhere properly.
• Palette: A surface for mixing paints.
• Water Pot: For cleaning brushes and thinning paints.
• Optional: Painting handle, washes, shades, technical paints.

Painting Steps (Basic):

1. Prime the Miniature: Apply a thin, even layer of primer. Let it dry completely.
2. Basecoat: Apply a base coat of color to all the different areas of the miniature. Use multiple thin coats instead of one thick coat.
3. Wash/Shade (Optional): Apply a wash or shade to add depth and definition to the recesses of the miniature.
4. Layering (Optional): Apply lighter layers of paint to the raised areas, creating a highlight effect.
5. Details: Paint details like eyes, weapons, and insignia.
6. Basing: Apply texture paste, static grass, or other materials to the base of the miniature to add character.
7. Varnish (Optional): Apply a protective varnish to seal the paint and prevent chipping.

Tips for Beginners:

• Thin your paints: This is crucial for a smooth finish.
• Use multiple thin coats: Avoid applying thick layers of paint, as this can obscure detail.
• Take your time: Don’t rush the process.
• Practice: The more you paint, the better you’ll become.
• Watch Tutorials: There are many online resources offering guidance on miniature painting.

Step 5: Learning the Rules

The core rules of Warhammer 40k can seem complex initially, but they are logically structured and become easier to grasp with practice. The core rulebook is the primary source, but your faction’s Codex/Index will detail faction-specific rules and unit stats.

Key Concepts in the Rules:

• Datasheets: Each unit has a datasheet that contains its stats, special abilities, and weapon profiles.
• Movement: Units move a specific distance in inches, and can be affected by terrain.
• Psychic Phase: Players can use psychic powers in this phase, depending on their faction.
• Shooting Phase: Units with ranged weapons can attack enemy units within their range.
• Charge Phase: Units can charge into melee combat with enemy units.
• Fight Phase: Units engaged in melee combat fight using their weapons profiles.
• Morale Phase: Units that suffer heavy losses may take morale tests, and suffer penalties if they fail.

The Turn Structure:

Warhammer 40k is a turn-based game, with each turn comprised of several phases.

1. Command Phase: Check for specific command abilities, such as gaining extra Command Points.
2. Movement Phase: Move your units according to their move characteristic.
3. Psychic Phase: Use your psychic powers (if applicable).
4. Shooting Phase: Fire ranged weapons.
5. Charge Phase: Declare and make charges.
6. Fight Phase: Resolve close combat engagements.
7. Morale Phase: Perform morale tests for damaged units.

How to Understand the Rules:

• Read the Core Rulebook: Familiarize yourself with the basic rules.
• Read Your Faction’s Codex/Index: Understand your specific units’ stats and rules.
• Watch Gameplay Videos: Watching videos of others playing can be very helpful.
• Start Small: Don’t try to learn everything at once. Start with a small force and build up your knowledge.
• Ask for Help: Don’t be afraid to ask experienced players for guidance.

Step 6: Building Your Army List

Before each game, you’ll need to construct an army list. This involves choosing units and organizing them according to the rules outlined in the Core Rulebook and your faction’s Codex/Index. The maximum points limit is determined by the game you want to play. A standard match size for casual play is around 2000 points, with some smaller games at 1000 or even 500 points.

Key Considerations When Building an Army List:

• Points Value: Each unit has a specific points cost, and your army list must not exceed the maximum points limit set for the game.
• Detachment Rules: Units need to be organized into detachments. Each detachment has certain requirements that must be followed for your army to be considered legal.
• HQ Units: Usually required in every army list, these are the commanders of your forces, often with special abilities.
• Troops: Typically the backbone of your army, often used to hold objectives.
• Elites: Powerful and specialized units.
• Fast Attack: Agile and quick units for flanking or other tactical maneuvers.
• Heavy Support: Powerful units with heavy weaponry or resilient armor.
• Dedicated Transports: Units that can carry your troops into battle.
• Lords of War: Exceptionally powerful characters or vehicles that can only be taken in larger games or specific mission types.

Balancing Your Army List:

• Synergy: Choose units that complement each other’s abilities.
• Variety: Have a mix of units for different tasks.
• Antitank/Anti-Infantry: Ensure your army can deal with both heavily armored units and large groups of infantry.
• Consider Your Opponent: Think about what kinds of units your opponent might field.

Recommendation for Beginners: Start with a smaller force and gradually expand as you gain more experience. It’s a good idea to stick to the most basic troop choices when starting out, as they are the easiest to use and learn from.

Step 7: Setting Up the Battlefield

The battlefield is an important part of the game. It’s more than just a flat surface, and using terrain adds layers of tactical complexity.

Essential Terrain Pieces:

• Ruins/Buildings: Provide cover for units and block line of sight.
• Forests/Woods: Provide cover, but some units may have difficulty moving through them.
• Barricades/Walls: Offer cover and block movement.
• Hills: Provide height advantages to certain units.
• Objective Markers: Used to represent strategic locations on the battlefield.

How to Set Up:

1. Choose Your Table Size: Depending on the points value, you’ll want an appropriately sized table. Standard sizes are 44″x60″ for 2000 point games.
2. Place Terrain: Place terrain pieces in a way that creates an interesting and balanced battlefield. Avoid placing too much terrain on one side of the board. You will want a good mix of both line of sight blocking terrain and open areas to facilitate a diverse battle.
3. Set Objectives: Place objective markers in strategic locations on the battlefield.
4. Deploy Your Forces: Following the mission rules, place your miniatures in the designated deployment zone.

Tips for Setting Up Terrain:

• Balance: Ensure there is a fair amount of cover on both sides of the board.
• Variety: Use a variety of terrain pieces to create an interesting battlefield.
• Line of Sight Blockers: Include enough pieces of terrain to block line of sight, allowing for tactical maneuvering.
• Theme: Try to make your terrain pieces thematically consistent with your chosen army.

Step 8: Playing the Game

Now for the most exciting part – playing the game! Here’s a summary of the gameplay loop:

Gameplay Flow:

1. Determine Who Goes First: Typically done by rolling off.
2. First Player’s Turn: Perform all actions within the following phases: Command, Movement, Psychic, Shooting, Charge, Fight, and Morale.
3. Second Player’s Turn: Perform all actions within the same phases as the first player.
4. Continue to Play: Players continue to alternate turns until the game ends (either by achieving a victory condition or a set number of turns).

Important Tips for Gameplay:

• Communicate with Your Opponent: Be clear about your actions and intentions.
• Use Measuring Tools Accurately: Ensure all movements, ranges, and engagements are measured correctly.
• Use Dice Correctly: Roll dice for all actions and resolve them according to the rules.
• Be Respectful: Treat your opponent and their models with respect.
• Have Fun: The most important thing is to enjoy the experience.

Step 9: Expanding Your Hobby

Warhammer 40k is a hobby that can grow with you. There are many ways to expand your experience beyond just playing the game:

Ways to Expand Your Hobby:

• Collect More Miniatures: Expand your army with new units, characters, and vehicles.
• Improve Your Painting Skills: Experiment with new painting techniques and materials.
• Build More Terrain: Expand your terrain collection with new and exciting pieces.
• Read the Lore: Delve deeper into the rich and fascinating lore of the Warhammer 40k universe.
• Join a Gaming Group: Connect with other players in your local area.
• Participate in Tournaments: Test your skills against other players in a competitive environment.
• Start a Blog or Social Media Account: Share your hobby experiences with others online.

Conclusion

Warhammer 40,000 is a complex and rewarding tabletop wargame that offers endless opportunities for creativity, strategy, and social interaction. While it may seem daunting at first, by following these steps and committing to learning the rules, you can become a skilled commander of your chosen army. Embrace the grim darkness of the far future, and may your dice rolls be ever in your favor!