The dystopian sci-fi universe of Warhammer 40k is the setting for this tabletop wargame, which features epic battles, formidable armies, and intricate strategies. With fresh improvements and simplified regulations that make it easier for new players to understand, the game is still as popular in 2024 as it was. Everything you need to know to begin playing Warhammer 40k in 2024 will be covered in this tutorial, from the fundamentals to selecting your first army.
KEYPOINT: The playing area is a miniature battlefield made up of miniatures of hills, trees, buildings, and other topographical elements. Players alternately move their model warriors across the battlefield and engage in combat with the warriors of their opponents. Dice and basic maths are used to settle these fights.
Step 1: Recognising the Fundamentals
Fundamentally, Warhammer 40k is a strategy miniature wargame in which players command armies of miniatures that stand in for several Warhammer 40,000 universe factions. The topography on the tabletop where games are played has an impact on the gameplay.
Important Ideas:
Armies: Space Marines, Orks, Necrons, and other factions are represented by the armies of miniatures that players command. Every army have special skills, limitations, and strengths of its own.
- Phases: A game of Warhammer 40k is divided down into numerous phases:
- Phase of Movement: Transfer your troops throughout the battlefield.
- Psychic Phase (Optional): Psykers in your army have the ability to cast psychic spells.
- Phase of Shooting: Launch your long-range weaponry at the adversary.
- Charge Phase: Launch a close-quarters assault.
- Combat Phase: Take part in melee combat with enemy units.
- Morale Phase: Check if any units flee due to heavy losses.
Dice Rolls: Most actions are determined by rolling dice, with six-sided dice (D6) being the most common. Certain actions, like shooting or attacking in melee, require specific rolls to succeed.
Step 2: Select Your Troops
Selecting your army is one of the most thrilling aspects of Warhammer 40k. There are many factions, and every group has a unique way of playing. As a newbie, take into account the following few:
- The most recognisable faction, the Space Marines are renowned for their excellent offensive and defensive versatility. Their balanced character makes them an excellent place to start.
- Necrons: Age-old robots with strong technology and enduring units. Necrons are renowned for their self-repairing abilities, which makes them tolerant of inexperience.
- Orks: A horde army that enjoys close quarters fighting. Orks are entertaining and chaotic, frequently outnumbering opponents in size.
- Tyranids: An army of horrific creatures that swarm. Tyranids have a distinct playing style because of their emphasis on biology and numbers.
In 2024, Games Workshop has continued to release updated codices (army rulebooks), giving each faction unique abilities and strategies. Research different factions, or head to a local game store to see which models and stories appeal to you most.
Step 3: Assemble and Decorate Your Force
The next stage is to purchase your miniatures and begin assembling and painting them after you’ve decided on a faction. One of the best parts of the hobby is that it lets you customise your army.
- Assembling Models: Kits for miniatures arrive unassembled. To assemble them, you will need clippers and plastic glue. Assemble the kit according to the instructions provided.
- Painting: While not required, painting is recommended. In addition to adding a personal touch, painting your army in Warhammer 40k fosters a rich hobby culture. Games Workshop offers comprehensive painting instructions, and a plethora of online lessons are accessible.
- WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get): This rule means that your miniatures should be equipped with the gear they are represented as having in the game. For example, if a model has a sword, it should be modeled with one.
Step 4: Acquire Knowledge of the Regulations
It’s now easier than ever to get started with Warhammer 40k thanks to Games Workshop’s free basic rules. Below is a summary of the fundamental guidelines that you should be aware of:
- Unit Datasheets: A datasheet detailing a unit’s movement speed, armour, attacks, and special powers is included with every unit in the game. These documents provide you with information on the unit’s tactics in combat.
- Players can use stratagems, which are strong skills that can change the course of a fight, with command points. At the beginning of the game, each army is given command points that can be used to purchase strategies during the fight.
- Objectives: In the majority of games, capturing and holding objectives on the battlefield determines success. Situations will show where these objectives are and how many points they’re worth.
In 2024, Warhammer 40k has been streamlined to make the rules easier to learn while still providing deep tactical complexity. The game’s 10th edition, released in recent years, focuses on simplifying rules without sacrificing strategic depth, making it more accessible to new players.
Step 5: Launch the Game
A sizable army is not necessary to begin playing. Actually, you can start learning the mechanics with just a few units. This is how to begin:
- Combat Patrols: As of 2024, this format is excellent for newcomers. They let you use fewer models to play faster, smaller games. Combat Patrol box sets are available for many factions and contain everything you need to get started.
- Locate a Rival: Playing with friends or people at your neighbourhood gaming store is the best method to master new skills. You can learn the game with others at many stores’ beginner nights or events.
- Every game needs a battlefield with terrain that impacts movement and visibility. This is known as the battlefield setup. You can use books or other objects at home if you don’t have official terrain pieces.
Final Advice for 2024’s New Players
- Begin Little: Don’t attack oneself with a massive army at first. Build and play with a few units before expanding.
- Put Fun First: The goal of the game is to have fun, so try not to worry too much about winning. A part of the enjoyment is picking up new talents and learning the game.
- Keep Up: In order to maintain game balance, Games Workshop releases FAQs and updates on a regular basis. Keeping up with the meta will be made easier if you remain informed.
To sum up, Warhammer 40k in 2024 provides both new and experienced gamers with a deep, engaging experience. Now is the ideal moment to start playing this classic wargame because it offers a welcoming community, creative hobbyist gameplay, and strategic elements. If you’re fighting for the Emperor or spreading the corruption of Chaos, every game offers a new adventure. Happy wargaming!
