GETTING STARTED WITH WARHAMMER 40,000
In the far future, Mankind stands on the brink of annihilation, surrounded on all sides by dark forces that threaten to destroy the might of the Imperium. Across the stars, a million worlds are aflame with conflict and the galaxy echoes with the hammering of boltguns and the crackle of powerswords. It is a time of carnage and chaos and endless war!
The mighty Ultramarines battle the endlass hordes of the Tyranids.
This is the setting for Warhammer 40,000, Games Workshop's exciting tabletop wargame set in the grim darkness of the 41 st Millennium. In this game you take control of a force of soldiers battling across the stars against genetically engineered warriors, vile aliens and unspeakable horrors from beyond reality.
WHAT IS A WARGAME?
A wargame is a battle between two opponents played out in miniature across a tabletop. Each player takes on the role of their army's leader and commands a force of miniature warriors, directing them against their opponent's force, and making decisions on where to move and who to attack. To add an element of chance, wargames use dice to represent the hand of fate, determining such things as whether your soldiers hit their targets or if their moral holds in the face of terrifying aliens. Ultimately, however, a wargame is a fun and enjoyable pastime you can enjoy with your friends.
GETTING STARTED
There are three basic things you will need to play games of Warhammer 40,000: a copy of the rulebook, an army, and an opponent.
The rulebook is essential for learning about playing the game and will tell you everything you need to know about how to play Warhammer 40,000. It also includes lots of extra information, covering such things as ideas for collecting and painting your figures, as well as loads of background and stories from the Warhammer 40,000 universe.
Gathering together an army takes a little bit more thought, as first you will need to decide which force you want to play from the many factions that war over the Warhammer 40,000 universe. This is an important decision, as each force has its own distinct appearance, range of figures and style of play. Don't worry though as there is lots of information to help you make your choice and find the army that is right for you.
Opponents can be anyone that is interested in playing Warhammer 40,000, especially friends. More information on finding opponents can be found below.
Warhammer 40,000 is more than just a game – it's a complete hobby! The hobby can be divided into three parts – collecting your army, painting and assembling your miniatures, and playing games.
COLLECTING
Collecting your army is a vital and exciting part of the hobby, deciding what you want to add to your force. Selecting figures from the Games Workshop range, you can build up a formidable force of warriors from your chosen army with which to do battle against all comers!
Find out more about Collecting on page 2.
PAINTING
After deciding which figures to collect, you will need to assemble them and paint them ready for battle. This part of the hobby allows you to model your figures and paint them in your chosen colour scheme. Painting your figures is also a way to make your force uniquely yours.
Find out more about Painting on page 3.
GAMING
Once you have an army you can start playing games! There are lots of different ways to get into gaming, from playing with friends to going to gaming clubs or even tournaments. There are also endless ways to play games, such as exciting missions and scenarios, or unique types of battles such as a war amidst the shattered ruins of a city.
Find out more about Gaming on page 4.
