How to get started in Warhammer 40k? Basic guide for beginners!

Have you been drawn to the universe of Warhammer 40K but don’t know where to begin? That’s completely normal! With the vast amount of information and options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

In this guide, we’ll cover the basics to help you step into the world of miniatures, strategy, and gothic sci-fi.

What is Warhammer 40K?

Warhammer 40K, also known as Warhammer 40,000 or W40K, is a gothic science fiction wargame played with miniatures.

In this tabletop battle game, players command armies represented by highly detailed miniatures on custom-built battlefields featuring immersive scenery.

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What Makes Warhammer 40K So Special?

There’s no doubt that Warhammer 40K is the most popular miniature wargame in the world. But what makes it stand out?

- A vast and detailed sci-fi universe: You can immerse yourself in its lore through tabletop games, video games, and an extensive collection of novels.

- Highly detailed miniatures: The craftsmanship and level of customization allow you to personalize your army to your liking.

- Deep strategic gameplay: It requires tactical planning, critical thinking, and constant adaptation.

- A passionate player community: Join local games in stores, participate in events, and exchange strategies in forums and online groups.

- A variety of unique factions: Each faction offers distinct playstyles, allowing you to experiment and find the one that best suits your preferences.

- Accessible for all skill levels: While complex, the game can be learned progressively by starting with simple matches.

- Whether you're here for the strategy, the painting, or the lore, Warhammer 40K has something for everyone. Ready to begin your journey into the grim darkness of the far future?

How to Start Playing Warhammer 40K? Here's What You Need!

You're probably eager to start playing as soon as possible, but take it slow. Before jumping in, you’ll need to prepare properly.

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Buy a Warhammer 40K Starter Set

If you’ve never played a miniature game before, your best option is to begin with a starter set. These sets include everything you need to get started: miniatures, terrain, paints, and painting tools.

If you already have some experience or know someone familiar with the game, you can also buy miniatures separately. Remember that, besides official models, you can find compatible miniatures as well.

At first, painting them isn't necessary if you're just practicing. However, over time, you can start painting them and improving your skills.

Familiarize Yourself with the Rules of Warhammer 40K

Games Workshop allows all players—newcomers and veterans alike—to download the core rulebook for free, so you don’t have to buy the main book immediately.

That said, investing in the full rulebook can be beneficial in the long run. It contains extra content like advanced campaign rules, maps, and deep lore about the Warhammer universe.

Which Warhammer 40K Army Should You Choose?

Like any miniature game, you must pick a faction to play. One of Warhammer 40K's biggest strengths is its vast selection of armies, each with unique traits, abilities, and playstyles.

Some of the most popular factions include Space Marines, Sisters of Battle, Grey Knights, Chaos Armies, Leagues of Votann, T’au Empire…  Choosing the right one depends entirely on your preferred playstyle.

Get the Codex for Your Chosen Faction

Warhammer 40K is currently in its 10th edition, and accessing game resources is now easier than ever.

Just like you can download the basic rules, you can also get Codex books for specific factions. These books provide detailed lore about the faction, rules and abilities for its units and characters, army lists to customize your troops, and stunning artwork and design inspiration.

How Important is Terrain in Warhammer 40K?

When you're just starting, you might not pay much attention to certain details, like the gaming table. However, as you gain experience, you'll want your matches to be as immersive and realistic as possible—this is when you should start investing in Warhammer 40K terrain.

You can purchase not only battle mats but also a wide range of accessories such as buildings, walls, vegetation, and other elements that enhance your gaming table. These serve not only as decorations but also as defensive structures that provide cover for your troops during battles.

Choosing the Right Dice for Warhammer 40K

At first glance, it might seem like any dice will do, but in Warhammer 40K, selecting the right dice can enhance your gameplay experience.

What Type of Dice Do You Need?

The primary dice used in Warhammer 40K are six-sided dice (D6), which you can find in any gaming store.

However, there are also eight-sided dice (D8), which are used to determine the number of wounds some miniatures take.

Choosing the right dice may seem simple, but there are a few factors to consider to optimize your gameplay.

How Many Dice Do You Need?

There’s no fixed rule for this, but starting with 30 to 40 D6 dice is a good idea. This allows you to roll most standard attacks and actions without needing to reroll frequently.

Having plenty of dice is especially useful when playing armies that rely on high attack volume, such as Orks or the Imperial Guard, which roll a large number of dice for their attacks.

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Additional Tips for Getting Started in Warhammer 40K

Now that you have the basics, you can start playing and gradually gain experience. Here are some additional tips that will be useful on your journey:

Experiment Until You Find Your Playstyle

Every player has their own style of play—some prefer aggressive assaults, while others take a more tactical approach, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

Try different strategies until you discover the one that best suits you. Additionally, experiment with different factions to find the army whose combat abilities align with your strategy.

Take Every Defeat as a Learning Experience

In the beginning, especially when playing against more experienced opponents, it’s normal to lose. Don’t get discouraged! Each defeat is an opportunity to learn—not just about the game’s mechanics, but also about your opponent’s tactics and the areas you need to improve for your next matches.

Paint Your Miniatures with Patience

Painting miniatures correctly takes time and practice. At first, your painted models might look a bit basic or rough—don’t worry! Over time, your skills will improve, allowing you to bring out more depth and detail in your miniatures.

Play Solo and in Teams

You can start by playing one-on-one matches, team battles, or even solo play. Each format provides a different experience that will help you develop various tactical skills.

Build Your Army with Patience

It's best to start with a standard army. As you gain experience, you can add more troops, try different units, and fine-tune your faction’s composition.

Gradually collect and customize your miniatures, experimenting with different combinations. Before you know it, you'll have an army perfectly tailored to your playstyle!