Miniature Wargaming, a hobby where you collect and paint figures which you use to represent your forces in games. A game like Warhammer 40,000 can be quite daunting for beginners. This guide will help out anyone who is thinking about starting this great hobby.
Essentials
What you need to start are a few essentials. Miniatures and paint might go without saying, however you will also need a rulebook so you know how to play and a Codex which has the rules specific to your collection of models. Below is a handy guide with the pro’s, cons and a few alternatives later on for your comparison
Warhammer 40,000 Command Edition
Pros : This contains the rules, dice, terrain and miniatures. The miniatures are very detailed and easy to assemble. The Command manual contained has easy to follow guides for assembly of miniatures and rules and missions for your first few games. . This is the most complete starter set for the game system and will offer the best value.
Cons : The only drawback, is if you are not collecting either of the starting forces, in the box.
Warhammer 40,000 Elite Edition
Pros – Good selection of miniatures, dice and a handy guide for painting and playing. Elite manual contains all the rules for all the models in the box, and has good ideas for expansion. Again easy to assemble miniatures with and handy guide. Excellent value and a good way to start the hobby.
Cons – In order to experience the full Warhammer 40,000 hobby, you will still need a rulebook, and terrain. As before if you are not interested in collecting the models in the box, this might not be the best set for you.
Warhammer 40,000 Recruit Edition
Pros – As with the others it contains dice, great models and a handy guide for painting gaming and assembly. Contains all the rules required for using the models in the box, with more ideas for expansion. Great value and perfect for “dipping your toe in”.
Cons – You will need a rulebook and terrain to continue playing. Mainly suited to those people collecting Space Marines or Necrons. So if you are interested in other factions in Warhammer 40,000, this might not be the way to go.
The above starter sets are great for beginning 40k though if you are not interested in the models in the box there are other options available. Luckily the Warhammer 40,000 rulebook is available on its own along with a number of “Start Collecting” boxes for the various different factions of Warhammer 40,000.
Pros : Detailed and easy to follow rules with examples of how to play. Rich background story with full colour illustrations containing the perfect overview of the Warhammer 40,000 galaxy and factions.
Cons : None. You will need the rules to play the game.
Alternatives
Deadzone
A smaller scale game set in the Warpath universe
Pros – As with Warhammer 40,000 Command Edition it has everything you need to start playing, including rules, scenery, dice and miniatures. A similar experience at a fraction of the cost. Faster game play and easier understand rules. No need for additional army books.
Cons – The Warhammer 40,000 Brand may be important to you
Star Wars Legion Clone War Core Set
Pros: A tabletop Miniatures Game set in the Star Wars galaxy. Great set of rules and miniatures. Rulebook is available online as PDF from FFG, while the equipment and troop rules can be found on handy cards within each Star Wars Legion boxed set.
Cons: None – who doesn’t like Star Wars? In all seriousness, as before, branding may be important to you.
Necromunda This is a great game set in one of the planets in the Warhammer 40,000 galaxy. A smaller skirmish style games where gangs fight in the confined spaces of a “hive city”.
Pros – Same setting as Warhammer 40,000, in fact some of the components from both settings cane be used in both games.
Cons – None this is a great game.
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