So, you’re curious about Warhammer? What is Warhammer? Warhammer is a vast universe of tabletop miniature wargames, collectible hobby, and rich lore. Can I jump in without prior knowledge? Absolutely! Who is Warhammer for? It’s for anyone with a desire for strategy, creativity, and epic battles. This beginner’s guide Warhammer will help you navigate the initial steps into this incredibly rewarding hobby.
Warhammer offers two major tabletop experiences: Warhammer 40,000 (Warhammer 40k), set in a grim, futuristic galaxy, and Warhammer Age of Sigmar (Warhammer AoS), a high-fantasy setting of warring gods and mortal realms. Both offer deep gameplay, stunning Warhammer models, and endless opportunities for collecting Warhammer armies.
Deciphering the Starting Point
Getting into Warhammer might seem daunting, but it’s actually quite accessible. The key is to find the path that best suits your interests. Are you drawn to futuristic space marines and alien hordes, or do you prefer knights, wizards, and dragons? This choice will significantly influence your starting Warhammer journey.
Warhammer 40k: The Grim Darkness of the Far Future
Warhammer 40k is a science-fantasy game. You command armies of genetically engineered supersoldiers, alien tyranids, robotic armies, or even forces of chaos. Battles are fought with dice, strategic movement, and understanding the Warhammer 40k rules. The lore is deep and often brutal, filled with constant war, political intrigue, and existential threats.
Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realm of Myth and Magic
Warhammer Age of Sigmar is a fantasy game. It features powerful gods, immortal beings, and mortal races battling for dominance across eight distinct realms. The lore is about grand narratives, cosmic struggles, and the evolution of fantasy warfare. The Warhammer Age of Sigmar rules are designed for dynamic and often spectacular battles.
Choosing Your First Warhammer Army
This is one of the most exciting parts of collecting Warhammer. Your Warhammer armies are the tangible representation of your passion. Think about the aesthetics, the lore, and the playstyle you find most appealing.
Popular Warhammer 40k Armies to Consider:
- Space Marines: The iconic poster boys of Warhammer 40k. They are genetically enhanced warriors clad in power armor, fighting for the Emperor of Mankind. They are versatile and have many different chapters, each with unique lore.
- Orks: Green-skinned, boisterous aliens who love fighting. They are chaotic and unpredictable, with a focus on overwhelming numbers and crude but effective weaponry.
- Aeldari (formerly Eldar): An ancient and sophisticated alien race. They are known for their psychic prowess, speed, and intricate technology.
- Tyranids: A ravenous alien swarm from beyond the galaxy. They consume everything in their path, driven by a hive mind.
- Necrons: Ancient robotic skeletons from tomb worlds. They are relentless and reanimate fallen warriors, wielding otherworldly technology.
Popular Warhammer Age of Sigmar Armies to Consider:
- Stormcast Eternals: The forces of the god-king Sigmar. They are heavily armored, magically empowered warriors resurrected from fallen heroes. They represent order and justice.
- Khorne Bloodbound: Followers of the Blood God Khorne. They are brutal warriors who revel in close combat and bloodshed, driven by rage.
- Skaven: Rat-like humanoids from the Underworlds. They are cunning, numerous, and employ a mix of stealth, overwhelming numbers, and volatile technology.
- Sylvaneth: Tree spirits and nature guardians. They are connected to the souls of the mortal realms and fight to protect nature.
- Cities of Sigmar: The diverse mortal races who have sworn allegiance to Sigmar. They include humans, dwarves, and elves, fighting together against the forces of chaos.
Getting Started with the Hobby: Building and Painting Warhammer Models
The tactile experience of collecting Warhammer involves assembling and painting your Warhammer models. This is where creativity truly shines.
Essential Tools for Assembling Warhammer Models:
- Hobby Knife/Clippers: For carefully removing models from their sprues.
- Plastic Glue: Specifically designed for Citadel plastic.
- Hobby File/Fine Sandpaper: To smooth out mold lines.
- Assembly Instructions: Found in starter sets or on the Games Workshop website.
Basic Painting Supplies:
- Hobby Brushes: A few sizes are essential (e.g., a small detail brush, a medium brush).
- Primer: A spray can to create a base for paint adhesion. White, black, or grey are common.
- Citadel Paints: Games Workshop’s own range of acrylic paints. They are high quality and come in many colors.
- Water Pot: For rinsing brushes.
- Palette: To mix paints.
- Paper Towels: For drying brushes.
Table 1: Recommended Paints for a Basic Color Scheme (Example: Ultramarines Space Marines)
| Paint Name | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Macragge Blue | Base coat for armor |
| Macragge Blue | Layering/highlighting blue armor |
| Kantor Blue | Recess shading/darker blue tones |
| Leadbelcher | Metallic parts (guns, joints) |
| Agrax Earthshade | Wash for metal and other details (weathering) |
| Corvus Black | Weapons, joints, other black details |
| Mephiston Red | Shoulder pauldrons, other red accents |
| Yriel Yellow | Eye lenses, squad markings |
| Reikland Fleshshade | Wash for flesh tones (if applicable) |
| Nuln Oil | Wash for metal and other details |
Fathoming the Warhammer Rules
The Warhammer rules are the backbone of playing Warhammer. They dictate how your models move, shoot, fight, and interact on the tabletop. Both Warhammer 40k and Warhammer Age of Sigmar have core rulebooks, with additional rules for specific armies and game modes.
Core Concepts in Warhammer Rules:
- Armies and Units: Your army is made up of different units, each with its own stats and abilities.
- Movement: How far your units can move on the battlefield.
- Shooting: How your ranged weapons work, including range, accuracy, and damage.
- Combat: How your units engage in close-quarters fighting.
- Dice Rolls: A significant element, used for determining success in attacks, saves, and other game effects.
- Points System: Armies are built to a specific point limit, ensuring balanced games.
Where to Find the Warhammer Rules:
- Core Rulebooks: Available for purchase from Games Workshop.
- Starter Sets: Often include condensed rulebooks or simplified rules.
- Warhammer 40,000 App / Warhammer Age of Sigmar App: Digital resources that often include free access to core rules and army-specific data.
- Games Workshop Website: Provides FAQs, errata, and updated rules.
- Local Game Stores: Often have staff who can explain the basics.
Immersing Yourself in Warhammer Lore
The Warhammer lore is vast and incredibly detailed. It’s what brings the universes to life and provides context for your battles.
Warhammer 40k Lore Highlights:
- The Emperor of Mankind: A god-like psychic being who united humanity.
- Imperium of Man: The vast, bureaucratic, and often fanatical empire of humanity.
- Chaos: The antithesis of order, a collection of malevolent deities and their followers.
- Xenos Races: Numerous alien species, from the hive-minded Tyranids to the honorable Orks and the ancient Aeldari.
- The Horus Heresy: A cataclysmic civil war that shaped the current grim state of the galaxy.
Warhammer Age of Sigmar Lore Highlights:
- The Mortal Realms: Eight distinct magical realms connected by pathways.
- The Age of Myth: The time when the gods walked the realms.
- The Age of Chaos: A period of devastating invasion by the forces of Chaos.
- The Age of Sigmar: The current era, where Sigmar’s Stormcast Eternals fight to reclaim the realms.
- The Great Horned Rat: The patron deity of the Skaven, a force of corruption.
Table 2: Exploring Warhammer Lore Resources
| Resource Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Codexes/Rulebooks | Contain army-specific lore and background information. |
| Novels | Black Library publishes thousands of novels covering every aspect of the lore. |
| Warhammer Community Website | Official news, lore snippets, and articles. |
| Wikis and Forums | Fan-created resources for deep dives into specific topics. |
Practical Steps to Start Playing Warhammer
Once you have a few models and a basic grasp of the rules, it’s time to play!
Your First Game:
- Start Small: Don’t try to play with a massive army on your first go. A few small units are much easier to manage.
- Find a Mentor: If possible, play your first game with an experienced player who can guide you.
- Use a Starter Set: Starter sets are designed for new players and often include simplified rules and a small, balanced force for each side.
- Focus on Fun: The goal of your first game is to learn and have fun. Don’t worry about winning.
Where to Play Warhammer:
- Games Workshop Stores: Offer a welcoming environment for new players and often host beginner events.
- Local Game Stores (LGS): Many independent hobby stores have dedicated Warhammer communities.
- Friends: The best way to start is often by introducing a friend to the hobby.
Expanding Your Warhammer Collection
As you get more into collecting Warhammer, you’ll want to expand your Warhammer armies and perhaps try out different playstyles.
Strategies for Expansion:
- Starter Sets: Always a great value, offering a good starting force and core rules.
- Combat Patrols (Warhammer 40k) / Combat Patrols (Warhammer AoS): Smaller, pre-selected boxes designed to be a playable force on their own and a good addition to an existing army.
- New Releases: Keep an eye on the Games Workshop website for new models and army expansions.
- Second-Hand Market: Websites like eBay or dedicated Facebook groups can be good places to find used models, often at a discount.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I collect and play Warhammer without painting?
Yes, absolutely! While painting is a huge part of the hobby for many, you can certainly enjoy playing Warhammer with unpainted or even un-assembled models. The core enjoyment comes from the strategy and the game itself.
Do I need both rulebooks for Warhammer 40k and Warhammer Age of Sigmar?
No, they are separate games. You only need the core rulebook for the game system you choose to play. Starter sets often include a condensed version of the rules.
How much does it cost to get into Warhammer?
This can vary greatly. A basic starter set might cost around $100-$150 USD, which gets you a good starting point. However, collecting Warhammer can become a significant investment if you delve into multiple armies and collect many Warhammer models. It’s best to start small and gradually expand.
Is Warhammer 40k or Warhammer Age of Sigmar easier to learn?
Both games have their complexities, but Warhammer Age of Sigmar is often considered to have a slightly simpler core ruleset for beginners. However, Warhammer 40k also offers many avenues for starting with more straightforward armies. It really depends on the specific Warhammer armies you choose.
Where can I learn more about Warhammer lore?
The best places to start are the official Games Workshop website (Warhammer Community), dedicated Warhammer wikis, and the vast library of Black Library novels.
What if I don’t have anyone to play with?
Many Games Workshop stores and local game stores have “open play” days or beginner nights where you can find opponents. Many players also use online communities and forums to find people to play with.
Embarking on your Warhammer journey is an exciting adventure. Whether you’re drawn to the grim future of Warhammer 40k or the high fantasy of Warhammer Age of Sigmar, there’s a place for you. Start small, focus on what excites you most, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Welcome to the hobby!