Warhammer 40k newbie

[jamesewelch]

Hey all,

I just moved to the area and I'm wanting to start playing some 40k games. I'm an almost complete newb to the game. I have watched a few games, played a couple games with non-local friends (wasn't really army games, just a bunch of us control 1 mini in more of a RPG style game), skimmed some (non-local) friends rule book, and have a basic understanding of the rules. I'm planning on buying the books, templates, etc. basic troop packs, and start painting them this fall/winter. I think it will probably be next year before I could field a full sized army.

So my questions are: area there any tutorials, games, talks or whatnot for players just starting out at the store? I've stopped by the store 2-3 times in the last month (while picking up my comics downstairs), but I haven't bought anything since I'm still doing research into armies and didn't want to jump too far ahead and start spending money on units before I'm ready. I know one of the best ways to pick up the game would be to stop by and watch a few games, so I'm planning on doing that soon. I've watched a bunch of intro and how-to videos and I'm currently reading through the 5th edition rules (still need to buy my own copy), but it would be nice if there was a "newbie" day or something where we could watch and learn, listen and ask questions, or play some quick, squad sized (like 750pts or less) games with other people/store units with a veteran to help learn the basics and tactics.

My other question is about 6th edition. I know there's no official update on it, but everyone knows it's coming next year. I'm worried a bit about buying up 5th edition rules, items, etc. and 6th edition invalidating them or making them poor choices, etc. Does anyone have any ideas/rumors on whether it's a good idea to get started playing 5th with 6th so close? Or should I wait and just build my army until next year and start off with 6th edition? Although, I'd love to jump right in and start playing, I'm trying to pace myself with purchasing and not get in over my head at first.

thanks,
Jim

[Requiemnex]

If you buy a relativly recently released army you should be ok.. Black Reach is never a bad option especially if you plan on playing space marines or orks. You get a good amount of models for either and a rulebook as well as a measuring stick. You can then sell off the models you do not want..

Despite what many people say there isnt a "bad" army with 40k. The rules are not entirely balanced and just about every codex has its way of being exploited. If you are really interested in getting into the game. Get into it because you like the flavor, the story, the universe. I really enjoy the background and tend to be a competitive player as well. I am insane enough to have collected several armies for the game and enjoy it a lot. As for sixth edition coming out. I would not concern yourself with it too much. If you really want to be sure you dont get the shaft though look at the new updated armies as of recently they will probably shift the best into the new edition.

[jamesewelch]

Thanks. I've been researching armies and read up on lore/history. I'm also a fan of reading the stories, novels, lore, etc. I think I've decided on my army to collect - Space Wolves. Hopefully, I'll get some time to stop by the shop in a few weeks and start picking up some more supplies. My goal is to get some troops, paint, and get familiar with them before getting a few more. Eventually and slowly, build my army up as I read, research tactics, and paint. I'm not in a rush to get into the hobby and burn out or run out of hobby money, because I've wanted to get into the game for a really long time. Hopefully, I'll have enough troops by next spring to field an army.

[Requiemnex]

If you are picking up space wolves. Buy the codex, two boxes of grey hunters and an HQ of your choice (the rune priests are the best competitive choice). I personally like the wolf lords and what not. That was my first army. The fluff behind spaces wolves is amazing and the spacewolf omnibus is a good place to start. If you dont just use the best units from the codex it is a really fun flavorful army.

[jamesewelch]

If you are picking up space wolves. Buy the codex, two boxes of grey hunters and an HQ of your choice (the rune priests are the best competitive choice). I personally like the wolf lords and what not. That was my first army. The fluff behind spaces wolves is amazing and the spacewolf omnibus is a good place to start. If you dont just use the best units from the codex it is a really fun flavorful army.

Thanks for the advice and information. That's the same advice that I've read elsewhere about starting a Space Wolf army and so that'll also be my starting point. I haven't decided on the HQ unit, but I was also leaning towards a wolf lord as my 1st HQ and a priest as my 2nd HQ (eventually not right away).

[jamesewelch]

I have a question concerning WYSIWYG.

If a default war gear config for a model consists of:
* Bolter
* Bolt Pistol
* Close Combat Weapon

Does that mean the model needs to have both a bolter and Bolt Pistol shown on the model? (such as a holster or something for the pistol?)

I understand the part about if the model traded the bolter for a flamethrower, then there needs to be a flamethrower on the model, but I'm a bit confused over the pistols and close combat weapons.

thanks,

[the Goat]

I have a question concerning WYSIWYG.

If a default war gear config for a model consists of:
* Bolter
* Bolt Pistol
* Close Combat Weapon

Does that mean the model needs to have both a bolter and Bolt Pistol shown on the model? (such as a holster or something for the pistol?)

No, every model does not need to be carrying all three weapons. Feel free to model the troopers with a mix of those weapons. As each guy (almost always) has two arms, you have four different weapon combinations you can have them holding:

• Bolter
• Bolter & Bolt Pistol
• Bolter & Chainsword
• Bolt Pistol & Chainsword

The weapons they are not holding can be modeled on their belt or in a holster. But that is not required.

[jamesewelch]

Ah, I get it. Anything the model is holding needs to be their gear, but it doesn't need to be all of their gear.

So if a model is holding a pistol and cc weapon, then he could also have a meltagun, plasmagun, or bolter.

[EmperorsWrath]

No, special and heavy weapons are the primary weapon for the model and have to be represented.

[jamesewelch]

Thanks for the clarification.

[the Goat]

Ah, I get it. Anything the model is holding needs to be their gear, but it doesn't need to be all of their gear.

So if a model is holding a pistol and cc weapon, then he could also have a meltagun, plasmagun, or bolter.

Nope. The general members of the squad have one and only one standard equipment load out listed in the codex (in your case it is bolter, bolt pistol, chainsword). Any models that show some of these weapons and do not show other weapons are assumed to only have the standard equipment. Any squad member that is equipped differently than the standard equipment (with the exception of grenades) needs to clearly show the upgrade on the model.

[steveNspace]

(with the exception of grenades) needs to clearly show the upgrade on the model.

Grenades paid for (EG: meltabombs) should be represented on the model

[jamesewelch]

Another quick WYSIWYG question:

Do the banners (the flags mounted on SM backpacks) count as standards?

If a model has one of those banners does the model need to pay the extra standard bearer points for standard bearer related extra? I'm just trying to get to know the rules as part of my planning process, so I can make the most of my money/troops.

Thanks,

[steveNspace]

Generally backpack mounted banners are just aesthetic additions. Company standards / those that you pay points for in a SM army are almost always hand-held and much larger than the regular backpack banners.

[jamesewelch]

Generally backpack mounted banners are just aesthetic additions. Company standards / those that you pay points for in a SM army are almost always hand-held and much larger than the regular backpack banners.

Thanks. That's what I thought, but just wanted to check.