How to Play Warhammer 40K - Beginner's FAQ
How to Play Warhammer 40K - Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started
Q: What do I need to start playing Warhammer 40K?
A: You'll need miniatures for your army, the core rulebook, dice, measuring tape, and a flat surface to play on. Start with a starter set like Elite Edition or the Kill Team starter for smaller games.
Q: How many miniatures do I need for my first game?
A: For Combat Patrol games (500 points), you'll need 15-30 models depending on your army. Kill Team requires only 5-10 models. Start small and expand your collection over time.
Q: Which army should I choose as a beginner?
A: Space Marines are beginner-friendly with straightforward rules and durable units. Necrons are also good for new players. Choose an army whose lore and appearance you enjoy - you'll be spending lots of time with them!
Basic Game Mechanics
Q: How does the turn sequence work?
A: Each battle round has 5 phases: Command Phase (gain command points), Movement Phase (move units), Psychic Phase (cast powers), Shooting Phase (ranged attacks), and Charge/Fight/Morale Phases (close combat and morale tests).
Q: How do I move my units?
A: Each unit has a Move characteristic (usually 6" for infantry). Measure from any model in the unit. Units can't move through enemy models or within 1" of enemies unless charging.
Q: How does shooting work?
A: Select a unit to shoot, choose targets within range and line of sight, roll to hit (need the weapon's Ballistic Skill or better), roll to wound (compare Strength vs Toughness), opponent makes armor saves, then apply damage.
Combat & Dice Rolling
Q: What dice do I need and how do they work?
A: You need six-sided dice (D6). Most rolls require a 4+ to succeed, but this varies. Higher rolls are generally better. You'll also need D3 (roll D6, 1-2=1, 3-4=2, 5-6=3) for some effects.
Q: How does close combat work?
A: Units must charge to get into combat. In the Fight phase, alternate selecting units to fight. Roll to hit using Weapon Skill, roll to wound, opponent saves, apply damage. Models fight with all their attacks.
Q: What happens when my models take damage?
A: Each model has Wounds. When damage equals or exceeds remaining wounds, the model is destroyed and removed. Some multi-wound models can be damaged but not destroyed.
Army Building
Q: How do I build a legal army list?
A: Use the army construction rules in your codex. You need a Detachment (usually Patrol, Battalion, or Vanguard) with required unit types. Each unit costs points - stay within your agreed point limit.
Q: What are Detachments and why do they matter?
A: Detachments are army organization charts requiring specific unit types (HQ, Troops, Elites, etc.). They provide Command Points and special rules. Patrol Detachment needs 1 HQ and 1 Troops minimum.
Q: How do Warlord Traits and Relics work?
A: Your Warlord (usually an HQ unit) gets a Warlord Trait for free. You can spend Command Points to give characters Relics - powerful upgraded weapons or equipment.
Game Setup & Objectives
Q: How do I set up the battlefield?
A: Use a 44"x30" surface for Combat Patrol or 44"x60" for larger games. Place terrain for cover and tactical interest. Roll off to see who deploys first, alternating unit placement.
Q: How do I win a game?
A: Most games use Primary Objectives (hold objectives, complete actions) and Secondary Objectives (chosen from a list). Score Victory Points each turn. Highest score after 5 battle rounds wins.
Q: What are Command Points and how do I use them?
A: Command Points let you use Stratagems - special abilities that can turn the tide of battle. You start with some based on your army size and gain more each turn. Spend them wisely!
Common Rules Questions
Q: Can I shoot into close combat?
A: Generally no, unless you have specific rules allowing it. Units in combat can only fight in the Fight phase, not shoot.
Q: What does 'line of sight' mean?
A: You must be able to draw an unobstructed line from the shooting model to any part of the target. Terrain and other models can block line of sight.
Q: How do cover saves work?
A: Units in cover get +1 to their armor save against ranged attacks. Dense Cover gives -1 to hit. Check terrain rules for specific benefits.
Learning Resources
Q: Where can I learn more about the rules?
A: Start with the free Basic Rules PDF from Games Workshop. Watch battle reports on YouTube, join local gaming groups, and practice with Kill Team for smaller, faster games.
Q: How long does a typical game take?
A: Combat Patrol games (500 points) take 1-2 hours. Full-size games (2000 points) can take 3-4 hours. Kill Team games are usually 60-90 minutes.
Remember: The most important rule is to have fun! Don't worry about making mistakes - every player was a beginner once. The Emperor protects!