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Greatings all,

I am interested in building a 40k army, but have a question.

I have been reading alot and most of the comments say that certain 40k armies are stronger than others, based on Codex (specific rules for a race?) updates.

I would hate to spend all that money on an army to find out they are the biggest underdogs.

I know that the correct selection of units per army play a huge factor, but is it true that some armies overpower others?

is there any balance in the game?

Any tips on a good starter army? I want to have fun, not win all or lose all, just have fun. But getting your face smashed every game is not so fun....haha..

thanks!

You have to answer some questions first.

1. What games have you played before? Are you experienced at all in wargaming?

2. What is your play style? Shooty, assaulty, aggressive, conservative?

3. What army looks like it would be fun to paint to you?

4. Do you know about 40k fluff? If so, who appeals to you most?

After that, then you can get people's opinions on strong/weak codexes.

As for underpowered armies, there sort of are some, but its more complicated than that.

The 'strong' armies are deemed to be strong not because they are unstoppable, or super tough. They're usually 'strong' because there are multiple builds that can compete well. They have more useable options.

The so called 'weaker' codexes are often older, and have only one or two general builds that can consistently compete. Its not that they can't compete, they just have to be played in certain ways to do so.

'Stronger' armies are:
Space Wolves
Dark Eldar
Imperial Guard
Grey Knights
Blood Angels

GK and DE are sorta up in the air still though, as they're still pretty new. Codex Marines might be included in there as well.

'Weaker' armies, or armies with only 1-2 competitive playstyles are:
Witchhunters
Tau
Necrons
Daemons
Eldar
Chaos Marines
Maybe Tyranids?

Naturally this is just my opinion and experience, so there will be some conflict with other peoples opinions, but it seems a reasonable representation.

I'd just advise you to be cautious and do research if starting a 'weaker' army, while starting a 'stronger' army is more beginner friendly. You shouldn't lose every game with any army you take. As a beginner just be sure to be patient and learn, it will take a little while to get the hang of everything.


Most Importantly make sure you like the fluff and models. If you don't like your army, you'll lose interest even if you're beating down your opponents. I play Tau and Sisters. I love the models and idea behind both of them, I worried about army builds and tactics after making my army decision, and things have turned out fine. I do well in tournies, even though I have 'weaker' armies when compared to the new shiney stuff, just gotta be willing to change and learn.

THanks for the quick response...

well, to answer those questions:

1. I played D&D back in 1985. Some Axis and Allies, RISK and mostly video games:(

2. I would say I perfer a good defense with some long range capability. But I am game for most tactics.

3. I think Space Marines are cool, but it seems like so does everyone else. So, I was looking at Tau. I am not into monsters, I like the more military/robotic armies.

4. I do not know what 40k fluff is.

are there any sites out there that people can read up on the different tactics used by the armies? Codex's? I have an idea of what a codex is (specific rules for each race?) but not to 100% sure.

Again, thanks for the response, I appreciate your input.


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Thanks for the advice Creeping... I agree, there is much more research to be done on my part.

Thanks for shedding some light on the various armies!

Any good sites to research the different armies?

Codex is the rulebook for your army. You have the main rule book for the normal rules (ie movement, shooting, assault and the like), then your codex gives you the options and prices for your army.

40k Fluffy is an ever changing self-contradicting tool that some players use to tell others how they should build their army list . Just my opinion.

"fluff" is the background for each army. Their history and whatnot, you know?

jbunny wrote:40k Fluffy is an ever changing self-contradicting tool that some players use to tell others how they should build their army list . Just my opinion.

It's my opinion too. Fluff is a handy way to stimulate ideas about what you want your army to be like but it shouldn't be a straightjacket.

Ninja'd!

Go on the GW site and start narrowing down your options.

Based on the look of the army, find 3-5 armies you like.

Then go to a site like http://wh40k.lexicanum.com/wiki/Main_Page and read up on each of those armies.

Hopefully you've narrowed it down further after that, then Google for some army specific blogs and you'll find out more on their army lists and tactics.

By then you should have it picked out, so get the codex and get started.

Madman7 wrote:Thanks for the advice Creeping... I agree, there is much more research to be done on my part.

Absolutely. Don't feel overwhelmed, though. I just hate for someone to pick an army and feel discouraged, you know?

Dakka is a great site for finding out more about a particular army if you have specific questions.

As for defensive with long range capability, Imperial Guard and Tau spring to mind. But don't pick one just because I said it. Space marines can also be played that way.

I wouldn't worry about many people in your area playing space marines. They're popular because they are fun! Again, it depends on your playstyle and what you would find fun painting. Both are equaly important to me.

Welcome to the hobby and to the forums!

Got it, 40k Fluffy! Sweet, I am learning!! haha

About the Codex's... so not only should I know my own Codex, but in order to know my enemy better, I should know theres also? Is that something that you guys do?

I can just seem myself starting a new game and charging in to hear the enemy player say, oh btw... my codex states that any forces closing in automatically burst into balls of flaming poo... "look, it says it right here on page 42"

Yeah, it's a good idea to have a working knowledge of as many armies as you can.

Particularly in more competitive environments.

Thanks to all you guys... I really appreciate the advice.

One last silly question.... if two people show up to a gaming night at the local comic book store and they both have Space Marines, can they still battle, or do they have to be warring factions?

Anyone can fight anyone.
Sm v. SM
IG v. IG
Eldar v. Eldar
It's all good...

purplefood wrote:Anyone can fight anyone.
Sm v. SM
IG v. IG
Eldar v. Eldar
It's all good...

Thanks!!


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So far I am leaning towards the Imperial Guard!!

Wish me luck!