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Hello,

I decided I want to start playing 40K but since I have no friends that play I have had to use just the internet to learn about the game. Since I don't know the rules I'm not totally sure of the major strengths and weaknesses of the armies but I have a decent grasp of the different ways to play(ranged fire, close combat, etc.). I'm a little confused by the different editions of the game and the codices that all release at various times and aren't updated for years so I'm a bit wary of getting an army that is going to be obsolete or have little chance of winning.

I'm new to the universe so a good story line is not really at the top of my list as from the looks of the universe it's pretty much a galactic FFA, so I'll place my undying allegiance at a later date. Appearance isn't a deal breaker either, if the army is fun I'll make up in paint what I lack in the model itself

Preferably I want an army that is pretty durable but if selected carefully can really punish opponents. I'm not a big fan of "glass cannon" type armies as those seem unforgiving to new players and I'm also not a fan of swarm armies. If I had to pick one thing that I really like about sci-fi it would be mechs so any armies with mechs get bonus points from me.

I'm pretty much open to being sold on any army with the exception of SoB, Tyranids, and Orks.

Thanks!

ZombieButter wrote:Preferably I want an army that is pretty durable but if selected carefully can really punish opponents. I'm not a big fan of "glass cannon" type armies as those seem unforgiving to new players and I'm also not a fan of swarm armies. If I had to pick one thing that I really like about sci-fi it would be mechs so any armies with mechs get bonus points from me.

One of the Space Marine variants or Necrons. They're the only forces in the game that's in any way durable and can pack enough punch to punish the enemy. Tau are durable, but until they get a new book, lack the punch you want.

What exactly are the key differences between the space marine variants?

I'll let someone more versed with current Marine codices fill that one in.

GK fits your description bar none.

People always recommend Marines because they are well rounded.
GK are Marine's Marines, not the jack of all traits and master of none like their brethren.

GK excels at everything from shooting to assault to teleporting, they even have 2 wound Terminators with FNP

As much as I hate to see yet another GK army, Grey Knights fit what you're looking for best. They're durable, and can unleash tons of firepower on their enemies.

Oh is there some negative stigma surrounding them or are they simply overplayed?

Also, what units should I start with since it doesn't appear they have a Battleforce available?

ZombieButter wrote:Oh is there some negative stigma surrounding them or are they simply overplayed?

Also, what units should I start with since it doesn't appear they have a Battleforce available?

Purifiers, they carry the equivalent of str 7 assault cannons. Can move and shoot. Can carry FOUR per squad. Can be Troops with SC.

Paladins, 2 wounds, Nemesis weapons, Hammer Hand, FNP

Psyffleman Dreads: Cheap TL str 8 auto cannons. Essentially TWO 2 TL krak missiles

Fortitude: Pass leadership test, ignore all crew shaken and stun

And tons more.

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction, greatly appreciated.

ZombieButter wrote:Oh is there some negative stigma surrounding them or are they simply overplayed?

Both right now, though the negative stigma is because they're overplayed.

With the current ruleset, they are capable of being the most resilient army in the game. They also have a good claim to the best firepower in the game. They can also make a claim to the best close combat in the game.

While whether or not they actually are the best in either of those three categories can be argued against (please nobody actually bother, I don't really care), the fact that it can also be believably argued for in that many categories isn't a great reflection on balance. Regardless of whether they actually are the best in any category or just pretty good at all of it, it's pretty near unanimous that they are the most powerful army with the current rulesets. This has led to them to being very overplayed (I play at least once a week, and haven't played against a non-GK army in two months now), and also inspired a bit of resentment towards them. Don't let that disuade you, though, if they're who you want to play.

It's said though that they were written with 6th edition in mind, and if the recently leaked 6th edition rules are legit, they'll be brought more in line with the rest of the armies when that gets officially released. Once that happens, they'll stop being the flavor of the month, and any negative feelings towards the army will go away.

Also, what units should I start with since it doesn't appear they have a Battleforce available?

Depends on whether you prefer resilience or firepower. If you want firepower, start off with Crowe and some purifiers (this box) You'll probably also be wanting to pick up some dreadnaughts for psyfleman dreads and rhinos (buy the razorback box though, lets you run as either rhino or razorback at your choice).

If you favor resilience, get Draigo and some paladins (Sold as terminators). Won't be able to move around as much, but extremely difficult to kill and can still put out tons of firepower. You'll also want a dreadnaught here too.

I'd personally recommend going with purifiers to start out with.

Again, this is really good advice I really appreciate being guided in the right direction!

I hate to see another GK army as well, but I have to agree with the others. You'll find a lot of what you're looking for in that army.

If you want an army that's very mobile and quick on the battlefield, and close to as resilient as the GK's, then Blood Angels may be an option as well.

Or you could go Dark Angels, a Death Wing variant.

Go with Necrons, thanks to their new codex they are durable as hell, very flexible, and can definately punish their enemies in more ways than just shooting or assaulting (which they are good at) due to great special rules and combinations. I believe that since they will offer you (or anyone) more options they will be more exciting at first and more rewarding in the long run.

If there's one thing that nearly every internet site will inevitabley piss and moan about, it's the abundance of SM armies (including GK).