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Hey everyone, like the title says, I've been a fan of Warhammer games for a very long time, but never had the money to get started collecting.

Things have changed in the money department, thankfully, so I'm getting ready to take the plunge and start an army in the 40k setting.

After reading a ton of fiction from the Black Library, I'm inclined to start an IG army, but after reading posts all over the forum, I understand IG is due an update very soon. I don't want to buy old material that's only going to get updated after I get it, so I guess I should be a little more patient.

I'm also very interested in the Tau. I remember being introduced to them when the 4th edition codex came out and I thought the sleek look and background fluff was very appealing. And of course, they've been updated already so jumping into that army really seems like something I could do, say, this weekend

I guess I'm looking for something to help me get off the fence. The Battleforce available for both armies is likely my starting point for getting the models, but to me, the IG set will only use a few pieces and I'll be out looking for different vehicles to make the army any good. Conversely, the Tau battleforce seems like it really needs just a little bit of extra oomf to make it more viable.

Anything anyone can add would be of help, and in the long run, I'm really looking to just have fun, paint some figures and make new friends. Thanks for having me, Dakka!

Well, if you want to just paint and build for two months, then you can always buy a company command squad, and a bunch of the snap together cadians, as no matter what codex it is the IG always needs ground troops. IG is awesome, so much variety.

Welcome to Dakka!

Pick some basic troops, do your research, start building and painting them... The codex is only a few moths away...

Thanks for the welcome!

And you're absolutely right. I can't build an army over night, so start small and ease into it. Really looking forward to adding some pictures of my budding army soon.

Now, to start working on the fluff going behind this army....

Welcome to Dakka!
Defiantly think about how many models you want to paint before choosing.

I would consider Tau as your starting army just because lower model count and you might get bogged down by 100-200 models for Imperial Guard Not that IG isn't a good choice just a lot of painting.
I like the Tau battleforce and is a good starter force! Hope it goes well!

Go for Tau, not many players doing that race as compared to Imperial Guard. Tau are really cool, neat gear, great mini's, decent rules to tinker with. just my opinion.

Welcome aboard Dakka Dakka!!

Forget these guys telling you to go Tau (and that's coming from a Tau player). Do what you want to do, and follow through with the army you wanted to build when you first came to the game Sure, you might wind up building and painting a bunch of troops, but that just means that the hobby portion of the game will last much longer and be all the more satisfying in the long run!

Imperial Guard are always a total powerhouse army when played right. Edition after edition, the Hammer of the Emperor has stayed strong and resolute, despite the flashy, power armored glory boys getting more books. So load up on autocannons, prime the manticore, and above all else, get some more Dakka.

Forget these guys telling you to do what you want! You'll do as you're told!!

Just kidding... Just do what you want. Guard and Marine players are everywhere, every game... I love playing against the same army... like that's going to happen in the fluffy tales of 40K adventure... Blood Angels enter a battlefield facing... more Blood Angels... yay... It's nice to have zenos to vanquish, or rather with my dice, which hate me, I get vanquished.

I am working on a Cadian Army I received from my Secret Santa, loads of mini's to work on! Lots of armor, simply blissful! I also have two boxed armies of Tau I can't wait to dig into! So if that's any help to you... sarcasm included because I know it's not...

Still sitting on the fence? Let us know what you buy! Pictures please! Then get those minis up inthe gallery when you get to painting! Join us on Twitter! Loads of us there too! We have miniature Mondays posted, WIP piccies, you name it.

Welcome to Dakka!

Actually, if you get some of the stuff you know will stay in the IG codex (ex. they wouldn't remove guardsmen would they?) that could work. Also, even if the update removes rules for some models you already have, the ruleless models could work kind of like proxies (saying one unit represents another) for another unit.

In the end though, do what you feel like. Hope you enjoy the choice you make and hope you enjoy the hobby too!

This is exactly what I was looking for when I joined Dakka.

Thank you all so much for the input.

At this point, I feel I am leaning more towards the Tau. The lower model count is encouraging, and I did see quite a few IG players (and Marines) at my local shop. Of course, they could be a great source if info for tactics and what not.

If anything, I might end up getting both in the long run (likely). Start one, then work on the other... Yeah, I'm in trouble, lol.

Again, thanks so much for the warm welcome. I feel at home already.

Welcome to Dakka! Do what you want good Sir! Do what you think looks the best. THEN you can learn how to play that specific army type.

Greetings! Welcome to Dakka Dakka!

Well, if you're leaning Tau now, I hope you'll stop into my thread in the P&M blogs section. Maybe you'll find some inspiration there.

Welcome to Dakka Dakka, escatronmater! Whatever army you choose, I'm sure it will be the right choice!