Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

Hey all, I am a new player (after a brief stint as a young boy) and as I live quite a distance from my (not very) local citadel stockist I require some help/tips on picking my army. I would like a strong bit versatile force preferably not sm (nothing against them just what I had when I was much younger) any hints or suggestions as to why I should pick this race (whoever that maybe) would be hugely appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

Look at the short descriptions and the models on GW's homepage or fora like this. Everybody can advocate for or against a certain race, that's for sure, but you don't profit very much of it. Think of it as the beginning of a RPG where you have to define your character. Besides, any army can be strong and versatile.

Versatile Army? Imperial Guard wants you!

But seriously, it IMO much depends on you desired play style as your aesthetic feeling...for example I like Eldar fluff, but I was all the time repulsed by their visuals...

Chaos daemons or dark eldar. Don't serve the vegetable that is the false emperor...

I'd suggest looking at the models if you like the models you are gonna like the army a lot more.

Anny non marine race fits the criteria in one way or another.

All the armies look kick ass! So to me... Looks are tricky. Imperial guard are An interesting choice, how are they for point value?

Guards are rumoured to be getting a new codex next so point values are likely to change. It also depends alot on if you want a lot of infantry or a lot of tanks.

Here's whatcha do

Type lexicanum (or 40k wiki) and then a faction into google

Read that page. If you fall in love, play that army. Otherwise, rinse and repeat until you fall in love.

Scipio got it in one. That was exactly how I got into Dark Angels. It has to be an army that you like the look, feel and fluff of. (Dark green is my fave colour)

I followed your advice and yes, imp guard are the ones for me... But am I correct in assuming that they're basic shock troops will be of reasonably cheap point value? Or am I completely wrong?

Strong but versatile? That's pretty much everyone. Long ago we lived in a world where every codex had its niche and didn't do anything else outside of that one thing, but those days are long gone.

I'd think of a few more things to help distinguish what you're looking for.

Oh yeah, basic troops for imperial guard will be pretty cheap point wise. You will be able to flood the field with infantry if you so choose.

But Imperial Guard is exciting, which faction were you planning on building? Going regular cadian? Maybe taking some catachan for the Marbo fun? Or maybe even some Vostroyan firstborn?

There are a lot of different Imperial Guard armies, how would you do yours?

I am thinking of putting lots of boots on the ground, going with cadian and with some harsh alpine or barron desert theme...

Imperial guard tanks are also very reasonable for the points they cost

Why not go bonkers with "The Armored Battle Group" list, where EVERYTHING is tanks?

Troops? tanks.
FA? light tanks.
HS? artillery tanks.
Elites? support tanks.
HQ?! COMPANY COMMAND TANK! (the vanquisher is really good with its beasthunter shells)

 UlrikDecado wrote:
Versatile Army? Imperial Guard wants you!

But seriously, it IMO much depends on you desired play style as your aesthetic feeling...for example I like Eldar fluff, but I was all the time repulsed by their visuals...

Same here. I love the fluff of the Eldar, but the neon-ness of their armies has always pushed me away. Blanche's art does manage to make them look cool without looking like a sign in Vegas.

As for the army you should start OP, go Space Marine. They're known as the starter for a reason, and are perfectly segmented to paint with ease. What actually might be a good idea is to collect two armies, both five hundred points, so you can get a taste for both. So if you're stuck between Space Marines and Guardsmen, you buy and elite, fast attack, and troops, then play a couple games against yourself and/or a friend of killteam. Then, you also have a game you can play for cheap rather than the main game of 1,000-2,000 points, but can choose which one you like more and build it up. PLUS, you can use the other killteam army as allies.