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Hey gang,

So I am new here and I have a question. I finally made the decision to give 40K a try and have acquired a Tau army. Now I need to get a copy of the rules. I have been looking on eBay, local game store, GW's site, and the digital editions. Any thoughts on the best way to go?

It seems to me the best idea would be the digital edition as I can carry them around on my tablet. However, reading the description, I don't think the digital edition is anything but the rules. Is the other stuff in the big rulebook worth it? Does anyone have a digital edition and if so what do they think? Any major improvement using the iBook enhanced editions? Also what is so special about the Dark Vengeance rules? Is this a bad time to try and buy the rules with rumors of 6.5 or 7th ed coming out soon?

Similar questions on Codex too. I am really intrigued by the enhanced iBook edition of the Tau Codex, but considering the regular digital edition or just finding a hard copy.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be welcome.

Thanks,
Duncan

If possible, I'd support your local economy and buy a book from your local game store.

The Big Rule Book has a lot of fluff, pictures, and other hobby-related stuff. It's up to you as to whether you find that useful. The Dark Vengeance rulebook is smaller, has just the rules, and I'd think if it is special its because its small and much easier to refer to during a game.

It's probably a bad time to but the rules...I've heard everything from a new rulebook 6.5 is coming out, incorporating some Escalation and Strongholds into the main rulebook. I've heard that a new starter set (Blood Angels vs. Orks) is coming out, with an updated small rulebook. No clue if any of this is actually true.

When it comes to digital vs. actual, I prefer actual books as a rule, so I am biased.

I have used the non iPad Codices, and they are kinda hard to use on a phone, I would have much preferred to buy the hardback. I dont know how the iPad specific ones handle but they do look nice.

As for the Rulebook, if you look on ebay, there is a "mini" rulebook that just has the rules for a good price. You can buy a digital version for $32 in the app store.

 vadersson wrote:
Also what is so special about the Dark Vengeance rules?

It's a mini version of the rulebook with all the rules and none of the fluff. It's the most practical version to get if all you care about is the rules. You can buy a copy on eBay.

I would personally steer clear of the digital versions, they're difficult to use as a reference.

Is this a bad time to try and buy the rules with rumors of 6.5 or 7th ed coming out soon?

I doubt it will invalidate the old rulebook, best guess is it's just going to be 6th edition with the supplements included.