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Hi, Can anyone help a WH40K noob out ... ? I'm just starting with WH40K (in order to get my son interested). I've read through the rule book and have played a couple of scenarios; If I wanted to buy new models and create own units (i.e. not predefined units), is this possible? How would I total up their points to ensure like-for-like when creating scenarios?

Sorry if this is basic ... just getting to grips with the game! Any help appreciated.

It's not possible in the rules to make up your own units, there are books for existing armies you need to follow.

However, it's entirely possible outside of the rules.

Absolutely nothing stopping you and your son creating your own units and playing the game however you want to play it.

I know there used to be unit point calcuator systems for older editions of the game, not sure if there's a similar thing going around for this edition.

It might take a bit of playing around, using current codexes and points costs as a basis. Use an app like battlescribe for those current unit points costs and costs of upgrades, weapons, etc, if you don't want to buy a codex.

It'll take a little bit of work and experimentation but you'll be able to work out roughly appropriate points costs and you'll be able to build two fairly balanced opposing forces.

If it's any consolation or encouragement, your home made, amatuer attempts at appropriate points costs and balance likely wont be any less balanced than the current official product


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Any thought on the types of custom units that you might be intereted in building?

In short, no. You use the predefined units in the books.

In long, yes, it is possible to create rules for your own units using the core rules in the main rule book. However, you should only use them with your opponent's permission.

If it is to play with your son, I would actually advise to create custom scenarios rather than whole new units. Its a bit easier to make a mission than a balanced unit. If you can, you can look through some earlier GW publications; in old codices and rule books they have different mission types than what we have today, and you can draw inspiration from those.

Some great advice! Thank you all. @alanmckenzie Currently just experimenting with small additions from local GW stockist - will hopefully expand from there. Thank you.

This book might be useful: https://www.amazon.ca/Tabletop-Wargames-Designers-Writers-Handbook/dp/1783831480/ref=pd_ys_ir_all_3

Another thought to keep in mind is that there are literally hundreds of 40K units. There's probably a rough analogue to most sci-fi concepts you can tweak to fit rather than starting from a blank stat-line.