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So in one of my recent posts, it has now been decided which chapter I would use (Salamanders won by a whopping 60%). Now, the real question is, as a new player, would it be better to start with 30k or 40k? I think that visually, 30k wins in almost every aspect, I mean the models look beautiful, and it seems that it might be a little easier to learn AND the models can be used in 30k. Now, it might sound crazy when I say this but, 40k appeals to me because it's cheaper! (Crazy right?) Starting out seems a lot easier in 40k, especially since I already have quite a few models (I just haven't played at all yet) but would it be worth just holding out and saving a little more to start 30k? What do you guys think?

In all actuality, whichever you think you would enjoy the most. I started with 40k Salamanders but I have played them easily as 30k as well. Definitely a perk of having a marine force in 40k I would say.

I wish my orks could join 30k

 oldzoggy wrote:
I wish my orks could join 30k

One of my best friends who plays Orks did.

As long as you tone down your codex a bit (remove formations, use the Age of Darkness FoC, etc) it should be fine.

Since the BaC box came out, we play also 30k.
Its fun to play with a Primarch and FW heavy tanks like the Spartan.
Marines vs. Marines provides a more streamlined game. Units are usually larger which also contributes to a more straightforward game.

40k without a shadow of a doubt. It just has more variety.

30k looks fun and seems semi-balanced, but there's just not enough variety. Most of it is SM vs SM, and that's where 40k has it for me.

More variety, cool models, and a ton of choice vs 30k. However, I will be getting the DA primarch when he's released

As much I hate the Tau and love to complain about Eldar... I do prefer 40K. I've played Space Marines for 30-ish years and 30K is just too much Space Marine for me...

Now that space marines have even slipped into fantasy (AoS) I'm happy to break out my Tyranids and stick with 40K.

That said, the HH books from Forgeworld are totally amazing (especially the Campaign stuff - see my blog!).

I never got the whole '30k has no variety' argument. 1 legions list (If you ignore RoWs and legion restrictions that add a lot of variety), black shields, 3 different kinds of mechanicum (arguably 2 and a mixed list), 3 different imperial army armies: Solar auxilia, Militia, Knights, and Daemons are all 'official; 30k armies. And then you can bring over, without issue (using the Age of Darkness force org): Orks, Eldar (all forms), 'nids (a bit iffy fluff wise), Necrons, etc. The only ones who can't be justified in the fluff, but works fine rules wise, is Tau.

 Brennonjw wrote:
I never got the whole '30k has no variety' argument. 1 legions list (If you ignore RoWs and legion restrictions that add a lot of variety), black shields, 3 different kinds of mechanicum (arguably 2 and a mixed list), 3 different imperial army armies: Solar auxilia, Militia, Knights, and Daemons are all 'official; 30k armies. And then you can bring over, without issue (using the Age of Darkness force org): Orks, Eldar (all forms), 'nids (a bit iffy fluff wise), Necrons, etc. The only ones who can't be justified in the fluff, but works fine rules wise, is Tau.

Which means you are pretty much just playing slightly restricted 40K. ...besides I wouldn't say 30K has "no variety" but it IS mostly all about Space Marines.

 Gunzhard wrote:

 Brennonjw wrote:
I never got the whole '30k has no variety' argument. 1 legions list (If you ignore RoWs and legion restrictions that add a lot of variety), black shields, 3 different kinds of mechanicum (arguably 2 and a mixed list), 3 different imperial army armies: Solar auxilia, Militia, Knights, and Daemons are all 'official; 30k armies. And then you can bring over, without issue (using the Age of Darkness force org): Orks, Eldar (all forms), 'nids (a bit iffy fluff wise), Necrons, etc. The only ones who can't be justified in the fluff, but works fine rules wise, is Tau.

Which means you are pretty much just playing slightly restricted 40K. ...besides I wouldn't say 30K has "no variety" but it IS mostly all about Space Marines.

True, but I'd still say go it's route. The limits on formations + LoW cheese (only beyond 2k points, 25% of the army max) really tones down the stronger armies all without kicking the weaker armies. This is also improved by everyone using the same force org, and bringing back the 'only troops + certain other units score' rules.

30k, without a doubt. A vastly simpler and more balanced version of the game, that runs quicker on the tabletop and with less chance of insta-losing based on list. Less special rules to remember overall, less shenanigans, and frequent updates and FAQs from a resposive team of designers.

40k has more variety overall, but 30k still has more variety in armies than most games out there. You'd be surprised how much difference there is once Legion rules and Rites of War are involved.

But, why choose? I'd use 30k models, and then just build the force to work in both. You'll probably find you only need to swap around a few special weapon models between units or just build a couple more sergeants to field all your 30k models in 40k, and most of the vehicles and characters are swappable between the two.

I'm not sure which model you have already, but 40k models can still be used in your 30k army if you want. Here's an example of sample starting armies for both systems based on two BaC boxes:

30k. It is easily worth it.

You lose some factions, and in exchange you get a game that is functional on its own two legs.

The value of this cannot be understated. FW actually playtests their games and while too strong or too weak stuff do appear, they actually get nerfed or buffed (as appropriate) after a time, something all but unheard of in 40k (hello Eldar).