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I'm looking to get into 40K but before I do, I'd like to here some of the things other went through when learning and playing the game. Was it difficult for you? What did you find annoying? Was it hard to pick and build an army? Did the scope of rules overwhelm you?
I'm sorry that it sounds super-general but I'm just trying to get my head on straight about the game. So I thought to just hear a few personal experiences to paint a bit of a picture of what it was like being a new player.
Edit: Feel free to ask me anything to help clarify thing.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2016/08/02 20:18:28
"I used to be sane but then I found out that was boring..."
Play some casual small scalle (500 point) games to get a feel of the rules. Borrow some of a friends army to do so if you dont have your own yet.
The rules are easy to pick up if you are using them. Its hard to understand the game from just reading the rulebook like a textbook. So a few easy small scale games and it will make sense more and more each time you play. Its a complex game and will require some mental fortitude and some time to fully grasp.
Picking an army is the most fun part! Walk into a GW and ask for a basic rundown of the armies. If the store isnt packed or busy other players or the staff will help. or read the unlimited pages of fluff on various wiki's online to get a more detailed feel for the army's playstyle, art, lore and culture.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2016/08/02 20:33:56
40k isn't cheap: you will need books, models, paints, sceneries...
If you are patient, you can buy a little each month, I think it is the good way.
The game isn't difficult to play, the rulebook even tells you a way to play just with the basic rules, for the begginners.
It is important to pick an army you like the asthetics, not the rules.
You will build them, paint them, maybe exhibit them: it is important to love your models.
It is the same for the painting: at the begginning, you will be bad, but with time, you will be ok, then good.
Really, 40k goes better with time. More models, more games (because once you know the rules, you play quicker and enjoy most the game), better paints, more friends to play...
Do you have friends to play ? Someone ?
Price is annyoing, maybe try to buy second handed models if they aren't broken.
Are you aware of the rpg books ? If you love the universe, you may take a look.
Dark Heresy, Deathwatch and Rogue Trader.
It really depends, when it comes to rules and playing my best advice is find your FLGS or your warhammer store and see if you can jump in on a small game, or watch. At your FLGS there is almost always 2 or 3 guys that are practically living rule books. The longer the store has been established the better chance of that.
When picking an army, always go for rule of cool, get the army you think looks awesome. The way I did it was first I looked at the models, saw a few I thought were cool then looked at the lore. Tis how I got legion of the damned and dark angles.
Next always paint at a store or try to, painting with people that are good painters will VASTLY increase your skill.
When playing always have fun, imo don't be super competitive or do the safe move, ask your self what would the Big E do? Hold this position? Or charge at the enemy?
A good way to play a fun game with a low count army is a kill zone game, there is a game mode that's fan made that is focused around 250 armies of infantry and is a lot more intense and less huge battle and more single unit bad assess.
Also terrain makes the game so much more fun
Good luck lad!
To many unpainted models to count.
2016/08/02 20:54:00
Subject: Re:How hard was it for you to pickup 40K?
I picked up the game pretty easy, and started off with 750 point games as IG. My experience was very good all through 5th, as I expanded to play Orks as well after playing against them a few times.
Then 6th came along and I had to buy a £45 rulebook and play a game that was mostly inferior to the experience I had in 5th. 7th came about 2 years later, and I quit entirely.
However in terms of the hobby, I'm still very active in the painting and collecting departments; I bought a spanking new Space Marine army to paint as Blood Ravens, and expanded a little with my Ork Freebooters. I also kept buying collectables despite not actually playing the game anymore, such as datacards and the Warboss Edition Codex (number 2000 of 2000 baby )
As for armies and playing the game, I picked IG straight away because I liked the feeling of having normal humans fight all the aliens I didn't like at the time. I didn't pick up a rulebook until long after starting the army; rule number one of getting into the hobby is pick an army you like, not one that is necessarily good. The rules were okay too - there will always be someone to help out nearby if you struggle to get your head around the more complicated rules, but other than that the mechanics are very simple. I still have most of the rules memorised despite not playing anymore. Being a new player was good too as people were kind enough to teach me new tactics, even if it meant giving me the advantage in that particular game. I also sat down with other newbies so we could learn together, and that worked pretty well.
Hope this helps you get a scope of things; what ideas do you have for starting out? Personally I'd recommend one of the Start Collecting boxes if you haven't started buying minis already, as they are great value and can be played straight from the box.
G.A
G.A - Should've called myself Ghost Ark
Makeup Whiskers? This is War Paint!
2016/08/02 21:07:47
Subject: Re:How hard was it for you to pickup 40K?
If you're looking to play the game with specific people (as opposed to public tables at a game shop), make sure they read the rule book as well.
When I first legitimately attempted to get into Warhammer 40k, my primary opponent refused to read further than his own codex. He would then argue rules points with me, and on one occasion got annoyed because he didn't know a rule that could've saved some of his troops (the ability to make a unit go to ground.)
So yeah, just make sure that everyone involved has read through the rule book at least once, that way everyone involved has a basic understanding of the rules (and so you do not have to be responsible for remembering everything...)
Now that I've started playing at the public tables, it is an amazing experience encountering players that actually know the rules better than me
You say Fiery Crash! I say Dynamic Entry!
*Increases Game Point Limit by 100*: Tau get two Crisis Suits and a Firewarrior. Imperial Guard get two infantry companies, artillery support, and APCs.
Not hard! I find warhammur, I pick up! Den I hit stoopid humies wit it! EZ as anyting! Me fink yoo week if yoo'z havin' hard tiem wit' dat! Yoo ain't even wurf krunkin' on!
This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2016/08/02 21:12:02
Most of us got into the game a looooong time ago, and the whole thing is a lot different now than it was before.
Like when I was a kid, the closest we had to a ready-made army that you could buy was the Battle Forces, and on top of those things being more expensive than the Start Collecting! sets (although with arguably more value) they didn't form legal armies at all. Start Collecting! at least gives you a legal army after you get it and the codex. When I first got my army I had no HQ choice, so it was literally months after I got my first miniature that I could actually play. It is certainly far easier to get started nowadays than it was before. In addition, the current models usually had all the things you need in terms of options, which is very nice. When I was playing, you had to convert most of the stuff. It made everything more unique, but it also made it incredibly hard for me to actually get the loadout I wanted (try making a Hive Tyrant with wings back in 3rd edition without resorting to Forge World). I wasn't good at sculpting yet and my converting ability was limited to mere headswaps and weapon swaps. Having options, while neutering the creativity somewhat, definitely helps newcomers into the hobby to get started.
On the other hand, the culture has changed too. Before we didn't have much in the way of an online forum to go and ask for advice, meta-games were limited to driving distances and so forth. The biggest one was the atmosphere in the stores; the managers and sales rep of the GW stores were more eager with hooking you on the hobby than to actually move product, so they would do all sorts of little things for you. Like painting lessons, occasional free models, discounts, and talk about tactics and whatnot. They'd even host micro-events where people just came in, played and won minor prizes. And this is a legit Brick and Mortar GW store, not a FLGS. Nowadays when I walk into a GW store they're either eager to push the newest set on me or just plain ignore me. And don't even get me started on when people ask me advice for purchases; the reps immediately swoop in to "inform" the customer about how great the newest sets are and how I don't know anything about the hobby.
My advice to you is, join an escalation league. Those leagues usually have a mix of newbies and veterans, so you can always get some advice. You can also watch other people's armies grow and it helps give you some motivation for your own army. It also functions as a tutorial of sorts, as you'll be gradually introduced to new rules and concepts as the points go up.
Gwar! wrote:Huh, I had no idea Graham McNeillm Dav Torpe and Pete Haines posted on Dakka. Hi Graham McNeillm Dav Torpe and Pete Haines!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can I have an Autograph!
Kanluwen wrote:
Hell, I'm not that bothered by the Stormraven. Why? Because, as it stands right now, it's "limited use".When it's shoehorned in to the Codex: Space Marines, then yeah. I'll be irked.
When I'm editing alot, you know I have a gakload of homework to (not) do.
BORK DA ORK wrote: Not hard! I find warhammur, I pick up! Den I hit stoopid humies wit it! EZ as anyting! Me fink yoo week if yoo'z havin' hard tiem wit' dat! Yoo ain't even wurf krunkin' on!
Thank you everyone who replied so far! I can definitely use a lot of the tips you've given me!
Luckily, I got acquainted with a coworker who introduced me to an LGS that I didn't even know was near my home. I also have been watching matches online for about a year. Basically, I need to get my hands on a rulebook and get my feet wet.
Also, I been a massive lore hound since I found out about 40K several years ago. As such, I like a number of factions. So I went with several criteria like you guys mentioned:
- Do I like their lore? Are they interesting?
- Do I like their models? I can see myself buying them?
It took me awhile but I then remembered the first faction I ever saw and got me looking at 40K anything: Necrons. I just love the story of these guys and they have great design.
As for what I would start out with: I think the first thing I would do is get my hands on an Overlord (one of my favorite models) to paint.
This is mainly coming from a more artistic perspective. I would take my time with it and use it's color scheme for the basis for the army.
After that, I think I would get the Start Collecting! Necrons.
"I used to be sane but then I found out that was boring..."
I would recommend getting the Catacomb Command Barge. it's only a bit more costly than the lone Overlord and looks better imo (the current one looks like he wants you to bow to his watermelon of doom). Plus you can either magnetize the Command Barge so your Overlord can be used in it or outside of it, or build it up as a Annhilation Barge.
Gwar! wrote:Huh, I had no idea Graham McNeillm Dav Torpe and Pete Haines posted on Dakka. Hi Graham McNeillm Dav Torpe and Pete Haines!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can I have an Autograph!
Kanluwen wrote:
Hell, I'm not that bothered by the Stormraven. Why? Because, as it stands right now, it's "limited use".When it's shoehorned in to the Codex: Space Marines, then yeah. I'll be irked.
When I'm editing alot, you know I have a gakload of homework to (not) do.
2016/08/02 21:52:20
Subject: Re:How hard was it for you to pickup 40K?
Not hard at all. Both of my brothers play as do some friends of mine. I like the lore and getting started on Space Marines was quite easy. In hindsight, I would never have started Blood Angels or Space Wolves in addition to my Crimson Fists. I would have had a lot more money and finished my Crimson Fists a lot sooner.
I started off with the 3-man squad and built up from there. Easiest start to a hobby ever.
MechaEmperor7000 wrote: I would recommend getting the Catacomb Command Barge. it's only a bit more costly than the lone Overlord and looks better imo (the current one looks like he wants you to bow to his watermelon of doom). Plus you can either magnetize the Command Barge so your Overlord can be used in it or outside of it, or build it up as a Annhilation Barge.
That's great idea and it me another as well! The only thing I would really change about the Barge would be to use the new Overlord head if I could fit it. (It just looks more regal and commanding to me)
"I used to be sane but then I found out that was boring..."
It took me awhile but I then remembered the first faction I ever saw and got me looking at 40K anything: Necrons. I just love the story of these guys and they have great design.
As for what I would start out with: I think the first thing I would do is get my hands on an Overlord (one of my favorite models) to paint.
This is mainly coming from a more artistic perspective. I would take my time with it and use it's color scheme for the basis for the army.
After that, I think I would get the Start Collecting! Necrons.
Do you mean this Overlord?
Or this Overlord?
The second one comes in the Start Collecting box, so it would round off a starting army straight away as mentioned previously instead of having to buy separate things; the Start Collecting sets also contain unique formations that can be used alongside bigger collections.
Mind you I've always had a soft spot for the first Overlord - he's a real treat when painted well on the battlefield. The colour scheme he is painted in is the Nihilakh Dynasty, so type that in on google or the gallery here if you don't know that already for some more stuff for the rest of your collection
I don't know how much painting experience you have, but the GW tutorials on Warhammer TV are great for painters of all levels. Here's one for the new Overlord model, in case you wanted to know how to paint bright silver:
They also do a Necron Warrior one that shows a more dull silver so they don't stand out too much. Shame they don't do one for the gold in the Nihilakh Dynasty, but I'd suggest Balthasar Gold and Ghenna's Gold for that
Hope this helps!
G.A
(No idea why my post spazzed out, if anyone saw that )
This message was edited 3 times. Last update was at 2016/08/02 22:05:41
I picked it up from an AoBR box in 2007. Taught myself the rules in about an evening - AoBR was a pretty damn good walkthrough.
I reckon that 40k is much harder to pick up now. Back in 5E you only needed the rulebook (or starter box) and a codex. There was one way to build your army, and the games were often much smaller than now. With higher ppm and most games being 750 to 1500 points (or 1750 tourney), and model prices being lower compared to incomes, it was waay cheaper, easier and faster to get going.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2016/08/03 12:32:38
The easiest way to learn is to play the game. You will lose a lot of games before you finally win one. My first year playing I lost nearly every game and I was playing Eldar in 5th edition.
It's harder to start now because the hobby is more expensive, significantly so. But I think the most important thing, and the thing that is going to determine whether you stay in the hobby, is the people you play with. For me this meant becoming more interested in painting & modelling because a lot of the people around me were win-at-all-costs power gaming munchkins. The community can be either really off-putting or be what keeps you in the hobby.
I started in 6th edition, and I'm pretty much a rules sponge, so it wasn't that difficult for me. But I've taught a few people how to play since 7th dropped, and it's be increasingly hard to teach them everything.
40k:
8th Edtion: 9405 pts - Varantekh Dynasty
2016/08/03 14:02:54
Subject: Re:How hard was it for you to pickup 40K?
Was fairly easy to pick up the basic mechanics but it takes a while to learn all the minutiae that makes the BRB so bloated. Start with the core gameplay mechanics and slowly add on more mechanics and special rules. Trying to take everything in at once was daunting for me and I'm a fairly quick learner.
http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/0/597998 is a great tool for learning the game (or just in general to remember everything) as you can quickly reference special rules without having to flip through the BRB a million times trying to learn the game.
"Hold my shoota, I'm goin in"
Armies (7th edition points)
7000+ Points Death Skullz
4000 Points
+ + 3000 Points "The Fiery Heart of the Emperor"
3500 Points "Void Kraken" Space Marines
3000 Points "Bard's Booze Cruise"
Yeah it was easy enough playing a "basic" version to get to know the general mechanics. Learning all the special rules took a lot of page flipping. It still does
A quick google search and a trip down to your FLGS will get you sorted for beginner trips and advice. I also want to really stress that getting stuff in small sections is so much better than getting it all in one go. It would be no good if you sank $100 into the game just to think you'd prefer AoS or a different army. There's no one putting time constraints on you, so take it easy when planning what to purchase.
If you can't believe in yourself, believe in me! Believe in the Dakka who believes in you!
2016/08/03 16:14:36
Subject: Re:How hard was it for you to pickup 40K?
Wargaming is no difficult hobby to get into. When you play warhammer 40000, even if it's particulary expensive at the very beginning, the hardest won't be getting started, it will be hanging on it over the time...
40k: Necrons/Imperial Guard/ Space marines
Bolt Action: Germany/ USA
Project Z.
"The Dakka Dive Bar is the only place you'll hear what's really going on in the underhive. Sure you might not find a good amasec but they grill a mean groxburger. Just watch for ratlings being thrown through windows and you'll be alright." Ciaphas Cain, probably.
40k was easy for me to get into. I'd been raised wargaming, I already had a bunch of the models because I was using them for homebrew games, and I had a decent understanding of the universe through the Dawn of War games.
Painting an army is by far the hardest thing. I am still not finished with mine (and it doesn't help I have bought a lot of additional stuff since then). Compared to getting your army all painted up, learning the rules and buying the models will be easy.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2016/08/03 20:22:08
Just like one does not choose the 40k life, but rather the life chooses you.
Gwar! wrote:Huh, I had no idea Graham McNeillm Dav Torpe and Pete Haines posted on Dakka. Hi Graham McNeillm Dav Torpe and Pete Haines!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can I have an Autograph!
Kanluwen wrote:
Hell, I'm not that bothered by the Stormraven. Why? Because, as it stands right now, it's "limited use".When it's shoehorned in to the Codex: Space Marines, then yeah. I'll be irked.
When I'm editing alot, you know I have a gakload of homework to (not) do.
2016/08/03 21:32:07
Subject: Re:How hard was it for you to pickup 40K?
Well as seen here its different for most people, but for me personally I first visited my FLGS / bought models around a year ago.
I haven't any friends who play, thus borrowing armies or talking to them about it isn't an option. And so I still haven't got around to playing a single game yet.
Over the months I've gathered a collection of models that I haven't got around to making yet, which will become my first army. But I keep putting myself off doing it due to my painting not being up to the standard I'd like yet (that and I still haven't decided on a colour scheme), so I practice on other models.
The rules can be daunting when you first get the rule book. I've only made it through a few pages, but most of my basic game knowledge actually comes from watching battle report videos where you pick up the basics. I think the best advice here is just to take it slow and not go crazy trying to take all the rules in at once.
So I guess to answer the topic's question - I haven't fully picked it up yet in the sense of playing, but theres nothing wrong with taking your time to learn and enjoy all of the hobby aspects.
Move everything, shoot with anything that is going to shoot , then assault with what's going to assault.
Roll to hit. Take the dice that hit and roll to wound.
The enemy rolls dice equal to successful wounds to check if is his armor saves him. Failed armor saves are removed as casualties.
Take too many casualties, make a leadership check. Failed leadership check means the unit runs away.
Those are the core mechanics of 40K. Every edition just tweeks the specifics.
I learned when I was 11. I say learned... it was a lot of going along to the local GW on Sunday mornings and playing the game incorrectly and gradually starting to get it right over time. I remember the week a staff member realised none of us knew how AP worked (we thought you either get a save from a weapon, or not) and explained it properly.
Play games, go over the rule book and codex when you have time later. When I was starting I'd read sections at random and find tons of little things we'd been doing wrong, and then gradually started to get them right
Watch battle reports online- they should help you pick up the general flow of a game
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2016/08/03 22:38:36