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Hi all,

Coming back to 40k after a long time away (15+ years) …so, pretty much starting again –

Going with the ‘Rule of Cool’ I’m diving back in with the Black Templar's as I think they just look awesome …each to their own and all that ...

Question pls – outside of all the gear …mini’s …tools, paint etc etc …do I need the Core Rules, Space Marines Codex and the Black Templars codex when this comes out ? …and …is it necessary to buy the books …or can these be downloaded and printed via the Warhammer Community links …

What else am i missing ?

On the rules updates process …is it essentially just the data slate that keeps things ‘updated’ ? or is there more here also ...?

a lot has changed lol ...no more lead miniatures was the first 'new' change ...

Thanks in advance
Paul

Hi.

We're in the world of free 40k It seems as though you're on the right track.

The rule and army indexes are free downloads:
Main 40k page: https://www.warhammer-community.com/warhammer-40000-downloads/
40k rules: https://www.warhammer-community.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/dLZIlatQJ3qOkGP7.pdf
The much-needed twice-yearly Balance Dataslate: https://www.warhammer-community.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/EM33es97zBLiAVZZ.pdf
Black Templars index (updates with recent changes): https://www.warhammer-community.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/EYQzVIyV6MVP4jmS.pdf
BT's Combat Patrol list: https://www.warhammer-community.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/6wbdgnjL3MaQwq3A.pdf

The downloadable rules are missing the missions, and some other sections. Back when 10th dropped, it was that you would want to get Leviathan starter set's rulebook, which has the 'Crusade' campaign book included. You them need the card pack to use the mission generation rules. This may have changes, as there is a new campaign book out (no idea about the cards).

The index will indeed get paywalled/removed when the codex is released. BT's are expected to get their own codex, if there is a BT index (there is).
Points should still be released in the Munitorum Field Manual though. When the codex is released, it comes with a code to put into the 40k app. This unlocks that army's index there, and al other codex options that get hidden at that time.

GW recently told us the Balance Dataslate is re-released ever 6 months, and points every 3 months (in the Munitorum Field Manual).

I don't keep up with Space Marines releases though, to others can correct me on the SM codex stuff. And the campaign book thing may be out of date.

Welcome back to the fold. You chose a rather expensive time to return. Prices go up in June.

The main rules are "free" online. Just download the rules somewhere. No point in paying for a book with maybe 5 pages of use.

The Marine Codex is not needed to play Black Templars. The way armies are put together is no longer the same. You don't need a main marine book plus their specific chapter anymore. You'll just need the Black Templar codex when it comes out. For now you just use the Index Black Templars rules.

Now-a-days you don't lock yourself into a specific chapter unless you use characters and special units from that chapter. So you can have an Ultramarines army but you can play them as Black Templars as long as you aren't taking Tigirius or Cato Sicarius etc. The moment you take the Emperors Champion or High Marshal Helbrect you've become Black Templar.

What is unique to Black Templars beyond their Detachment Rule are their characters, Sword Brethren, and Crusader Squads. They can also pay a few points to add a Multi-Melta to any vehicle.

[Dupe post]

thank you all - thats really helpful!! is the dataslate where all the core rule updates live ...and then the MUNITORUM
FIELD MANUAL where all the points/costs live ?

thanks again
Paul

"dataslate where all the core rule updates live ...and then the MUNITORUM FIELD MANUAL where all the points/costs live?

Yes. Both get merged into the app update, close to the time these documents are posted. There is usually a WarCom Metawatch post about the changes too. https://www.warhammer-community.com/2024/04/25/warhammer-40000-metawatch-points-changes-inbound-in-the-latest-munitorum-field-manual/
And the Rules Commentary is there to clear up issues the Dataslate cannot cover.

You only need the rules and the index/codex to play. But the others keep you updated, and able to play against others.

if you can manage to build the Combat Patrol from your models, start with that.
CP lists are locked in, with no variation, and some of the rules and powers are slightly different to the main idex/codex. They are supposedly able to be played against each other in a more streamlined way than list-built armies.

Do you strictly need Codex: Space Marines? No; Black Templars have several unique character options, their own Battleline and elite units, and unique variations of several tanks.

However, they have access to everything from the main Codex aside from non-Black Templars epic heroes and Librarians, so there's certainly value to it.

While the BT Index is quite deep in terms of units, It does work in conjunction with Codex Space Marines. There are some restricted units (including vehicles that have a BT version).

So, you can get the Core Rules, Rules Commentary (which need to be read), the MFM, Balance Dataslate and BT Index from Warhammer Community for free. You would also need
Codex Space Marines if you want to use any of those units.

Lots to read, but much of it is free.

again, thank you to all! Very much appreciated