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Made in gb
Been Around the Block





Hi all,

So I’ve recently decided to come back to tabletop gaming.

I’m hoping citadel do what they’re saying they and bring back fantasy. In the meantime I’m pretty keen to give 40k a whirl, I played it back in 2nd edition lol and then moved to fantasy and quit when 9th came out.

Now, last time I played 40k, you had a rule book, a war gear book and your codex and that was about it.

I’d really like a cadian based army. So, do I grab the core rules, the codex and a few troops to get some painting going? Or should I go a different route?

I’m not wanting to go mad and buy 1000 points from the off and field a mostly unpainted army I know nothing about, be nice to build slowly and find my feet.

I’ll be re-joining my local gaming club as I was pleased to see they’re still running.

Anyway, be really keen to have some advice as a newbie
   
Made in gb
Moustache-twirling Princeps




United Kingdom

Welcome back!

You can download the basic Core Rules here, and if you're joining a club I'd suggest asking there if anyone has a copy of Codex: Astra Militarum you can look at / borrow (as it's a version behind now).
Start Collecting! Astra Militarum isn't a bad box, but we don't know how long those Cadians will be around for - the Death Korps of Krieg have just gotten new plastic models.

This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2021/09/21 20:06:12


 
   
Made in gb
Storm Trooper with Maglight





Welcome back

If you've got your heart set on Cadians and are sure you don't want to try a different army then yes, you generally have the right idea. Picking up the Codex is a good investment. There'll be a 9th edition codex released at some point but I don't think there are currently any rumours to say it will be coming out imminently.

I would spend some time building a 2,000 point army list you're happy with before buying any models. Battlescribe will help with this, as well as internet research, including posting your army list in the appropriate sub forum on this site. Of course when the new codex is released it might make you rethink what units you want, but that's the way 40K works unfortunately.

Good plan not to buy all 2,000 points worth of models straight away. The Cadian Defence Force or the Start Collecting Astra Militarum boxed set are both good value, if you want all the models in the boxes, especially if you buy them from discounters and not directly from GW. This might be more models than you want to start with though. Ebay is also a good source of cheaper models. You don't have to buy them pre painted and pre assembled, though new on sprue / in box tend to not have a big discount on them. Facebook groups can also be a good source of cheap models if you're willing to wait for the right seller to come along.

Youtube battle reports are a good source to give you a feel for 9th edition. Learning at your local gaming store / gaming club is probably a better way to do it but how feasible this is depends a lot on Covid unfortunately.

Hopefully I've given you some tips to start with. Feel free to ask more specific questions and I'm sure there'll be someone around who can answer them.
   
Made in gb
Been Around the Block





Hmm. Interesting points.

So the core rules are now free (I’ll probably get a book though - I did say I’m old lol I prefer a book) and a codex

I’d like some models to be getting on with so perhaps the box is worth it…..as long as they don’t bin off Cadians that is…
   
Made in gb
Storm Trooper with Maglight





Morthraen wrote:
I’d like some models to be getting on with so perhaps the box is worth it…..as long as they don’t bin off Cadians that is…


I wouldn't worry too much about that possibility. The Cadians are still the GW poster boys for Imperial Guard. The Cadian Shock Troops box was recently revamped with a new upgrade sprue so I don't think it will be going away any time soon. If anything I'd be more concerned about the Catachans disappearing, but since you don't want them anyway it doesn't really matter to you.

Even if Cadians get squatted they've been around so long the second hand market for them won't be going away any time soon. Even if the models were discontinued tomorrow you'll be able to find models on Ebay and Facebook for years to come.
   
Made in us
Dakka Veteran






waha <caugh> pedia <ahem>

I mean battlescribe has all the points and many of the stats and rules too - but worth checking out your options and looking at what's what before diving into a new army.

FWIW, with 9th edition there are a handful of new 9th edition codexes out, but many of the "current" codexes are from 8th edition still and haven't been updated. As said - no telling when the rest will be released. COVID has certainly slowed the release schedule down.

Hence my suggestion of the above website. You can get started with list building without committing to buying a whole 8th edition book when who knows for how long it will be valid. If you want it also for the lore and stuff, that's fine too and it's a fine purchase. Can always look into getting a used copy of Amazon too.

Want a better 40K?
Check out ProHammer: Classic - An Awesomely Unified Ruleset for 3rd - 7th Edition 40K... for retro 40k feels!
 
   
Made in us
Decrepit Dakkanaut





DON'T BUY A CODEX FOR IG

That's a very old book and you'll wind up going down a supplement rabbit hole. Use Wahapedia for now until the new one is out. Also please note as you look at the rules for IG a lot of the dynamics you see in there will change.

There are some phenomenal youtube channels out there you can watch to get a feel for how things play. This is my favorite:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-3TjY277uBsBl8VU8C4nqw



Automatically Appended Next Post:
beast_gts wrote:
Start Collecting! Astra Militarum isn't a bad box, but we don't know how long those Cadians will be around for - the Death Korps of Krieg have just gotten new plastic models.


Important consideration here - Cadians got an upgrade sprue, which updates them a bit. I would not bank on them getting a new-new kit for quite a while.

This message was edited 4 times. Last update was at 2021/09/21 21:00:59


 
   
Made in es
Inquisitorial Keeper of the Xenobanks






your mind

Mezmorki for the win.

Check eBay.

Go slow as you originally post.

Check out the new death korp of krieg mini’s… inspiring imho.

Consider third party manufacturers and other sources unless you are committed gw purist and plan to game at sanctioned gw events and gw owned and operated venues.

   
Made in us
Regular Dakkanaut




Everyone else has already said it, but the only change I would add is start with 1000 points instead of 2k. Find 1k of stuff you feel you would want in any/every army. By the time you get it all, paint it, and get some starter games in... you will then be ready with experience to add to it up to 2k.

If you are going to buy a rulebook, I would recommend getting the grand tournament pack. It comes with the newest(atm) missions and secondaries. It also comes with a condensed rule set. It doesn't come with any lore/pictures, but if you wanna just get to playing, it is a good alternative.
   
Made in us
Longtime Dakkanaut





Morthraen wrote:
Hmm. Interesting points.

So the core rules are now free (I’ll probably get a book though - I did say I’m old lol I prefer a book) and a codex

I’d like some models to be getting on with so perhaps the box is worth it…..as long as they don’t bin off Cadians that is…


The downloadable core rules is definitely the place to start. To play fully you will need a rule book, as the core rules don't include things like terrain rules and some of the army composition rules. The rules are also available in "Chapter approved: Grand Tournament 2021 Mission Pack and Munitorum Field Manual", with more of an angle towards matched/competitive play for a bit cheaper than the core rule book, but IIRC it doesn't cover all the rules for narrative play.

A codex is a needed, but not necessarily straight away, especially if you are planning to get a feel for things first. The miniatures now tend to come with datasheets included giving enough rules to get started between that and the pdf core rules.

Also be aware that GW now issue free downloadable errata/FAQs that clarify and amend some of the rules.

Good luck!

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2021/09/22 05:09:04


 
   
Made in us
Longtime Dakkanaut





I'd just offer go slow, realize guard aren't that great right now and I wish they were. Also realize alot of what you read or hear may end up being from supplements and add ons as few armies these days are just one book anymore. Will be a lot to try and read up and learn, good luck, and hang tough, for the emperor.
   
Made in it
Waaagh! Ork Warboss




Italy

If you're planning to slowly collect and paint some AM models I'd suggest to avoid buying the codex because it will be replaced soon.

 
   
Made in au
Owns Whole Set of Skullz Techpriests






Versteckt in den Schatten deines Geistes.

Aash wrote:
Also be aware that GW now issue free downloadable errata/FAQs that clarify and amend some of the rules.
Unless it's points value. They expect you to pay for those patch notes.

Industrial Insanity - My Terrain Blog
"GW really needs to understand 'Less is more' when it comes to AoS." - Wha-Mu-077

 
   
Made in gb
Preparing the Invasion of Terra






The Start Collecting is pretty solid but the biggest problem with playing Guard is that you're either going to have loads of infantry (which means a pain to paint) or loads of tanks (very expensive to buy). Cadian infantry also just had an extra £11 slapped on the price tag for the new upgrade sprue so it's even harder to do an infantry heavy army.
That being said, Christmas is just around the corner as well and there could be a Guard Battleforce as part of the selection.
Take a look at second hand sellers if you want to keep costs down, I use Troll Trader for quite a bit of stuff and recently got a Land Raider with only one cupola missing for half the price of getting it direct direct GW.
   
Made in us
Longtime Dakkanaut





Morthraen wrote:
Hmm. Interesting points.

So the core rules are now free (I’ll probably get a book though - I did say I’m old lol I prefer a book) and a codex

I’d like some models to be getting on with so perhaps the box is worth it…..as long as they don’t bin off Cadians that is…


If you're really set on getting a paper copy of the rules, the Grand Tournament Pack includes a reprint of all that for quite a bit cheaper and it's significantly easier to carry to your LGS.

Although it's also in a significantly smaller font, if that matters to you.

   
Made in de
Longtime Dakkanaut



Bamberg / Erlangen

The GT pack does not include *all* rules from the big book.

Detachments, Stratagems, Open and Narrative Play are missing.

And of course the fluff is completely absent in the GT pack. Might be important for someone who wants to get back into the game to get up to date with some lore.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2021/09/22 11:50:50


   
Made in gb
Been Around the Block





soooo been spending

bought the guard box as advised, so will give me something to start with, also watched a youtube video telling me how to paint them and bought the colours to do that...and some brushes and various other bits.

Will download the free rules for now, get my head round them, then get down to the club and watch some games.

Once i'm further along I'll buy the books etc but i'm intending to only buy more models once the last ones have been painted... I used to have circa 25,000 points of empire and very little was painted.. Not going that route this time!

got a folding table and paint station so I can paint in the lounge whilst the wife's watching TV so at least i'm not scurrying off to a room on my own
   
Made in gb
Preparing the Invasion of Terra






Morthraen wrote:

Once i'm further along I'll buy the books etc but i'm intending to only buy more models once the last ones have been painted... I used to have circa 25,000 points of empire and very little was painted.. Not going that route this time!

You say that, but no
   
Made in de
Longtime Dakkanaut



Bamberg / Erlangen

Morthraen wrote:
... i'm intending to only buy more models once the last ones have been painted...

The lie we all tell ourselves...

   
Made in gb
Been Around the Block





hey i'm going into this with great intensions.....although I do like the baneblade..... and some sentinals..... and and and
   
Made in es
Grim Dark Angels Interrogator-Chaplain




Vigo. Spain.

Playing imperial guard has never been cheapier and more exticing thanks to the advent of 3rd printing and wargames atlantic boxes.

 Crimson Devil wrote:

Dakka does have White Knights and is also rather infamous for it's Black Knights. A new edition brings out the passionate and not all of them are good at expressing themselves in written form. There have been plenty of hysterical responses from both sides so far. So we descend into pointless bickering with neither side listening to each other. So posting here becomes more masturbation than conversation.

ERJAK wrote:
Forcing a 40k player to keep playing 7th is basically a hate crime.

 
   
Made in gb
Longtime Dakkanaut



London

If there is a club locally (for example 5 in London) you might well get a codex for free.
   
Made in gb
Been Around the Block





Ah I don't mind paying if I need to. Like to have it new when the time comes.
   
Made in de
Longtime Dakkanaut





@OP:
Your gaming club is still running... after 30 years?

I don't believe it is populated by the same people who once started it. So better make sure first that you encounter there good folks before diving back into the hobby.

Cadians?! Apart from the heavy weapon teams and command squads they have one of the most ancient model lines.

If you want to desperately play Guard then I would wait for a regiment which gets an update on their grunt model line.
   
Made in gb
Been Around the Block





 Strg Alt wrote:
@OP:
Your gaming club is still running... after 30 years?

I don't believe it is populated by the same people who once started it. So better make sure first that you encounter there good folks before diving back into the hobby.

Cadians?! Apart from the heavy weapon teams and command squads they have one of the most ancient model lines.

If you want to desperately play Guard then I would wait for a regiment which gets an update on their grunt model line.


lol they didn't start the club when I started playing - merely I went the during my time playing, which at that time I was playing WHFB.

I'm not too worried about being competitive really, play for fun, paint stuff I like the look of (which has always been cadians) and if I blow up some orks in the mean time i'm happy.
   
Made in us
Decrepit Dakkanaut





a_typical_hero wrote:
Morthraen wrote:
... i'm intending to only buy more models once the last ones have been painted...

The lie we all tell ourselves...


It's so bad...I recently decided marines were cheap enough to give melee-centric IF a go. Send help...
   
 
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