Warhammer 40K : Mayby a new hobby?

[A Weakgeek]

First off, I wasn't sure if I should put this into gaming discussion since I'm talking about a tabletop game. So exscuse me if this is in the wrong place.

I have been in contact to the Warhammer 40K universe through the videogames etc. and now I have become very curious of the table top game. I think myself as an artistic person, and while not much good in painting, I find painting those figures cool. But painting over 50 figures (Which the starting kit contains), I dont think I have enough motivation to do if the game itself isin't my thing afterall. So I know that the game is really complex, and I tried to search for the rules on the internet. Then I found out that Games Workshop is trying to keep the games rules out of the web in order to sell more rule books (Which cost a whopping 50 euros themselves). The real problem isin't me learning the rules, but to me to teach somebody else them in order to have a friend to play with. So I wish to ask, how long would it take for me to teach someone the basic rules of the game, so we could get a couple of puny games going. (After I have learned the rules well) And yes I believe I do have a couple of friends that could be interested to play the game, if the rules arent impossibly hard to learn.

 

[Legion]

It depends on how smart they are. The basic rules (although they have probably changed a fair bit since I started) are not all that complicated to be honest.

The best bet is to have a few small games using only a HQ and 2 Troops options, just to learn what order the turns go in, how the different statistics are used, etc.

Then progressing to the more complicated slowly but surely, it probably wouldn't take more than a couple of hours for you to be able to play a small and basic game without having to refer to the book, beyond knowing the numbers needed to hit/damage/save etc.

Then from there you start adding the more complicated options and expand. If you are playing with friends then I really wouldn't worry at first if you are adhering to the rules completely anyway.

 

[Cowabungaa]

Remember that the friend in question also needs an army to play with, I'd say that's problem numero uno to tackle. Not to mention that every race has different rules, so you need a lot of Codexes if not everyone wants to play one race.

 

[A Weakgeek]

Remember that the friend in question also needs an army to play with, I'd say that's problem numero uno to tackle. Not to mention that every race has different rules, so you need a lot of Codexes if not everyone wants to play one race.

Well according to the description in the starter pack, it does contain 2 tiny armies. I just wish to get the general feel of the game, and to see if my friends really get into it, before investing more money.

 

[AnkaraTheFallen]

From my own experience of learning a few years ago the basic rules are fairly easy to learn.
The more complicated ones are usually not necessary for most games, and the rule book is fairly easy to navigate if you do need them. (and there is a smaller version of the rules for basic games if you don't want all the complicated rules).

The codex's will point out any special rules you need for your army as well so (I feel anyway) it's a fairly easy hobby to pick up if you enjoy it.

If there is a Games Workshop nearby that you can go to, they usually let you try a basic starter game using their own models and things, against a member of staff who will help you through it, to get you started off.

 

[Irony's Acolyte]

Warhammer 40k is definitely not a casual hobby. It can take a lot of time and effort (not to mention money) to get into. The rules might take a bit to get used to, especially the stuff that you won't use a lot, but the basics will be easy to remember once you've got them down. You can probably focus on the core rules and work around the more specialized stuff and should be able to learn after a game or two.

That being said, even as someone who's played a decent amount of games, there are still times that I need to check the rule books to make sure I'm playing right, so don't feel bad if you don't remember every single rule.

 

[DevilWithaHalo]

Well according to the description in the starter pack, it does contain 2 tiny armies. I just wish to get the general feel of the game, and to see if my friends really get into it, before investing more money.

There's been a recent surge of Video battle reports (/boggle), which could give you a better insight into the game IF you don't have a local game store that hosts games already. I'm sure you could find some on Youtube.

As for the rules, they are not complicated in of themselves, but due to poor wording and people's insatiable need to win, many a long and complicated discussion have been had on them. My advice; remembers this is a hobby, play for fun... and avoid tournies.

 

[A Weakgeek]

(and there is a smaller version of the rules for basic games if you don't want all the complicated rules).

So there is a "simpler" rule version? Good to know!

 

[A Weakgeek]

and avoid tournies.

Tournies? Oh my god, no. If I wanted to see an army of friendly troops massacred, I would just try Star craft 2 multiplayer again.

 

[Salad Is Murder]

(and there is a smaller version of the rules for basic games if you don't want all the complicated rules).

So there is a "simpler" rule version? Good to know!

No, the book is physically smaller, not simpler. Though there's a good quick start book with some cooked scenarios in the Black Reach starter as well.

 

[AnkaraTheFallen]

(and there is a smaller version of the rules for basic games if you don't want all the complicated rules).

So there is a "simpler" rule version? Good to know!

Yeah... I got it with a starter scenario pack that they sold for £20, gave me a few marines and some tyranids squads... It covered all the rules I needed for a few simple games with friends, and then I moved on to getting the full set once I'd got some people to play with. You can probably buy it separately as well though if you have your armies already.

 

[AnkaraTheFallen]

(and there is a smaller version of the rules for basic games if you don't want all the complicated rules).

So there is a "simpler" rule version? Good to know!

No, the book is physically smaller, not simpler. Though there's a good quick start book with some cooked scenarios in the Black Reach starter as well.

There is a simple version, it cuts out all the rules that are only for specific scenarios.

 

[Sethzard]

It's not that hard, and if you buy a starter box it comes with a rule book (though you need codexes).

 

[Salad Is Murder]

(and there is a smaller version of the rules for basic games if you don't want all the complicated rules).

So there is a "simpler" rule version? Good to know!

Yeah... I got it with a starter scenario pack that they sold for £20, gave me a few marines and some tyranids squads... It covered all the rules I needed for a few simple games with friends, and then I moved on to getting the full set once I'd got some people to play with. You can probably buy it separately as well though if you have your armies already.

I see the confusion here. The simpler rules you're talking about can out in the 4th edition "Battle For Macragge" starter set, alongside the 4th edition rulebook.

"Assault On Black Reach" is the 5th edition starter, the current edition. It also has a starter book for use with the Space Marine/Ork army contained in the box as well as a small full rulebook.

 

[stubbmann]

If you're looking for a tabletop game, you might try giving Warmachine a look. It's on a much smaller scale, and the setting is quite interesting. The starter packs cost around 50 bucks, and come with the quickstart rules and enough models to play.

Of course, it doesn't hurt that the company that makes it is from my hometown... But regardless, it's fun on a bun. You might have more trouble with finding other players, though, considering its relative obscurity.

 

[RobCoxxy]

I staretd once my mates got me into it. The rules are complicated but after 2-3 games you can have the gist of things. Go to a gaming club, get your ass handed to you and learn on the way.

 

[Cavan]

i tried it once, stopped very soon.

shit costs too much money.

No more than any other hobby, painting the figures alone is weeks worth of stuff to keep you busy, if you split off some of your gaming money to buy a few here and there you'd have a respectable army pretty soon, and there's stuff to do even if you can only do combat patrol.

Yes you can be a fanatic and own £2000 of minis but that's not what you actually need to be a part of the hobby, the figures don't go out of style and usually only need minor changes every few years anyway, and if you are imaginative or artistic you can replace most of an army with bits of plasticard/cardboard or inexpensive rival minis cleverly disguised for a fraction of the price.

Also if you're a good painter you can sell your minis for a net profit in the end and even if you're not the resale value on them is respectable and it is possible to get most of your money back once you have no interest in those minis anymore, although I wouldn't really reccomend selling them in case you want them back later.

 

[RobCoxxy]

i tried it once, stopped very soon.

shit costs too much money.

Naaaaah, over a year I've spent about £90 on about £250 worth of minatures. Granted my Land Raider has fallen apart. :/ but yeah.... I'll replace my crusader when I have money again. Someday.