Objective of the Game

Warhammer Epic 40,000 is a strategic tabletop game set in the grim universe of Warhammer 40,000. Players command large armies to engage in epic battles against each other. The primary goal is to defeat the opponent by skillful maneuvering and effective resource management to achieve mission-specific victory conditions.

Game Setup

Each player assembles an army composed of various units such as infantry, tanks, and aircraft. The size of the army is usually limited by a point value agreed upon in advance.

• Army Building: Players use codices to select units and build an army tailored to their strategies.
• Battlefield and Terrain: The game is played on a table, enhanced with terrain features (hills, forests, buildings, etc.) to increase tactical depth.

Gameplay

The game proceeds in rounds, divided into phases:

1. Initiative Phase: Determines which player acts first.
2. Order Phase: Players assign orders to their units (advance, shoot, retreat, etc.).
3. Action Phase: Units move according to their assigned orders.
4. Movement: Units move over the battlefield according to their movement points.
5. Ranged and Melee Combat: Dice are used to resolve battles. Elements such as cover and weapon capabilities play crucial roles.
6. Feedback Phase: All units that lost a battle point roll on their panic or resistance table.

Victory Conditions

Victory conditions may vary, often involving holding specific battlefield areas or eliminating enemy units. Based on scenarios, additional objectives can define when and how a player wins.

Strategic Nuances

A major strategic aspect is the management of resources and units. Deciding when to retreat or advance aggressively is crucial. Combining unit groups wisely is vital for maximizing defensive and offensive potential.

The game requires a tactical approach and a deep understanding of both your and the opponent’s units' capabilities. Maintaining supply lines and psychological pressure through large maneuvers and optimal use of terrain cover can be decisive.

Additionally, knowing the rules from your army’s codex is necessary for effective unit deployment.