Objective of the Game

Warhammer 40.000 is a tabletop strategy game where players command armies of miniature models in epic battles against each other. The goal is to defeat the opponent's army, complete specific mission objectives, or achieve alternative victory conditions set at the start of the game.

Setup

• Number of Players: Usually two players face off, but multiplayer games with teams are possible.
• Collecting Miniatures: Each player needs an army of miniatures, which should be assembled and painted.
• Playing Field: A table or play mat is required and can be adorned with terrain pieces to represent the battlefield environment.
• Rulebook and Codices: Each player needs the current rules and the rules specific to their faction.
• Dice and a tape measure (for distances in inches)

Basic Rules

1. Assemble Armies: Players agree on point limits for their armies, typically ranging from 500 to 2000 points. Higher points mean larger armies.

2. Select Scenarios: Players choose a scenario based on the rulebook or mission cards, which dictates how the playing field is set up, what objectives must be fulfilled, and any special rules.

3. Move Units: Each army moves in rounds. The moving distance of each unit depends on the statistics of their data sheets.

4. Shooting and Close Combat: After moving, units engage in shooting and close combat phases to deal damage.

5. Morale Phase: Following engagements, unit morale is checked, which can lead to further losses if models flee.

6. Repeat Rounds: The game continues over a set number of rounds or until certain conditions specified in the mission objectives are met.

Strategic Considerations

• Use of Terrain: Terrain affects both movement and defense – units in cover are harder to hit.
• Synergistic Unit Deployment: Successful players combine their units to maximize combined damage outputs or supportive capabilities.
• Resource Management: Many current editions include Strategem points that can be spent for special actions.

Gameplay Progression and Victory

The game ends after a predetermined number of rounds or when a specific scenario objective is reached. The winner is determined either by eliminating the opponent's army completely or achieving mission objectives, which often involve a scoring system accrued during gameplay.

Warhammer 40.000 is a game rich in tactics and strategic planning that appeals to collectors and hobbyists alike. Beginners should take the time to thoroughly study the rules and learn the intricacies of their chosen faction.