In the vast and dystopian future of the 41st millennium, where humanity is besieged by extraterrestrial threats, ancient conspiracies, and the unrelenting march of time, the Warhammer 40K universe stands as a testament to the grim and dark nature of science fiction. For those uninitiated, diving into the expansive world of Warhammer 40K can be a daunting task, particularly when it comes to choosing a game to start with. The franchise offers a plethora of tabletop and role-playing games (and computer games, but that's a whole subject on its own), each with its unique mechanics, lore, and atmosphere. In this guide, we'll explore different entry points into the Warhammer 40K gaming universe to help you find the perfect starting point based on your preferences, interests and budget.

Understanding the Lore

Before delving into the various games, it's useful to grasp the overarching lore that defines the Warhammer 40,000 universe. Created by Games Workshop, this grim and gothic setting depicts a future where the Imperium of Man, a totalitarian human regime, battles against a multitude of foes, including alien races, heretical cults, and daemonic entities. The backdrop is rich in detail, with a history spanning millennia, and the narrative is deeply entrenched in themes of war, corruption, and sacrifice. Our 40K lore article provides a great overview of the history of the setting.

Tabletop Games:

1. Warhammer 40,000 (10th Edition): The tabletop game that started it all, Warhammer 40,000, commonly known as 40K, is a miniatures wargame where players build and paint armies representing various factions and engage in strategic battles. The 10th edition brought significant simplifications to the rules, making it more accessible for newcomers. It's an excellent choice for those who enjoy hands-on crafting, strategic thinking, and the social aspect of tabletop gaming. If you're interested, we wrote an article on the best Warhammer 40K armies for beginner painters.

   Pros:

   • Popular, well-supported game with a huge player base.
   • Strategic depth with diverse factions.
   • Larger-scale battles with more units and expansive armies.
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   Cons:

   • Requires significant investment in miniatures and rulebooks.
   • Higher learning curve for newcomers compared to other options on this list.
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2. Warhammer 40,000 Kill Team: For those intrigued by the tabletop aspect but hesitant to commit to a full army, Kill Team offers a skirmish-level alternative. This spin-off focuses on smaller, specialized squads, allowing players to dive into the action with less investment of time and money. The rules are more streamlined, making it an ideal starting point for those new to the tabletop scene.

   Pros:

   • Lower cost of entry compared to the main Warhammer 40K game.
   • Faster-paced skirmishes.
   • Easier learning curve for beginners.
   • Kill Teams can be expanded and repurposed for use in the main game.
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   Cons:

   • Limited scale compared to the main Warhammer 40K game.
   • Some factions may have fewer options.
   • Currently well supported, but with a limited player base.
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3. Necromunda: Nestled within the sprawling urban landscapes of the Warhammer 40,000 universe, Necromunda is a tabletop game that focuses on the underbelly of society. Gangs vie for control of the massive hive cities, battling for dominance in the grim darkness below. Necromunda offers a unique experience, emphasizing verticality, close-quarters combat, and the gritty, noir atmosphere of the underhive.

    

   Pros:

   • Intense and thematic urban skirmishes.
   • Heavy emphasis on narrative campaigns and character progression.
   • Distinctive setting within the Warhammer 40K universe with its own rich history and deep lore.
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   Cons:

   • Requires additional terrain for vertical gameplay.
   • Limited scale compared to the main Warhammer 40K game.
   • Currently well supported, but with a limited player base.
   • Unlike Kill Team, gangs can't be expanded or repurposed for use in the main game.
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Role-Playing Games:

1. Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy: For those enamored with the narrative aspects of the 40K universe and keen on role-playing, Dark Heresy is a tabletop RPG set in the grimdark future. Players assume the roles of Inquisitorial acolytes investigating heresy, corruption, and xenos threats. The game emphasizes storytelling, character development, and the unraveling of mysteries in a universe teetering on the edge of destruction.

   Pros:

   • Deep narrative focus with role-playing elements.
   • Immersive exploration of the 40K universe.
   • Flexibility in character creation and development.
   • Much lower entry cost than the miniatures games.
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   Cons:

   • Requires a dedicated Game Master and a committed group of players.
   • Steep learning curve for those new to tabletop RPGs.
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Choosing your entry point into the Warhammer 40,000 gaming universe ultimately depends on your preferences and interests. Whether you are drawn to the meticulous craft of tabletop miniatures, the strategic depth of tabletop wargaming, or the immersive storytelling of role-playing games, the grim and dark future of the 41st millennium has something to offer. Start with what resonates most with you, and as you delve deeper, the vast and expansive universe of Warhammer 40,000 will unfold, inviting you to explore its myriad facets. May your journey be as epic as the battles fought across the stars.