Warhammer 40K And The Rise Of Miniature Wargames

“To be a man in such times is to be one amongst untold billions. It is to live in the cruelest and most bloody regime imaginable. These are the tales of those times.”

Warhammer 40K stands out as one of the most impressive and immersive games to have ever graced our tabletops. The lore, the creativity, the strategy – Warhammer is a skill, a hobby, and a passion. From its original form as a tabletop wargame to the multitude of video games it has inspired to the novels, manuals, and codices written about its vast history and ever-expanding universe, Warhammer holds dominion over the world of miniature wargames and the hearts of millions of fans worldwide.

At the heart of Warhammer is a war-torn universe. From the beginning of time until the 41st millennium, countless conflicts have ravaged heaven, hell, Earth, and the galaxy. Whole races have been destroyed, consumed, and corrupted. The gods of chaos feast on the fruits of war, perpetuating horror and destruction. Humans are subjugated, enslaved, and sacrificed for their Emperor, whom they worship as a god. Lack of devotion means death; those who do not support the Emperor are branded as heretics. After thousands of years of alien conflict, humanity has come to believe that all other races should be exterminated or dominated by any means necessary. 

Gameplay takes place on a tabletop, with a map or battlefield laid out to your preference and scenario. Warhammer isn’t simply a fighting game; to win, you need a strong strategy and a good understanding of your army’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as your enemy’s. You might choose to face your opponent in direct battle or embark on special missions, quests, and objectives to help you win. 

There are many factions within the Warhammer universe and more than 35 playable races, sub-factions, and chapters. Each one has different characteristics, backgrounds, stats, strengths, and weaknesses. Dice rolls dictate actions and their outcomes, from the strength of a blow to the amount of damage inflicted. Over time, players become familiar with how their armies compare to other races and sub-factions; who can move further, aim better, or take less damage from a direct hit. One of the great things about Warhammer is the idea that, in the words of George R.R. Martin, “Nobody is a villain in their own story.” You might choose to fight as human forces desperately defending the Imperium of Man, or as Necrons, the ancient race of skeletal robots, finally awakened from their long slumber and determined to reclaim their roles as rulers of the galaxy. As many Warhammer fans describe it: there is no good, only degrees of evil.

Warhammer is so much more than just a war game. No other tabletop game can match it for creativity and crafting. For many players, it’s an all-consuming hobby. Players can decorate their own miniatures with any color and design they choose, although each faction and army will have a unique design to follow if you wish. You can customize the base of each model to create different heights and poses, and build elaborate settings for your campaigns. More advanced players may even choose to completely customize their armies by introducing pieces from other races and sub-factions to create unique armor or weaponry.

The Warhammer community is as vast and impressive as the game itself. The first edition of Warhammer was released in 1983 and it’s estimated that there were between 3.5 and 5 million players worldwide as of 2022. To say that its fanbase is dedicated would be an understatement. There is so much involved in playing Warhammer, from choosing your faction to understanding the lore to building and painting your miniatures – and that’s before you even start playing. There are Warhammer stores and clubs across the US, where players can buy additional miniatures and meet like-minded people. With the growth of online communities, it’s easier than ever to find fellow enthusiasts, seek or offer advice and help, swap ideas, tips, and tricks, and arrange campaigns and battles with friends and strangers alike. The Warhammer Community website has everything from downloadable content to painting tutorials to advice for newcomers. 

So if you’re worried about taking the first step into this massive, awe-inspiring world, don’t be. Warhammer continues to grow in popularity because it’s not hard to get into; you just need the right tools and the right guides. The Warhammer 40,000: Introductory Set includes a handbook, a game mat, terrain markers, tokens, dice, hobby tools and paints, and 2 packs of push-fit models. This introductory set outlines a battle scenario between the alien force, the Tyranids, and the human Space Marines, who are the last line of defense between the alien invaders and the greatly weakened Imperium. The handbook includes construction guides, rules explanations and tutorials, and simple missions to show you the ropes and help you get started. For the essential guide to collecting, building, painting, and playing, you’ll want the Warhammer 40,000: Core Book (10th edition). This is a must-have for any player, new or old. It not only outlines the core rules for battle, but also explains the Warhammer lore through immersive history, illustrations, and photography. It’s generally recommended to start simple, choose factions and scenarios that match your interests and playstyles, and build your collection over time.

Of course, any successful gaming franchise is going to find a place in digital media. As of April 2024, there have been 49 Warhammer video games – if you want to hear about them all, check out PC Gamer’s article ranking them from best to worst. If you’re looking for some recommendations, Polygon kindly put together a list of their top 8 Warhammer games. The list is from January 2023 and there have been a few new releases since then, including Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader, Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin, and Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun. Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, the eagerly-awaited sequel to the 2011 Space Marine, is due to be released in September 2024.

Fans of Warhammer are also waiting – with some excitement and much trepidation – for news about a TV adaptation starring Henry Cavill. Cavill, known most recently for his role as Geralt in The Witcher, is a huge fan of the game and has been a passionate supporter of the project ever since Amazon acquired the exclusive movie and TV rights to Warhammer in December 2022. With Amazon’s recent success with Fallout, hopes are high that the studio will deliver a show worthy of the passion, energy, and history that has made Warhammer what it is today.

Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer to the game, Warhammer is a gaming experience that delivers on every level. Immerse yourself in the rich, complex lore of the grimdark universe. Unwind while you build, craft, and paint your miniature army. Or meet with friends to put your strategy into practice and battle it out. For in the grim dark future, there is only war.

Do you play Warhammer 40K, or have you played it in the past? What aspect of it most appeals to you – the lore, the crafting, or the strategy? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below. And don’t forget to subscribe to our free newsletter, PopPulse Digest, for all things gaming, pop culture, online deals, and more.

In the market for Warhammer collectibles?

Entertainment Earth has a fantastic variety of hard-to-find Warhammer action figures and collectibles. Use our link, https://ee.toys/ThyGeek, to get 10% off in-stock items plus free shipping on orders $79+.

Check out our Top Finds on the Capital City Selections page for great online deals!

This article contains links to external sellers and affiliate marketing. As Amazon associates, we earn from qualifying sales.