[onyxdragon]

Welcome to the grimdark future of the 41st millennium! If you’re new to Warhammer 40,000, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started — from choosing your first army to understanding subfactions like the Second Founding Chapters. Whether you’re here for the epic battles or the detailed miniatures, there’s a place for you in the hobby.

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What is Warhammer 40K?

Warhammer 40K is a tabletop wargame by Games Workshop set in a dystopian sci-fi universe where genetically enhanced super soldiers, alien empires, and ancient horrors fight for control of the galaxy. It combines strategy, narrative storytelling, model building, and painting.

• Scale: Army-based battles
• Game types: Matched Play, Narrative, Open Play, Crusade
• Miniatures: Unpainted models you assemble and paint yourself

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Getting Started

• Combat Patrol Boxes: A perfect first purchase — small, balanced forces for each faction
• Core Rules: Free on the Warhammer Community website or through the 40K app
• Essentials: Dice, tape measure, model glue, sprue cutters, paints (starter sets are available)

Tip: Check your local game store or Games Workshop store — many offer beginner sessions.

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Choosing a Faction

Each faction has its own lore, models, and playstyle. Here’s a brief overview:

🛡️ Imperium

• Space Marines: Elite, flexible, great for beginners
• Astra Militarum: Mass infantry and tanks
• Adeptus Mechanicus: High-tech cyborg soldiers
• Adepta Sororitas: Sisters of Battle, holy warriors
• Adeptus Custodes: Super-elite bodyguards of the Emperor
• Grey Knights: Daemon-hunting psychic elites

💀 Chaos

• Chaos Space Marines: Corrupted Space Marines
• Chaos Daemons: Manifestations of the Warp
• Death Guard: Nurgle’s plague legions
• World Eaters: Khorne’s berserk warriors
• Thousand Sons: Sorcerers and psychic firepower

👽 Xenos

• Orks: Brutal, humorous, melee-focused
• Necrons: Undead robots from ancient times
• Aeldari (Eldar): High-speed elite units
• Drukhari (Dark Eldar): Sadistic raiders
• Tyranids: Alien hive swarms
• Genestealer Cults: Hybrid insurgents
• T’au Empire: High-tech ranged warfare

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Space Marines & Founding Chapters

Space Marines are the most iconic and beginner-friendly army. Their rules are flexible, and they come in multiple flavours based on their founding lineage.

🧬 First Founding Chapters:

• Ultramarines
• Blood Angels
• Dark Angels
• White Scars
• Iron Hands
• Raven Guard
• Salamanders
• Imperial Fists

⚔️ Second Founding & Successors:

These are chapters formed from the First Founding Legions after the Horus Heresy. Examples include:

• Crimson Fists (Imperial Fists successor)
• Black Templars (also Imperial Fists)
• Flesh Tearers (Blood Angels)
• Angels of Redemption (Dark Angels)

Many rules allow you to build your own custom chapter using a mix of traits — ideal for creative players!

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Subfactions & Army Traits

Most armies in 40K have subfactions or “chapter tactics” that change how they play:

• Craftworlds (Aeldari): Ulthwé, Saim-Hann, Iyanden
• Forge Worlds (AdMech): Mars, Lucius, Metalica
• Hive Fleets (Tyranids): Leviathan, Behemoth, Kraken
• Dynasties (Necrons): Mephrit, Novokh, Szarekhan

Each offers unique rules, strengths, and flavour.

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The Hobby Side

Building and painting your army is half the fun! You’ll need:

• Plastic glue or super glue
• Clippers (sprue cutters)
• Hobby knife
• Primer (spray or brush-on)
• Paints and brushes

Free Resources: Check out YouTube channels like Warhammer TV, Midwinter Minis, and Goobertown Hobbies.

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Useful Tools & Resources

• Wahapedia – Free reference rules
• Official Warhammer App
• BattleScribe – Army list builder
• Onyx Dragon Wargaming Forum – Ask questions, share builds

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Where to Buy

• Games Workshop – Official site
• Friendly Local Game Stores – Often offer discounts
• eBay / Facebook Marketplace – Great for second-hand deals

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Join the Community!

Visit the Onyx Dragon Wargaming Club forum and post in the Warhammer 40K section to ask questions, share progress, and find new players. Welcome to the hobby!

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