A Beginner's Guide to the Warhammer Tabletop Games Universe

Warhammer, a name synonymous with immersive fantasy worlds, mind-bending strategy, and intricate model painting, is a legendary series of tabletop games produced by Games Workshop. This article aims to provide an introductory overview of the Warhammer universe and a basic guide for newcomers eager to start their own epic journeys. There are two primary games: Warhammer Age of Sigmar, a high-fantasy game set in a realm of magic and mystery, and Warhammer 40,000, a grimdark science fiction game set in a dystopian future. You might want to know the difference before you decide to join the Houston Warhammer tabletop scene.

Warhammer Age of Sigmar

In Warhammer Age of Sigmar, you command an army from one of several grand alliances: Order, Chaos, Death, or Destruction. Each has its own unique factions, aesthetic, and style of play. The game relies on a combination of strategy and dice rolls, as you navigate the battlefield with your assembled army, using a variety of unit abilities, spells, and artifacts.

Warhammer 40,000

Warhammer 40,000, also known as Warhammer 40k, depicts a future where humanity, represented by the Imperium of Man, battles against a multitude of alien races and the forces of Chaos in an unending war. Like Age of Sigmar, you collect, assemble, and paint an army of miniatures. The game incorporates strategic elements with unique army abilities, weapons, and technology.

Starting Your Houston WARHAMMER Journey

Choose Your Game

First, decide which game appeals more to your interests. If you are a fan of high fantasy with a wide range of magical creatures and heroes, Age of Sigmar would be a good fit. If a grim future filled with interstellar warfare and technology is more appealing, choose Warhammer 40,000.

Pick Your Faction

Next, select a faction to build your army. This decision should be a balance between the aesthetics you prefer (as you will be painting these models) and the style of play that suits you best. Some factions rely on ranged combat, others on magic, and some on sheer numbers. If you're having a hard time picking a game or a faction, you can try reaching out to the Houston Warhammer gaming community for advice.

Purchase a Warhammer Starter Set

Both Age of Sigmar and Warhammer 40,000 have starter sets designed to introduce new players to the game. These contain a small selection of miniatures for two factions, dice, range rulers, and a simplified version of the game rules. This is a cost-effective way to begin your journey into the Houston Warhammer gaming community.

Assemble and Paint Your Warhammer Army

Your models will arrive unassembled and unpainted. This part of the hobby can be as enjoyable and rewarding as the games themselves. Games Workshop has created paint and tool kits to make getting into the process easier for beginners. There are also many written and video tutorials available to help you learn to assemble and paint your miniatures.

Learn the Basics

The rulebook in the starter set will guide you through the basics of gameplay. Start by playing small games with a limited selection of units to familiarize yourself with the mechanics. Games Workshop also provides free basic rules online for both games.

Connect With the Texas Warhammer Community

One of the best aspects of Warhammer is the global community. Find a local gaming store, club, or group where you can join in games, learn from more experienced players, and make new friends. The Warhammer Community website is also a fantastic resource for news, tutorials, and inspiration.

Stepping into the world of Texas Warhammer can be an incredibly rewarding experience. From the tactile joy of assembling and painting your own miniature army, to the strategic thrill of commanding that force on the battlefield, it's a hobby that offers a multitude of dimensions. As you delve deeper, you'll discover rich lore and a vibrant, welcoming community. So pick up that starter set and start your Houston Warhammer adventure today!