You are probably eager to get started playing Warhammer 40k (or “40k”). You may have even dipped your toe into the 40k waters by purchasing a starter set or playing a few demo games and are now looking to make the plunge. Before you get in too deep, do me a favor and read this article series. I will be offering advice based on my own experiences with 40k that could save you time, money and frustration. I would love to welcome everyone to 40k, but I know that it’s not a game for everyone. I want everyone to come to the game with their eyes wide open and to enjoy their experience.
There are other more expensive hobbies I suppose, such as golf or scuba diving, but as a game 40K has to be one of the most expensive you can buy into. How expensive? Well, for a 1500 point army, (the standard starting point size for casual games), you are looking at dropping at least $300, and that is just for the models and that is at an online dealer typically offering a 20% discount. Books will run you over $100 and hobby supplies such as glue or paint or brushes cost even more, and the further you get into the hobby, the more you will find yourself spending.
Games Workshop, the company that makes Warhammer, is strange, and not in a funny, quirky way. They don’t market their products, they rarely interact with their customers, they don’t use social media, and they are very tight-lipped about what they are doing. It’s this silence that makes things worse when they release expensive products and confusing and unbalanced rules. Naturally players (many who no longer play the game) spend a lot of time online complaining. Go to any message board or comment section of popular 40k websites and it won’t take long to see that there is a small but loud chorus of anger, sarcasm and bitterness. Some of this is well-deserved criticism, but at some point it becomes tedious negativity that breeds and feeds on itself. Even worse, you might start to find yourself getting caught up in this and agreeing with strangers on the Internet and getting sucked into the negativity. At times like that, it’s important to remember your own personal experience with the game rather than listen to the opinions of others.
So that is a pretty good list of what you need to consider before you start 40k. Are you still with me after all of that? Check out my next article where I discuss why you should start 40k.