Warhammer 40k is a futuristic tabletop strategy game created by Games Workshop that pits multiple races and factions against each other for control of the galaxy.
The Current State of the Game
9th Edition has arrived, and with it the narrative and rules are both continuing to evolve. Primarchs are returning, old threats have arisen, and the Drukhari continue to dominate on the tabletop despite repeated sets of nerfs. This year is also turning out to be a very festive season for the other Eldar armies, with a whole month of rumours and leaks being dedicated to the forthcoming Craftworlds Codex.
How Do I Get Started?
40k can be a daunting game for beginners. Luckily, there are now some nice places to start;
the core rules are available for free,
the Recruit Edition starter set is a cheap way to get enough models and extras for two people to start playing, and the Easy to Build line of models give you a cheap way to pick up models if you're interested in putting some together and painting them (or just to expand your current collection).
The
Command Edition starter set is probably the best way to go if you really want to dive in, as it'll give you a full rulebook alongside two decently sized armies. It only contains Space Marine and Necron units, but if you like the look of another army you might find a Start Collecting! or Combat Patrol box for them which will give you an easy way to begin playing them. The Indomitus box set that was released last year is also
phenomenally good value if you can still find it for sale somewhere.
Hold On, How Do I Choose A Faction?
The simplest answer to this question is; however you want to. You might find the look of an army appealing. Maybe you like the way that it plays. Or maybe you just want to pick up the new hotness that's currently dominating tournaments. Whatever! It's
your army. Details of a lot of the factions can be found below, but you can broadly divide them into a few different groups which share traits; Imperial factions tend to be versatile and solid at everything, Chaos factions are like the Imperium except edgier, Eldar armies tend towards being glass cannons, etc. 9th edition's rules allow you to mix and match similar factions to an extent, so if, for instance, you like the look of both Space Marines and Sisters of Battle then you can run both in the same army (although they might be a bit less effective than running each individually).
But Once I've Got All This, Where Do I Find A Game?
Maybe you've got some friends who play. Maybe there's a local hobby or gaming shop in your area - if there is, odds are good that there'll be people looking for games. 40k's always been popular in tabletop crowds and 9th edition seems to have made it even easier to find games. There are also large tournaments like the Las Vegas Open and the London GT, if you fancy diving into the competitive side of the game.
Factions:
Imperium
![ROXeWKH.png](https://i.imgur.com/ROXeWKH.png)
Adeptus Astartes (Space Marines)
- The Loyal -
They are the most powerful and dreaded of all the human warriors in the galaxy. No longer strictly human, but superhuman, superior in all respects to mere men by a harsh regime of genetic modification, psycho-conditioning and rigorous training. Few in number compared to the uncounted trillions of humanity, Space Marines are organized into small independent armies called Chapters that stand ready to lay fight wherever the Imperium needs them. Their unswerving loyalty is to the Emperor of Mankind first, their Chapter second, and none other beyond that. There are also a number of specific Chapters with notably unique traits, such as the Blood Angels (space vampires), Space Wolves (space... wolves), and the Dark Angels (unquestionably loyal).
Adeptus Custodes (Golden Space Marines)
- The Watchful -
The Emperor's personal golden army, these chaps have finally become bored of standing by a corpse for several thousand years and have instead decided to venture out into space on their own personal jetbikes. These guys are the most elite of elite armies, and are the faction you want to be taking if you want every single model in your army to outclass the strongest heroes of other factions.
Adeptus Mechanicus (01000011 01111001 01100010 01101111 01110010 01100111 00100000 01100010 01110010 01101111 01110011)
-The Ironhearted -
The Adeptus Mechanicus is a technological organisation, often known as the Priesthood of Mars. It holds a monopoly on technological knowledge in the Imperium. Their Forge Worlds turn out the Imperium's most powerful and advanced weaponry and equipment. The organisation's adepts, the Tech-priests, are vital in maintaining much of the Imperium's more technologically advanced equipment, not the least of which is the Emperor's life-sustaining Golden Throne.
Astra Militarum (Imperial Guard)
- The Dutiful -
In the midst of genetically engineered super-beings, alien killing machines, warrior mystics, and technology that approaches sorcery in its sophistication, the Imperial Guard are mere mortals. Protected by little more than faith, they contend with the most terrifying threats the darkest corners of the galaxy vomits forth armed with flesh and steel. As such it is easy to identify with these brave souls and to see in them the qualities of true heroes. Also: tanks tanks lol
Adepta Soritas (Sisters of Battle)
- The Faithful -
The darkness contained within the hearts and minds of humanity itself is a sinister and subtle threat. The heretic, mutant, and rogue psyker threaten humanity with an internal rot as damaging any xenos invasion. The Ordo Hereticus exists to seek and burn out this threat. The Sisters of Battle, empowered by their unwavering faith in the Holy Emperor of Terra, hunt the witch, the heretic, the fallen cleric, and none is permitted to escape the cleansing fire of their wrath.
Grey Knights
- The Hammer -
The Grey Knights are the amongst the most inscrutable of the Imperium's many organizations. Incorruptible, armed with the best weapons and equipment that Mankind has to offer, they are humanity's defense against the darkness of Chaos wherever it may lurk.
Chaos
Daemons
- The Nightmares -
Lust, hate, despair, sorrow. All emotion has a reverberation within the warp, the worst, most bitterly felt, and the furthest extreme becoming strong enough to persist, coalesce, and finally, become. It was from the darkest corners of the galaxy's hearts that Khorne, Tzeentch, Nurgle, and Slaneesh sprang forth, and they await the time when the veil against the Warp wears thin so that their warriors, spawn, and offspring can pour through.
Heretic Astartes (Chaos Space Marines)
- The Betrayers -
During the tumult of the birth of the Imperium of Man, half of the Emperor's most trusted Legions turned against him in a bitter civil war. Brother fought brother, and Mankind drove itself to the very brink of extinction. Ten thousand years after their defeat, those same traitors still launch their Black Crusades from within the Eye of Terror, their dead hearts intent upon nothing less than the utter destruction of the Imperium and the death of its weakling Emperor.
Xenos
![nn8vjGz.png](https://i.imgur.com/nn8vjGz.png)
Asuryani (Craftworlds Eldar)
- The Dying -
An almost unimaginably ancient race who once ruled an empire spanning the galaxy. Then came the hideous time of the Fall, when the Eldar were consumed by their own decadence and nearly obliterated to the last, the few survivors scattered across the stars. Though now few in number, they are still one of the most advanced races in the galaxy. This advantage combined with the prescient abilities of their Farseers, who scry the future, guide their kin along the most favorable paths of fate, no matter what the cost to the lesser races.
Drukhari (Dark Eldar)
- The Lost-
These spawn of unquiet dreams inhabit a realm called Commorragh, a place as darkly twisted as its rulers, from which these merciless pirates launch raids across the length and breadth of the galaxy. The purpose of these raids is not to conquer planets or protect territory but to cause mayhem, steal, pillage, and – most importantly of all – capture new victims to be taken back to Commorragh for endless torture. Having fallen far into the depths of depravity, their every waking moment is dedicated to inflicting pain and suffering on the galaxy. The Dark Eldar are broadly an alliance of three loose groups; Kabals (pirate raiders), Wych Cults (drugged-up gladiators), and Haemonculus Covens (the cenobites from Hellraiser).
Harlequins
-The Laughing-
The Harlequins are the keepers of the Black Library and serve the enigmatic Eldar deity called the Laughing God. The Harlequins see no distinction between art and war, and their outlook can best be explained by reference to the legend of the Fall; one of their self-appointed duties is to keep this legend alive through their performances. The Laughing God is the only authority that the Harlequins recognise, and their every deed is thought to be in furtherance of his own inscrutable agenda. Harlequins are undeniably part of the Eldar race, yet they owe no allegiance to any given Craftworld or Kabal.
Ynnari
-The Reborn-
The Ynnari are a newly formed Eldar group that worship the God Ynnead and believe their race can be saved from the predation of Slaanesh, by helping to bring about the birth of the slumbering God of the dead. Led by Ynnead's Emissary Yvraine, the group is composed of Eldar from the Craftworlds, Corsair groups, Commorragh and even from among the Harlequins. With their combined might they have become a rising force in the galaxy, who not only seek to bring about Ynnead's birth, but also return the Eldar to the glory their race had before their Empire fell. However, the arrogant coercion they employ to save their race, has alienated as many Eldar as it has united under Yvraine's command. Worse still, many see the Ynnari as corrupted by the very daemonic forces they seek to thwart, while others believe they are already dead inside. Ynnari on the tabletop also have a hilarious history of veering wildly from being one of the most overpowered things in the game to being (currently) almost useless. Play at your own risk.
Necrons
- The Ancient -
Ancient beyond imagining even before their great sleep, the Necrons are awakening from their 60-million-year dormancy to plague the living once more. Countless thousands of immortal, soulless warriors have risen from dusty stasis-tombs, their cold wills bent on harvesting the teeming species of the galaxy. They commanded the stars long before the ancient Eldar had even begun their existence, and it is only that so few have awoken that they do not pose a greater threat in the current day.
Orks
- The Beast -
The most widespread and warlike race of aliens in the bloodstained galaxy of the 41st millennium. From the depths of the galactic core to the distant ghost-stars beyond the galactic rim, Ork empires rise, clash, fall and the remnants mixing to begin the cycle again. In terms of sheer numbers and planets, Orks occupy more of the galaxy than any other single race, and if they ever unified, they would crush all opposition the stood before them, It is to the galaxy's benefit that the orks' passion for violence is so unquenchable that they spend their entire lives embroiled in war, fighting each other as readily as any other foe.
T'au
- The Young -
Since their first contact with the Imperium in the 35th millennium, the Tau have risen from a hunter-gatherer society to a star-faring race, nibbling at the flanks of the Imperium, in less than six thousand years. Absolute obedient to the command of the enigmatic ethereal caste, the Tau believe that now is their time. It is their race and their Empire that will bring unity to the stars, all races equal, the Tau first among them. There is no foe their technology cannot overcome, no quandary their science cannot resolve, the stars and all that lies between to be joined beneath the aegis of the Greater Good.
Tyranids
- The Hungry -
Without a doubt the most alien race encountered by Humanity. They have been likened to locusts, piranhas, on a galactic scale remorselessly hungry, too numerous to destroy. Tyranids are a nomadic, space-dwelling race that emerged from the void between galaxies into our own in search of new resources to consume. These hive fleets have discovered sustenance in abundance in the forms of the myriad species of the Milky Way, leaving nothing but balls of scoured rock in the wake of their titanic swarms, tendrils boring ever deeper towards the heart of our galaxy.
Genestealer Cults
-The Insidious-
A Genestealer Cult is a xenos-worshipping secret society made up of and controlled by Tyranid Genestealers that thrives in the dark corners of the Imperial underworld across the galaxy. Secretive, stealthy, and utterly malignant, Genestealer Cults are the cankers growing unseen in the hidden spaces of Mankind's realm. Some cultists are truly monstrous, skulking along dank tunnels with robes or hessian sacks covering their hybrid xenos anatomies. Others are merely pallid and bald, able to pass for loyal Imperial citizens whilst their wyrm-form tattoos remain hidden. These latter-generation brethren mingle amongst the herd of Mankind like wolves in sheep's clothing, working so hard amongst the crumbling machineries of Human industry that none spare them a second glance -- but under their work fatigues and rough miner’s apparel, they all bear the mark of the alien.
Posts
Model Painters: Test out paint scheme templates without actually putting pigment to plastic.
Bolter & Chainsword's awesome multi-model painter.
Rare earth magnets: Tiny, strong, a modeler's best friend for making swappable pieces.
In the U.S.:
K&J Magnetics
In the UK:
Power Magnet Store
E-Magnets UK
Podcasts, youtube channels, and other items of interest.
Non GW-Minis, Hobby Supplies and Terrain that are useful:
http://ainstycastings.co.uk/index.php Resin scenic terrain and accessories for gamers
http://www.airconnection.on.ca/ Kits of vehicles to convert or raid for bitz.
http://www.amera.co.uk/ Vacuform terrain with fantasy, modern, and future themes. really cheap too.
http://www.antenocitisworkshop.com/ Some neat stuff in his store in terms of 40k terrain and modeling.
http://armorcast.com/store/index.php/ Lots of Terrain and some tanks, their models and Steampunk stuff is okay
https://artelw.com/ Excellent range of models now, with a particularly good set of not-Eldar sculpts.
atlargegamers.tumblr.com/ Augmented wargaming terrain and accessories. Check out the Clockwork Cove and Penny Arcade commission table.
http://www.avatars-of-war.com/ So. Amazingly. Beautiful. If you play Fantasy, you owe it to yourself to take a look at these models for your lords or heroes; they have at least one model for virtually every faction and they are all gorgeous.
http://www.back2base-ix.com/index.php/ They have a decent range of resin bases, although nothing that blew me away, but they are at least alternatives to some of the others out there. They also sell a variety of other craft supplies, including plasticard, movement trays, basing supplies, and even GW/FW product.
http://members.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=the_bannerman Bannerman's eBay store for cloth printed banners and pennants.
http://www.basecrafts.com/index.php?route=common/home Basing kits and weathering powders.
http://bitspudlo.com/products bitz and kits for missing models in the GW line, including Necron Triarch Stalker.
http://blackcatbases.com/ Despite the name they sell more than just bases, although they certainly have a good selection of those; they also do heads, conversion bitz, and especially accessories for figures, like weapons, tools, backpacks, etc.
http://cart.blackorc.com/Blackorc miniatures, a wide variety of scifi, zombie and fantasy miniatures to choose from.
http://www.blackscorpionminiatures.com/index.php Random minis, ton of pirates.
http://blightwheelminiatures.vendder.com/Adeptus Mechanicus style figures and conversion bitz.
http://www.brother-vinni.com/index_eng.htmHistorical, Steampunk, Post-Apocalyptic miniatures, with a section of women warriors using the power of bulletproof nudity...
http://chapterhousestudios.com/webshop/ Custom Sculpts and Bits for 40K and Fantasy.
http://www.comfychairgames.com/catalog.php Mostly a Horror-based Necromunda, but the W.i.l.d.fire robot spider is kewl
http://www.copplestonecastings.co.uk/range.php?range=FW From Gang Warfare to Terrain and historicals. You have to click each link to see the miniantures, though.
http://www.corseceng.com/online-store/ Acrylic flying stands and gaming templates for Battlefleet Gothic-style games.
http://custom-minis.blogspot.com/Bits and shoulderpads off of a 3D printer. Looks like he's testing printing up unique models as well.
http://www.darkswordminiatures.com/ Miniatures from George R. R. Martin's Song of Fire and Ice, There's plenty of interesting stuff in here, although most of it doesn't quite fit the Warhammer "Heroic Scale" aesthetic.
http://dragonforge.com More useful for the micro chain and ready to use power cables than anything else, lots of custom base sets though.
http://www.ebobminiatures.com/products/tools.htm Tools, armatures, sculpting media
http://www.ema-models.co.uk/Architectural and Hobby model parts and supplies, including DC motors and gearboxes
http://www.em4miniatures.com/acatalog/index.html Not a huge line of stuff and only tiny, tiny pictures available, but their range of metals seems to have some interesting options.
http://www.empressminiatures.com Some historical and modern figures, very realistic.
http://www.eurekamin.com.au/ They make all kinds of miniatures, including Nazi's riding dinosaurs.
http://www.evergreenscalemodels.com/ Do you need plasticard in odd shapes or sizes, or want something patterned, or otherwise odd? This may be the place for you.
http://www.evilmushroomgames.com/new_page_2.htm Not a huge selection, but some pretty okay bases and a number of interesting terrain pieces.
http://www.ex-illis.com/ Angels and Demons take sides in historical medieval Europe.
http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/index.aspFantasy Flight Games, where you can find Anima Tactics, AT-43, Confrontation, and Wings of War miniatures in their store.
http://www.ff-fields.com/ Many custom Blood Bowl pitches in heavy cardstock or rollable fabric.
http://www.figurines-studio38.com/default.html Tyranid Spore Pod and their own ranges of figures.
http://www.forgecraftgames.com/catalog/index.php Perhaps a little smaller than some of the other base manufacturers, but they have a good selection and all of the casts are excellent, both for wargaming and for tabletop minis.
http://www.gamezoneminiatures.de/ A wide range of our 1/5 inch (28 mm) fantasy miniatures.
http://gdesignsinc.com/ Laser cut plastic templates and gaming aids, plus terrain.
http://www.geniusfactorygames.com/ Plastic templates for helping out Necron forces, in green and blue.
http://www.greenstuffindustries.blogspot.com/ A mould for making ridged tubing/tentacles, very Cthulhu-esque.
http://www.grindhousegames.com/ On the one side, we have a weird-WW2 thing with gas-masked allies fighting German monstrosities. On the other side of the site, we have weird robots.
http://www.groundzerogames.net/ I have some of their models, but their online store is hampered by an extreme lack of photos
http://www.hfminis.co.uk/index.php Great detailed Fantasy, Sci-Fi, and Modern miniatures.
http://www.heavy-support.com/ Heavy Support - Not much here, just an alternate Leman Russ/Chimera
http://www.helldorado.fr/figurines/index.php A French game, but available through some US (and potentially other?) retailers. They have an absolutely gonzo line of models, with everything from Chinese hell-demons to abominations of the pit to Arabic summoners to Victorian mercenaries. No idea how they're scaled, but some very pretty stuff.
http://www.heresyminiatures.com/ For when you need a unique looking miniature for your Inquisitor Reitnu.. Hey, is that David Tennant?
http://hitechminiatures.com/# Some could-be Grey Knights and Dreadknight here.
http://www.hlj.com/index.html A lot of mecha and tank parts that are of use to a creative IG or Ork player, so maybe search around a bit.
http://www.hotzmats.com/Painted felt mats for gaming surfaces, with hex grid option.
http://www.hydraminiatures.com/index.shtml Buck Rogers-y looking scifi and a line of prehistoric monsters.
http://impactminiatures.com/ Many Blood Bowl-like miniatures and a stand alone game, plus a a rock band of Orcs.
http://www.infinitythegame.com/infinity_ENG/ A standalone futuristic game akin to Necromunda, the models are pretty nice looking but not much cheaper than their 40K equivalents, which has kept me out of the game so far.
http://www.irondogstudios.com/store.html Some Orky bits and resin bases from the guy who built the Tater Titan
http://www.ironhalo.net/store/catalog/ Another resin base retailer, they do some interesting lines and actually have a quite large selection of stuff. They have a lot of more unusual base sizes including those for Fantasy, War Machine, cavalry, etc.
http://www.kabukimodels.com/ Resin and metal alternate Marine character models and bits, some larger scale models too.
http://www.kerrandking.co.uk/ A nice-looking site in a lot of ways, but awkward to browse through. Still, it's not completely awful and the bases all look rather nice, including a few more unusual types.
http://kingdomdeath.com/Pin-up adventure babes and some disturbing horror pieces.
http://demoslasercutdesigns.blogspot.com/ Laser Cut buildings and terrain
http://www.lead-adventure.com/Some Steampunk and Post-Apocalyptic figures plus heads with tophats.
http://www.lostclan.net/Lostclan/Home.html Home of the infamous Female Cadians, and also a bionics upgrade sprue.
http://www.manticgames.com/ An excellent manufacturer who is not only creeping in on GW's territory but also putting out a game of their own, heavily modeled on WFB. Their undead, elf, and dwarf kits are all very strong and have a decent variety of pieces, poses, etc, not to mention worlds cheaper than GW's kits.
http://shop.masq-mini.de/ Masquerade Miniatures, notable for horror gaming figures and a 'Giant Riding Wolfpack' not-Thunderwolf Cavalry.
http://www.maxmini.eu/store/ A nice little company with a quickly expanding line of conversion bitz as well as a few useful figures; their Thunderwolf is not completely awful, but there's probably better options. They do have a nice IG-scaled bike, though. Their conversion parts are the real treasure, though- they have an extensive line of awesome Ork parts (heads, bodies, bionics, etc) as well as a variety of other weapons, shields, and various upgrade parts.
http://www.shop.microartstudio.com/index.php Mostly known for their "mechanicus" guard and some cool heads.
http://micropanzer.com/lots of walker-tanks and sentinel/Tau suit variants in the vehicles, but keep in mind most of the infantry are 15mm, but some are 32mm, suitable fore 40K, etc.
http://www.miniaturescenery.com/ They make hardboard "punch out" scenery. Nax got me onto them recently.
http://www.mrdandy.com/wargamma/ Thunderwolves, bases, etc.
http://mythicast.com/More Thunderwolves and even Cyberwolves for your Iron Priest
http://www.oldcrowmodels.co.uk/ Manufacturer of near-future/sci-fi models, with a strong emphasis on vehicles, spacecraft, and field works (turrets, walls, scenery, etc).
http://www.otherworld.me.uk/ More Dire Wolves of rideable size, but think D&D art inspired.
http://www.paulsongames.com/resin.html Another small manufacturer, but does a nice little line of conversion bits.
http://www.perry-miniatures.com/index2.html A nice historical wargaming company that produces large boxes of figures for fairly cheap; they're mostly useful to Guard players as stand-ins, but be aware of the usual differences in scale between 28mm and heroic.
http://www.pig-iron-productions.com/ Ah, Pig Iron, beloved of Guard players everywhere. Not only do they have their own line of figures, the heads (and much of the other gear) are perfectly fitted for IG models.
http://www.plastruct.com/Pages/USDealers.html A very nice plasticard company that apparently supplies a rather large percentage of the US, as well as one of the companies I've dealt with personally. They have a PDF catalog with approximately one million different types of plastic in it; if you're willing to dig, chances are you can find what you want. Of note is their fluorescent acrylic rods, which are perfect for Necrons should you, for some reason, decide to hate yourself.
http://privateerpress.com/ Obviously also their own game, but several of the Cryx (Warmachine) miniatures could make good stand-ins for Dark Eldar units and Legion of Everblight (Hordes) provides some interesting possibilities for Tyranid players.
url]http://proxiemodels.com/basesonly.aspx[/url] Custom bases for your models.
http://pulp-city.com/index.html Pulp superheroes miniatures. Either you'll be super-excited that these exist and you can buy them or you won't care because they aren't what you need.
http://www.pulpfigures.com/ Just what it says. Nefarious Chinamen! Doofish henchmen! Dashing adventurers! Probably not appropriate for 40K or Fantasy! But still cool!
http://puppetswar.com/Bases, weapons, miniatures and conversion sets for 40K, incling Twin-linked Autocannon arms and viariant Dreadntought arms.
http://www.quantumgothic.co.uk/ A lot of neat scifi terrain.
http://www.rackham-e.com/en Makers of several miniatures games including AT-43, a prepainted future game with military gorillas. Let me repeat that: armed gorillas in space are a real thing in this game. If that isn't enough reason for you to be curious, I hate you. Some of their mecha have been converted with reasonable success into Killa Kanz by a number of folks.
http://www.ragingheroes.com/28mm and 54mm versions of Dark Eldar-ish and Female Commissar character models, nicely detailed with options. Also have quite a lot of STL kits available now.
http://www.ramshacklegames.co.uk/nuclear/index.html Fulfilling that Post-Nuclear/Necromunda/Orky Bitz. Look at their 'Tridlins' for vehicle bitz
http://www.reapermini.com/ If you have ever wanted a figure for your D&D character or fancy monster the PCs are facing, this is the site for you. They have an absolutely enormous range of tagged, searchable models of all manner of heroes and horrors. Their modern and sci-fi lines are much more limited, but there are still possibilities in here. (The Darkspawn in particular could easily be some kind of alien or Tyranid beasties.)
http://www.resinfx.com/ Very detailed resin bases of various kinds, many of them fairly unique. Lots of "scenery" bases that aren't just some bumps on a standard 25mm/40mm circle, so if you're looking for something damn fancy, this may be the place. A little more pricey than most as a consequence, though.
Robogear Model kits - Want some cheap plastic toys to chop up for your conversions? Here's the place.
http://www.iconusa4.com/online/Robog...dels_index.htm
http://www.sciborminiatures.com/ Can't say for sure, but the pics of the sculpts look amazing. Various minis and parts, very obviously 40K/Fantasy-themed ("celtic space warrior," hrmmmm?) including lots of alternate heads, shields, and breastplates. Also squats.
http://www.secretweaponminiatures.com/ Mostly just bases, but a few conversion bitz mixed in (backpacks, helmets, Extra Armor). None of them are ground-breaking surprises, but if you have a specific look in mind for your army you'll probably appreciate another option.
http://www.shadowforge.com.au/ Have I done any Australian companies yet? Here's one with anime-styled figures.
http://www.shapeways.com/shops/customminis 3D printed miniature bitz and accessories
http://www.smog1888.com/ You know how some games have crazy character models? Smog has a flying doctor with robo-arms and a smoke-belching stove-top hat, oh yeah. I know absolutely nothing of the game, but the models are perhaps the best thing in the whole world.
http://southpawart.bigcartel.com/ Acrylic templates and game aids, plus a source for small, medium and large acrylic gears.
http://starshipmodeler.biz/shop/index.cfm/category/93/lighting.cfm LED lighting kits for vehicle conversions.
http://www.studiomcvey.com/ A small selection of extremely well-sculpted minis, although they're generally just a bit too large to use in 40K. Pretty, though.
http://www.studiominiatures.com/Zombies, WWII Zombies, 90mm zombies, and survivors of the zombie apocalyse.
http://www.taban-miniatures.com/ Another of the shops I haven't really browsed in extensive depth, they produce a stand-alone game with a vague gladiatorial combat theme.
http://www.tabletop-art.de/More bits, bases and variant figures for Marine Character models.
http://www.tabletop-world.com/index.php Fantasy buildings and accessories
http://www.tengumodels.co.uk/index.htm Grey Aliens, Zombies, and Cthuluhu, oh my...
https://www.thunderboltmountain.com Mostly fantasy, but I bought some wolves from them.
http://www.tichytraingroup.com/index.php Pre-made RIVETS! Click the 'NBW & Rivets' link.
http://www.tobsen77.de/index.php?lan=en Vehicles that would look good in an Ork army, or a wooden Steam Tank
http://www.toysoldiersdepot.com/ Cheap plastic off-scale models which could be used for 40K, or as terrain/wrecks/etc.
http://trollforged.com/index.html Another company I can personally vouch for being pretty excellent. Resin casts of several useful styles of models- Daemons, beasts, definitely-not-Tyranids, and best of all, Guardsmen with greatcoats!
https://ttcombat.com/ - terrain and miniatures
http://www.ultraforgeminiatures.com/ If you aren't going to Avatars of War for your Fantasy needs, you damn well better be going here. Ultraforge specializes in huge, detailed models of monsters like dragons, greater daemons, and the like, and their work is second to none. They also enjoy cult popularity as the makers of an excellent set of wings that can be added to models that are in need of flight, not the least of the Hive Tyrants and Harpies.
http://www.urbanmammoth.co.uk/ I have some of their older models for my Necromunda gangs
http://www.victorialamb.com/store.html IG Conversion bitz from the sculptor who did those 'Spanish Inquisition' Monty Python models.
http://www.victoryforce.com/ They have a 'Gamer Rules Lawyer' figure, and WWII re-enactors
http://www.voodooworx.co.uk/index.htm Custom resin bases
http://shop.warlordgames.co.uk/ Not sure if these are the same guys as Wargames Factory, but if you want to 40K-ify some historical plastics.
http://www.warmill.co.uk/storepage814911.aspx Custom clear bases, MDF terrain kits and bitz.
http://www.wargamesfactory.com/webstore Makers of a variety of plastic kits, all of them competitively-priced compared to the alternatives. Foremost on the list would probably be their zombie and shock trooper kits, but they also have a variety of historical minis that could be integrated into a thematic force of some kind.
http://www.wargamesfoundry.com/asp/nocookie.asp Lots of miniatures, but not to scale with 40K. Diverse selection, though.
https://www.wargamestournaments.com/ Offer a good range of MDF scenery.
http://www.warploqueminiatures.co.uk/Fantasy miniatures
http://www.westwindproductions.co.uk/ These guys have alternate-future WWII scifi stuff. Some cool mech thingies and neat troops.
http://www.wholesale-miracle-beads.com/25mm-round-flat-back-clear-crystal-glass-cabochon-top-quality Clear glass bases for your miniatures.
http://willy-miniatures.blogspot.com/ Fantasy Football alternate models. Some of the Undead team would look great in a Zombie Apocalypse type game.
http://wyrd-games.net/shop/home.php Makers of Malifaux, a very cool-looking game that I unfortunately can't really afford to get into right now. But, like Hell Dorado, they have an awesome line of minis with a style all their own, slightly steampunk with a fantastic twist and some of the dark sensibilities that infuse GW's games.
http://www.zealotminiatures.co.uk Resin miniatures and bitz, female tau heads, Space Marine scaled Guitars and bionics, etc.
http://www.zombiesmith.com/ Zombies, survivors, and a tutorial video on "how I cast miniatures".
http://www.zuzzy.com/ Scenery pieces and tabletops almost exclusively- and pretty nice ones, at that. If green felt isn't your thing, give this a look and see if you can't go for something more exotic; I'm told they are rather durable and quite worth the price.
Other Places to Talk About the Game
http://belloflostsouls.org - A great 40k (and sometimes fantasy) rumor site. They also post articles on campaigning, modeling and home made rules.
http://www.chessex.com/ - Online custom dice store, great customer service and speed.
http://www.warseer.com - Currently about the biggest GW-related forum on the net. Unfortunately, it has a horrible signal/noise ratio, but the rumors forums are frequently the first place to hear accurate news of upcoming products.
http://www.bolterandchainsword.com/ - All about Space Marines and high fashion (okay, not the latter)
http://www.the-waaagh.com - All about the orks orks orks orks! Jobs a gud'un boss.
http://forums.tauonline.org/index.php - All things Tau in one handy place. Sign up for the greater good!
https://www.thedarkcity.net/ - Used to be *the* Dark Eldar forum on the net. A bit less populated these days, but still a good source for discussion of the faction.
http://www.dakkadakka.com/ - They used to be cool. Totally the place to go if you want to know why the hobby is dying. Also, a great coverage of all things wargaming.
http://www.bartertown.com/ - The place to go when looking for like-minded people with models for trade and sale.
Army Transports
Sabol Army Transports - A little expensive, but I use them exclusively, because of the quite reasonable international shipping price, and mostly for the fact that you can custom cut the foam trays to fit your models. Also available from the War Store.
Figures in Comfort - A wide range of precut foam trays, and carrying cases for whatever your needs.
Battle Foam - Sturdy solid cases and custom cut foam tray. Pricey, but guaranteed to keep your little dudes safe and secure in transit.
Tabletop Tyrant - A UK based company that do some nice transport cases, as well. Check them out!
Gasp Warp spider!
The Iron hands one mentions a Dreadnaught, and I imagine it would include some Intercessors and the IH upgrade sprues. The Emperor's Children one is a little weird - technically GW still sells the two Noise Marine upgrade packs but, a) they're resin, and b) they don't really fit the modern CSM sculpts. So it's hard to see what that would have that would make it distinctly EC... unless there's new upgrade sprues coming with the Chaos releases.
(None of the rumours mentioned them though, and I guess it could just be like: the one Noise Marine sculpt + CSMs + Havocs).
Edit: Apparently the Iron Hands bundle is Combat Patrol Space Marines + IH Upgrade Pack + Iron Father Feirros + Ironclad Dreadnaught for £160. (Which is a bit silly, as the Combat Patrol contains mono-pose Infiltrators, Eliminators, and Supressors who all can't use the upgrade pack.)
The EC one is Start Collecting: CSM + Chaos Lord + CSM + Hellbrute + Noise Marine Upgrade Pack. Which seems like a very solid army, but as said the Noise Marine resin bits are a little rough. (Especially the torso piece, which is basically useless.)
As popular as EC is you'd think they'd have released one ages ago.
Gamertag - Khraul
PSN - Razide6
A link to these was floating in my email and the links still worked.
Gamertag - Khraul
PSN - Razide6
Noise marine kits are horrible.
GIVE ME UPDATED KITS AND YOU CAN MY FIRST BORN!
Edit:
That is the shitty kit of the two with only a single gun of each type. Jesus GW. At least use the kit that lets you build a full squad.
AND THERE ARE NO SAVINGS!
For the future-proofing, I'm just not sure how they'll handle the 4 gods in the 9th daemons codex. The closest style codex would be drukhari, since that's essentially three mini-armies in one. And they changed it so you have to build seperate detachments (but not be CP penalized through raiding forces/realspace raid).
They've done this before. Think of it less as a deal and more of a themed bundle.
I'm not saying it's a good bundle.
I initially thought it wasn't that big but then got a normal Ork bommer and the middle fuselage of the mega bommer is almost as long as the entire normal bommer.
Forgeworld gives you way more print material than in the old days. You used to kinda half to figure out how the model went together yourself, these came with full color building instructions!
Only some things. I built a contemptor recently, no instructions at all.
I also have two Phoenix bombers that I didn't build because I just lacked the room to build them and to store them but they did have a sheet of paper instruction
I still make fun of the fact of my ugly falling out of the hobby and how I came back was WTF are the Ynnari I agree as the harlequins are more lore than models the Ynnari are a pamphlet
I am very curious about the corsair rules if they are really in this book just the exodites are more of an in-between of a full codex and something like the harlequin more in line with the harlequin though. Even if it's dino riding models or such. My brother is doing his Biel Tan force as being reenforced by exodites
Just one of my hopes for the harlequin codex is the Veiled Path have more to them than dice rerolls and you don't feel forced to play the frozen stars {I know the later is favored for both it's playability and ease of paint {black n white}
So something like how it looked in dawn of war
And the models in the pictures are all done up as Black Legion.
It seems the Female Auratch uses the helm from one of the older ones
That model's actually a conversion, so they wouldn't just be rereleasing an old model. I'm pretty sure GW haven't ever actually released any female HQ models for Craftworld Eldar aside from Jain.
Ah, okay. You're right. It's the current plastic autarch with new chest and the helmet is from this one
Ynnari rumours are out. Biggest change is probably that you can't have more drukhari than craftworld units in a ynnari army.
And even more since it all changes in like a week.
A few weeks. Custodes/GSC codexes got delayed in to 2022.
I know. Its killing me. I am getting GSC half of shadow throne. But at the same time I am not buying more till I get a GSC codex in my hands.
It’s roughly the same value as the generic Space Marine combat patrol or the Blood Angel combat patrol, and better value than the other chapters.
Then out of curiosity I priced out the Astartes half of Indomitus and that was some insane value, roughly the same discount as a combat patrol box, and then throw in all the necron half for free.
MWO: Adamski
Where is this as I have heard nor read any ynnari rumors
I know sadly most of the ynnari armies I play are drukhari heavy. I know in the lore Vect has been purging them
https://spikeybits.com/2021/12/all-the-new-aos-40k-christmas-battleforces-new-releases.html
spikeybits does it whenever a new box set is announced, if you can sift through their terrible clickbait 'articles'
i went 0-3 at last weekend's RTT with death guard due to the worst sting of dice rolls i've ever seen
like failing to inflict a single wound in a round where i fired 80 shots
or failing multiple 4" charges
or failing to hit a single thing with my plagueburst crawlers for a combined 8-9 turns
i may have bought new dice
the example they give seems very poor because why would you want to roll a six on morale?
Also an average of 1/6 of your fate dice would be completely useless because they would allow you to replace a six with a six?
I do kind of do 1 for 1 in an ynnari force as a farseer is a must but I have done weird armies like wraithguard lead by spiritseers with wyches
But another army I played back in 8th was a farseer, dire avengers, 20 wyches and 5 incubi riding around in a venom {I used to have the farseer ride around it when they were able to}
Dark Reaper!
Warp Spiders
Rangers
Dark Reapers
Autarch
Jetbike (Spears of Khaine or new Ranger unit)
And maybe the Avatar from a Rumour Engine earlier this year
although technically the guns could also both be part of an Autarch kit
If it simply lets you choose the new dice facing, then the 6’s become useful for morale checks I would guess.
Also possibly vehicle explosions etc? I forget how that works in 40K
MWO: Adamski
Not bad, but they are extremely barebones.
Not so good at showing comparitive savings, and not even breaking down if the units are currently valuable or not in the meta
MWO: Adamski
Goonhammer has a similar article up.
https://www.goonhammer.com/rating-the-2021-warhammer-40k-battleforce-boxes/
Really I expected a trickle of releases of them as much of the craftworld army is what it was when i started mine an epoch ago
I am curious how much of the eldar are still Jes Goodwin's thing