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Choosing a Warhammer 40,000 Army
Every army in Warhammer 40,000 is unique. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, presenting diverse tactical opportunities as well as untold potential for painting and modelling. There are three simple ways to choose your first army.
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I like the look of that one. This really is the easiest way to make your selection, and is the most common way of choosing. Simply pick the army that you think looks the best. After all, you're going to spend a lot of time painting and modelling the force, so it might as well be one you think looks great.
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I think this one sounds great! Every army in Warhammer 40,000 has a detailed history and background. From the Eldar, whose ancient civilisation once spanned the galaxy, to the Space Marines by whose might the Imperium of Man survives against its many foes - each is unique and exciting. A lot of players make their selection based on which army they see themselves playing as. Fancy devouring all in your path? Consider the Tyranids. Want to defend the embattled Imperium of Man? Why not look at the Imperial Guard or Space Marines.
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I like the tactics that this army favours. This method of choosing is normally one that wargaming veterans go for, but that doesn't mean it can't work for the complete beginner too. Basically, every army in Warhammer 40,000 has a different style of play. The Space Marines operate as small, highly elite forces, relying on superb wargear and shrewd battle tactics. The Orks, by contrast, attack in massive hordes, overwhelming the foe in a tidal wave of screaming warriors wielding crude shootas and brutal axes.
The Armies Of Warhammer 40,000
Space Marines
The Space Marines are the greatest defenders of humanity. Each is a superhuman warrior armed with the finest wargear and clad in the best armour available to Mankind. Few in number, the Space Marines rely on individual strength and tactics to win the day.
The Space Marines are the greatest defenders of humanity. Each is a superhuman warrior armed with the finest wargear and clad in the best armour available to Mankind. Few in number, the Space Marines rely on individual strength and tactics to win the day.
Imperial Guard
The Imperial Guard is Mankind's primary and most numerous defence. A mammoth organisation of brave soldiers and clanking battle tanks, the Imperial Guard can be compared to a sledgehammer, used to smash any foe aside with its colossal firepower and numberless warriors.
The Imperial Guard is Mankind's primary and most numerous defence. A mammoth organisation of brave soldiers and clanking battle tanks, the Imperial Guard can be compared to a sledgehammer, used to smash any foe aside with its colossal firepower and numberless warriors.
Eldar
An ancient alien race, the Eldar are possessed of incredible skill. Using dazzling technology and preternatural swiftness, they fight swift and brutal battles, striking at the foe before darting away to avoid retaliation.
An ancient alien race, the Eldar are possessed of incredible skill. Using dazzling technology and preternatural swiftness, they fight swift and brutal battles, striking at the foe before darting away to avoid retaliation.
Orks
A galaxy spanning menace, the green-skinned Orks are a brutal race who delight in battle and the carnage of war. Crude and uncivilised, the Orks fight in a simple, yet effective, manner - coming on at the enemy in great mobs and bludgeoning their foes to death in close combat.
A galaxy spanning menace, the green-skinned Orks are a brutal race who delight in battle and the carnage of war. Crude and uncivilised, the Orks fight in a simple, yet effective, manner - coming on at the enemy in great mobs and bludgeoning their foes to death in close combat.
Tau Empire
The Tau are a fledgling race, still considered young by comparison to the other forces in the galaxy. Through a policy of aggressive expansion they are rapidly enlarging their empire, inviting any they encounter to join them or die. On the battlefield they use incredibly advanced technology to compensate for their meagre physique, preferring to destroy the enemy with ranged attacks where their dynamic battle tactics and superior wargear can win out.
Tyranids
An alien horror from beyond the galactic void, the Tyranids are an insatiable menace that devours all in their path. Travelling in vast Hive Fleets the Tyranids are systematically consuming all in their path as they encroach further into the galaxy. In battle they fight with detached, alien ferocity, caring nothing for casualties suffered, merely overwhelming their foes with an endless tide of bio-engineered monstrosities.
An alien horror from beyond the galactic void, the Tyranids are an insatiable menace that devours all in their path. Travelling in vast Hive Fleets the Tyranids are systematically consuming all in their path as they encroach further into the galaxy. In battle they fight with detached, alien ferocity, caring nothing for casualties suffered, merely overwhelming their foes with an endless tide of bio-engineered monstrosities.
Necrons
The Necrons are an ancient galactic power that once dominated the stars. For countless millennia the Necrons have slumbered away the aeons in their desolate Tomb Worlds, now though, they are awakening with the sole intention of extinguishing all other life from the galaxy. Striking without warning the Necrons advance in ominous ranks, unleashing their arcane weapons on their victims without remorse.
The Necrons are an ancient galactic power that once dominated the stars. For countless millennia the Necrons have slumbered away the aeons in their desolate Tomb Worlds, now though, they are awakening with the sole intention of extinguishing all other life from the galaxy. Striking without warning the Necrons advance in ominous ranks, unleashing their arcane weapons on their victims without remorse.
Chaos Space Marines
Once Chaos Space Marines were loyal warriors of the Imperium who fought for the glory of Mankind. Now though, they are vile traitors who have forsaken their oaths of loyalty and turned against humanity. The Chaos Space Marines are numbered among the most grievous enemies of mankind, loyal only to the Dark Gods of Chaos, and themselves. Relentlessly the Chaos Space Marines attack the Imperium, seeking dark glories and personal gain at every turn.
Once Chaos Space Marines were loyal warriors of the Imperium who fought for the glory of Mankind. Now though, they are vile traitors who have forsaken their oaths of loyalty and turned against humanity. The Chaos Space Marines are numbered among the most grievous enemies of mankind, loyal only to the Dark Gods of Chaos, and themselves. Relentlessly the Chaos Space Marines attack the Imperium, seeking dark glories and personal gain at every turn.
