Warhammer 40k 10th Edition – Getting Started

So, it’s finally here, Warhammer 40k 10th edition. The edition to end all editions, the one edition to rule them…wait wrong franchise, and probably not true. There will be more editions of 40k, but this one is looking rather cool. So how do you get started?

Here is the primary resource you are going to need regarding downloads:
https://www.warhammer-community.com/warhammer-40000-downloads/

Rules

First things first, you’ll need the rules. Games Workshop have been kind enough to provide the entire rules for the game as a free download that you can find on the link above, as well as a quick start guide that is only 4 pages long, but is more than enough to get you started.

Index Cards

But what about my old codexes, will they still work? I hear you cry. Sadly not, but that’s a good thing in the long run. The game has been reworked to be more streamlined and that meant re-engineering every single unit's stats and abilities. They can now be found in index cards that can be downloaded from the main link above. Not to be confused with the Combat Patrol datasheets, we’ll come onto them shortly!

Games Workshop will eventually be releasing codexes again, but it’s going to take them considerable time to get through all the factions, so you’ll likely be using these cards for a while. Unless you’re playing Space Marines or Tyranids of course, then you won’t have to wait quite as long!

Missions

So this is slightly tricky. The core rules come with a single mission for you to play, and you can certainly vary things up yourself based on that. There was a deck of cards released that gave you lots more options for missions, but those are now hard to get hold of, so keep an eye out for them coming back in stock, or variations thereof.

Models

Your next question I’m sure will be, can I use my existing models? Yes you can! Every model that was in the previous edition has an index card in this edition. The only exception being that some units are now classed as ‘Legends’ and can’t be used in tournament settings, but they still have rules that can be downloaded from the link above so you can use them in your casual games.

Now if you’re looking for something new, why not pick up a copy of the Leviathan launch box. A veritable smorgasbord of new units await you inside, for both Space Marines and Tyranids, along with a lovely hardback rulebook (which also includes the crusade rules) and that elusive mission deck I mentioned before.

If you’re looking for your more traditional starter sets however, have no fear, we have those covered too, in 3 different variations.

Warhammer 40k: Introductory set. For a quick start to introduce someone to the hobby, get them building, painting and starting some fights.

Warhammer 40k: Starter set. For a more robust start to 10th edition, featuring many of the new models from the Leviathan box, plus simplified datasheets and introductory missions.

Warhammer 40k: Ultimate starter set. For the best start possible to the new edition. Containing all you need for the Space Marine and Tyranid combat patrols, plus some terrain and full-size gaming mats.

Combat Patrols

Now let's talk about Combat Patrols. Combat Patrol is a new game mode in this edition of 40k. There are various combat patrol boxes available to buy for the armies of 40k, and they provide a great starting point for a collection. But maybe you just want to try out an army, or you want to dip your toe into several. Well in combat patrol you can play just the contents of those combat patrol boxes against each other in a balanced game mode just as thrilling as the full game, and much quicker. To balance them against one another they don’t use the same index cards and army rules as the main game. The link at the top of the page has download links for all the combat patrol datasheets you might need for your army. Give it a try, you might just love it!

And that’s that! All you’ll need to get started in Warhammer 40k 10th edition. If you’re as eager as me you’ll be setting up games as soon as possible. Now if you’ll excuse me I really must paint some more Votann miniatures. Enjoy!