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==Warhammer 40,000==
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{{40KPortal}}
  
'''Warhammer 40,000''' (informally known as '''Warhammer 40K''' or just '''40K''') is a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Science_fiction science fiction] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miniature_wargaming tabletop miniature wargame], produced by the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Kingdom British] gaming company [[Games Workshop]]. Play centers around 28mm scale (approximately 1:65) [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miniature_figure miniature figurines] produced by [[Citadel Miniatures]], which represent soldiers, creatures and vehicles of war. The game requires a combination of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tactics tactics] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luck luck].
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'''''Warhammer 40,000''''' (informally known as '''''Warhammer 40K''''' or just '''''40K''''') is a Gothic science fantasy [[tabletop]] miniature wargame, produced by British gaming company [[Games Workshop]]. Play centers miniature figurines produced by [[Portal:Miniatures|Citadel Miniatures]], which represent soldiers, creatures, and vehicles of war.
  
Warhammer 40K is the science fiction companion to [[Warhammer Fantasy]]. Warhammer 40K allows for less regimental, formation-based movement, and deals with more advanced weaponry.
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Games Workshop does not officially have a fixed scale for ''Warhammer 40,000'', but by comparing the actual and nominal lengths of vehicle models, we can obtain a rough scale ratio of 1:60. For instance, a [[Land Raider]] is supposed to be 10.3m long, and its model in the game is 17cm long — this give us a ratio close to 1:60.
  
==History==
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''Warhammer 40K'' is the science fiction companion to ''[[Warhammer Fantasy]]''. ''Warhammer 40,000'' allows for less regimental, formation-based movement, and deals with more advanced weaponry. The game is currently in its 9th edition.
  
 +
{{Game
 +
|Name        =Warhammer 40,000
 +
|Image      =Warhammer40k-logo-2020.png
 +
|Designer    =
 +
|Manufacturer=[[Games Workshop]]
 +
|Released    =1987
 +
|Scale      =1:60 (approx.)
 +
|Players    =2+
 +
|Game time  =
 +
}}
  
The first edition of the game (Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader) was published in the year 1987. The man responsible for creating the original rules set and the Warhammer 40,000 gameworld was game designer [[Rick Priestley]]. This original version came as a very detailed rulebook, making it most suitable for fighting small [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skirmish skirmish]es. Much of the composition of units was determined randomly, by rolling [[dice]].
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=''Warhammer 40,000'' - The Game=
 +
[[File:10thEdRulebook.jpg|thumb|200px|right|The [[Warhammer 40,000 10th Edition Rulebook|10th Edition Rulebook]]]]
 +
Each player assembles an army from one of the official lists and constructs an army of [[Portal:Miniatures|pewter and plastic miniatures]] representing the various units in that army. Rules for constructing armies are contained within the ''Warhammer 40,000'' rulebook, as well there are army-specific [[codex]]es that contain specific information on the units and rules for each army. (certain armies have multiple codexes - for example, many of the major [[Chapter]]s of the [[Space Marine]]s army have individual codexes).
  
A few elements of the setting (bolters, Dreadnought armour) can be seen in a set of wargaming rules called [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Laserburn&action=edit Laserburn] produced by [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tabletop_Games&action=edit Tabletop Games]. The influence of these can also be seen in the prototype [[Necromunda]] game mechanics. Laserburn was turned into the computer game [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laser_Squad Laser Squad] that subsequently evolved into the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X-COM X-COM] computer games.  
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Army size is determined by "points" (pts); each figure and vehicle has an associated cost proportionate to its potential worth on the battlefield. Players agree on how many points for the game and each assemble an army up to that maximum limit. Typical game sizes are 500, 1,000, 1,500, 1,750 and 2,000 points. Games can vary in length of time from half an hour to several hours, dependent on game size.
  
The second edition was published in late 1993, aimed at making it easier to fight larger battles. This and later developments of the game are the work of editor [[Andy Chambers]]. This version relied greatly on cards, and came as a boxset including [[Space Marine]]s and [[Ork]]s miniatures, scenery and dice, as well as the main rules. An expansion pack ''Dark Millennium'' was later released.
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Play is divided into turns, with each player choosing specific actions for all of his units on his turn, and using dice to determine the results of those actions. Each match, at the onset, is assigned a set of additional rules and a goal (collectively called a "scenario") specific to it. The simplest of these is a basic "cleanse" mission, which ends after six turns, the victor being declared based on the control of the four quarters of the board; more complex goals can include night fights, take-and-hold missions, and various others.  
  
The third edition was released in 1998, and again concentrated on streamlining the rules for larger battles. The rulebook was available alone, or as a boxset with miniatures (Space Marines and the newly introduced [[Dark Eldar]]).
+
Some players organize a series of scenarios, called a campaign, where two or more players fight against each other in a number of battles. These campaigns may feature their own special rules, and are tied together by a storyline, which might alter according to the results of each scenario when it is played. Every few years, a global campaign is held in which people record their battle results online. This affects the history of the game and is accounted for in the next rulebook. The latest of these global campaigns has been the Medusa V Campaign.
  
The current version is the fourth edition, and was released in 2004. It was not such a major change as between previous editions, as it did not break gamers' old army lists or codexes. A truncated, but playable, version of the rulebook is also available as either a boxset (''Battle For Macragge'' - featuring [[Space Marine]]'s and [[Tyranid]]s) or just the complete hardcover rulebook.
+
===Codices===
 +
*{{Main|Codices (List)}}
 +
Codex (plural "codices", but "codexes" is also occasionally used) is the name of a source book for Warhammer 40,000 armies and factions containing background information, pictures, and rules.
  
Over the years the game has been expanded by many supplements. There has also been cross-fertilization from other games in the same setting.
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===Starter Sets===
 +
* {{Main|Warhammer 40,000 Box Sets}}
 +
Boxes which usually includes miniatures for two factions, the datasheets for the included units are called ''Box Sets'', ''Boxed Sets'', or ''Starter Sets''. A rulebook is also included in the Launch Box, released at the beginning of each edition.
  
==Warhammer 40K, the Game==
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===Collecting===
===Overview===
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[[Image:TitanicusMiniSize4.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The 2 feet tall [[Warlord Titan]] from [[Forge World (company)|Forge World]], next to an [[Adeptus Titanicus: The Horus Heresy|Adeptus Titanicus]] scaled titan]]
 +
The hobby is widely considered very expensive, even by collectors and enthusiasts (though enthusiasts often wish to point out the reasonableness of the expense compared to other leisure activities). New players wishing to start playing should expect to spend upwards of US$200 to US$300 for a reasonably sized army (1,000 to 2,000 points worth of models), including costs for rulebooks and paints. Players must purchase units, sold individually in blister packs or in squads in boxed sets. A typical blister pack with one to three models will cost from US$9 to US$25, with the cost of boxed sets varying widely (US$35 to US$200) depending on the contents.
 +
In addition to the current line of units, Games Workshop makes available past model lines as a part of their mail-order-only "Classic" series. These are models that have been used for earlier versions of the game. This is the only way to get certain factions (for example, Harlequins), which have been discontinued.
  
Each player assembles an army from one of the official lists (see below) and constructs an army of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pewter pewter] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plastic plastic] miniatures representing the various units in that army. Rules for constructing armies are contained within the Warhammer 40K rulebook, as well there are army-specific [[Codex]]es that contain specific information on the units and rules for each army. (certain armies have multiple Codices-- for example, many of the major Chapters of the Space Marines army have individual Codices).
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===Modelling===
 +
Since the [[Portal:Miniatures|models]] are hand-painted and assembled by the player, players are often encouraged to design their own paint schemes as well as using the pre-designed ones displayed in the various books. They are also encouraged to further modify their figures and vehicles using parts from other kits and models (sometimes known as "bitz" to players), or scratch-made from plasticard, modelling putty, or whatever the modeller can scrounge up. These ''conversions'' are often entered into contests at sponsored tournaments and similar gaming events.
  
Army size is determined by "points" (pts); each figure and vehicle has an associated cost proportionate to its potential worth on the battlefield. Players agree on how many points for the game and each assemble an army up to that maximum limit. Typical game sizes are 400, 500, 1000, 1500, 1700, 1750 and 2000 points. Games can vary in length of time from half an hour to several hours.
+
Terrain is an important part of play. Though Games Workshop makes terrain kits available, many hobbyists prefer to make their own elaborate set pieces. Common household items like soda cans, coffee cans, Styrofoam packing pieces, and pill bottles can be transformed into ruined cathedrals, alien habitats, or the like with the addition of plasticard, a bit of putty, and a bit of skill.
  
Play is divided into turns, with each player choosing specific actions for all of his units on his turn, and using dice to determine the results of those actions. Each match, at the onset, is assigned a set of additional rules and a goal (collectively called a "scenario") specific to it. The simplest of these is a basic "cleanse" mission, which ends after six turns, the victor being declared based on the control of the four quarters of the board; more complex goals can include night fights, take-and-hold missions, and various others.
+
=Setting=
 
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[[Image:SegGalacticPic.jpg|thumb|right|250px|[[The Galaxy]]]]
Some players organize a series of scenarios, called a campaign, where two or more players fight against each other in a number of battles. These campaigns may feature their own special rules, and are tied together by a storyline, which might alter according to the results of each scenario when it is played. Every few years, a global campaign is held in which people record their battle results online. This affects the history of the game and is accounted for in the next rulebook. The latest of these global campaigns has been the Eye of Terror Campaign.
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The ''Warhammer 40,000'' game world, based in a setting known only as [[The Galaxy]], which is inspired by our own, is readily characterized as a Gothic science-fantasy setting. The central and most popular elements of the ''Warhammer 40K'' universe are the [[Space Marine]]s, futuristic versions of fantasy knights and the finest warriors of the [[Imperium|Imperium of Mankind]], a [[wikipedia:Dystopian|dystopian]] and [[wikipedia:Degenerate|degenerate]] galaxy-spanning empire.  
 
 
===Collecting===
 
The hobby is widely considered very expensive, even by collectors and enthusiasts (though enthusiasts often wish to point out the reasonableness of the expense compared to other leisure activities). New players wishing to start playing should expect to spend upwards of $200 to $300 for a reasonably sized army (1000 to 2000 points worth of models), including costs for rulebooks and paints. Players must purchase units, sold individually in blister packs or in squads in boxed sets. A typical blister pack with one to three models will cost from $9 to $25, with the cost of boxed sets varying widely ($35 to $200) depending on the contents.
 
 
 
In addition to the current line of units, Games Workshop makes available past model lines as a part of their mail-order-only "Classic" series. These are models that have been used for earlier versions of the game. This is the only way to get certain factions (for example, Harlequins), which have been discontinued.
 
  
===Modeling===
+
Since it originally was created as a sci-fi spin-off of the ''[[Warhammer Fantasy]]'' battle game, the ''40K'' gameworld contains many elements of the fantasy genre, for example the concept of magic and adapted versions of classic fantasy races. The inspirational sources for the ''40K'' universe include classic and contemporary sci-fi, horror, and fantasy movies and television series and the works of renowned genre authors such as [[wikipedia:Isaac Asimov|Isaac Asimov]], [[wikipedia:Frank Herbert|Frank Herbert]], [[wikipedia:H. P. Lovecraft|H. P. Lovecraft]], [[wikipedia:Michael Moorcock|Michael Moorcock]], [[wikipedia:J. R. R. Tolkien|J. R. R. Tolkien]], and [[wikipedia:Robert Heinlein|Robert Heinlein]] (Heinlein's novel [[wikipedia:Starship Troopers|''Starship Troopers'']] inspired many elements such as elite marines in powered armor, and drop pods in which encased Space Marines and equipment are fired from orbiting ships down to the battlefield); [[wikipedia:Middle Ages|medieval]], [[wikipedia:Baroque|baroque]], and [[wikipedia:Surrealist|surrealist]] art (especially [[wikipedia:H. R. Giger|H. R. Giger]]), popular parodys of our own historical settings, such as the [[wikipedia:World War|World Wars]], [[wikipedia:Victorian era|Victorian Britain]], [[wikipedia:Roman Empire|Imperial Rome]], [[wikipedia:Inquisition|The Inquisitions]], [[wikipedia:Nazi Germany|Nazi Germany]], and [[wikipedia:Soviet Russia|Soviet Russia]]. This mix leads to a wholly unique fictional universe, in which every side is to some extent evil - though some are slightly less evil than others. The Imperium for example, is often presented as the "good side", and while it may be true that there are many good people within it, as a whole it is an oppressive, xenophobic, corrupt mess which is only able to keep control of its population through the fact that being worked to the bone assembling rifles and worshiping the [[Emperor of Mankind|Emperor]] is slightly better than being worked to the bone and then brutally killed by [[Ork]] warlords.
Since the models are hand-painted and assembled by the player, players are often encouraged to design their own paint schemes as well as using the pre-designed ones displayed in the various books. They are also encouraged to further modify their figures and vehicles using parts from other kits and models (known as "bitz" to players), or scratch-made from [[polystyrene|plasticard]], modeling putty, or whatever the modeler can scrounge up. These ''conversions'' are often entered into contests at sponsored tournaments and similar gaming events.
 
  
Terrain is an important part of play. Though Games Workshop makes terrain kits available, many hobbyists prefer to make their own elaborate set pieces. Common household items like soda cans, coffee cans, styrofoam packing pieces, and pill bottles can be transformed into ruined cathedrals, alien habitats, or the like with the addition of plasticard, a bit of putty, and a bit of skill.
+
===Imperium of Man===
 +
The Imperium of Man is the galactic empire under which the majority of humanity is united. The founder and ruler of the Imperium is the god-like [[Emperor of Mankind|Emperor]], the most powerful human [[Psyker|psychic]] to date. Founding the Imperium ten thousand years ago, he continues, at least nominally, to lead it.
  
===Current state of play===
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;Miniatures
As of July 2005, Warhammer 40K is in its fourth edition. The core rules are presented in a single large volume, with details for each army appearing in separate codexes. Currently, the [[Space Marine]]s codex has been updated to fourth edition, as well as the [[Tyranid]] codex. Several other codices are due later in the year, including those of the [[Black Templars]] Space Marines and [[Tau]]. A supplement covering the Taros campaign, including additional units and models available from the Forge World subsidiary of Games Workshop, is currently available.  In the meantime, there exist FAQs and errata for materials done under the previous iteration of the rules.
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{{Columns-list
 +
|Content=
 +
*[[Miniatures (Space Marines)]]
 +
*[[Miniatures (Blood Angels)]]
 +
*[[Miniatures (Dark Angels)]]
 +
*[[Miniatures (Space Wolves)]]
 +
*[[Miniatures (Black Templars)]]
 +
*[[Miniatures (Grey Knights)]]
 +
*[[Miniatures (Adeptus Custodes)]]
 +
*[[Miniatures (Adeptus Mechanicus)]]
 +
*[[Miniatures (Imperial Knights)]]
 +
*[[Miniatures (Imperial Forces)]]
 +
*[[Miniatures (Imperial Guard)]]
 +
*[[Miniatures (Sisters of Battle)]]
 +
}}
  
==Background==
+
;Current Codices
===Setting===
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{{Columns-list
The Warhammer 40,000 game world is most readily characterized as a gothic science-fantasy setting. The central and most popular elements of the Warhammer 40k universe are the [[Space Marine]]'s, futuristic versions of fantasy knights and the finest warriors of the Imperium of Mankind, a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dystopian dystopian] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Degenerate degenerate] galaxy-spanning civilization.
+
|Content=
 +
*[[Codex: Space Marines (10th Edition)]]
 +
*[[Codex Supplement: Space Wolves (9th Edition)]]{{Fn|21}}
 +
*[[Codex Supplement: Deathwatch (9th Edition)]]{{Fn|21}}
 +
*[[Codex: Blood Angels (9th Edition)]]{{Fn|21}}
 +
*[[Codex Supplement: Dark Angels (10th Edition)]]
 +
*[[Codex Supplement: Black Templars (9th Edition)]]
 +
*[[Codex: Adeptus Mechanicus (10th Edition)]]
 +
*[[Codex: Adepta Sororitas (9th Edition)]]
 +
*[[Codex: Grey Knights (9th Edition)]]
 +
*[[Codex: Adeptus Custodes (10th Edition)]]
 +
*[[Codex: Imperial Knights (9th Edition)]]
 +
*[[Codex: Astra Militarum (9th Edition)]]
 +
}}
  
Since it originally was created as a sci-fi spinoff of the [[Warhammer Fantasy]] Battle game, the 40k gameworld contain many elements of the fantasy genre, for example the concept of magic and adapted versions of classic fantasy races. The inspirational sources for the 40k universe include classic and contemporary sci-fi, horror and fantasy movies and television series and the works of renowned genre authors such as [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaac_Asimov Isaac Asimov], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Herbert Frank Herbert], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H.P._Lovecraft H.P. Lovecraft], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Moorcock Michael Moorcock], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J.R.R._Tolkien J.R.R. Tolkien] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Heinlein Robert Heinlein] (Heinlein's novel [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starship_Troopers Starship Troopers] inspired many elements such as elite marines in powered armor, and drop pods in which encased Space Marines and equipment are fired from orbiting ships down to the battlefield), [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medieval medieval], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baroque baroque] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surrealist surrealist] art (especially [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H.R._Giger H.R. Giger]), popular depictions of historical settings, such as the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War World Wars], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victorian_era Victorian Britain], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Empire Imperial Rome], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inquisition The Inquisitions], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nazi_Germany Nazi Germany] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soviet_Russia Soviet Russia] leads to a wholly unique fictional universe, in which every side is to some extent evil- though some are slightly less evil than others. The Imperium for example, is generally thought of as the "good side", and while it may be true that there are many good people within it, as a whole it is an oppressive, xenophobic, corrupt mess which is only able to keep control of its population through the fact that being worked to the bone assembling rifles and worshipping the Emperor is slightly better than being worked to the bone and then brutally killed by Ork warlords.
+
===Xenos & Abhumans===
 +
Mankind is not the only sentient race in the galaxy. Many other races vie for survival and dominance of the galaxy. To the Imperium, all of them are enemies to be destroyed. The name for these are the Xenos.
  
The battle for survival takes place on two different planes of existence:
+
;Miniatures
*The [[Materium]]
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{{Columns-list
*The [[Immaterium]](the ''Warp'')
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|Content=
 +
*[[Miniatures (Eldar)]]
 +
*[[Miniatures (Harlequins)]]
 +
*[[Miniatures (Dark Eldar)]]
 +
*[[Miniatures (Genestealer Cults)]]
 +
*[[Miniatures (Leagues of Votann)]]
 +
*[[Miniatures (Necrons)]]
 +
*[[Miniatures (Orks)]]
 +
*[[Miniatures (Tau)]]
 +
*[[Miniatures (Tyranids)]]
 +
}}
  
===Galaxy Maps===
+
;Current Codices
[http://www.joachim-adomeit.de/wh40k/index.php Red Dwarf StarMap]
+
{{Columns-list
 +
|Content=
 +
*[[Codex: Necrons (10th Edition)]]
 +
*[[Codex: Drukhari (9th Edition)]]{{Fn|22}}
 +
*[[Codex: Orks (10th Edition)]]
 +
*[[Codex: Genestealer Cults (9th Edition)]]
 +
*[[Codex: T'au Empire (10th Edition)]]
 +
*[[Codex: Aeldari (9th Edition)]]
 +
*[[Codex: Tyranids (10th Edition)]]
 +
*[[Codex: Leagues of Votann (9th Edition)]]
 +
}}
  
===Armies/Races/Species===
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===[[Chaos]]===
====The Forces of the [[Imperium]]====
+
Ten thousand years ago, the [[Horus Heresy]] nearly tore the Imperium apart. The daemonic [[Gods of Chaos]] corrupted half the Space Marine legions, and plunged the Imperium into a cataclysmic civil war. The Imperium defeated the traitors, but at great cost. 
  
There are three main armies of the forces of the Imperium:
+
The Forces of Chaos still tear away at the Imperium. The sinister whispers of the dark gods turn many people away from the Emperor and their own people, and the remnants of the traitor Space Marine Legions still reside in the [[Eye of Terror]], occasionally striking out in what is known as the [[Black Crusade]]s.
  
*[[Imperial Guard]]
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;Miniatures
*[[Space Marines]]
+
{{Columns-list
 +
|Content=
 +
*[[Miniatures (Chaos Space Marines)]]
 +
*[[Miniatures (Death Guard)]]
 +
*[[Miniatures (Thousand Sons)]]
 +
*[[Miniatures (World Eaters)]]
 +
*[[Miniatures (Chaos Daemons)]]
 +
}}
  
Additionally, the Emperor has at his disposal the tripartite forces of the Inquisition:
+
;Current Codices
 +
{{Columns-list
 +
|Content=
 +
*[[Codex: Death Guard (9th Edition)]]{{Fn|21}}
 +
*[[Codex: Thousand Sons (9th Edition)]]
 +
*[[Codex: Chaos Knights (9th Edition)]]
 +
*[[Codex: Chaos Space Marines (10th Edition)]]
 +
*[[Codex: World Eaters (9th Edition)]]
 +
*[[Codex: Chaos Daemons (9th Edition)]]
 +
}}
  
*[[Ordo Xenos]], including the [[Deathwatch]] [[Space Marine]] units, which are specially trained [[Kill Team]]s gathered from various chapters, who owe allegiance to both the Inquisition and their chapter.  
+
=History=
*[[Ordo Malleus]], including the [[Grey Knights]] chapter of the Space Marines
+
As of July 2020 there has been 9 editions of Warhammer 40,000 released between 1987 and 2020.
*[[Ordo Hereticus]], including the [[Sisters of Battle]]
 
  
None, however, engender fear more than the deadly disciples of the six temples of the [[Officio Assassinorum]]:
+
[[File:40klogo1987.png|thumb|200px|1987' Logo]]
 +
*'''Rogue Trader (1987)'''
 +
::The [[Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader| First Edition]] of the game, named Rogue Trader, was published in 1987. Games Workshop games designer [[Rick Priestley]] created the original rule-set and the ''Warhammer 40,000'' setting, this original version came as a very detailed rulebook, making it most suitable for fighting small skirmishes. Much of the composition of units was determined randomly, by rolling dice.A few elements of the setting ([[bolter]]s, Dreadnought armor) can be seen in a set of wargaming rules called [[wikipedia:Laserburn|Laserburn]] written by [[Bryan Ansell]] and produced by ''Tabletop Games'' in 1980. The influence of these can also be seen in the prototype [[Necromunda (game system)|''Necromunda'']] game mechanics. Laserburn was turned into the computer game [[wikipedia:Laser Squad|''Laser Squad'']] that subsequently evolved into the [[wikipedia:X-COM|X-COM]] computer games.
 +
{{clear}}
  
*[[Callidus Temple]] - drug induced shape-shifters who specialize  in infiltration and disguise as their methods for contacting their targets.
+
[[File:40klogo1993.png|thumb|200px|1993' Logo]]
*[[Culexus Temple]] - those who are born with a one-in-a-billion genetic defect are ushered into the most mysterious of the four sects, that of psionic mind-assassins.  
+
*'''Second Edition (1993)'''
*[[Eversor Temple]] - a combination of drugs, bio-engineering and psychotic fury are the tools of this shrine's trade.
+
::The [[Warhammer 40,000 2nd Edition Rulebook|Second Edition]] was published in late 1993, aimed at making it easier to fight larger battles. This version relied greatly on cards, and came as a boxset including [[Space Marine]]s and [[Ork]]s miniatures, scenery, and dice, as well as the main rules. An expansion pack, ''Dark Millennium'', was later released.
*[[Vindicare Temple]] - focusing on marksmanship and patience, this shrine eliminates threats to the Imperium with a single unerring shot
+
{{clear}}
*[[Venenum Temple]] - the masters of the art of death by poison.
 
*Of the last temple, that of '''Vanus''', no information exists in accepted canon.
 
  
====The Forces of [[Chaos]]====
+
[[Image:Warhammer 40,000 logo.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The logo for the game from the [[3rd Edition|3rd]] through [[8th Edition|8th]] Editions]]
 +
*;Third Edition (1998)
 +
::The [[Warhammer 40,000 3rd Edition Rulebook|Third Edition]] was released in 1998, and again concentrated on streamlining the rules for larger battles. The rulebook was available alone, or as a boxset with miniatures ([[Space Marine]]s and the newly introduced [[Dark Eldar]]).
  
Ten thousand years ago, the [[Horus Heresy]] nearly tore the Imperium apart. Forces loyal to the dark gods of the Warp corrupted nearly half the Space Marine legions, and plunged the Imperium into a cataclysmic civil war. The Imperium defeated the traitors, but at great cost.
+
*;Fourth Edition (2004)
 +
::The [[Warhammer 40,000 4th Edition Rulebook|Fourth Edition]] was released in 2004. It was not such a major change as between previous editions, as it did not break gamers' old army lists or codices. The rules are available either as a separate hardcover rulebook, or in a truncated — but still usable — form within the ''Battle For Macragge'' boxset, which also includes models for Space Marines and [[Tyranid]]s, scenery, dice, and templates.
  
The Forces of Chaos still tear away at the Imperium.  The sinister whispers of the dark gods turn many people away from the Emperor and their own people, and the remnants of the traitor Space Marine Legions still reside in the [[Eye of Terror]], occasionally striking out in what is known as the Black Crusades.
+
*;Fifth Edition (2008)
 +
::The [[Warhammer 40,000 5th Edition Rulebook|Fifth Edition]] was released in 2008. This, too, comes in a box set (with Space Marines and Orks) or as a rulebook. There were many major changes between fourth and fifth edition; however, it did not invalidate any codexes or army lists.
  
*[[The Lost and the Damned]]
+
*;Sixth Edition (2012)
*[[Chaos Space Marines]]
+
::The [[Warhammer 40,000 6th Edition Rulebook|Sixth Edition]] was released in June 2012. New editions include a larger emphasis on flying units and hardcover all-color [[Codices]].
  
====The [[Xenos]]====
+
*;Seventh Edition (2014)
Mankind is not the only sentient race in the galaxy.  Many other races vie for survival and dominance of the galaxy.  To the Imperium, all of them are enemies to be destroyed. The name for these are the xenos.
+
::The [[Warhammer 40,000 7th Edition Rulebook|Seventh Edition]] was released in May 2014 and is heavily similar to the Sixth, but the rulebook is in three separate volumes and there are more liberal army building list rules.
  
====The Eldar====
+
*;Eighth Edition (2017)
The [[Eldar]] are an ancient race that has long since fallen into decline. They still wield advanced technology and great psychic power. Thematically, they are reminiscent of Tolkien's elves, a vastly magical people set against the inevitability of their own demise. There are several different factions of the remaining race: 
+
::The [[Warhammer 40,000 8th Edition Rulebook|Eighth Edition]] was released in June 2017. It continued the advancement in the timeline seen in the ending stages of the Seventh Edition and the introduction of the [[Primaris Space Marines]].
  
* [[Craftworld Eldar]]
+
[[File:Warhammer40k-logo-2020.png|thumb|200px|2020' Logo]]
* [[Exodites]]
+
*;Ninth Edition (2020)
* [[Eldar Outcasts]]
+
::The [[Warhammer 40,000 9th Edition Rulebook|Ninth Edition]] was announced in May 2020  and released in July 2020. Unlike 8th edition, 9th edition isn't a total overhaul of the rules, as Games Workshop have already stated existing codices will still be compatible.{{Fn|18}}
* [[Pirates]]
 
* [[Harlequin]]
 
* [[Dark Eldar]]
 
  
====Other major races====
+
*;Tenth Edition (2023)
*[[Necrons]]
+
::The [[Warhammer 40,000 10th Edition Rulebook|Tenth Edition]] announced in March 2023 and is to be released in the summer of the same year. The 10th Edition seeks to further simplify gameplay and eliminates Force Organization charts.{{Fn|25}}
*[[Ork]]
 
*[[Tau]]
 
*[[Tyranids]]
 
*[[Abhuman]]
 
  
====Minor Races/Sub-Races====
+
Over the years, the game has been expanded by many supplements. There has also been cross-fertilization from other games in the same setting.
*[[Demiurg]]
 
*[[Hrud]]
 
*[[Kroot]]
 
*[[Necrontyr]]
 
*[[Nicassar]]
 
*[[Old Ones]]
 
*[[Slann]]
 
*[[Squats]] (officially killed off)
 
*[[Vespid]]
 
  
===Notable characters===
+
=Expansions and Specialist games=
*The [[Emperor]]
+
* {{Main|Tabletop Games (List)}}
*[[Horus]]
+
*[[Warhammer 40,000 Apocalypse]]{{Fn|7}}
*[[Marneus Calgar]]
+
*[[Imperial Armour]]
*[[Abaddon the Despoiler]]
 
*[[Kharn the Betrayer]]
 
*[[Cypher]]
 
*[[Ahriman]]
 
*[[Commander Farsight]]
 
*[[Eldrad Ulthran]] (now deceased)
 
*The four Chaos Gods ([[Khorne]], [[Slaanesh]], [[Nurgle]], and [[Tzeentch]])
 
*[[Ursarkar E. Creed]], Lord Castellan of Cadia
 
  
 +
=Notes=
 
{| style="border:none; background-color:#5A5A5A;padding:5px;font-size:95%;"
 
{| style="border:none; background-color:#5A5A5A;padding:5px;font-size:95%;"
 
|
 
|
This article is based upon [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warhammer_40%2C000 Warhammer 40,000] from the free encyclopedia [http://en.wikipedia.org Wikipedia] and is subject to [http://www.gnu.org/licenses/fdl.txt GNU Licence for free documentation]. There is a [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Warhammer_40%2C000&action=history List of authors] in the Wikipedia, which can be [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Warhammer_40%2C000&action=edit edited].
+
This article is based upon [[wikipedia:Warhammer_40,000|''Warhammer 40,000'']] from the free encyclopedia [http://en.wikipedia.org Wikipedia] and is subject to [http://www.gnu.org/licenses/fdl.txt GNU License for free documentation]. There is a [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Warhammer_40%2C000&action=history List of authors] in the Wikipedia, which can be [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Warhammer_40%2C000&action=edit edited].
 
|}
 
|}
  
 +
=Sources=
 +
*{{Endn|6}}: [https://www.warhammer-community.com/2020/06/13/warhammer-40000-preview-whats-in-the-boxgw-homepage-post-1/ Warhammer Community: Warhammer 40,000 Preview – What’s in the Box? (Posted on 13/06/2020)] (Last accessed on 13 June 2020)
 +
*{{Endn|18}}: [https://www.warhammer-community.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/w3XH4n7yL3Ti1hW2.pdf Warhammer Community 9th Edition Q&A] (last accessed 7/13/2020)
 +
*{{Endn|19}}:  [https://www.warhammer-community.com/2020/06/26/join-the-combat-patrolgw-homepage-post-1fw-homepage-post-3/ Warhammer Community: Join the Combat Patrol (Posted 6/26/2020)]  (last accessed 7/14/2020)
 +
*{{Endn|20}}: [https://www.warhammer-community.com/2020/07/25/the-warhammer-40000-launch-party-preview/ Warhammer Community: The Warhammer 40,000 Launch Party Preview (Posted on 25/07/2020)] (Last accessed on 25 July 2020)
 +
*{{Endn|21}}: [https://www.warhammer-community.com/2020/09/12/the-codex-show/ Warhammer Community: The Codex Show (posted 9/12/2020)] (last accessed 9/12/2020)
 +
*{{Endn|22}}: [https://www.warhammer-community.com/2020/11/21/warhammer-preview-online-decadence-decay/ Warhammer Community Warhammer Preview Online Decadence and Decay (posted 11/21/2020)] (last accessed 11/21/2020)
 +
*{{Endn|23}}: [https://www.warhammer-community.com/2021/02/03/peek-inside-three-new-warhammer-boxed-games-arriving-in-2021/ Warhammer Community: Peek inside three new Warhammer boxed games arriving in 2021 (Posted on 03/02/2021)] (Last accessed 3 February 2021)
 +
*{{Endn|24}}: [https://www.warhammer-community.com/2021/03/20/warhammer-preview-online-faith-damnation/ Warhammer Community: Warhammer Preview Online – Faith & Damnation (Posted on 20/03/2021)] (Last accessed on 20 March, 2021)
 +
*{{Endn|25}}: [https://www.warhammer-community.com/2023/03/23/a-mindblowing-new-edition-of-warhammer-40000-is-coming/ Warhammer Community: A Mindblowing New Edition of Warhammer 40,000 is coming (posted 23/3/2023)] (last accessed 23/3/2023)
  
 
[[Category:Products]]
 
[[Category:Products]]
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[[Category:Main System]]
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[[de:Warhammer 40.000]]
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[[fr:Warhammer 40,000]]

Latest revision as of 17:51, 23 March 2024

Warhammer 40,000 (informally known as Warhammer 40K or just 40K) is a Gothic science fantasy tabletop miniature wargame, produced by British gaming company Games Workshop. Play centers miniature figurines produced by Citadel Miniatures, which represent soldiers, creatures, and vehicles of war.

Games Workshop does not officially have a fixed scale for Warhammer 40,000, but by comparing the actual and nominal lengths of vehicle models, we can obtain a rough scale ratio of 1:60. For instance, a Land Raider is supposed to be 10.3m long, and its model in the game is 17cm long — this give us a ratio close to 1:60.

Warhammer 40K is the science fiction companion to Warhammer Fantasy. Warhammer 40,000 allows for less regimental, formation-based movement, and deals with more advanced weaponry. The game is currently in its 9th edition.

Warhammer 40,000
Warhammer40k-logo-2020.png
Manufacturer Games Workshop
Released 1987
Scale 1:60 (approx.)
Players 2+

Warhammer 40,000 - The Game

Each player assembles an army from one of the official lists and constructs an army of pewter and plastic miniatures representing the various units in that army. Rules for constructing armies are contained within the Warhammer 40,000 rulebook, as well there are army-specific codexes that contain specific information on the units and rules for each army. (certain armies have multiple codexes - for example, many of the major Chapters of the Space Marines army have individual codexes).

Army size is determined by "points" (pts); each figure and vehicle has an associated cost proportionate to its potential worth on the battlefield. Players agree on how many points for the game and each assemble an army up to that maximum limit. Typical game sizes are 500, 1,000, 1,500, 1,750 and 2,000 points. Games can vary in length of time from half an hour to several hours, dependent on game size.

Play is divided into turns, with each player choosing specific actions for all of his units on his turn, and using dice to determine the results of those actions. Each match, at the onset, is assigned a set of additional rules and a goal (collectively called a "scenario") specific to it. The simplest of these is a basic "cleanse" mission, which ends after six turns, the victor being declared based on the control of the four quarters of the board; more complex goals can include night fights, take-and-hold missions, and various others.

Some players organize a series of scenarios, called a campaign, where two or more players fight against each other in a number of battles. These campaigns may feature their own special rules, and are tied together by a storyline, which might alter according to the results of each scenario when it is played. Every few years, a global campaign is held in which people record their battle results online. This affects the history of the game and is accounted for in the next rulebook. The latest of these global campaigns has been the Medusa V Campaign.

Codices

Codex (plural "codices", but "codexes" is also occasionally used) is the name of a source book for Warhammer 40,000 armies and factions containing background information, pictures, and rules.

Starter Sets

Boxes which usually includes miniatures for two factions, the datasheets for the included units are called Box Sets, Boxed Sets, or Starter Sets. A rulebook is also included in the Launch Box, released at the beginning of each edition.

Collecting

The 2 feet tall Warlord Titan from Forge World, next to an Adeptus Titanicus scaled titan

The hobby is widely considered very expensive, even by collectors and enthusiasts (though enthusiasts often wish to point out the reasonableness of the expense compared to other leisure activities). New players wishing to start playing should expect to spend upwards of US$200 to US$300 for a reasonably sized army (1,000 to 2,000 points worth of models), including costs for rulebooks and paints. Players must purchase units, sold individually in blister packs or in squads in boxed sets. A typical blister pack with one to three models will cost from US$9 to US$25, with the cost of boxed sets varying widely (US$35 to US$200) depending on the contents. In addition to the current line of units, Games Workshop makes available past model lines as a part of their mail-order-only "Classic" series. These are models that have been used for earlier versions of the game. This is the only way to get certain factions (for example, Harlequins), which have been discontinued.

Modelling

Since the models are hand-painted and assembled by the player, players are often encouraged to design their own paint schemes as well as using the pre-designed ones displayed in the various books. They are also encouraged to further modify their figures and vehicles using parts from other kits and models (sometimes known as "bitz" to players), or scratch-made from plasticard, modelling putty, or whatever the modeller can scrounge up. These conversions are often entered into contests at sponsored tournaments and similar gaming events.

Terrain is an important part of play. Though Games Workshop makes terrain kits available, many hobbyists prefer to make their own elaborate set pieces. Common household items like soda cans, coffee cans, Styrofoam packing pieces, and pill bottles can be transformed into ruined cathedrals, alien habitats, or the like with the addition of plasticard, a bit of putty, and a bit of skill.

Setting

The Warhammer 40,000 game world, based in a setting known only as The Galaxy, which is inspired by our own, is readily characterized as a Gothic science-fantasy setting. The central and most popular elements of the Warhammer 40K universe are the Space Marines, futuristic versions of fantasy knights and the finest warriors of the Imperium of Mankind, a dystopian and degenerate galaxy-spanning empire.

Since it originally was created as a sci-fi spin-off of the Warhammer Fantasy battle game, the 40K gameworld contains many elements of the fantasy genre, for example the concept of magic and adapted versions of classic fantasy races. The inspirational sources for the 40K universe include classic and contemporary sci-fi, horror, and fantasy movies and television series and the works of renowned genre authors such as Isaac Asimov, Frank Herbert, H. P. Lovecraft, Michael Moorcock, J. R. R. Tolkien, and Robert Heinlein (Heinlein's novel Starship Troopers inspired many elements such as elite marines in powered armor, and drop pods in which encased Space Marines and equipment are fired from orbiting ships down to the battlefield); medieval, baroque, and surrealist art (especially H. R. Giger), popular parodys of our own historical settings, such as the World Wars, Victorian Britain, Imperial Rome, The Inquisitions, Nazi Germany, and Soviet Russia. This mix leads to a wholly unique fictional universe, in which every side is to some extent evil - though some are slightly less evil than others. The Imperium for example, is often presented as the "good side", and while it may be true that there are many good people within it, as a whole it is an oppressive, xenophobic, corrupt mess which is only able to keep control of its population through the fact that being worked to the bone assembling rifles and worshiping the Emperor is slightly better than being worked to the bone and then brutally killed by Ork warlords.

Imperium of Man

The Imperium of Man is the galactic empire under which the majority of humanity is united. The founder and ruler of the Imperium is the god-like Emperor, the most powerful human psychic to date. Founding the Imperium ten thousand years ago, he continues, at least nominally, to lead it.

Miniatures


Current Codices


Xenos & Abhumans

Mankind is not the only sentient race in the galaxy. Many other races vie for survival and dominance of the galaxy. To the Imperium, all of them are enemies to be destroyed. The name for these are the Xenos.

Miniatures


Current Codices


Chaos

Ten thousand years ago, the Horus Heresy nearly tore the Imperium apart. The daemonic Gods of Chaos corrupted half the Space Marine legions, and plunged the Imperium into a cataclysmic civil war. The Imperium defeated the traitors, but at great cost.

The Forces of Chaos still tear away at the Imperium. The sinister whispers of the dark gods turn many people away from the Emperor and their own people, and the remnants of the traitor Space Marine Legions still reside in the Eye of Terror, occasionally striking out in what is known as the Black Crusades.

Miniatures


Current Codices


History

As of July 2020 there has been 9 editions of Warhammer 40,000 released between 1987 and 2020.

1987' Logo
  • Rogue Trader (1987)
The First Edition of the game, named Rogue Trader, was published in 1987. Games Workshop games designer Rick Priestley created the original rule-set and the Warhammer 40,000 setting, this original version came as a very detailed rulebook, making it most suitable for fighting small skirmishes. Much of the composition of units was determined randomly, by rolling dice.A few elements of the setting (bolters, Dreadnought armor) can be seen in a set of wargaming rules called Laserburn written by Bryan Ansell and produced by Tabletop Games in 1980. The influence of these can also be seen in the prototype Necromunda game mechanics. Laserburn was turned into the computer game Laser Squad that subsequently evolved into the X-COM computer games.
1993' Logo
  • Second Edition (1993)
The Second Edition was published in late 1993, aimed at making it easier to fight larger battles. This version relied greatly on cards, and came as a boxset including Space Marines and Orks miniatures, scenery, and dice, as well as the main rules. An expansion pack, Dark Millennium, was later released.
The logo for the game from the 3rd through 8th Editions
  • Third Edition (1998)
The Third Edition was released in 1998, and again concentrated on streamlining the rules for larger battles. The rulebook was available alone, or as a boxset with miniatures (Space Marines and the newly introduced Dark Eldar).
  • Fourth Edition (2004)
The Fourth Edition was released in 2004. It was not such a major change as between previous editions, as it did not break gamers' old army lists or codices. The rules are available either as a separate hardcover rulebook, or in a truncated — but still usable — form within the Battle For Macragge boxset, which also includes models for Space Marines and Tyranids, scenery, dice, and templates.
  • Fifth Edition (2008)
The Fifth Edition was released in 2008. This, too, comes in a box set (with Space Marines and Orks) or as a rulebook. There were many major changes between fourth and fifth edition; however, it did not invalidate any codexes or army lists.
  • Sixth Edition (2012)
The Sixth Edition was released in June 2012. New editions include a larger emphasis on flying units and hardcover all-color Codices.
  • Seventh Edition (2014)
The Seventh Edition was released in May 2014 and is heavily similar to the Sixth, but the rulebook is in three separate volumes and there are more liberal army building list rules.
  • Eighth Edition (2017)
The Eighth Edition was released in June 2017. It continued the advancement in the timeline seen in the ending stages of the Seventh Edition and the introduction of the Primaris Space Marines.
2020' Logo
  • Ninth Edition (2020)
The Ninth Edition was announced in May 2020 and released in July 2020. Unlike 8th edition, 9th edition isn't a total overhaul of the rules, as Games Workshop have already stated existing codices will still be compatible.[18]
  • Tenth Edition (2023)
The Tenth Edition announced in March 2023 and is to be released in the summer of the same year. The 10th Edition seeks to further simplify gameplay and eliminates Force Organization charts.[25]

Over the years, the game has been expanded by many supplements. There has also been cross-fertilization from other games in the same setting.

Expansions and Specialist games

Notes

This article is based upon Warhammer 40,000 from the free encyclopedia Wikipedia and is subject to GNU License for free documentation. There is a List of authors in the Wikipedia, which can be edited.

Sources