How to start Warhammer 40k?

So, you are into Warhammer 40k and you want to start an army. But how? What do you need first? Which army should you start? So here is a little guide on how do you start Warhammer 40k.

Step 1: Know How to Play The Game.
Although it seems fun when we are playing 40k, we also spend a lot of time bickering over rules. The more we remember the rules, the less we have to bicker about. 40k just like any other tabletop wargaming, has many rules governing how your army can move, shoot, attack, or just about anything else. When you first start playing, other players are more than happy to show you the basic rules. But it's up to you to read up on the rest.

There are two books which you will need:
1) The Main Rulebook

All praise the holy bible of 40k. What is written, is the almost immaculate truth.

The main rulebook contains all the basic rules for all armies and a must have for all players. However, the problem is this book is big, bulky, and expensive. 50% of it is just back-story, and 50% of it is the real rules. But trust me, you NEED the main rulebook because you will be referring to it very frequently.

PROTIP: Get "Dark Vengeance" starter set and you can a smaller copy of the rulebook which is cheaper, lighter, and contains 100% rules.

2) The Army Codex

Discover the Greater Good, Greater Guns, and Greater Mechas

The Codex is a supplement rulebook to your main rulebook. It focuses on an army and tell what that army can do, what weapons can it take, and how to create your own army. Its a must have so you can create an army, and defend yourself if your opponent accuses you of playing cheating. Relatively cheap, light, this should be the next thing to get (after getting the main rulebook) if you want to start an army. The models can wait.

Step 2: Create an Army List.

Now that you know how 40k works, it's time to form an army of your own. First select an army you want to play. (More information on how to pick an army will in later posts.) The if you look at your Army Codex's "Army List" page, it will include the units you can get, and how much points do they cost.

When you start a game, both players agree on how many points each player can use to build an army. Then you have that many points to build an army for the game. Each unit you include into your army cost points. The more powerful, the more upgrades, the more expensive. So the more powerful you units are, the less units you have in the game.

Try and create a 500 points list first. (Your army must have at least 1 HQ and 2 Troop choice.) If you are unsure about anything, check the forums, check the codex, or ask any other players.

PROTIP: If you are unsure, play Space Marines. Most people know how to play them so you can ask for help. Space Marines army is versatile and more forgiving on mistakes for beginners.

Step 3: Get the Models.

 

Comes with pointed sticks for that evil chaosy feel.

 

Now that you have a list of what to get, go get the models. Sometimes if you buy a package of units, you may get it cheaper.

PROTIP: 

1) Get "Dark Vengeance" starter set and you can get a 500 point-ish Dark Angel and Chaos Space Marine army at a very cheap price. Just sell of the other army that you don't want.

2) Play Space Marines. They are a very common army and it is easier to buy 2nd hand models from other players or eBay.

Step 4: Assemble the models (and Paint them)

It doesn't get any easier to paint than this (unless you love undead things)

 

Assembling models is easy and fun. You need a clipper and modeling glue which is easily obtainable from any hobby shop. 

Painting is another matter, but we will leave it for now. Unpainted models (although not nice looking) are still playable.

Step 5: Get Equipment to Play

You need: 1 Tape Measure, 1 set of 40k Templates, lots of 6-sided dices, 1 40k Scatter Dice

If you have nice miniature scenery to set up your battle field, that's great! If you don't, make do with cups and boxes, they'll do fine

 

PROTIP:  "Dark Vengeance" starter set also includes 1 set of 40k Templates, and 1 40k Scatter Dice.

Step 6: PLAY 40K!!!!

Now you have all it takes to start playing Warhammer 40k with your friends. You will make lots of mistakes at first. But once you get the feel of the game, you can now expand your army to play games with higher points, customize your army to suit your playing style, or even get another army.