This is not your grandfather’s tabletop gaming!
One of the first things people learn when it comes to games like Warhammer 40,000 is that there is a difference between traditional board games and what we call tabletop games. Or maybe not so much. And there’s the rub: they are essentially the same thing, but there are differences.
According to that fount of knowledge, Wikipedia,
“Board games are tabletop games that typically use pieces moved or placed on a pre-marked board (playing surface) and often include elements of table, card, role-playing, and miniatures games as well. Most feature a competition between two or more players.”
That’s all fine and good, but playing Monopoly with your kid sister, for example, is nothing like playing a game like Warhammer 4K. Unless your kid sister happens to be a particularly brutal opponent!
And much like the classic game of Monopoly, Warhammer 40,000 is the most popular miniature tabletop wargame in the world.
Warhammer 40,000 and the Warhammer 40K Rules
Like other hobbies and activities that capture the heart and imagination of its fans, Warhammer 40K has grown an enthusiastic following and community over the years.
It began with the initial release of a tabletop wargame with the simple name of “Warhammer” almost 40 years ago in 1983. This was followed eventually by the first edition of the rulebook published in 1987. The ninth and current edition was released in July 2020.
The Core Rules, which can be downloaded from the Warhammer official website, is comprised of almost 30 pages in the English edition. One would be safe to say that it’s a bit more involved than Monopoly!
So, what is Warhammer 40K?
Essentially, Warhammer 40,000, or 40K, is a tabletop, miniature-based wargame set in a dystopian future. A far-flung future, actually. Warhammer 40,000 is set in the 42nd millennium, or about 39,000 years from now. The fictional setting of the game has been developed through a large number of novels published by the game publisher’s own publishing division.
The game is most often played by two players who choose one of several factions that exist within the Warhammer 40,000 universe. These include the Warhammer 40K Space Marines and the Imperial Guard among many others. As with most other miniature tabletop wargames, players carry out battles using miniature models of warriors and war equipment such as vehicles and weapons.
The playing area is a tabletop model of a battlefield, comprising models of buildings, hills, trees, and other terrain features. Using dice and simple arithmetic, players take turns moving their miniature warriors around the battlefield and each other’s warriors.
The Warhammer Community
Although each game is often restricted to two players, the Warhammer community at large is comprised of tens of thousands of players around the world. And their own world is quite different than that of the 21st century Earth that the rest of us live in!
For example, on the News section of the Warhammer Community website, one can peruse articles with titles such as:
“Reclaim Your Necron Empire from Tyranids and Blood Angels in Battlesector’s New Campaign” and
“Here’s How Ash Wastes Nomads Conduct Insectile Drive-Bys with Their Trusty Dustback Helamites”
But it is the miniatures that comprise a significant aspect of the game and of the obsession of the Warhammer community.
These miniatures are collected, built, and painted, often with the utmost care and enthusiasm by the Warhammer community. And many particular miniatures are quite sought after, such as the Warhammer 40,000 Necrons seraptek heavy construct miniature, a heavy weapon that can create destructive “miniature quantum singularities.”
Great attention to detail and quality is a part of the appeal of the wargame, as is actually playing the game.
In addition, the Warhammer community is able to read a vast series of novels based on the heroes of Warhammer 40,000, with dozens and dozens of books to choose from. And, along with collecting and building miniatures, and reading the novels, tabletop gamers in the Warhammer community can play a range of video games from mobile versions to shooting games to large-scales strategy epics.
And, of course, there are animated video stories, as well.
But what’s a community without parties? A common activity among Warhammer 40K enthusiasts is to put on a Warhammer Party complete with Warhammer-themed décor, many local game stores often stage Warhammer parties to celebrate various anniversaries or new game releases.
Come to Fundemonium and Join the World of Warhammer 40K
If you’ve decided to join the gritty, futuristic realm of Warhammer 40,000 you don’t to get online to search for “toy store near me” or even a “toy store in Rohnert Park.”
Your source for everything Warhammer is right here at Fundemonium!
At Fundemonium, you’ll discover dozens of exciting and popular miniature gaming products for teens and adults. Explore our wide selection of miniature games along with other types of role-playing games, strategy board games, and other indoor fun products along with toys, crafts, and hobby items.
Fundemonium is more than a store – it’s a fun family experience, where families and fans of card games can meet and play. We are a safe and friendly place where adults and children of all ages can enjoy creative fun. In addition, we have a great selection of tabletop games, toys, arts and crafts, and hobby products for your entire family.
And you can be sure that our friendly and knowledgeable staff makes it their business to help you have fun.
We always do our best to quickly respond to website inquiries about card games (and more!) or you can also find answers to your questions by calling us at (707) 540-0701.
Just give us a call during our business hours if you’d like to speak directly with one of our Fundemoniacs.