The Warhammer Fantasy Starter Box is the perfect entry point into the world of Warhammer Fantasy Battles, a tabletop wargame filled with legendary heroes, monstrous creatures, and epic battles. This in-depth guide will explore everything you need to know about the starter box, from its contents to building your armies and mastering the game. Whether you're a seasoned wargamer or a complete novice, this guide will help you embark on your Warhammer Fantasy journey.
What's Inside the Warhammer Fantasy Starter Box?
The Warhammer Fantasy Starter Box typically contains everything two players need to start playing immediately. While the exact contents may vary slightly depending on the specific edition or release, you can generally expect the following:
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Two Armies: A pre-painted and assembled army for each player, usually featuring iconic units such as warriors, archers, and a hero. These armies provide a great introduction to the diverse range of units available in the Warhammer Fantasy world. For example, you might receive a force of Empire soldiers and a Greenskin horde. The balance of power is usually designed to be fairly even, ensuring a competitive and engaging first game.
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Rules Booklet: A comprehensive rulebook explaining the core mechanics of the game, from movement and combat to magic and special abilities. This booklet is often simplified for beginners, making it easy to learn the basics without being overwhelmed.
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Dice and Measurement Tools: Essential components for gameplay, including dice for determining attack rolls, and a ruler or tape measure for determining movement and range. The inclusion of these tools ensures that you can start playing right out of the box.
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Terrain: Basic terrain pieces like barricades or ruins can add a dynamic element to your battles and improve the gameplay experience. These elements represent the battlefield environment and can influence how units move and fight.
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Optional Add-ons: Some editions include supplementary materials like extra dice, tokens, or a campaign guide to help expand upon the introductory experience.
Example of Contents (May Vary by Edition)
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Empire Army | Pre-assembled and painted Empire soldiers, including swordsmen, archers and a Captain |
| Greenskin Army | Pre-assembled and painted Orc and Goblin warriors, including warriors and a Warboss |
| Rules Booklet | Simplified rules for beginners |
| Dice | Several six-sided dice for determining combat outcomes |
| Ruler/Tape | For measuring distances on the battlefield |
| Terrain Pieces | Basic terrain to enhance gameplay |
Assembling and Painting Your Army (For Non-Pre-Assembled Versions)
If your starter box contains unpainted miniatures, assembling and painting them is a crucial part of the experience. This adds a significant level of customization and allows you to personalize your army.
Assembling Your Miniatures:
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Carefully remove the miniatures from the sprues: Use a hobby knife or clippers to carefully snip them out, being cautious not to damage any details.
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Clean up any excess plastic: Use a file or sandpaper to remove any excess plastic from the base of the miniature.
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Assemble the parts: Follow the instructions provided with the miniatures. Use plastic glue designed for models to secure the pieces together.
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Allow the glue to dry completely: Once dry, you're ready to start painting.
Painting Your Miniatures:
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Prime your miniatures: Apply a thin coat of primer spray to prepare the surface for paint. This helps the paint adhere better and provides a more even finish.
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Apply base coats: Paint the main areas of the miniature with base colours.
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Add details: Use smaller brushes to add details and highlights to enhance the look.
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Apply washes: Use washes to add depth and shadow to recesses.
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Apply highlights: Apply thin coats of lighter paints to raised areas to create highlights.
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Seal your miniatures (optional): Apply a sealant spray to protect your paint job.
Learning the Rules and Playing Your First Game
The rules can seem daunting at first, but the starter box's rulebook is designed to be accessible. Focus on the basics:
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Movement: Learn how far your units can move and how to place them strategically.
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Combat: Understand the core combat mechanics, including attack rolls, defense rolls, and casualty determination.
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Magic (if applicable): If your armies utilize magic, understand the basic principles of spellcasting and how it affects the battle.
The best way to learn is to play! Start with a practice game to get acquainted with the rules and gradually work your way up to more complex scenarios. Don't be afraid to make mistakes; it's part of the learning process.
Expanding Your Warhammer Fantasy Army
Once you've mastered the basics, you can expand your army by purchasing additional miniatures and units. The possibilities are vast, allowing you to create a truly unique and powerful army. Remember to consider the strengths and weaknesses of your units and their synergies when expanding your force.
Conclusion: Embark on Your Warhammer Fantasy Adventure!
The Warhammer Fantasy Starter Box offers a fantastic introduction to a captivating world of tabletop wargaming. It provides everything you need to begin your journey, from pre-painted armies to a comprehensive rulebook. By understanding the contents, assembling your miniatures (if necessary), learning the rules, and expanding your army, you will be well on your way to enjoying countless hours of epic battles and strategic gameplay. So, gather your friends, prepare for battle, and unleash the fury of Warhammer Fantasy!