Hey there, fellow Warhammer 40,000 enthusiasts! Ready to dive into the gritty, close-quarters combat of Kill Team? This guide is your ultimate starting point, whether you're a seasoned veteran of the tabletop or a fresh recruit eager to experience the brutal skirmishes of the 41st millennium. We'll break down everything you need to know, from assembling your first kill team to mastering the tactical nuances that will lead you to victory. So grab your dice, sharpen your tactical mind, and let's get started!

What is Warhammer 40k Kill Team?

Kill Team is a tabletop wargame set in the grim darkness of the far future, where small squads of elite operatives clash in tense, objective-driven battles. Unlike the larger-scale battles of Warhammer 40,000, Kill Team focuses on the individual actions of a handful of miniatures, making each decision crucial. This means you’ll be commanding a specialized team, composed of operatives from various factions, fighting for control of strategic objectives, scavenging valuable resources, or simply eliminating the enemy. Kill Team provides a more intimate and tactical experience, with a heavy emphasis on terrain, cover, and the unique skills of each operative. This game is perfect for those who enjoy the strategic depth of Warhammer 40k but are looking for a quicker, more accessible way to play. The smaller scale also makes it easier to get started, both in terms of the number of miniatures required and the time commitment for each game.

Imagine a squad of Space Marine veterans, each with their own specialized equipment and battle experience, infiltrating a derelict space hulk to eliminate a Genestealer infestation. Or perhaps a team of stealthy Tau Pathfinders, using advanced technology to scout and eliminate key enemy targets on a war-torn planet. In Kill Team, these scenarios become a reality. Each game feels like a thrilling cinematic experience, where every decision can have a significant impact on the outcome. The focus on individual operatives allows for a level of customization and storytelling not always present in larger games. You’ll develop a deep connection with your kill team, learning their strengths, weaknesses, and how to best utilize them in the heat of battle. This level of engagement is one of the key factors that makes Kill Team so compelling. The game's rules are designed to be relatively streamlined, allowing for faster gameplay, making it an excellent choice for players of all experience levels.

Getting into Kill Team is also a great way to explore different factions without the financial commitment of building a massive army. You can experiment with different kill teams and playstyles, discovering which factions and strategies resonate with you most. The game is also great for newcomers to the hobby, providing an excellent entry point to the Warhammer 40,000 universe. With its smaller scale and focused gameplay, Kill Team allows new players to quickly grasp the core concepts of the game and start enjoying the experience. The rules are designed to be approachable, so you won’t be overwhelmed with complex rulesets. Moreover, the emphasis on tactical thinking and strategic planning allows you to improve your gaming skills, making it a rewarding experience for both casual and competitive players. The flexibility of Kill Team also shines in terms of where you can play. Since it involves fewer models and a smaller game area, you can easily set up a game on a dining table or even a coffee table. This makes it a great choice for playing in various locations and situations. Finally, the narrative possibilities in Kill Team are immense. You can craft compelling stories around your kill team, developing their individual personalities and backstories. This adds a layer of depth to the game, allowing for a unique and memorable experience each time.

Assembling Your Kill Team: What You Need

Alright, let's get you geared up to build and deploy your first kill team. Here's a rundown of the essential components you'll need to get started. First off, you'll need the Kill Team Core Manual. This is your rulebook, filled with the core rules of the game, faction-specific datasheets, and various missions and campaign rules. It's the bible of your Kill Team experience, so make sure you have it handy.

Next up, you'll need the miniatures. You’ll pick a faction, such as Space Marines, Orks, or Tau. Each faction offers a variety of units, each with their unique weapons, skills, and roles within the team. Consider what kind of playstyle you enjoy before choosing your first team. Do you like fast, aggressive combat or more tactical, ranged warfare? Do you like the idea of elite, heavily armored warriors, or sneaky, agile infiltrators? The choice is entirely up to you. Then you'll need to purchase the right miniatures based on your faction of choice. Typically, you'll select a box of miniatures from your chosen faction. This box will contain the models you need to build your team and often includes the appropriate weapons and wargear. You should familiarize yourself with the datasheet for your units, as these sheets provide the stats, abilities, and options available to each model. This will guide you in assembling your models with the correct weaponry and customizing your team according to your strategic plan.

Don't forget the Kill Team dice and measuring tools. You’ll need a set of dice to resolve attacks, tests, and other actions. A standard set of six-sided dice is sufficient. You will need a measuring tool, most often in the form of an inch ruler, to measure distances for movement, shooting, and melee combat. Also, terrain is essential. Kill Team is a game that heavily utilizes terrain. Cover is vital in this game, and you’ll want to create an immersive battlefield. You can use official Kill Team terrain sets or create your own using everyday materials. Finally, you may also want to consider a Kill Team token set. These are often used to mark objectives, indicate special abilities, or track the status of your operatives during the game. It helps to organize the game and make it easier to keep track of various conditions during the game.

• Essential Components:
  • Kill Team Core Manual
  • Miniatures (from your chosen faction)
  • Dice
  • Measuring Tools
  • Terrain
  • Kill Team Token Set (optional)

Kill Team Core Rules: How to Play

Now, let's break down the core gameplay mechanics of Kill Team. Games are played in a series of rounds, where each player alternates activating their operatives. In Kill Team, you'll be alternating activations. This is where the game really comes alive. The core rule here is, one player activates one operative, and then their opponent activates one operative. Players alternate this way, until all operatives have been activated, and then you start the next round.

Movement is an essential part of the game. During your operative's activation, you can move them a certain distance, measured in inches. Keep in mind, movement can be affected by terrain. Your operatives might need to climb, vault over obstacles, or move carefully to maintain cover. Positioning is key in Kill Team. Moving into cover is crucial to protect your operatives from enemy fire, while strategic positioning can give you a better line of sight for shooting and also to engage in melee combat. Understanding how to use the terrain effectively will drastically improve your chances of victory. Remember, clever movement is as important as accurate shooting.

Shooting is another crucial aspect of Kill Team. When shooting, you’ll select a target and roll dice to determine if you hit. After successfully hitting the target, you'll roll dice to determine the damage inflicted. The attack is resolved by comparing the result of the hit roll against the target's armor, often using a to-wound roll. The damage inflicted is modified by any relevant rules. Understanding the weapon stats and the target's armor values is key to effectively engaging the enemy. Keep in mind that range and cover significantly affect your chances of hitting and damaging your target. Always consider the line of sight when making your shooting decisions. Some weapons have special rules that change how you roll dice or the amount of damage you inflict, so always be aware of the special characteristics of the weapons you are using.

Melee combat is a brutal and critical element of Kill Team. When engaging in melee combat, operatives will fight each other in a close-quarters brawl. Each operative rolls a number of dice based on their melee weapon and the number of attacks they have. The attacker rolls to hit, and then the defender gets a chance to parry. After that, the attacker rolls to wound and then damage is applied to the defender. Remember that your operatives are only lightly armored, so melee can be a very deadly affair. Careful planning and positioning can increase your odds of winning the melee combat. Also, understanding the rules for charging and the effects of terrain on melee combat can greatly improve your chances of victory.

Objectives are the heart of Kill Team. Each mission has different objectives, like controlling certain areas on the battlefield, recovering artifacts, or eliminating specific enemy units. The primary aim is to score more victory points than your opponent by completing these objectives. Understanding the specific objectives of each mission is critical for formulating an effective game plan. Prioritize the objectives while balancing the need for protecting your operatives and eliminating the enemy. Your team's composition and tactics should be adapted to the particular objectives and also the map you are playing on.

Kill Team Tactics and Strategies

To master Kill Team, you'll need to develop your tactical thinking and strategic planning skills. Let's delve into some key tactics and strategies to give you an edge on the battlefield. First, team composition is very important. Each faction offers a variety of units with unique strengths and weaknesses. Building a balanced team that complements each other is key. Consider a mix of specialists and generalists, each designed to fulfill different roles on the battlefield. For example, you might include a close-range fighter to engage in melee, a long-range sniper to eliminate key enemy units, and a leader to boost the morale of your team.

Terrain utilization is another essential tactic in Kill Team. Terrain is not merely decorative; it is a critical element that affects movement, shooting, and melee combat. Use terrain to your advantage. Keep your operatives behind cover to protect them from enemy fire. Use tall structures to gain a vantage point for snipers. Create chokepoints to funnel enemies into deadly kill zones. Understanding the terrain's characteristics and how it affects each operative is key. Terrain can also be used to block line of sight, which is crucial for preventing your operatives from getting shot. Always consider how the terrain can be used to your benefit.

Target priority is another vital element of Kill Team. Not all enemies are created equal. Identify the most dangerous enemy operatives on the battlefield and make them your primary targets. Focus on eliminating the threats that pose the greatest risk to your team's survival. When selecting targets, consider their weaponry, their abilities, and their position on the battlefield. Once the most dangerous threats are eliminated, you can start focusing on securing objectives. Sometimes, it's more beneficial to take out an enemy leader, as they often provide significant buffs to their team. Also consider the tactical implications of your target selection. Focusing on the enemy operatives that are close to the objectives will make it harder for the enemy to score victory points.

Objective control is another crucial aspect of the game. Always keep your eye on the mission objectives and focus on securing the key areas. Move your operatives to the designated objective points and make sure you're positioned to hold them against enemy attacks. Prioritize securing the objectives at the beginning of the game, as this will give you an early advantage. Always adapt your strategy depending on the objectives and the map. The tactics for controlling an objective depend on the map layout and also the number of operatives on your team. Sometimes, you may need to defend an objective by all means, even if it means sacrificing some of your operatives.

Choosing Your Kill Team Faction

Choosing your Kill Team faction is a big decision, so let's explore some popular options to help you choose the one that best suits your playstyle.

• Space Marines: If you love elite, heavily armored warriors, Space Marines are an excellent choice. They are known for their resilience and versatility, making them a great choice for beginners. With a range of specialized units, they can be adapted to almost any playstyle, from aggressive assault to tactical ranged combat. Space Marine kill teams can be relatively forgiving due to their high toughness and access to powerful weaponry. Also, their relatively straightforward rules make them easier to learn, even for novice players. However, they can be more expensive to field due to the cost of their miniatures. You will need to take into account that they are less versatile against factions with specialized weaponry and tactics. Space Marines are a versatile, powerful, and easy-to-learn faction, ideal for those seeking a straightforward and robust playstyle.
• Orks: For players who enjoy relentless aggression and close-quarters combat, the Orks are a great choice. They are known for their overwhelming numbers and also their brutal efficiency in close combat. Orks offer a wide variety of units, from hordes of Boyz to powerful Mek units. They are not always the best choice for beginners, as they require a more strategic approach. However, their unique gameplay and also their fun, ramshackle aesthetic make them a very exciting option. Orks are well-suited to players who enjoy a fast-paced, aggressive style. Their high model count and powerful melee units make them a great choice for players who enjoy getting stuck in the fight. Consider that the effectiveness of Orks depends on your ability to use their numbers to your advantage. Their hit-and-run tactics require a good understanding of terrain and also the deployment phase.
• Tau Empire: Tau are the perfect faction for players who prefer tactical ranged warfare. They excel in firepower, with their advanced weaponry capable of eliminating enemies from afar. The Tau rely on long-range engagements and strategic positioning. Tau are less effective in close combat, so you need to be very tactical and also rely on your positioning and tactics to win the game. Tau units are very versatile in terms of ranged combat. Their unique weapons and abilities allow you to take down enemies from a distance. The Tau playstyle requires a focus on planning, positioning, and also managing your resources. They are an excellent option for players who enjoy strategic thinking and tactical planning, but it may require some practice to master. Consider the costs of their miniatures, as well as the special tactics they have.

Getting Started: Building and Painting Your Models

Alright, let's get into the most creative and engaging aspects of Kill Team: building and painting your miniatures! Building your models is a fun process. Start by carefully removing the components from the sprue and assembling them using plastic glue. Follow the instructions provided with your miniatures, paying close attention to the details. When the models are assembled, it's time to prepare them for painting. Washing the miniatures with warm, soapy water will remove any mold-release agents and allow the paint to adhere better. Once they are dry, apply a primer. Primer provides a base coat that helps the paint stick to the plastic surface. Use a spray primer, applying it in thin, even coats to avoid obscuring the details of your models.

Painting your models is where you can truly make your kill team your own. The painting process is very rewarding. You can either use the faction's default color schemes or create your own unique designs. Start with the base coating. Apply the base colors to your models, making sure to cover all the surfaces. Allow the base coats to dry completely before moving on to the next step. Next, add highlights and shading. Apply highlights to the raised areas of the models and use washes to add depth to the recesses. Washes are thin, transparent paints that can be applied to add shading and definition to your models. Use edge highlighting to emphasize the details and make them stand out. Finally, apply a varnish to protect your paint job and give your models a finished look. Varnish also protects the paint from wear and tear. Use a matte varnish to give your models a non-reflective finish. Be patient and have fun. The more effort you put into painting your miniatures, the more satisfying the final result will be.

Conclusion: Your Kill Team Adventure Begins

Well, that wraps up our guide to Kill Team! You're now equipped with the knowledge and also the tools to embark on your own Kill Team adventures. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun! Experiment with different factions, strategies, and also paint schemes. Enjoy the camaraderie of playing with friends and also the thrill of victory on the tabletop. The Kill Team community is also a great resource for learning new tactics, sharing your creations, and connecting with fellow enthusiasts. So, gather your team, deploy them to the battlefield, and begin your journey into the war-torn universe of Warhammer 40,000!

• Key Takeaways:
  • Learn the rules and also understand the basics of the game.
  • Select your favorite faction, and acquire their corresponding miniatures.
  • Craft a strategy and adapt to the ever-changing battlefield.
  • Take advantage of all the tools and resources available to improve your skills.
  • Most importantly, remember to have fun and immerse yourself in the rich lore of the game.

Good luck, commander! The fate of the galaxy (or at least your kill team) rests in your hands!