WTF IS WARHAMMER 40K? - EXPLAINED - FULL BEGINNER'S GUIDE + EVERY MAJOR FACTION | Lore/History

Summary

This video introduces the expansive universe of Warhammer 40,000 (40k), a vast miniature wargame created by Games Workshop. It covers the game's rich narrative, which spans galactic wars, multiple alien races, and intricate lore focused on humanity's survival. The presenter discusses key aspects like the iconic tabletop game, painting miniatures, and the game's immersive storylines. 40k’s dark, dystopian future features factions like the Imperium of Man, Necrons, and Tyranids. The video emphasizes how 40k blends grim war themes with humor and absurdity, making it a captivating, all-consuming hobby for enthusiasts.

Takeaways

• 🎲 Warhammer 40,000 (40k) is a vast miniature wargame that encompasses not just the game but a detailed universe, rich in lore, stories, and factions.
• 🌌 The universe of 40k is set in a dystopian future filled with unending galactic warfare, pessimism, and space horror. The central human civilization is the Imperium of Man, a totalitarian empire.
• 🎮 Beyond the tabletop game, 40k has expanded into other media such as video games, novels, and an active fan culture dedicated to miniatures, painting, and storytelling.
• 👑 Humanity's civilization was once technologically advanced but was shattered by the Horus Heresy, a devastating civil war. The Emperor of Man, a god-like figure, now exists as a corpse, still worshiped.
• 🛠️ The Imperium is a stagnant, decaying society that holds power through control, indoctrination, and military force. It is known for its xenophobic stance, exterminating alien species known as 'xenos.'
• 🦾 Space Marines, or the Adeptus Astartes, are elite, genetically enhanced warriors who represent humanity’s most powerful fighting force, alongside massive armies like the Imperial Guard.
• 👾 Numerous alien factions in the 40k universe act as enemies of humanity, including Necrons, Eldar, Tyranids, and Orks, each with unique traits and motivations.
• 💀 Chaos is a pervasive force in the 40k universe, originating from the Warp, a parallel dimension. It includes powerful entities like Chaos Gods and their demonic followers, constantly corrupting mortals.
• 🎨 The hobby of collecting, designing, and painting miniatures is an integral part of 40k, with many players focusing solely on this aspect, making it a creative and artistic pursuit.
• 😂 The absurdly extreme, dark, and violent themes of 40k are often taken with humor by fans, leading to a mix of serious engagement with its lore and lighthearted memes about its exaggerated aspects.

Q & A

What is Warhammer 40,000 (40k)?

Warhammer 40,000, also known as 40k, is a tabletop miniature wargame created by Games Workshop. It features an evolving storyline set in a dystopian future, spanning various media like books, video games, and miniature-based tabletop battles.

How is Warhammer 40k similar to popular media franchises like Game of Thrones?

Warhammer 40k shares similarities with franchises like Game of Thrones due to its vast, immersive universe with deep lore, complex storylines, and an intricate backstory, but it goes far beyond them in terms of scale and scope.

What are the main components of Warhammer 40k as a hobby?

Warhammer 40k consists of several main components: the tabletop wargame itself, painting and crafting miniatures, and exploring the extensive lore through books, video games, and other media.

What is the importance of painting miniatures in Warhammer 40k?

Painting miniatures is a significant part of the Warhammer 40k hobby. Some players focus entirely on the artistic aspect, creating detailed, custom-painted miniatures, which are often used in the tabletop game.

What is the setting of Warhammer 40k?

Warhammer 40k is set in a dystopian future filled with galactic war, where humanity's Imperium of Man faces existential threats from alien races, internal corruption, and entities like Chaos gods.

Who is the Emperor of Man in Warhammer 40k?

The Emperor of Man is a god-like figure who once unified humanity under the Imperium of Man. After a devastating civil war called the Horus Heresy, the Emperor was mortally wounded and now exists as a living corpse, worshiped by humanity as a deity.

What is the Imperium of Man's ideology?

The Imperium of Man is a xenophobic, totalitarian regime that worships the Emperor and exerts strict control over its citizens. It uses bureaucracy and religious indoctrination to mobilize mass populations for war, and views alien races (xenos) as enemies that must be exterminated.

What are Space Marines (Astartes) in Warhammer 40k?

Space Marines, or Astartes, are genetically modified superhuman warriors who serve as the elite military force of the Imperium of Man. They are equipped with advanced technology and weapons, making them one of humanity's greatest assets in galactic warfare.

What is Chaos in Warhammer 40k?

Chaos in Warhammer 40k is a malevolent force that originates from the Warp, a parallel dimension influenced by the emotions and desires of mortal beings. It is ruled by Chaos gods, each representing different aspects of human desires, and its followers include demons and corrupted Space Marines.

How does the tabletop game of Warhammer 40k work?

In the tabletop game, two players engage in a battle on a table set with terrain. Players take turns moving their miniatures and resolving combat with dice rolls according to specific rules. The goal is often to achieve a mission or simply defeat the opposing army.