Beginner's Guide to the New Warhammer Horus Heresy Version

Welcome to the galaxy's most epic civil war! If you're new to the tabletop game scene or curious about what makes Warhammer Horus Heresy special, you've picked a good time to dive in. This new system offers an incredible entry point into one of gaming's most compelling stories, and the good news is that it's more accessible than ever for new players.

The Warhammer Horus Heresy represents something truly special in the world of miniature gaming. Unlike many other tabletop games that focus on fantasy creatures or distant alien conflicts, this game puts you right in the heart of humanity's most tragic moment. It's a civil war that shaped the entire galaxy, and now you can command the forces that decided the fate of mankind itself.

What Makes Horus Heresy Different?

Set during the Great Crusade and the catastrophic betrayal that followed, Horus Heresy takes place 10,000 years before the grimdark future of Warhammer 40,000. Instead of the worn-down, desperate struggle for survival you might expect, this era showcases humanity at its technological peak. Think gleaming power armour, advanced weaponry, and massive space marine legions fighting with the finest equipment the Emperor of Mankind could provide.

The basic idea is refreshingly straightforward: brother fights brother in the most tragic conflict in human history. Unlike other Games Workshop systems like Warhammer Age of Sigmar with its Stormcast Eternals and diverse realms, or Kill Team with its small-scale skirmishes, Horus Heresy focuses purely on space marines of each side - loyalist versus traitor - which makes it perfect for your first game in the Warhammer universe.

This focused approach means new players don't need to learn about dozens of different factions, alien technologies, or complex inter-species politics. It's Space Marines versus Space Marines, but with enough variety in the eighteen different space marine legions to keep gameplay fresh and engaging for years to come.

The visual appeal cannot be overstated either. Where Warhammer 40,000 emphasizes decay and desperation, Horus Heresy showcases humanity at its absolute pinnacle. The power armour is pristine, the technology is advanced, and the conflicts feel genuinely heroic even in their tragedy. It's less grimdark apocalypse and more classical space opera, which appeals to a lot of people who want epic sci-fi without the overwhelming darkness.

Why New Players Love This System

A lot of people are drawn to Horus Heresy for reasons that might surprise you. The models are absolutely massive compared to standard 40K figures, giving you incredible detail to work with and making them easier to paint for beginners. The art style leans more toward classic sci-fi than grimdark horror, featuring heroic poses and gleaming technology rather than skulls and decay.

The new rulebook has streamlined many complex mechanics while preserving the tactical depth that makes the game rewarding. This makes it the best way to experience large-scale Space Marine warfare without getting bogged down in overly complex systems. Whether you're interested in the tabletop game aspect, the rich lore from the Horus Heresy series of novels, or just love the look of these incredible miniatures, there's something here for everyone.

Many new players find that Horus Heresy strikes the perfect balance between accessibility and depth. The core rulebook presents rules in a logical, easy-to-follow format, while still offering enough tactical complexity to reward skilled play. Unlike some modern tabletop games that sacrifice depth for simplicity, or others that become overwhelmingly complex, Horus Heresy finds that sweet spot that keeps both beginners and veterans engaged.

The game also benefits from having a focused scope. Rather than trying to balance dozens of different army types with wildly different rules systems, everything revolves around space marine legions and their supporting forces like Solar Auxilia and various mechanical units. This focused approach means the rules are more consistent and easier to learn, while still offering tremendous variety through the different legion special rules and unique units.

Getting Started: Your First Steps

The best way to begin is with a starter set, which gives you everything needed for your first time playing. These sets typically include models from two different legions, dice, measuring tools, and a condensed version of the game rules to get you playing quickly. The current starter set is particularly well-designed for new players, offering balanced forces that showcase different aspects of the game without overwhelming newcomers with too many special rules.

Your next step should be picking up the Age of Darkness rulebook - this core rulebook contains the full rules system and background information you'll need for larger games. Don't worry about memorizing everything at once; even veterans who've been playing for a long time still reference the rules regularly! The Age of Darkness rulebook is beautifully illustrated and contains not just the game rules, but also extensive background information about the Great Crusade and the tragic events that followed.

For those who want to dive deeper into the universe, Black Library offers an extensive collection of novels, with Horus Rising by Dan Abnett being the perfect first book for newcomers. The Horus Heresy series spans dozens of novels and provides incredible depth to the setting, though you certainly don't need to read them all to enjoy the tabletop game.

White Dwarf magazine is another excellent resource for new players. Each issue typically contains Horus Heresy content, including painting tutorials, battle reports, and showcases of stunning armies from the Warhammer Community. Many local gaming group communities also recommend White Dwarf as a way to stay current with new releases and rule updates.

If you're looking for one-stop shops for all your gaming needs, many hobby stores offer everything from the starter set and core rulebook to paints, brushes, and modeling supplies. These shops often serve as gathering places for the local gaming group and can be a great place to meet other players and learn from more experienced hobbyists.

Choosing Your Legion: More Than Just Colors

Each of the space marine legions offers unique gameplay experiences through special rules and unique units. Of the original twenty legions created by the Emperor of Mankind, two were lost before the Horus Heresy began. The remaining eighteen legions split evenly during the civil war, with nine staying loyal to the Emperor of Mankind and nine following Horus into rebellion. Some popular choices for beginners include:

Word Bearers: Masters of coordinated infantry assaults and chaplain support, with strong morale and leadership bonuses that make them forgiving for new players. Their special rules focus on unit coordination and religious fervor, making them excellent for players who enjoy tactical synergies between different infantry units.

Night Lords: Terror specialists who excel at close combat and disrupting enemy formations through fear tactics and lightning-fast strikes. They have access to unique units like Terror Squads and special rules that allow them to strike fear into enemy units, making them perfect for players who enjoy psychological warfare.

Space Wolves: Aggressive close combat specialists with unique pack dynamics and special weapon access, perfect for players who prefer direct assault tactics. Their special rules emphasize melee combat and pack hunting, giving them advantages when multiple units work together in close combat.

Imperial Fists: Masters of defensive warfare and siege tactics, with special rules that make their units incredibly resilient when holding objectives. They're excellent for new players who prefer methodical, defensive gameplay and have access to unique units like Phalanx Warders that excel at holding ground.

Iron Hands: Technology specialists with enhanced durability and access to advanced wargear. Their special rules often involve improved armor saves and cybernetic enhancements, making them forgiving for new players still learning positioning and tactics.

Each legion also has access to generic units like Tactical Squads, Assault Squads, and Heavy Support Squads, plus special character models that provide leadership and unique abilities. The variety ensures that no two armies play exactly the same way, even when using the same basic infantry unit types.

The key to choosing your first game legion is considering what type of gameplay appeals to you most. Do you prefer shooting from range, getting stuck into melee combat, or supporting your troops with special abilities? Your preferred playstyle will help guide your legion choice and ensure you have fun from your very first game.

Understanding Army Construction

Building your first army can seem daunting, but the new system makes it more straightforward than ever. Start with basic infantry unit choices - Tactical Squads form the backbone of any force and are forgiving for new players learning positioning and tactics. These generic units are available to all legions and provide a solid foundation for any army.

Add an HQ option like a Praetor or Centurion to lead your forces. These special character models provide essential leadership abilities and can be customized with various weapons and equipment. Your HQ option will often be your army's most powerful single model and can significantly impact your tactical options.

Consider adding a few special units to give your army some punch. These might include Terminators for heavy assault work, Dreadnoughts for fire support, or legion-specific unique units that reflect your chosen faction's character. The best way to learn is to start small and gradually expand your understanding of how different units work together.

The movement phase and close combat systems are intuitive, but don't underestimate the importance of melee combat in this game. Unlike some modern sci-fi games that focus primarily on shooting, Horus Heresy rewards players who can master both ranged combat and assault tactics. Learning when to charge into melee combat versus when to maintain range is crucial for success.

Many local gaming group communities organize smaller games for beginners, usually around 1,000-1,500 points. This gives you a chance to learn the basic principles without being overwhelmed by massive armies. These smaller games are also faster to play, allowing you to get multiple games in during a single gaming session and accelerate your learning.

Mastering the Core Mechanics

The game rules in Horus Heresy are designed to be intuitive while still offering tactical depth. The movement phase allows you to position your units strategically, setting up for effective shooting or charges into close combat. Understanding movement distances and positioning is crucial, as even the most powerful infantry unit can be ineffective if poorly positioned.

Close combat and melee combat are central to the Horus Heresy experience. Unlike some tabletop games where shooting dominates, Horus Heresy encourages aggressive tactics and decisive assaults. Learning to coordinate charges, support assaulting units, and use special abilities effectively in combat separates good players from great ones.

The new rules have streamlined many complex interactions while preserving the game's tactical depth. Special rules are clearly written and consistently applied, making it easier for new players to understand their options and make informed tactical decisions.

Beyond the Tabletop

The Horus Heresy universe extends far beyond the tabletop game. Black Library publishes dozens of novels exploring this era, with Horus Rising by Dan Abnett being an excellent first book for newcomers to the setting. The Horus Heresy series spans over fifty novels and provides incredible depth to the setting, exploring the motivations and psychology of the various space marine legions and their leaders.

White Dwarf magazine regularly features Horus Heresy content, including painting guides, tactical articles, and showcases of incredible armies. The Warhammer Community website also provides regular updates, rules clarifications, and hobby inspiration. These resources are invaluable for new players looking to improve their gaming and hobby skills.

For those interested in the modeling aspect, Forge World produces incredibly detailed resin models that complement the plastic range. While these aren't necessary for new players, they offer amazing options for expanding your collection later. Forge World specializes in larger vehicles, special characters, and unique units that can add incredible visual impact to your army.

The hobby aspect of Horus Heresy is just as rewarding as the gaming. Painting these detailed models provides a relaxing counterpoint to the strategic gameplay, and many players find the hobby side as engaging as the tabletop game itself. Top hobby products from various manufacturers ensure you have access to high-quality paints, brushes, and modeling tools.

The Social Aspect and Community

One reason Horus Heresy has grown so popular is its focus on narrative play and community building. Many groups run campaigns that tell the story of the civil war through connected scenarios, allowing your army to develop and grow over multiple games. It's a great place to meet fellow hobbyists and develop lasting friendships around shared interests.

The community tends to be very welcoming to newcomers, understanding that everyone needs time to learn the new system. Most players are happy to explain rules, offer tactical advice, or simply admire each other's painted models. Local gaming group communities often organize beginner-friendly events, painting competitions, and social gatherings that extend beyond just playing the game.

Many local gaming group communities also organize campaigns and special events that bring the lore to life. These might include recreation of famous battles from the Horus Heresy series, custom scenarios based on Black Library novels, or player-created stories that expand on the existing universe. This narrative focus helps create memorable gaming experiences that go beyond simple competitive matches.

Learning the Lore and Background

You don't need to read dozens of novels to enjoy the game, but understanding the basic idea behind the Horus Heresy adds incredible depth to your experience. The Emperor of Mankind created twenty legions of enhanced warriors to reunite humanity during the Great Crusade, but his most trusted son, Horus, was corrupted and turned half the legions against their creator.

This civil war provides the perfect backdrop for dramatic games where former allies clash in desperate battles. Every mission has emotional weight because you're not just moving models around - you're recreating pivotal moments in human history. The Horus Heresy series of novels provides incredible detail about these events, with Dan Abnett's Horus Rising serving as the perfect introduction to the setting.

The Great Crusade represents humanity at its absolute peak - a time when the Emperor of Mankind led his space marine legions in reuniting scattered human worlds across the galaxy. This era showcases humanity's greatest achievements in technology, military organization, and unified purpose. Understanding this context makes the subsequent betrayal and civil war even more tragic and compelling.

Each of the space marine legions has its own rich history, traditions, and character flaws that eventually led to their choices during the civil war. Learning about your chosen legion's background helps you understand their special rules, appreciate their unique units, and make thematic army building decisions that reflect their character.

Advanced Play and Expansion

Once you've mastered the basic principles and played several smaller games, you'll naturally want to expand your understanding and army size. This is where the depth of the Horus Heresy system really shines. Advanced tactics involve coordinating multiple unit types, using special abilities synergistically, and adapting to different mission objectives and opponent strategies.

Larger games of 2,500-3,000 points allow you to field multiple HQ options, various special units, and support elements like vehicles and artillery. These games showcase the epic scale that makes Horus Heresy special, with massive armies clashing across detailed battlefields in truly cinematic engagements.

The full rules system includes advanced options like special character models representing famous figures from the Horus Heresy series, unique wargear options that reflect each legion's preferences, and scenario rules that recreate specific battles from the lore. These elements add tremendous depth and replay value to the system.

Many experienced players also enjoy the hobby challenge of creating themed armies that tell specific stories. This might involve converting models to represent particular companies or brotherhoods, painting schemes that reflect battle damage or campaign honors, or creating custom special character models to lead unique forces.

Building Your Collection Strategically

Smart collection building ensures you get maximum enjoyment from your investment in the hobby. Start with your starter set and core rulebook, then gradually expand based on your experiences and preferences. Pay attention to which units perform well in your games and which ones match your preferred tactical style.

Consider the long time investment that building and painting an army represents. Choose a legion whose aesthetics and background appeal to you, as you'll be spending many hours working with these models. The best way to maintain motivation is to genuinely enjoy the visual and narrative aspects of your chosen faction.

Generic units like Tactical Squads and basic vehicles provide excellent value, as they're useful in virtually any army configuration. Special units and unique units add character and tactical options, but should complement rather than replace your core forces.

Many players find it helpful to set collection goals - perhaps focusing on a specific point value army, recreating a particular battle from the Horus Heresy series, or building forces for both sides of the civil war to enable demo games with friends.

Your Next Adventure Awaits

Starting a new hobby can feel daunting, but Horus Heresy offers one of the most rewarding experiences in tabletop gaming. The combination of stunning models, engaging gameplay, rich storytelling, and welcoming community creates something truly special that can provide years of enjoyment.

Remember, this is meant to be fun! Don't worry about having the perfect army list or making tactical mistakes in your first game. Focus on learning the rules gradually, enjoying the hobby aspect of building and painting your models, and connecting with other players who share your interests. Every veteran player started as a beginner, and the Warhammer Community is generally very supportive of new players.

The good news is that you're entering the hobby at a perfect time. The new system is more accessible than ever, the model range is extensive and high-quality, and the community continues to grow. Whether you prefer the tactical challenge of the tabletop game, the creative satisfaction of the hobby aspects, or the rich storytelling possibilities of the setting, Horus Heresy offers something special.

The galaxy is waiting for your legion to make its mark on history. Whether you stand with the Emperor or follow Horus into rebellion, epic battles and unforgettable stories await. Welcome to the Horus Heresy - your adventure in the 31st Millennium starts now!

Ready to begin your journey? Many of your favorite Warhammer The Horus Heresy items - from starter sets and the core rulebook to painting supplies and individual miniatures - can be purchased locally or worldwide through MOD Shop at modshop.fun. Join the Warhammer Community and discover why so many players consider Horus Heresy the best way to experience large-scale tactical warfare in the far future.