40-02 Warhammer 40,000 Core Book

This product is a hardback core rulebook for Warhammer 40,000 and provides the foundational rules and background required to collect, build, paint, and play with Citadel miniatures.

This 220-page hardback book contains:

• An overview of the Warhammer 40,000 hobby, including collecting, building, painting, and playing
• Core rules for playing games of Warhammer 40,000, suitable for a range of game sizes and formats
• Explanations of datasheets, characteristics, and the core phases of the game
• Rules for mustering armies, setting up games, and achieving objectives
• An introductory mission designed to help players begin playing

Hobby overview

The book introduces the Warhammer 40,000 hobby through guidance on starting and expanding a collection, building and painting miniatures, and understanding different styles of play, including Combat Patrol, matched play, and narrative campaigns.

Background and setting

The book includes background material introducing the setting of Warhammer 40,000, featuring:

• An overview of the galaxy and its major institutions
• Historical context presented through timelines and maps
• Descriptions of key locations and themes within the setting

Factions

Each major faction in Warhammer 40,000 is presented with background information, visual examples, and an overview of Combat Patrol forces. These include factions from the Imperium, Chaos, and various xenos forces.

Core Rules

The Core Rules section explains:

• Fundamental game concepts
• The phases of play
• Universal abilities and Stratagems
• Rules for terrain, reserves, and aircraft

Combat Patrol

This section introduces the Combat Patrol game mode, including:

• An explanation of the format
• Painting standards for play
• Six Combat Patrol missions with objectives, special rules, and deployment maps

The book concludes with an indexed reference section for ease of use during games.