So some of my friends here in the states have invited me to watch them play WH40k a few times. And now I've been invited to play.

I understand the rules quite well, and think it could be a very fun past-time/Money-sink But I'm having some trouble.

I can't decide on a faction/race. And as such, I am turning to the escapist community of WH40k players to help me decide. I figure I'll keep an unbiased opinion to begin with, and then slowly narrow my way down.

I also will keep some mild preferences (They aren't strong enough to lead me in any particular direction yet) to myself until the first questions are popped.

Space Marines are a good starting force, not so many special rules but they may have changed since i last played

You realise that everyone is going to try and foist every single faction and sub-faction onto you, don't you? Every. Single. One.

If this is your first army, I'd recommend you go for one that's fairly easy to use. Space Marines would probably be ideal. I made the mistake of making the Dark Eldar my first army. They're good, but incredibly difficult to wield if you don't know what you're doing. Space Marines are probably the most forgiving army in the GW army roster. Though it's been a while since I last played, so things may have changed.

EDIT

At some point, Ultrajoe will use every trick he knows to try and foist the Tyranids on you. Take what he says with a pinch of salt. I've always been under the impression that Nids are an army where you really need to know what you're doing if you don't want to get fragged into submission.

Oh, and one more thought. If converting models and generally having a laugh are your thing, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better army than Orks. Those dudes are practically made for converting. And they're bloody hilarious to boot.

You're playing 40k, clearly you do need help. I have the number here of a very reputable psychatrist who can aid you in your quest.

(I kid, I kid)

I agree with the marines as well,
although tyranids arent to complicated and a great race as well (although there is lots of cheese invovled)
and finally the tau, their tactics, rules and models are fairly simple

j-e-f-f-e-r-s:
You realise that everyone is going to try and foist every single faction and sub-faction onto you, don't you? Every. Single. One.

Yes, and this is partially the reason for posting. Because I'd like to get as in-depth a description I can get on what choices I have in the long run.

I've played other Table-top games before...most of them obscure things that don't deserve or receive and recognition. I'm fairly gifted with learning quickly, and as such - If I DO end up picking a complicated faction. So be it, I'll eventually get over the learning curve, and enjoy myself.

I'd hate to pick an easy race for the sake of simplicity - and a few games down the line I feel bored and moot with the game. Rather than picking one I enjoyed because of how it is supposed to work/look/operate/etc.

This is why I asked for the informed opinions of the escapist readers, rather than just waltzing down to the local comic shop and purchasing "Easy-kit-Space-marines-001"

EDIT: I'm not so specifically looking for something easy to play (because it's my first army, etc etc.) I'm looking for something that I should enjoy playing/painting.

And thus - I'm asking you which faction(s) you prefer, and why. Good points, bad points. Also, I haven't completely written off the Space Marines yet, they're neat. I just want to know a little more about my options first.

Depends on what you want from your army, if you want huge amounts of fodder backed by heavy armour then imperial guard is the way to go.

If you want long range shooting with high powered weapons with 0 close combat ability then Tau.

If you want hardcore close combat then i'd suggest nids.

Space marines/chaos are the most balanced armies giving you some option on combat and the shooty shooty side of things.

Eldar/Dark Eldar if you fancy hard hitting elite specilist squads with require somewhat precise tactics and use, and speed.

Orks if you like huge masses of troops with funny guns and meat cleavers, that follow the philosophy, more and bigger is better.

Inquisitorial armies, the elite of the imperium forces i've never used so i can't say much, same with the necrons.

Personally i favor Eldar or Tau, though i'm eying up a Grey Knights army in the future

RidleyValiant:
Depends on what you want from your army, if you want huge amounts of fodder backed by heavy armour then imperial guard is the way to go.

If you want long range shooting with high powered weapons with 0 close combat ability then Tau.

If you want hardcore close combat then i'd suggest nids.

Space marines/chaos are the most balanced armies giving you some option on combat and the shooty shooty side of things.

Eldar/Dark Eldar if you fancy hard hitting elite specilist squads with require somewhat precise tactics and use, and speed.

Orks if you like huge masses of troops with funny guns and meat cleavers, that follow the philosophy, more and bigger is better.

Inquisitorial armies, the elite of the imperium forces i've never used so i can't say much, same with the necrons.

Personally i favor Eldar or Tau, though i'm eying up a Grey Knights army in the future

pretty good summery there, good job.

As much as I will forever hate myself for saying this, Space Marines are probably your best bet for your first steps into playing. *cries self to sleep*

RidleyValiant:
Depends on what you want from your army, if you want huge amounts of fodder backed by heavy armour then imperial guard is the way to go.

If you want long range shooting with high powered weapons with 0 close combat ability then Tau.

If you want hardcore close combat then i'd suggest nids.

Space marines/chaos are the most balanced armies giving you some option on combat and the shooty shooty side of things.

Eldar/Dark Eldar if you fancy hard hitting elite specilist squads with require somewhat precise tactics and use, and speed.

Orks if you like huge masses of troops with funny guns and meat cleavers, that follow the philosophy, more and bigger is better.

Inquisitorial armies, the elite of the imperium forces i've never used so i can't say much, same with the necrons.

Personally i favor Eldar or Tau, though i'm eying up a Grey Knights army in the future

This, this was the type of post I had in mind. Takk, Ridley, and now to divulge a little of my preference;

I'm not a HUGE fan of the whole ranged-combat thing. I like the idea of being the 'underdog' or 'outnumbered' guy in a situation. Underestimated - but able to decimate when played well. Tech/Vehicles are also a big plus for me, I like the idea of steamrolling my enemies in a mobile-suit, or tank of doom. That's all for now. I might get more detailed in a bit.

Space Marines are good for starting, they're simple to use and paint. They're the Vanilla of 40K. Eldar are good too. You should steer clear of Chaos marines, they're pretty complicated.
Personally, i love Orks. brilliant in close combat and they're fun to paint.

anNIALLator:
Space Marines are good for starting, they're simple to use and paint. They're the Vanilla of 40K. Eldar are good too. You should steer clear of Chaos marines, they're pretty complicated.
Personally, i love Orks. brilliant in close combat and they're fun to paint.

they are also surprisingly accurate considering they need 5s (or is it sixes?) to hit at ranged, when i faced them, they kept shooting me up

If thats how you feel about it then I'd probably suggest Eldar as they tend to use small, highly specialised units. Devastating when used well (Though the same could be said for any army) They have a good range of tanks, they also use jetbikes and other fancy gizmos to cover your inner techy. They have the ability to go up close and decimate from range.

I am starting a Tau army as well. Should I put the figures together then paint or vice versa?

RidleyValiant:
If thats how you feel about it then I'd probably suggest Eldar as they tend to use small, highly specialised units. Devastating when used well (Though the same could be said for any army) They have a good range of tanks, they also use jetbikes and other fancy gizmos to cover your inner techy. They have the ability to go up close and decimate from range.

Point well taken. I'll look into it. Though I've gotta say I wont be sticking to the Bright Blues/Yellows/and Whites I've seen other Eldar armies painted (If I do choose Eldar)...that's just a bit too flamboyant for me. I mean, the faction already is kinda Elfy and Asexual...so I'd rather not paint them in pinks and purples.

PAINT BEFORE YOU GLUE!

Edit: You can always touch up whatever the glueing process has done, but once they're together it can be a colossal pain in the arse to get your brush into certain areas, thus making more of a mess.

Put together then paint, or else the glue will smudge your perfect paint job.

That or the models will be really fragile due to the tiny amount that you will need to put on to avoid the aformentioned smudging.

Oy..I've been hijacked by Instructions.

I've always painted before I glued.

Ok, so I'm a tech-junkie, I like to be the underdog, or overwhelmed...but still with just as good a chance to win as anyone else. And I'm not all about the 'Ranged combat' I prefer stabbing things to shooting them...or blowing them up.

Let me just put it this way - In D&D I tend to play a Cleric or Paladin.

In other RPGs I tend to play the guy who blows things up the most.

In FPS games I prefer explosives and a short range weapon or Bolt-action rifle with a bayonet, rather than the alternatives.

In RTS games, I LOVE being the small force that goes in and completely decimates the overwhelming Hoard of enemies... 'The comeback'

If they still have the craftworld rules, I'd suggest Biel-Tan or Saim-Han Eldar. Biel-Tan takes lots of specialist squads, but suffers because they have less cannon-fodder and use a very specific strategy that requires a lot of coordination. Saim-Han are an all jetbike and grav tank force. Fast, vicious and easily capable of breaking through enemy lines and shooting them from behind.

I use to have an Iyanden Eldar force, which is basically using Wraithguard (think the terminator without the skin) and Wraithlords (like the wraithguard only a few feet into the "giant death walker" category).

My last force was Orkz though and mainly because they produce so much comedy, didn't technically win but taking out a force commander and his termniator bodyguards, only to lose it all against a few measly scouts is hilarious. I guess the other thing I liked was the Ork shooting paradox, for some reason everytime my opponent counted on orkz missing in the shooting phase, I'd be picking up 6's on everything.

Although Tau are a rather "shooty" army, They can be very versatile even though they have the least amount of models to choose from (being the newest race). Their Crisis suits are hugely customizable. Their Infantry have the (arguably) best basic weapon in the game. The Hammerhead tank is one of the most feared of all armour. They are also fairly basic to paint (but as with any army can be as complex as you want them to be).

Main downsides being very lacking in the close quarters section and not many unit choices. Also they only have a couple of sub-divisions if that's your thing.

Although like others say, Space marines are a very good and versatile starting army, I have to advise against them as to save you from the fate of being "Just another Space Marine guy" I hate going to gamesworkshop and seeing nearly everyone there playing Marines.

Is back story likely to affect your choice at all? Just out of curiosity, seeing as I'm well versed in most Warhammer 40k lore

Space Marines - Ideal for beginning players new to 40K tabletop. Jack of all trades, master of none, good toughness and close combat ability

Orks - Unstoppable in melee with a cheap cost, allowing them to be fielded in large numbers. Good close combatants, with comparatively poor ranged units.

Eldar - An army of fast, lightly armoured, highly specialized troops requiring skill to use. All vehicles are maneuverable skimmers. Many units possess fearsome psyker abilites. Low toughness.

Dark Eldar - See above

Imperial Guard - Large squads of weak, inexpensive troops effective when massing their firepower. Great leader units, wide array of vehicles, wargear, and assassins

Necrons - Mid-range shooting army of unparalleled toughness. Expensive, powerful units difficult to subdue and keep down. Features a leader unit with many unique and powerful abilities.

Tyranids - Numberless horde with powerful close combat potential and fearsome leader units. Use your weak, inexpensive troops as a living shield while you swamp the enemy with unstoppable melee units and infiltrators.

Tau - Exceptionally mobile, long-range shooting army. Expensive troops and maneuverable battlesuits with guns that can reach across the table. A well positioned Tau army is difficult, if not impossible, to outshoot. However, Tau suffer in close combat.

Wolvaroo:
Although Tau are a rather "shooty" army, They can be very versatile even though they have the least amount of models to choose from (being the newest race). Their Crisis suits are hugely customizable. Their Infantry have the (arguably) best basic weapon in the game. The Hammerhead tank is one of the most feared of all armour. They are also fairly basic to paint (but as with any army can be as complex as you want them to be).

Main downsides being very lacking in the close quarters section and not many unit choices. Also they only have a couple of sub-divisions if that's your thing.

Although like others say, Space marines are a very good and versatile starting army, I have to advise against them as to save you from the fate of being "Just another Space Marine guy" I hate going to gamesworkshop and seeing nearly everyone there playing Marines.

Yeah, of the group of guys that I've been going with; One plays Chaos, Two play Orks, Three play Marines, One plays Necrons and Tau, and the other is Tyranids. I've also seen Daemon Hunters, The sisters, and a Dark Eldar force.

MightyMoose:
I'm not a HUGE fan of the whole ranged-combat thing. I like the idea of being the 'underdog' or 'outnumbered' guy in a situation. Underestimated - but able to decimate when played well. Tech/Vehicles are also a big plus for me, I like the idea of steamrolling my enemies in a mobile-suit, or tank of doom. That's all for now. I might get more detailed in a bit.

That would be Chaos, my friend =). Khorne, to be exact. Chaos is almost always outnumbered, and with the Blood God, you have monstrously powerful melee units with high durability and fair mobility. They have access to all the heavy armour of the Space Marines, plus a Defiler (can act as long range bombardment or melee platform). They have an armoury almost capable of matching the 'nids for customization, and of course lots of potential for conversions.

I'd have to recommend necrons(kind of fit your stated preference, although they are hardly considered 'underrated') or Orks(Orks are just fun to paint and play!) to you. Mostly because I heavily dislike Space Marines(overused) and [Dark]Eldar(Basically just Space Elves... It's a Dwarven thing...)

Edit: Chaos too!

Plasmar:
Space Marines - Slowly beginning to lean away from them

Orks - Seen them played before too much; not to my favor. So they're probably a no

Eldar - I'm leaning in this direction, but the fact that their vehicles are 'skimmers' is a slight turn-off

Dark Eldar - lol..emo Eldar

Imperial Guard - I'm interested here, but haven't heard anything about them other than what Plasmar said

Necrons - Not a big fan of what seems to be recognized as 'skillcrons' or the cheap/easybutton race

Tyranids - For some reason, just completely unattracted to this faction. Possibly the lack of interest in 'the swarm'

Tau - While the tech does have me interested, the near-crippling lack of melee has me turned off..so I'm split here

My current standing of choices are ranked in this order;

1. Eldar
2. Chaos
3. Imperial Guard
4. Tau
5. Dark Eldar
6. Tyranids
7. Space Marines
8. Orks
9. Necrons

From a purely painterly point of view, I say go for something like Chaos Space Marines, or just your plain old regular Space Marines. The models have loads of nifty little details and with Chaos you can really go crazy on color schemes. It's chaos, they're supposed to look a little insane. Besides, I've always had a bit of a soft spot for those wacky, fun-loving heretics they call Chaos Terminators.
Game-wise, I'm afraid I'm not of much use since I don't actually play the game.

Edit: Like one of the guys above me said, converting Chaos Marines is a blast. Tentacles and skulls go .. erm .. everywhere

tau have a 50/50 chance of hitting, yes they do have a good basic gun... but they suck at aiming

the crisis suits if build properly can be pretty wicked close combat units with Armor Saves of 3+ which in my opinion is great. get a shield generator and you get another +1 to your AS.

the hammerhead is definitely a nice tank, large blast radius, powerful explosions.
XV22 (i think its 22) Broadside is default equipped with a Railgun which uses a small blast template (perfects against nids) with a strength of 10. and when the target is with in range it can use its smart missle system which launches 4 rockets, each with a strength of 6 and small blast template

so if you want explosions, i suggest tau
tau can still be converted to melee, just make sure you use properly equipped crisis suits, and maybe Kroot for cannon fodder.

No, deamon hunters are always outnumbered, ever tried grey knights against nids?

NOT GOOD.

MightyMoose:
In RTS games, I LOVE being the small force that goes in and completely decimates the overwhelming Hoard of enemies... 'The comeback'

This describes the Necrons, I argue.

1) It's an immutable law that they're always outnumbered.

2) Comparatively low numbers, but high combat ability. Your average Necron does well in shooting and close combat. Necrons are also an excellent tank hunting army.

3) With their We'll Be Back rolls, not to mention the Lord's Resurrection Orb, this is the force the 'comeback' potential.

MightyMoose:

I'm not a HUGE fan of the whole ranged-combat thing. I like the idea of being the 'underdog' or 'outnumbered' guy in a situation. Underestimated - but able to decimate when played well. Tech/Vehicles are also a big plus for me, I like the idea of steamrolling my enemies in a mobile-suit, or tank of doom. That's all for now. I might get more detailed in a bit.

Sounds like you're looking for Chaos Marines, specifically, Khorne. Basically you've got the WH40k equivalent of viking hordes who charge into battle raping and pillaging. Since you'd be going as Marines, you'd be outnumbered, fielding a group of people whose primary method of attack is "whack you with an axe", the fact that they've got those coveted 3+ saves means you won't have to worry about losing everyone while moving towards the enemy, all the while enjoying the simple color-scheme of Red, Red, and more Red.

No matter which army you pick, I'd suggest grabbing your models of Ebay. You can save a fortune!

http://search.ebay.ca/_W0QQsassZdiscount_games_store

Is one of my favorite WH ebay stores. Little harder to nab superb deals as he's gotten quite popular it seems!

John Galt:
all the while enjoying the simple color-scheme of Red, Red, and more Red.

"Paint it red! It'll go faster" - 'Why?' - "Cos it's red!"

Sorry, that's what your last line made me think of.

Wolvaroo:
No matter which army you pick, I'd suggest grabbing your models of Ebay. You can save a fortune!

http://search.ebay.ca/_W0QQsassZdiscount_games_store

Is one of my favorite WH ebay stores. Little harder to nab superb deals as he's gotten quite popular it seems!

Thanks for the link! That'll help a ton.

My friends were thinking about selling our 3rd Edition D&D books (over 25 of them) to help fund our armies.

rykin666:

XV22 (i think its 22) Broadside is default equipped with a Railgun which uses a small blast template (perfects against nids) with a strength of 10. and when the target is with in range it can use its smart missle system which launches 4 rockets, each with a strength of 6 and small blast template

Broadsides are XV88s, I think XV22s are either stealthsuits (new or older versions) or the commander crisis suit thingy...