1968 S Morey Rd, Lake City 1-231-295-1138

Warhammer 40K

Warhammer 40,000

What Is Warhammer 40K?

Warhammer 40,000 is a sci-fi miniature wargame where players collect armies, build lists, paint models, and play objective-driven battles in a grimdark far future.

Core Idea

Build An Army

Choose a faction, assemble units, and build an army list for the size and mission you want to play.

Hobby

Build And Paint

The hobby side is a major part of 40K. Players customize models, paint armies, and create a force with personality.

Gameplay

Objectives Win Games

Games are not just about destroying units. Missions, positioning, movement, and scoring objectives matter.

How To Play

  1. Choose a faction or Combat Patrol that looks exciting to build, paint, and play.
  2. Learn unit datasheets, movement, shooting, charging, fighting, morale or battle-shock rules, and mission objectives.
  3. Set up terrain and a mission, deploy armies, then play battle rounds with alternating phases.
  4. Score objectives and secondary goals while managing threats and protecting key units.

Game Modes & Formats

Most games can be played a few different ways. These are the formats and table styles players are most likely to see at casual nights, prereleases, leagues, and organized events.

Mode

Combat Patrol

Combat Patrol is Warhammer 40,000 in a smaller, approachable package built around boxed forces and streamlined missions.

  • Excellent for new commanders who want to start playing before building a full army.
  • Games are shorter, model counts are lower, and the format teaches movement, shooting, charging, fighting, and objective control.
  • A natural first step before moving into larger points-based battles.
Format

Matched Play

Matched Play is the balanced, points-based style most players mean when they talk about a standard 40K game night or tournament practice.

  • Players agree on a points level, build legal armies, and play missions with primary and secondary scoring.
  • The format rewards list construction, deployment, screening, trading units, and controlling objectives over several turns.
  • Competitive players should stay current with points updates, balance dataslates, mission packs, and army rules.
Mode

Crusade

Crusade is narrative campaign play where units earn experience, suffer battle scars, gain honors, and become part of an army's story.

  • Great for hobbyists who want battles to matter beyond a win-loss result.
  • Armies can grow over time, making it ideal for escalation leagues.
  • Narrative missions and agendas encourage cinematic moments and faction identity.
Play Style

Open Play & Learning Games

Open play lets players focus on cool armies, model collections, and learning the system without being locked into the most competitive mission structure.

  • Perfect for teaching core rules, testing a new unit, or playing a themed battle.
  • Players can adjust points, terrain, and scenario goals to match experience levels.
  • A good store table will usually value a clear pregame conversation as much as the army list.
Best First Step

Combat Patrol

Combat Patrol boxes and smaller games reduce the number of rules and models needed for early games.

Skill To Learn

Play The Mission

New players often chase kills. Strong 40K play starts with movement, objectives, and trading units efficiently.

At Gamer's Gambit

Ready To Sit Down?

Bring your deck, bring your crew, or come solo and find a table. Check the calendar or ask staff what is on deck this week.