Last night, I had my inaugural game of Warhammer 40k 10th edition, and I have a fair share of thoughts and feelings to unpack. There’s nothing quite like diving headfirst into the grimdark future for a skirmish with your favourite faction.
The Setup: Tau Empire vs. Thousand Sons With a solid 1000 points to play with, I decided to field an entirely battlesuit Tau Empire force. Facing me across the table? My friend’s mystical and menacing Thousand Sons. The stage was set for an epic clash.
Leviathan Mission Cards: An Innovative Approach One of the significant changes we implemented in this match was the use of Leviathan Mission Cards. These not only dictated our setup but also our primary and secondary missions. What I appreciated about this system was how it jazzed up the traditional mission structure without overwhelming us with complexities. It was the right balance of fresh and familiar.
Flow, Strategy, and Tension in the 10th Edition The game itself was a blast. We found ourselves deeply engrossed, with the new ruleset being intuitive enough that the flow was hardly ever interrupted. Throughout the match, there were moments of palpable tension, as strategic moves and countermoves decided the fate of our armies. It’s a testament to how the 10th edition rewards a blend of strategic foresight and tactical on-the-spot thinking.
Pushing Boundaries with the Tau Empire Playing as the Tau, I must admit the new rules pushed me into a different style of play. I found myself leaning into a more mobile, aggressive strategy—far from my typical reserved approach. And honestly? I loved every moment of it. Stepping out of my comfort zone was refreshing and gave me a newfound appreciation for the game’s depth.
A Streamlined Experience A significant upgrade I noticed in this edition is how special rules for units and weapons have been simplified. This streamlining meant our game was notably quicker compared to our 9th edition encounters, without compromising on depth or strategy.
The Quick Start Guide’s Slight Shortcomings While the game went smoothly for the most part, we did have some hiccups. Notably, the Quick Start Guide left out a few essential details, like the Melta ability. This required us to dive into the comprehensive rules occasionally. It’s a minor quibble, but if anyone knows of a stellar third-party reference guide, I’m all ears!
Victory for the Thousand Sons The dust settled with the Thousand Sons standing triumphant. Yet, it was a hard-fought victory, and the margin was closer than either of us had anticipated. A reminder that in Warhammer 40k, it’s as much about the journey as the outcome.
Looking Ahead Reflecting on the entire experience, I genuinely believe that the 10th edition is a marked improvement over the 9th. The tweaks, changes, and additions all contribute to a more immersive and streamlined gameplay experience. Eagerly awaiting my next battle, I can’t help but feel a renewed vigor for the world of Warhammer 40k.
In closing, whether you’re a veteran of countless campaigns or a newbie just getting your feet wet, the 10th edition promises exhilarating battles and unforgettable memories. Until our next clash on the battlefield, may the dice be ever in your favour!
PS – Apologies for my half-painted Ghostkeel! I promise I’ll get it finished soon!