Basic Warhammer 40k Rules Article
Warhammer Rule Changes by Edition
Since the first Warhammer table top Fantasy Battle game was introduced by Games Workshop in 1983 there have been various changes to the game. While the general setup for how units move around and how they attack have remained the same there are various different changes in the game. Here’s a look at the Warhammer rule changes ranging from the first edition to the most recent edition, the 2006 seventh edition.
The first edition of the Warhammer table top game from 1983 featured three books that explain instructions for all of the units – Tabletop Battles, Magic and Characters. These illustrate magic spells that characters can use and the lists of characters and other units that are used in the game. Campaigns are also listed in detail.
The second edition of the game, which was released in 1984, featured three different manuals. The Combat and Battle Magic manuals are both similar to what was used in the first edition of the game, while the Battle Bestiary manual has a more in depth look into the individual units in the game. Additional campaigns were created for this edition.
The third edition of the game came out in 1987. The army list system was created and is considered to be one of the best Warhammer rule changes over time. The Warhammer Armies book, which was first introduced in 1991, was strongly encouraged for the game and it has become an especially useful tool for the game. This helps to simplify the game play and to make it easier to identify what armies are needed for certain situations.
The fourth edition of the Warhammer game would use stronger enforcement of the Warhammer Armies rules. Systems were created in these Warhammer rule changes that are still used in today’s Warmhammer games. These Warhammer rule changes include limits on the point values that players can spend on their individual armies and limits as to what types of units a player can choose based on the race of the army. A more improved magic system was introduced too.
The 1996 fifth edition featured new changes to the magic system. Magic spells can now only be called during the player’s turn. Battle Magic spell cards replaced the old Colors of Magic system.
The magic system was changed even further in the sixth edition through a dice rolling system. Also, the power given to heroes and wizards was significantly reduced. While they are still important they cannot win on their own.
The most recent edition of the Warhammer game is the 2006 seventh edition. This edition has a Battle for Skull Pass book that features new scenarios for the Dwarf and Goblin races. One of the most notable Warhammer rule changes is actually something that is useful for new and existing players – the book of rules is available in either a smaller rulebook for newer players or a full boxed set for newer players.
These are the differences between all of the Warhammer editions. The Warhammer rule changes have been varied over time but the basic goal of the game is still the same – to defeat the enemy and have one’s units survive.
