Warhammer 40k - Armageddon Or Bust
Warhammer 40k was my intro to tabletop wargaming. Back in 4th edition, my brother got the Battle for Macragge box set. We split it, so he got the marines and I got the nids.
Since then I have always been interested in 40k, and have bought a couple of armies, selling others along the away.
Every three years or so, Games Workshop bless us with a new edition, together with a new launch box. These launch boxes can be pretty enormous, packed full of miniatures, rules, and cards. The big version is a limited run box, with more reasonably sized starter boxes coming after.
So what’s the problem?
Armageddon is coming this June, and it is another big box with Space Marines and Orks.
The two armies I collect are Space Marines1 and Orks.
This seems like a no brainer. I can use all the models in the box, get all the cards and rules straight away, and hit the ground running with 11th.
The problem is that the box is £185.2
I only play 40k very casually, with a couple of friends and my brothers. I already have the models I need for two 2,000 point armies, and plenty of grey plastic to build and paint to keep me busy.
So do I need this box?
It is Orks vs Marines
My two armies. I have waited ages for a box like this. In theory I can use all of the models 3 and some of them are very nice models. I particularly like the banner carriers in both armies.
It is the best value set GW ever so
These boxes are by far the most affordable way to get the models and the rules. They are monopose kits, so the sprue to model ratio is much more efficient.
If I don’t get the box, just getting the cards and the rules will set me back £40+.
Get the rules straight away
If I get the box, I can hit the ground running and play some games.
If I don’t get the box, I need to wait for the cards to be sold separately or buy from a reseller, delaying the start of 11th.
I don’t need more models
As I said, I already have the models I need to build two 2k point armies. To play at the casual level that I do, I don’t need anything else from this box to make my armies, but it will add options.
40k is not the best game
The changes made for 11th all look promising, but it just isn’t the best game system. Skirmish games tend to be tighter, more competitive games, and for a larger system I much prefer turn orders like Star Wars Legion or Bolt Action, to avoid the moments of just watching your opponent play for half an hour.
That said, it is fun with the right people and the right spirit. I will definitely want to get games of 11th in, so why not have my 40k arc whilst the game is hot!
Money
This game ain’t cheap, and I have a lot of other projects that I am working on.
Even if this box will have almost everything I need, I will still need the codex for both Orks and Space Marines when they come out (about £30 each!). In theory I can play without the cards and the physical rulebook. But from experience, it is nice to have these things.
I can afford it, and won’t be in any financial difficulty if I buy it. But the principle of spending this much money on a game I only play casually is one I need to think hard about.
Splitting the box
I would be happy with either side of the box, as long as I got the cards and the rules. The lore book is a nice touch too.
I love owning physical media, and I have kept all my previous rulebooks and codices
Maybe this is the best option. There are models from both sides I want, but nothing I need. Splitting it allows me to share the hype with someone else. Who knows, I might even get all the models built on release day if I make a day of it.
So, will I get it or not
I don’t know…
I have a week or so to decide. I might brainstorm on here a bit more. Feel free to contact me if you have any ideas!
If I can agree on a good split, I think that is the way to go.
Quack