So You’re Thinking About Kill Team? Let’s Dive In (and Not Look Back).

Ever look at those massive Warhammer 40,000 armies and think, “Wow, that’s amazing, but where would I even start?” Seriously, it can feel like trying to climb a mountain in flip-flops. But what if I told you there’s a way to get all the grim, dark sci-fi goodness, the tactical fun, and the awesome miniatures, but in a package that won’t demand you sell a kidney for a new army?

Enter Kill Team, the best wargame you might not be playing yet. And not gonna lie, it might just be the perfect way to get into the tabletop hobby right now.

What in the Emperor’s Name is Kill Team?

Alright, let’s break it down. Kill Team is a skirmish game set in the iconic Warhammer 40,000 universe. Instead of fielding huge armies, you command a small, elite squad of individual specialists—your “kill team.”[1] Think of it as the special ops version of a giant battlefield war. Every model is a unique character with their own name, skills, and gear. This isn’t just “generic Space Marine number five”; this is Brother-Sergeant Valerius, a hardened veteran who has seen things you wouldn’t believe.

The gameplay is fast, brutal, and incredibly tactical. It uses an alternating activation system, meaning you activate a model, then your opponent does, and so on. This keeps you constantly engaged, making tense decisions every single moment. “Do I have my sniper take the shot, or do I keep them in a ‘Conceal’ order? Should my demolition expert plant a charge on that objective, or rush to help a pinned-down teammate?” It’s all about clever positioning, smart use of your team’s unique abilities, and knowing when to push your luck.

Games are played on a smaller board and usually wrap up in about an hour, which is perfect for a weeknight. You’ll score points by completing “Tac Ops” (secret secondary missions) and controlling objectives on the board.[2] Victory isn’t just about wiping out your opponent; it’s about playing smart.[3]

Is It Actually New Player Friendly?

Honestly? Yes. Because you’re only dealing with a handful of models (usually between 4 and 14), the barrier to entry is way lower than full-scale Warhammer.[4] You don’t need to spend months assembling and painting 100-plus models just to play your first game. You can grab a single box, like the fantastic Kill Team Starter Set, build your team, and be pretty much ready to roll.[5]

The rules are still rich and strategic ( and honestly i appreciate this.) but focused on individual actions, making them easier to digest than a codex the size of a phone book. It’s the perfect environment to learn the core mechanics that make Warhammer games so great without feeling overwhelmed. You’re not too cool for this. No one is.

The other brilliant part is that it makes you a better painter. When you only have a few models to focus on, you can really take your time and give each one some personality. (It also feel;s less of a slog to see mounds of figures.) This is where you can experiment with techniques without the pressure of having a mountain of grey plastic staring you down. And remember, your “bad” minis are still ten times cooler than an empty shelf.

From Skirmish to Full-On War

Yet Here’s the secret sauce: Kill Team is the perfect gateway drug to the wider world of Warhammer 40,000.[6] That kill team you so lovingly painted and customized? They can often be used as a squad in a larger army. Those Ork Kommandos you led on daring raids can become a full-fledged unit in your WAAAGH!. That squad of Death Guard Plague Marines can become the toxic heart of a much larger plague host.[7] And thats fun and its a nice way to drop in.

You’re not just buying a separate game; you’re building the foundation of a future force.

Once you’ve got a few games of Kill Team under your belt, the leap to a “Combat Patrol” sized game of 40k feels natural, not terrifying. You already know what the weapons do, you understand the core stats, and you’ve got a squad ready to go. It’s a genius system that lets you scale your involvement with your comfort level (and your wallet).

Where to Play? Come hang out at Games Haven!

So, you’re sold. You’re ready to assemble your elite squad of misfits and lead them to glorious victory (or hilarious, catastrophic failure). The best way to play any tabletop game is with a great community, and that’s where we come in.

Here at Games Haven, there all about rolling dice and having a good time. They’ve got the space, the terrain, and the friendly faces to help you get your first game of Kill Team in. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or you’ve never picked up a paintbrush in your life, you’ll find a welcoming spot here. Check out the events calendar for weekly free-play nights for Warhammer and more![8][9] Seriously, They’re the perfect place to learn the ropes, find opponents, and just geek out about the hobby.

Pop in, say hi, and let’s get you started on your path to tabletop glory.

You’ve got this. Now go build something awesome.

#KillTeam #WarhammerKillTeam #Warhammer40k #GamesWorkshop #MiniatureGaming #Wargaming #TabletopGames #HobbyLife #GettingStarted #GamesHavenUK

Sources

1. start-warhammer.com
2. youtube.com
3. youtube.com
4. ageofminiatures.com
5. havenhobby.com
6. gamehaventooele.com
7. belloflostsouls.net
8. gamehavenstore.com
9. gamehavenmd.com

A Guest Article By John Montimer
John Montimer is:
PC gamer turned tabletop tactician. 12 years rolling dice with a soft spot for Warhammer, MERCS, and Black Powder Red Earth. Loves gritty systems, clean lines of sight, and games that don’t pull punches.