40K

40K, short for Warhammer 40,000, is a tabletop miniature wargame produced by Games Workshop. It was first published in 1987 under the name Rogue Trader and later renamed Warhammer 40,000. The game is set in a dystopian, science-fantasy universe where the Imperium of Man fights against alien species, chaos threats, and internal decay. The setting is known for a grimdark tone and an extensive lore that spans novels, video games, and other media.

In gameplay, players build armies from 28 mm-scale miniatures and use a points-based system to balance forces. Each unit has statistics for movement, weaponry, durability, and special abilities. A typical game progresses through a sequence of phases, including movement, psychic powers, shooting, and close combat. Dice rolls determine hits, wounds, and saves, while rulers or tape measures control distances and ranges. The rules are published in core rulebooks and army-specific codices (or supplements) that define factions, units, and abilities. Games range from small skirmishes to large-scale clashes, with scenarios often emphasizing strategy, positioning, and resource management.

Factions cover a broad spectrum, organized around the Imperium of Man, Chaos factions, and several xenos species such as Orks, Eldar (Aeldari), Tyranids, Necrons, and Tau, among others. Each faction presents distinct playstyles and storytelling elements, usually detailed in codices and campaign books. The hobby component—assembling, painting, and customizing models—is a central aspect of the experience, complemented by new releases and rules updates that continually refresh the game.

Warhammer 40,000 has a large, dedicated community and an expansive fictional universe developed through novels, games, and community content, contributing to its status as a major pillar of tabletop gaming.