Warhammer 40k help

[TheAnathema]

I am a huge newbie when it comes to Warhammer 40k. I'm starting to get into the game, learning the lore and such. I'm hoping to get an army started and would enjoy and appreciate some input on what I should choose.
I really like three armies, the Tau Empire, Imperial Guard, and the Space Marines. I enjoy the lore of these three a lot. The Tau, fighting for unison of all life, Greater Good. Space Marines, Destroying everything in the name of the Emperor. The Imperial Guard, fighting for survival as humanity is pushed to the brink.
I also enjoy the playing style of each, the long range fighting of the Tau; the all-round destructive onslaught of the SM; and the more defensive, power inclined IG.
Any recommendations? of course after this I'll have to talk my parents into letting me take up this awesome hobby AND somehow find the money to support it.

 

[FPAlpha]

The topic is too big to discuss it in a single posting but i'd like to point you to the specialized boards that concentrate on GW games (i frequent Warseer).

http://www.warseer.com/forums/forum.php

http://www.dakkadakka.com/

These are amonst the biggest i know.. there are tons of others. Just take a look what people are talking about and join them to post your own questions.

 

[Sephiroth]

Sisters of Battle, sure, their latest codex is split across two issues of White Dwarf, and they lack a heavy support vehicle, and they are the most expensive army to put together (all the models are metal still, this will change by the end of the year) but my god are they powerful. St. Celestine is broken, they have the second best vehicle in the game (with an invulnerability save no less) and in the fluff they are pyromaniac nuns whose faith in the emperor is so strong it gives them powers.

 

[Solariabsg25]

The one downside I've found with 40K, and Games Workshop in general, is they tend to make their brand spanking new released incredibly deadly so everyone wants to buy them. Then, they bring out "new" (and expensive) stuff for everyone else to level the playing field. Then, "new" stuff for the other race that was overpowered before. Rinse, and repeat!

I usually play Necrons, though have used Tyranids too. You can do a lot of damage quite cheaply (in both points and money).

Tau are a great option due to their ranged power. And yeah, they may be weaker in close combat, but that means nothing with die rolls - I can attest to that when my genestealer brood was wiped out in close combat with some firewarriors.

 

[Destructor]

I am a huge newbie when it comes to Warhammer 40k. I'm starting to get into the game, learning the lore and such. I'm hoping to get an army started and would enjoy and appreciate some input on what I should choose.
I really like three armies, the Tau Empire, Imperial Guard, and the Space Marines.

Hey man,

Welcome and congrats on discovering 40k. It's a cool game. People say it's expensive, but once you've covered the initial outlay it's actually cheaper than most hobbies (certainly cheaper than xbox/PC gaming).

Basically, the answer to your question is Space Marines. If you are starting out in 40k, they are the cheapest, easiest, most diverse, most popular, most powerful and probably the most interesting army (certainly, they have the most lore written about them). I love Tau and IG, but as a 'getting started' army, Marines can't be beat. I would recommend buying 'Dark Vengeance' (the 6th edition boxed set, which comes with two armies for $85), selling your Chaos army on eBay for $40, then topping up the basic army that comes with the boxed set (which comes with everything you need to play- huge bonus). Basically you've got yourself set up for games at only $45- (about the price of a single xbox game).

My next piece of advice is find your local gaming club. If you're gonna play, you'll need opponents. I've never come across a gaming club that wasn't welcoming and keen for new players- there is bound to be one in your area. Not only will they give you army-gathering advice, they usually have people selling models very cheaply (especially Marines, which are abundant) and will probably let you playtest a few armies to see which you like. If Marines aren't to your taste, sell `em on eBay and switch to the next one. eBay is your friend when it comes to cheap armies (GW will gouge you on price- badly. Always look for the alternative before buying from GW).

I don't know if you're a painter but it pays to learn. It's a great part of the hobby and even if you don't have an artistic side you might surprise yourself when you start painting- I certainly did.