Terrain is super important in Warhammer 40K Kill Team! It’s not just about making the battlefield look cool; it seriously changes how the game is played. Good terrain can be the difference between your squad getting wiped out or dominating the enemy. In this guide, we're going to dive deep into why terrain matters so much, what types of terrain you should be using, and how to set it up for the best games ever.

Why Terrain Matters in Kill Team

So, why is terrain such a big deal in Kill Team? Well, terrain changes everything from movement to shooting. It gives you places to hide, sets up strategic choke points, and can totally mess with line of sight. Without enough terrain, the game turns into a boring shooting gallery where the first to shoot usually wins. But with the right terrain, it becomes a tactical challenge where smart positioning and clever maneuvering are key. Think of it like this: terrain is the chess board of Kill Team. Each piece of terrain offers a different advantage, and knowing how to use it is what separates a good commander from a great one.

Having a good variety of terrain also keeps the game interesting. Imagine playing on the same board every time – it would get old fast, right? Different terrain setups create new challenges and force you to come up with different strategies. One game might be all about urban warfare with lots of buildings and tight corridors, while another could be a more open environment with scattered ruins and barricades. This variety keeps you on your toes and makes each game feel fresh and exciting. Moreover, the right terrain can help balance the game. Some Kill Teams are better at shooting, while others excel in melee combat. By carefully placing terrain, you can create a more even playing field. For example, if you're playing against a shooty team, you can add more cover to give your melee fighters a chance to close the distance. This strategic use of terrain makes the game fairer and more fun for everyone involved.

Lastly, let's not forget about the narrative aspect. Terrain can help tell a story and immerse you in the Warhammer 40K universe. Whether you're fighting in a ruined city, a dense jungle, or an alien spaceship, the terrain can bring the setting to life. This makes the game more engaging and adds an extra layer of enjoyment. So, next time you're setting up a Kill Team game, remember that terrain is more than just scenery. It's a crucial part of the game that affects everything from strategy to storytelling. Make sure you have enough of it, that it’s varied, and that you use it to create a balanced and exciting battlefield.

Types of Terrain for Kill Team

Okay, let's get into the nitty-gritty of different types of terrain you can use in Kill Team. You've got everything from big buildings to small barricades, and each type has its own unique effect on the game. Understanding these differences will help you create more interesting and strategic battlefields. First up, we have buildings. These are the big pieces of terrain that can totally dominate the board. They provide a lot of cover, create tight corridors for close-quarters combat, and can serve as strategic objectives. Buildings can be anything from ruined factories to fortified bunkers. The key is to have a mix of different sizes and shapes to create varied gameplay. For example, a large, multi-story building can be a great place for snipers, while a smaller, one-story structure might be better for ambushes.

Next, we have ruins. Ruins are similar to buildings, but they're more broken down and offer less cover. They're great for creating a more dynamic battlefield with lots of partial cover and obscured lines of sight. Ruins can be anything from crumbling walls to piles of rubble. They add a sense of realism and can be used to create interesting tactical challenges. For instance, a ruin with multiple levels can be a great place for maneuvering and flanking.

Barricades and obstacles are smaller pieces of terrain that can be used to create cover and block movement. These can include things like sandbags, fences, and wrecked vehicles. They're perfect for setting up defensive positions and creating choke points. Barricades are especially useful in Kill Team, where even a small amount of cover can make a big difference. They allow you to control the flow of battle and force your opponent to think carefully about their movements. Then there are forests and jungles. These types of terrain provide dense cover and can make it difficult to see or move through. They're great for creating ambushes and concealing your forces. Forests and jungles can be particularly effective in scenarios where stealth and infiltration are important.

Lastly, we have special terrain features like craters, pipelines, and machinery. These add unique elements to the battlefield and can create interesting tactical challenges. For example, a crater can provide cover while also slowing down movement, while a pipeline can be used as a bridge or a place to set up an ambush. These special features can make your games more memorable and add an extra layer of strategy. So, when you're building your terrain collection, remember to include a variety of different types. This will allow you to create diverse and engaging battlefields that keep you and your opponents coming back for more.

Setting Up Your Kill Team Terrain

Alright, so you've got your terrain – now what? Setting up your terrain is just as important as having it in the first place. A well-placed piece of terrain can completely change the flow of the game, while a poorly placed one might as well not be there. Let's talk about some key principles for setting up your Kill Team battlefield.

First off, think about balance. You want to create a battlefield that's fair for both players. This means making sure that both sides have access to cover, strategic positions, and objectives. Avoid creating situations where one player has a clear advantage from the start. A good way to achieve balance is to mirror the terrain on both sides of the board. This doesn't mean you have to place everything symmetrically, but it does mean ensuring that both players have roughly the same amount of cover and strategic options. For example, if one side has a large building, make sure the other side has a similar piece of terrain, such as a ruin or a cluster of barricades.

Next, consider line of sight. Line of sight is crucial in Kill Team, as it determines who can shoot at whom. You want to create a mix of open areas and obscured lines of sight to encourage both shooting and maneuvering. Avoid creating long, open lanes where one player can dominate the board with ranged attacks. Instead, use terrain to break up lines of sight and force players to move around to get a clear shot. This can be achieved by placing buildings, ruins, and barricades in strategic locations. Remember, the goal is to create a dynamic battlefield where players have to think carefully about their positioning.

Also, think about movement. Terrain affects how your Kill Team moves around the battlefield. You want to create a mix of open areas and tight corridors to encourage different types of movement. Avoid creating areas that are too difficult to move through, as this can slow down the game and frustrate players. Instead, use terrain to create interesting pathways and strategic routes. For example, a series of ruins can create a winding path through the battlefield, while a cluster of barricades can create a choke point. The key is to make sure that players have options for how they move around the board.

Don't forget about objectives. Objectives are a key part of Kill Team, and you want to make sure that your terrain supports the mission. Place objectives in strategic locations that are both accessible and defensible. Avoid placing objectives in the open where they can be easily targeted by ranged attacks. Instead, use terrain to create cover and concealment around the objectives. This will force players to fight for control of the objectives and make the game more engaging. For example, you might place an objective inside a building or behind a barricade. This will require players to move into close range and engage in close-quarters combat to capture the objective.

Finally, be creative! Don't be afraid to experiment with different terrain setups and try new things. The more you play, the better you'll get at creating interesting and strategic battlefields. So, grab your terrain, gather your friends, and get ready to roll some dice!

Building Your Terrain Collection

So, you're ready to start building your terrain collection? Awesome! But where do you start? Buying terrain can get expensive fast, so let's talk about some options for building your collection without breaking the bank.

First off, consider buying pre-made terrain sets. Games Workshop makes a variety of terrain sets specifically for Warhammer 40K, including Kill Team. These sets are usually high-quality and look great on the tabletop. However, they can be quite pricey. If you're just starting out, you might want to look for some cheaper alternatives. There are many third-party companies that make terrain sets that are just as good as Games Workshop's, but at a lower price. These sets often come unpainted, so you'll have to put in some work to get them looking their best. But the savings can be worth it, especially if you're on a budget.

Another option is to build your own terrain. This is a great way to save money and get creative. You can use all sorts of materials to build your terrain, including cardboard, foam board, plasticard, and even household items like plastic containers and coffee stirrers. There are tons of tutorials online that can show you how to build different types of terrain. Building your own terrain can be time-consuming, but it's a rewarding experience. You'll end up with a unique terrain collection that reflects your personal style.

Don't forget about bits and pieces. Bits and pieces are small parts that you can use to add detail to your terrain. These can include things like spare weapons, armor plates, and mechanical components. You can often find bits and pieces at hobby stores or online. They're a great way to add realism and visual interest to your terrain. For example, you might glue some spare weapons onto a barricade or add some armor plates to a building. These small details can make a big difference in the overall look of your terrain.

Also, consider using natural materials. Natural materials like rocks, sand, and twigs can be used to create realistic-looking terrain. You can collect these materials from your backyard or local park. Just make sure to clean them thoroughly before using them. Natural materials are a great way to add texture and depth to your terrain. For example, you might glue some rocks onto a hill or add some sand to a desert landscape. These materials can make your terrain look more realistic and immersive.

Lastly, don't be afraid to repurpose old terrain. If you have any old terrain from other games, you can repurpose it for Kill Team. Just give it a new coat of paint and add some details to make it fit the Warhammer 40K universe. Repurposing old terrain is a great way to save money and reduce waste. For example, you might take some terrain from a fantasy game and turn it into a ruined building in a sci-fi setting. With a little creativity, you can transform old terrain into something new and exciting. Building a terrain collection takes time and effort, but it's worth it. A good terrain collection will enhance your Kill Team games and make them more enjoyable. So, start collecting today and get ready to create some epic battlefields!

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it, guys! Everything you need to know about terrain in Warhammer 40K Kill Team. Remember, terrain is more than just scenery – it's a crucial part of the game that affects everything from strategy to storytelling. Make sure you have enough of it, that it’s varied, and that you use it to create a balanced and exciting battlefield. Whether you're buying pre-made sets, building your own terrain, or repurposing old pieces, the key is to be creative and have fun. A well-designed battlefield can make all the difference in your Kill Team games, so take the time to set it up right. And don't forget to experiment with different layouts and terrain types to find what works best for you. With a little practice, you'll be creating epic battlefields in no time. So, grab your terrain, gather your friends, and get ready to roll some dice! The grim darkness of the far future awaits!