The Battlehosts - A Warhammer 40k Podcast

In this episode, we talk about power fantasy; how it shows up in media and games and especially how it is represented in 40K. Rules in the game of 40K that allow players to act out the power fantasy of their army can often be at odds with the balance of the game, so we will discuss the tension between the two and how it impacts the state of the game with each new book that is released.

Welcome to the 7th annual Battlehosts Christmas episode. In this episode, we cover the major events and releases for 40K and discuss the state of the hobby as we near the end of 2021. We also talk about the state of the 40K community and our wishes for next year. Special Announcement The Battlehosts podcast is changing again. We will no longer be a regular bi-weekly or monthly podcast. I can't say exactly what the pace will be or when the next episode will be out, or even how many I will do each year. But I do know that we won't be a regular podcast like we used to be. Consider each episode an unexpected Christmas gift you get throughout the year. Show Notes The big news for each month Our favorite releases. Releases we are not a fan of. State of the 40K game. Our wish list for 40K. Check out Wargames Live: https://www.youtube.com/c/WarGamesLive

Welcome to the 7th annual Battlehosts Christmas episode. In this episode, we cover the major events and releases for 40K and discuss the state of the hobby as we near the end of 2021. We also talk about the state of the 40K community and our wishes for next year.

In this episode, we talk about the origins of the 40K universe and discuss it as a work of satire. Although it has changed over the last 30 years, it's roots are in the "grimdark" universe that was first created in the 80s. We also discuss how some can miss the point of 40k as satire. We also review the new Warhammer Plus and whether it is worth your money.

In this episode, we talk about the origins of the 40K universe and discuss it as a work of satire. Although it has changed over the last 30 years, it's roots are in the "grimdark" universe that was first created in the 80s. We also discuss how some can miss the point of 40k as satire. We also review the new Warhammer Plus and whether it is worth your money.

In this episode, we are talk about competitive versus casual players in 40k; how they view the hobby and how they like to play the game. We discuss what happens when their expectations clash during a game. We also talk about starting and ending a project, when to call it done, and when to bail.

In this episode, we are talk about competitive versus casual players in 40k; how they view the hobby and how they like to play the game. We discuss what happens when their expectations clash during a game. We also talk about starting and ending a project, when to call it done, and when to bail. Introduction 40k players play the game for lots of different reasons, some want to play competitively, some want to tell a story, others just want to hang out with friends, a few want to do all three. The problem typically comes when players with different expectations play each other; it can lead to feel bad experiences. The game of 40K is unique because it can be narrative, or casual, or competitive.  There is a lot of space to be either extreme. It has its roots in RPGs on the table top and has changed to favor one or the other over the years. The latest editions formally recognize the different styles of play and provide systems designed for the different types of players. Types of players: narrative players, casual players, competitive players. Narrative players, their armies fit the lore. True narrative gamers don't really care about who wins, they are interested in either telling a story, or having those “cool” moments. They have models painted to be lore accurate. The game is more like an RPG to them. Competitive players want to win, it's a game with rules and they want to make the right decisions to win the game. The models are not as important as the rules the models have. An extreme competitive player thinks in terms of rules rather than models. Some are more extreme than others; there may be some factions or models they stick to, but in general the goal is to win. Casual players may want to win, but ultimately they want to have a fun experience. They take what they like or what they have painted, or they take themed lists because they look cool. A barrier to competitive play is that the game is not a precise game like a board game or chess. Using tape measures; will always be somewhat ambiguous. Competitive players at the highest levels try to be as precise as possible Moving of models and line of sight; again, ambiguous. Competitive players talk about playing with intent. Rules are complex and easy to forget/get wrong. Impossible to know what everything does unless that is all you do; a certain amount of trust that your opponent knows what they are doing. Competitive players require  you to provide proof when asked. “Gotcha” moments and competitive play. Bad habits of SOME competitive players: * Winning outside of the game: charm, bullying, intimidation. * Grey areas: misremembering the rules, etc. * Not telling everything about what an army does. * Not there to have a good time; they want to win. Bad habits of SOME casual players; * Don't know the rules that well. * Slow play. * Sloppy or lazy play, not up to speed on the etiquette of the game. Is there a place for all kinds of players at a singles event? What is the best way to accommodate all types of players? Second Topic We all have them, closets, shelves, and drawers filled with pieces and parts of half completed hobby projects. Sometimes you get an idea, for an army or a board of terrain, that you are sure will be awesome, but somewhere along the way you give up and abandon them. Starting and ending a hobby project. Sponsors: Trader-A  Logo Design: Isaac White Design

In this episode, we talk about getting back into 40K. Most of us have been absent from the game for a long time and we have a new edition to learn, so it will take some time to get back up to speed playing the game again. For our second segment, we discuss how to balance 40K with your personal life. It's especially appropriate now, given how many of our lives have changed as a result of the pandemic.

In this episode, we talk about getting back into 40K. Most of us have been absent from the game for a long time and we have a new edition to learn, so it will take some time to get back up to speed playing the game again. For our second segment, we discuss how to balance 40K with your personal life. It's especially appropriate now, given how many of our lives have changed as a result of the pandemic.

In our sixth annual Christmas episode, we once again do a year in review for 2020. This was definitely a unique year in life and the 40K hobby, and real life for the first time had a big impact on the game. We cover the major events and releases for 40K and discuss the state of the hobby as we near the end of 2020. We also talk about looking ahead to next year and hoping we can get back to playing again!

In our sixth annual Christmas episode, we once again do a year in review for 2020. This was definitely a unique year in life and the 40K hobby, and real life for the first time had a big impact on the game. We cover the major events and releases for 40K and discuss the state of the hobby as we near the end of 2020. We also talk about looking ahead to next year and hoping we can get back to playing again! The post Episode 127: Christmas 2020 appeared first on TheBattlehosts.

In this episode, we talk discuss two Black Library books as part of our Black Library Book Club series. We take a look at two books focused on the God Machines or Titans of Warhammer 40K; Titanicus by Dan Abnett and Imperator: Wrath of the Omnissiah by Gav Thrope. Although both have Titans at the center of the story, they are very different stories. We start with a spoiler free review section and  give our recommendation for each book. We will then do a more in-depth spoiler-filled dive into each book to discuss the themes, characters, and stories. 

In this episode, we talk discuss two Black Library books as part of our Black Library Book Club series. We take a look at two books focused on the God Machines or Titans of Warhammer 40K; Titanicus by Dan Abnett and Imperator: Wrath of the Omnissiah by Gav Thrope. Although both have Titans at the center of the story, they are very different stories. We start with a spoiler free review section and  give our recommendation for each book. We will then do a more in-depth spoiler-filled dive into each book to discuss the themes, characters, and stories.  The post Episode 126: Black Library Book Club 2 appeared first on TheBattlehosts.

In this episode, we talk about getting back to 40K basics with Garagehammer. Garagehammer is the term the community uses for playing at home rather than at a store or an event. It's what many of us started doing, and with the current situation its what many of us find ourselves doing again. We discuss how to get started, the benefits and drawbacks, and our plan for the future. We also discuss our upcoming Battlehosts Crusade campaign.

In this episode, we talk about getting back to 40K basics with Garagehammer. Garagehammer is the term the community uses for playing at home rather than at a store or an event. It's what many of us started doing, and with the current situation its what many of us find ourselves doing again. We discuss how to get started, the benefits and drawbacks, and our plan for the future. We also discuss our upcoming Battlehosts Crusade campaign. The post Episode 125: GarageHammer appeared first on TheBattlehosts.

In this episode, we talk about Crusade, the new narrative system for Warhammer 40K. We talk about how it works and how you can use it to easily run your next narrative campaign.

In this episode, we talk about Crusade, the new narrative system for Warhammer 40K. We talk about how it works and how you can use it to easily run your next narrative campaign. The post Episode 124: New 40K: Crusade appeared first on TheBattlehosts.

In this episode, we talk about the new Matched Play missions in Warhammer 40k. These were clearly designed to be a universal set of balanced missions for tournaments, so we want to cover how they work and how they might be implemented by your favorite event.

In this episode, we talk about the new Matched Play missions in Warhammer 40k. These were clearly designed to be a universal set of balanced missions for tournaments, so we want to cover how they work and how they might be implemented by your favorite event. The post Episode 123: New 40K: Matched Play Missions appeared first on TheBattlehosts.

In this episode, we talk about the new rules for terrain in Warhammer 40K. Where many of the updates in this edition are minor changes or additions, these are by far the most extensive set of new rules, which is fitting as they were mostly non-existent in the last edition.

In this episode, we talk about the new rules for terrain in Warhammer 40K. Where many of the updates in this edition are minor changes or additions, these are by far the most extensive set of new rules, which is fitting as they were mostly non-existent in the last edition. The post Episode 122: New 40K: Terrain appeared first on TheBattlehosts.

In this episode, we talk about changes to the charge and fight phases in the game. We also cover the Morale phase. There are a number of minor changes that have taken away some of the nuanced movement you could do in the last edition during assault.

In this episode, we talk about changes to the charge and fight phases in the game. We also cover the Morale phase. There are a number of minor changes that have taken away some of the nuanced movement you could do in the last edition during assault. The post Episode 121: New 40K: Fighting & Morale appeared first on TheBattlehosts.

In this episode, we talk about the psychic and shooting phases of the new edition of Warhammer 40K. These phases operate almost the same as before, with a few very important updates.

In this episode, we talk about the psychic and shooting phases of the new edition of Warhammer 40K. These phases operate almost the same as before, with a few very important updates. The post Episode 120: New 40K: Psychic & Shooting appeared first on TheBattlehosts.

In this episode, we talk about changes to the movement phase. We also talk about the new rules for Strategic reserves. Coming in from reserves was probably the most FAQed thing that happened throughout 8th edition.

In this episode, we talk about changes to the movement phase. We also talk about the new rules for Strategic reserves. Coming in from reserves was probably the most FAQed thing that happened throughout 8th edition. The post Episode 119: New 40K: Move & Reinforcements appeared first on TheBattlehosts.

In this episode, we talk about the new phase in the game, the Command phase. We also talk about Command Points and the new stratagems in the game available to all armies.

In this episode, we talk about the new phase in the game, the Command phase. We also talk about Command Points and the new stratagems in the game available to all armies. The post Episode 118: New 40K: Command Phase & CP appeared first on TheBattlehosts.

In this episode, we start with how to build your army and how that impacts command points. We also talk about unit size considerations and some ideas for taking detachments for our own armies.  The post Episode 117: New 40K: Army Construction appeared first on TheBattlehosts.

In this episode, we start with how to build your army and how that impacts command points. We also talk about unit size considerations and some ideas for taking detachments for our own armies. 

In this episode, we introduce the brand new edition of Warhammer 40K. We talk about updates to the formatting, the growth of the rule set, and the basic rules that finally define things such as  within and wholly within. Be sure to check out all our mini episodes so you know all the changes with this edition. The post Episode 116: New 40K: Introduction appeared first on TheBattlehosts.

In this episode, we introduce the brand new edition of Warhammer 40K. We talk about updates to the formatting, the growth of the rule set, and the basic rules that finally define things such as  within and wholly within. Be sure to check out all our mini episodes so you know all the changes with this edition.

In this episode, we discuss the digital content and products that exist for Warhammer 40K. With the announcement of the new Warhammer 40K app, we decided to look back at the history of Games Workshop digital releases to this point. We also discuss the third party developers and content producers that have rushed to fill the needs of the community. Finally, we discuss what our hopes are for the Warhammer app and how it might help to shape the future of Warhammer 40K. The post Episode 115: Digital 40K appeared first on TheBattlehosts.

In this episode, we discuss the digital content and products that exist for Warhammer 40K. With the announcement of the new Warhammer 40K app, we decided to look back at the history of Games Workshop digital releases to this point. We also discuss the third party developers and content producers that have rushed to fill the needs of the community. Finally, we discuss what our hopes are for the Warhammer app and how it might help to shape the future of Warhammer 40K.

In this episode, we discuss getting ready for the 9th edition of Warhammer 40K. Changing editions is just a reality with this game, so we will look back at our personal history with each edition change. We also talk about what excites us about the new edition and what we plan on doing as we wait for the new edition to launch. The post Episode 114: Getting Ready for 9th Edition appeared first on TheBattlehosts.

In this episode, we discuss getting ready for the 9th edition of Warhammer 40K. Changing editions is just a reality with this game, so we will look back at our personal history with each edition change. We also talk about what excites us about the new edition and what we plan on doing as we wait for the new edition to launch.

In this episode, we discuss how to be part of the 40K hobby on a budget. We talk about limiting impulse purchases and buying models you will use and enjoy and getting discounts on models. We also talk about strategies such as converting, magnetizing, and bits purchases to save money. Finally, we discuss hobby supplies and what is worth the money and what is not. We also interview Aaron Albert, aka Trader-A on buying and selling used models for fun and profit. The post Episode 113: 40K on a Budget appeared first on TheBattlehosts.

In this episode, we discuss how to be part of the 40K hobby on a budget. We talk about limiting impulse purchases and buying models you will use and enjoy and getting discounts on models. We also talk about strategies such as converting, magnetizing, and bits purchases to save money. Finally, we discuss hobby supplies and what is worth the money and what is not. We also interview Aaron Albert, aka Trader-A on buying and selling used models for fun and profit. Buy a Battlehosts TShirt: https://www.t-shirtfam.com/product/battlehosts-podcast-shirt/?fbclid=IwAR2P-CakXKN6C4aBG8Yipqs77iZMnumbX6MEoZ5AAW-HLMpwn_EQe6-18nU

In this episode, we talk with Brian and Alex from the Splintermind podcast about planning and finishing your 40k army. We discuss what to consider as you plan out your army, including how it will look, its theme, and how it will work on the table. We share how we built our own armies, starting with detachments and growing to complete armies. Finally, we talk about avoiding distractions and the rewards of a completed army. The post Episode 112: Planning and Finishing your Army appeared first on TheBattlehosts.

In this episode, we talk with Brian and Alex from the Splintermind podcast about planning and finishing your 40k army. We discuss what to consider as you plan out your army, including how it will look, its theme, and how it will work on the table. We share how we built our own armies, starting with detachments and growing to complete armies. Finally, we talk about avoiding distractions and the rewards of a completed army.

In this episode, we interview Brandon Grant to talk about how he uses mathhammer to answer questions important to his army, how to help when building  army lists, and how to prepare for games by knowing the offensive and defensive capabilities of his units. We also review the Math Hammer app and how you can use it to help build more effective lists and to improve your play. The post Episode 111: Mathhammer Part 2 appeared first on TheBattlehosts.

In this episode, we talk about Mathhammer, which is using basic math to determine the offensive or defensive effectiveness of a particular unit in 40K. This is part 1 of a 2 part series. In part 1, we talk about the attack sequence and how to determine the probability of causing a wound. We then discuss the mechanics of the game that improve your odds, including re-rolls, modifiers, AP values, and volume of firepower. Finally we talk about variability and how randomness can impact your game plans. The post Episode 110: Mathhammer Part 1 appeared first on TheBattlehosts.

In this episode, we continue our discussion on Genestealer Cults. In part one, we talked about the history and lore of Genestealer cults, their army rules, the cult creeds, and getting started. In this episode, we will cover the units,... The post Episode 109: Genestealer Cult Part 2 appeared first on TheBattlehosts.

In this episode, we talk about Genestealer Cults. It's one of the newest and  most unique armies in the game of 40K and the only one who can ally with Tyranids. In part one, we will talk about the history and lore of Genestealer cults, their army rules, the cult creeds, and getting started. The post Episode 108: Genestealer Cult Part 1 appeared first on TheBattlehosts.

In tonight's episode, we will discuss two books: Dark Imperium by Guy Haley, and Spear of the Emperor by Aaron Dembski-Bowden. Both are newer books that take place in the current era of 40K and both have Adeptus Astartes fighting Chaos, so they make for an interesting comparison. We start with a spoiler free review section and  give our recommendation for each book. We will then do a more in-depth spoiler-filled dive into each book to discuss the themes, characters, and stories. The post Episode 107: Black Library Book Club 1 appeared first on TheBattlehosts.

In this episode, Mark talks about his experience at the Las Vegas Open 2020. He discusses the lead up to the event, the army he choose, and how his games went in the competitive 40K event. He also talks about what he learned about playing the game of 40K and his plans for future competitive 40K events. The post Episode 106: Recap LVO 2020 appeared first on TheBattlehosts.

In this episode, we talk about planning for the Las Vegas Open 2020. We discuss the process of settling on an army, getting it ready, and practicing with it so you are ready to play. We also offer some practical advice on attending the LVO, including a checklist of items to pack, transporting models, and what to do between and during games to be as successful as possible. Finally, we talk about what we intend to bring and what our goals are for this LVO. The post Episode 105: The Road to LVO 2020 appeared first on TheBattlehosts.

In this episode, we cover how  Psychic Awakening; Phoenix Rising and Faith and Fury has changed Eldar and Chaos Space Marines. Both of these factions now have new options that are pretty good on the tabletop as a result of these books plus the points changes in Chapter Approved. We discuss the rules in both volumes of Psychic Awakening and talk about some of the units and interesting combinations you should try in your next game. The post Episode 104: Psychic Awakening Part 1 appeared first on TheBattlehosts.

In our fifth annual Christmas episode, we once again do a year in review for 2019. We cover the major events and releases for 40K and discuss the state of the hobby as we near the end of 2019. We also talk about the state of the 40K community and looking ahead to next year. The post Episode 103: Christmas 2019 appeared first on TheBattlehosts.

In this episode, we talk about the psychic phase. We cover the rules and the probabilities behind casting psychic powers. We also talk about the various types of psychic powers and how you should use or plan for the psychic phase in your games. This is the final phase to be covered in our series of tactical podcasts. The post Episode 102: The Psychic Phase appeared first on TheBattlehosts.