The galaxy-spanning Imperium of Man is beset on all sides by ravening aliens, and threatened from within by malevolent creatures and heretic rebels. Only the strength of the Immortal Emperor of Terra stands between Humanity and its annihilation. Dedicated to His service are the countless warriors, agents, and myriad servants of the Imperium. Foremost amongst them stand the Space Marines, mentally and physically engineered to be the supreme fighting force, the ultimate protectors of mankind.

For more than a hundred centuries the Emperor has sat immobile on the Golden Throne of Earth. He is the master of mankind by the will of the gods and master of a million worlds by the might of his inexhaustable armies. He is a rotting carcass writhing invisibly with power from the Dark Age of Technology. He is the Carrion Lord of the Imperium for whom a thousand souls die every day, for whom blood is drunk and flesh eaten. Human blood and human flesh - the stuff of which the Imperium is made. This extensive 270 page book of everything Warhammer 40,000 contains over 150 pages of full color art and miniatures!

This rulebook is a revision of the current rules system (incorporating fan feedback over the past few years), the new rules will improve the present game, rather than create a brand new game system with brand new rules. As such, all current armies and Codex books will be completely compatible with the upgraded rules. So all the hard work and effort you have sunk into your modelling, converting and collecting projects has not, in any way, been a waste of time. The vast hordes of Chaos Space Marines and Imperial troops, not to mention the other races, will continue to do battle throughout the stars, across a billion worlds.

Warhammer 40,000 is a tabletop game for two or more players where you command the forces of the Imperium or one of its many enemies. This book provides you with all the rules you need to play, and guides you through collecting and painting your own army of Citadel miniatures.

• RULES: The mechanics for getting your armies moving, shooting, and fighting over the battlefield, and a number of missions that present a stage to fight upon.
  
  •  BACKGROUND: Information about the Warhammer 40,000 universe, the races that populate it, its history, nature and the bleak chronicle of incessant war.
  
  •  GAMING & THE HOBBY: How to collect your own army, including painting and modeling miniatures.