Word Bearers 30k Army: A Complete Beginner's Guide

So, you're thinking about diving into the Horus Heresy and starting a Word Bearers army? Awesome! You've chosen a Legion with a rich history, compelling lore, and some seriously cool models. But where do you even begin? Building a 30k army can seem daunting, especially with all the options available. Don't worry, guys, this guide will walk you through the process, from understanding the Word Bearers' unique flavor to selecting your first units and developing a winning strategy. We'll break it down step-by-step so you can get your army on the tabletop and start spreading the good word (pun intended!).

Understanding the Word Bearers: The Zealots of Chaos

Before you start buying models, it's crucial to understand the essence of the Word Bearers. This isn't just any Legion; they're the guys who really kicked off the Horus Heresy. Their fanatical devotion to the Emperor twisted into an even more fanatical devotion to Chaos, making them the ultimate zealots of the era. Understanding this core concept is vital because it informs everything from your army's composition to its playstyle. The Word Bearers aren't just about brute force; they're about faith, corruption, and the insidious spread of Chaos. They were once among the most devout Legions, their cities grand monuments to the Emperor's glory. But when their faith was shaken by the Edict of Nikaea and the Emperor's rebuke of their zealous worship, a seed of doubt was planted. This seed was nurtured by Lorgar, their Primarch, and his chaplain Erebus, leading them down a path of secret pilgrimages and dark pacts. The Word Bearers meticulously orchestrated the Heresy, corrupting other Legions and laying the groundwork for the galaxy-spanning conflict. This history translates into a unique playstyle on the tabletop. You're not just aiming to win battles; you're aiming to corrupt and break your enemies, both physically and spiritually. Think of your army as a force of missionaries, but instead of spreading the Emperor's light, you're spreading the darkness of Chaos. This might involve fielding large squads of Cultists, summoning Daemons, or using psykers to debuff and weaken your opponents. The Word Bearers are masters of attrition and psychological warfare, slowly grinding down their foes while simultaneously eroding their morale. They excel at controlling the battlefield, using terrain and positioning to their advantage. They might not always be the fastest or the hardest-hitting Legion, but they are relentless and adaptable, able to weather the storm and emerge victorious through cunning and perseverance. This also means considering the narrative aspect of your army. Think about the story you want to tell with your models. Are they a warband fresh from Calth, still bearing the marks of their betrayal? Or are they a veteran force, hardened by years of war and steeped in the lore of Chaos? The choices you make in terms of wargear, unit markings, and even basing can all contribute to a richer and more immersive experience. Don't be afraid to get creative and explore the darker side of the Horus Heresy. The Word Bearers offer a unique opportunity to delve into the theological and philosophical implications of the conflict, and to explore the seductive power of Chaos. By embracing the Legion's history and motivations, you can create an army that is not only effective on the tabletop, but also a compelling representation of the Horus Heresy's most zealous traitors.

Key Units and Army Composition for Word Bearers in 30k

Now that you understand the soul of the Word Bearers, let's talk about the nuts and bolts of building your army. What units should you prioritize? What kind of list composition will best reflect their unique strengths? First off, some units are practically iconic for the Word Bearers. Think about the Diabolist, for example. These guys are the heart of a Word Bearers army, acting as both powerful psykers and summoners. They can bring forth Daemons, buff your troops, and generally wreak havoc on the enemy. Including at least one Diabolist in your list is almost a must. Then there are the Gal Vorbak, possessed Marines who represent the Legion's descent into Chaos. These guys are tough, hard-hitting, and utterly terrifying on the charge. A squad or two of Gal Vorbak can give your army some serious close-combat punch. Don't forget the Dark Apostle either! The Dark Apostle is your go-to HQ choice for a Word Bearers army. They are not just leaders; they are fiery orators who inspire their troops to fanatical levels of fervor. Their abilities can significantly enhance the combat effectiveness of nearby units, making them a crucial asset on the battlefield. Beyond these specialized units, you'll need a solid core of standard troops. Tactical Marines are always a reliable choice, providing a versatile backbone for your army. Consider equipping them with chainswords and bolters for a classic Word Bearers look, or maybe add some heavy weapons for extra firepower. Assault Marines can provide some much-needed mobility and close-combat threat, while Devastator Marines can lay down a withering hail of fire. The key is to strike a balance between these different unit types, creating a force that is both flexible and resilient. When thinking about your overall army composition, it's important to consider your playstyle. Do you prefer a more aggressive, close-combat-oriented approach? Or do you prefer to control the battlefield from a distance, using ranged firepower and psychic abilities? The Word Bearers can excel at both, but it's important to tailor your list to your specific preferences. For a more aggressive list, you might want to include more Gal Vorbak, Assault Marines, and Dreadnoughts. These units can overwhelm the enemy with a swift and decisive assault. You might also want to consider including a Land Raider or two to transport your troops across the battlefield quickly and safely. For a more controlling list, you might want to focus on Tactical Marines, Devastator Marines, and Psykers. These units can hold key objectives, lay down suppressing fire, and use psychic powers to disrupt the enemy's plans. You might also want to consider including some artillery pieces, such as Basilisks or Medusas, to provide long-range fire support. Regardless of your preferred playstyle, it's important to have a clear plan in mind when building your army. Don't just throw together a bunch of random units; think about how they will work together on the battlefield. Consider their strengths and weaknesses, and how they can complement each other. A well-balanced and well-coordinated army will always be more effective than a collection of individual units.

Essential Models and Where to Start Your Collection

Okay, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: what models should you actually buy first? It can be overwhelming to look at the entire range, so let's focus on the essentials for a starting Word Bearers force. A fantastic starting point is the Age of Darkness box set. This set is a treasure trove of plastic goodness, containing a sizable force of Tactical Marines, Terminators, and a Praetor, all of which are perfect for a Word Bearers army. You can easily convert the Praetor to a Dark Apostle or Diabolist with a few simple modifications. The Tactical Marines will form the backbone of your army, while the Terminators can provide some much-needed heavy firepower and close-combat punch. Another excellent choice is the Word Bearers Legion Praetor and Chaplain Consul models from Forge World. These resin models are incredibly detailed and characterful, and they perfectly capture the Legion's dark and zealous aesthetic. The Praetor can serve as your Warlord, while the Chaplain Consul can act as a Dark Apostle, further enhancing your army's leadership capabilities. Of course, you'll also want to add some of the more specialized Word Bearers units, such as the Gal Vorbak and the Diabolist. The Gal Vorbak are available as resin models from Forge World, and they are definitely worth the investment. These possessed Marines are among the most iconic units in the Word Bearers Legion, and they are incredibly powerful on the battlefield. The Diabolist can be created through conversions using plastic kits, or you can purchase the official resin model from Forge World. This model is a fantastic representation of the Legion's mastery of the dark arts, and it will add a unique and powerful element to your army. As you expand your collection, you might also want to consider adding some heavier units, such as Dreadnoughts, Land Raiders, and artillery pieces. These units can provide much-needed firepower and resilience, allowing your army to take on a wider range of opponents. You can also explore the possibility of adding some Daemons to your army, either through summoning or as part of a dedicated Daemon detachment. The Word Bearers are masters of summoning, and adding Daemons to your list can significantly increase its offensive and defensive capabilities. When starting your collection, it's important to prioritize the units that will form the core of your army. Focus on building a solid foundation of Tactical Marines, Terminators, and support units, and then gradually add the more specialized units as your collection grows. Don't try to buy everything at once; it's better to start small and build gradually, allowing yourself to learn the game and develop your army's identity over time. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun! Building a Word Bearers army is a journey, not a destination. Enjoy the process of collecting, assembling, and painting your models, and don't be afraid to experiment with different unit combinations and strategies. With a little bit of planning and effort, you can create a Word Bearers army that is both effective on the tabletop and a true reflection of the Legion's dark and fascinating lore.

Painting and Modeling Your Word Bearers

Now, for the fun part: bringing your Word Bearers to life with paint! The Word Bearers have a very distinctive color scheme – a deep, menacing crimson red, often accented with dark metallics and bronze. This instantly conveys their zealous and sinister nature. When it comes to painting, you've got a few options. You can go for a classic, clean look, highlighting the red armor to make it really pop. Or, you can embrace the grimdark aesthetic, adding weathering, battle damage, and even some subtle Chaos mutations to your models. The choice is yours, guys! For the base red, a great starting point is a dark red like Khorne Red (Citadel) or Red Tone (Army Painter). You can then layer up with a brighter red, like Mephiston Red (Citadel), to create highlights and add depth. Washes are your friend here! A wash of Nuln Oil (Citadel) or Dark Tone (Army Painter) will add shadows and definition to the recesses of the armor, making the details stand out. If you want to add some weathering, try drybrushing with a lighter metallic color, like Runefang Steel (Citadel) or Plate Mail Metal (Army Painter), along the edges of the armor. This will simulate chipping and wear and tear. For the metallic trim, a bronze or brass color like Balthasar Gold (Citadel) or Weapon Bronze (Army Painter) works really well. You can then highlight with a brighter gold, like Gehenna's Gold (Citadel) or Gold (Army Painter), to add some shine. Don't forget the details! The Word Bearers are known for their scriptures, runes, and other religious iconography. Adding these details to your models can really make them stand out. You can paint these freehand, use transfers, or even sculpt them using green stuff. Basing is another important aspect of modeling. A well-based model can really enhance its overall look. For a Word Bearers army, you might want to consider a dark, volcanic-themed base, with black sand, rocks, and maybe even some lava effects. This will help to convey the Legion's connection to the forces of Chaos. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even add some extra details to your bases, such as skulls, chains, or even tiny Chaos symbols. These little touches can really help to tell a story and add character to your models. When it comes to modeling, don't be afraid to get creative! The Word Bearers are a Legion that has embraced the power of Chaos, so you can really let your imagination run wild. Consider adding mutations, spikes, and other chaotic elements to your models. You can use bits from other kits, green stuff, or even scavenged materials to create unique and terrifying conversions. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and express your own creativity. There's no right or wrong way to paint and model your Word Bearers, so experiment with different techniques and find what works best for you. With a little bit of practice and imagination, you can create a truly stunning and unique army that will strike fear into the hearts of your opponents.

Tactics and Strategies for the Word Bearers on the Tabletop

So, you've assembled and painted your Word Bearers, and you're ready to hit the tabletop. But how do you actually win games with them? The Word Bearers are a versatile Legion, but they excel at a few key areas: attrition, psychic warfare, and morale manipulation. Understanding these strengths is crucial to developing effective tactics and strategies. Attrition is the Word Bearers' bread and butter. They are masters of grinding down the enemy, slowly but surely whittling away their forces until they break. This means focusing on durability, resilience, and the ability to weather a storm of fire. Units like Tactical Marines in cover, supported by a Dark Apostle, can be incredibly difficult to dislodge. Don't be afraid to take casualties; the Word Bearers are a Legion that is willing to sacrifice everything for their cause. Use terrain to your advantage, creating defensive positions that will force your opponent to come to you. Employing a defensive strategy, setting up strong points, and utilizing cover effectively can turn the tide of battle in your favor. Position your units strategically to maximize their firepower and minimize their exposure to enemy fire. Utilize supporting units, such as heavy weapons teams and Dreadnoughts, to provide fire support and eliminate key threats. Patience is key in attrition warfare. Don't rush into unnecessary engagements; wait for the right moment to strike. Wear down your opponent's forces gradually, and then unleash a decisive counterattack when they are at their weakest. Psychic warfare is another area where the Word Bearers truly shine. Their Diabolists are among the most powerful psykers in the Horus Heresy, capable of unleashing devastating powers and summoning Daemons to the battlefield. Use your psykers aggressively, buffing your own units, debuffing your opponents, and unleashing destructive powers to sow chaos and discord among the enemy ranks. Summoning Daemons can be a game-changer, providing you with powerful reinforcements that can swing the tide of battle. However, be careful! Summoning is a risky proposition, and a failed attempt can have dire consequences. Learn the ins and outs of the psychic phase, and practice using your powers effectively. A well-timed psychic assault can cripple your opponent's plans and open up opportunities for your own forces. Morale manipulation is the final piece of the Word Bearers puzzle. They are masters of psychological warfare, using fear, propaganda, and dark rituals to break the enemy's will to fight. Abilities like Fear, Terror, and pinning can be incredibly effective against certain opponents, forcing them to fall back or become bogged down. Use your Dark Apostles to spread the word of Chaos, inspiring your own troops and demoralizing your enemies. Remember, warfare is not just about firepower; it's also about the mind. Breaking your opponent's morale can be just as effective as destroying their units. In terms of specific tactics, the Word Bearers excel at a few key maneuvers. Flanking assaults can be devastating, allowing you to outmaneuver your opponent and attack them from an unexpected angle. A well-timed flanking charge can break an enemy line and create chaos in their rear. Pincer movements are another classic tactic that the Word Bearers can utilize effectively. By attacking the enemy from multiple directions simultaneously, you can divide their forces and overwhelm them with superior firepower. Holding objectives is crucial in most missions, and the Word Bearers are well-suited to this task. Their durable units and psychic abilities make them difficult to dislodge from key locations. Finally, remember to adapt your tactics to the specific situation. The Word Bearers are a flexible Legion, capable of playing both aggressively and defensively. Analyze the battlefield, assess your opponent's strengths and weaknesses, and develop a plan that will maximize your chances of victory. With careful planning and skillful execution, you can lead your Word Bearers to triumph on the tabletop, spreading the dark word of Chaos across the galaxy.