Steps to choose next army to collect in Warhammer 40k - Purchase Advisor #1

    "Time to start a new army!" almost everyone has this idea once a while, natural thing in this hobby. Choosing another army may be a harder task, then selecting the first one. In this blog post, I'll share some steps to start a new adventure in this awesome hobby.

Step #1: Define a reason

    Just going for a random new army is not an optimal choice if you are selecting your next army. You need to answer a question: "Why do I start a new army?".

• You may want to expand your collection, for example: filling an Imperium/Chaos/Xeno gap. 
• You are looking for a different experience.
• Maybe you are not satisfied with your actual army, because you've tried everything in your power to make it work and it just does not cut it. 

    It's time and money consuming decision, so make it count. If you are determined to start the new army, let's proceed to the next step.

Step #2: Choose the army

    If you are looking for original experience, define what your actual army does and choose an army that provides another type of gameplay.

• Toolbox army - Good at everything, master at nothing. This is the type which has a lot of datasheets, allowing for constructing any list focus, with common weakness. Army in this category requires spending money on different models to prepare for every opponent. - Space Marines, Craftworld Eldar, Ynnari, Chaos Space Marines,
• Elite Army - Usually the cheapest armies to collect with low model count on the table, but very strong - Adeptus Custodes, Grey Knights, Thousand Sons,
• Horde Army - Expensive army to collect, which contains a dozen of models. Melee - Orks, Tyranid and Shooty - Astra Militarum,
• Tough Army - Toughest armies that focus around withstanding punishment and capturing objectives, with lacking damage output. - Death Guard, Necron,
• Gimmik army - Either focused, or mechanically unique army each different. Those armies aim to win by catching the opponent off guard. If they don't succeed, they get countered with a hard time to come back. - Adepta Sororitas, Adeptus Mechanicus, Imperial Knights, Harlequin, Drukhari, Tau, Genestealer Cults.

Once you've chosen your army, it's time to...

Step #3: Create your first list

    Creating the first list of new army is a significant learning experience, where you familiarise yourself with possibilities, units, new ideas come up, try just for yourself. Once you've created your first list, create another one with other options. Since it does not cost you anything, create as a much of them until you become satisfied with it.

Step #4: Plan your budget

    Try being as optimal in spending money as possible, so aim for bundles: Start collecting, Combat Patrol, Battle Force boxes if you are looking for brand new models. Buying second hand models/entire army is also very cost-effective option, but keep in mind that they may require more work to make them look as you desire.

Step #5: Return to Step #1

    As you have your army list and plan for purchasing new models - ask yourself one last time to be 100% sure: "Do I want it?". If the answer is:

• Still "Yes!": Congratulations! You are making a new army, new challenge, new adventure. I wish you great successes with it and great time!
• "No": Congratulations! You saved money, you can do it whatever you like with it! My recommendation: reward yourself - purchase a new model for your actual army, or eat something fancy, your choice.

    That being said, post your outcomes if you decided to (or not to) build a new army after following those steps. Until then Pandageek is rolling out.