Warhammer 40K Glossary: A To Z Guide
Hey there, fellow Warhammer 40,000 enthusiasts! Ever found yourself scratching your head, lost in a sea of jargon when diving into the grim darkness of the far future? Fear not, because this Warhammer 40K Glossary is your trusty guide to navigating the complex terminology that defines this epic universe. We'll break down everything from Astartes to Xenos, ensuring you're well-equipped to understand the lore, the games, and everything in between. So, buckle up, grab your bolter, and let's delve into the Warhammer 40K glossary!
A is for Astartes and Adeptus
Alright, let's kick things off with the Astartes, also known as Space Marines. These genetically-engineered super-soldiers are the Emperor's finest, the ultimate protectors of humanity. They're basically the poster boys of Warhammer 40K, and you'll encounter them everywhere. Think of them as the elite, the best of the best, ripped and ready to purge any threat to the Imperium. Then there's the Adeptus, a Latin term which translates roughly to the "those who have mastered," which encompasses various branches of the Imperium. The Adeptus Astartes (Space Marines) is a branch of the Adeptus, but there's also the Adeptus Mechanicus (the tech-priests obsessed with technology), Adeptus Administratum (the bureaucratic heart of the Imperium), and the Adeptus Sororitas (the Sisters of Battle, badass warrior nuns). Get familiar with these terms, as they're the cornerstones of the Imperium's structure. You’ll be seeing these words a lot in the Warhammer 40K glossary, so take notes.
Moving on, let’s talk about Abhuman. This term refers to any human subspecies that has mutated or evolved differently from the norm. Think of Ogryns, Ratlings, and Squats (though Squats are a bit of a tricky subject these days). They're technically human, but they're not quite like your average citizen of the Imperium. They are often used as laborers and soldiers.
B is for Bolter and Beyond
What's a Space Marine without his trusty weapon? A Bolter, of course! This iconic weapon is a rapid-firing, self-propelled grenade launcher. When a Bolter round hits, it explodes, making it a devastating weapon in close combat. They are the defining weapon of the Astartes. Alongside the Bolter are other important terms, such as the Battle-Brothers (a term for the close camaraderie and bonds between Space Marines) and the Black Templars (a particularly zealous chapter of Space Marines known for their aggressive crusades). It's very important to note that the Battle-Brothers are more than just soldiers; they are brothers forged in the fires of war, bound by oaths and loyalty.
Expanding your Warhammer 40K glossary, you’ll soon come across the Blessings of the Warp which is a reference to the powers and gifts bestowed upon individuals by the Chaos Gods, such as Chaos Space Marines. This is usually due to the warp's influence.
C is for Chaos and Chapters
Brace yourselves, 'cause we're diving into the heart of darkness. Chaos is the ultimate antagonist in Warhammer 40K, a realm of malevolent gods and their corrupted followers. It’s a major part of your Warhammer 40K glossary. The Chaos Gods (Khorne, Slaanesh, Nurgle, and Tzeentch) feed on the emotions of the mortal realm, and their influence corrupts everything they touch. They're the ultimate bad guys, always scheming and plotting to bring the Imperium to its knees.
Then there's the Chaos Space Marines, the corrupted counterparts of the Space Marines, once loyal to the Emperor but now devoted to the Chaos Gods. They are twisted reflections of their former selves, forever marked by the taint of Chaos. It is very important to remember that they are equally, if not more, deadly than the Imperium's Astartes. Also in your Warhammer 40K glossary, you can see Chapters, which are the organizational units of the Space Marines. Each chapter is a self-contained army, with its own history, traditions, and combat doctrines. Famous chapters include the Ultramarines, Blood Angels, and Space Wolves. Some Chapters, like the Dark Angels, have many secrets.
D is for Daemon and Dreadnought
Prepare for some nightmares, because the next term in your Warhammer 40K glossary is Daemon. These are the creatures of the Warp, the physical manifestations of the Chaos Gods. They're essentially living nightmares, constantly seeking to invade the mortal realm and cause destruction. Daemons are not to be trifled with. They are the embodiment of Chaos.
Then there's the Dreadnought, a walking sarcophagus containing a mortally wounded Space Marine. These ancient warriors are interred within powerful armored suits, becoming formidable battlefield assets. They are a sign of the Space Marine's long life and valor.
E is for Emperor and Exterminatus
Next in your Warhammer 40K glossary, let's talk about the Emperor. He is the supreme ruler of the Imperium of Man, and he is the most important figure in the entire setting. The Emperor is a powerful psyker entombed on the Golden Throne on Terra (Earth), and is worshipped as a god. He's the Imperium's guiding light, even in his current state, and the source of his power through the Astronomicon.
Exterminatus is the ultimate act of destruction. It's the complete annihilation of a planet, often used to cleanse it of heretical threats or to prevent the spread of Chaos. It’s the last resort in the Imperium's arsenal, a grim testament to the galaxy's brutality. To use Exterminatus means no one on the planet is to be spared.
F is for Flamer and Fortress
When we are talking about weapon, the Flamer is a close-range weapon that spews out a stream of burning promethium. It's a favorite of the Imperium's troops, particularly the Space Marines, for its ability to clear out enemies in close quarters. The Flamer is a fiery tool for purging the heretic.
And what is an army without a base? Then you have the Fortress, a heavily fortified structure designed to withstand even the most brutal assaults. These structures can be anything from a massive space station to a fortified planetary city. The Fortress is key to the defense of any position.
G is for Guardsmen and Grimdark
Who are the backbone of the Imperium? The Guardsmen, also known as the Imperial Guard. These are the regular human soldiers of the Imperium. They are vast in number and come from all walks of life. The Guardsmen are known for their unwavering loyalty and are often thrown into the meat grinder. Their courage in the face of impossible odds is legendary. When fighting for the Imperium, they are the first line of defense, and the first to die, if necessary.
Finally, we have the term Grimdark. This is probably the most important term for your Warhammer 40K glossary. It’s the overall tone and aesthetic of Warhammer 40K, a blend of gothic sci-fi, extreme violence, and a bleak outlook on the future of humanity. It's a universe where hope is scarce, and survival is a constant struggle. Get ready, the universe is grim.
H is for Heresy and Hive World
The next word in your Warhammer 40K glossary is Heresy. This term is crucial, as in the Imperium, heresy is not just a disagreement, it is a death sentence. It is any act that goes against the Emperor and the Imperium's doctrines. Heresy can range from the smallest act of rebellion to outright worship of Chaos. It is one of the most serious accusations in the Imperium, and it can bring about the wrath of the Inquisition.
A Hive World is a planet dominated by massive, towering cities that are essentially giant factories and population centers. These worlds are often polluted, overpopulated, and rife with crime and poverty. The most important purpose of the Hive World is the production of war materials, as its population serves as a workforce. It’s not a fun place to live, but is a vital part of the Imperium.
I is for Inquisition and Imperium
Next up, in your Warhammer 40K glossary, is the Inquisition. This is a secret organization within the Imperium that is responsible for rooting out heresy, investigating threats, and maintaining order. Inquisitors are the Emperor's secret police, and they have the authority to do whatever it takes to protect humanity, even if it means going against other Imperial organizations. They are feared and respected in equal measure.
Also, the Imperium, which is the vast interstellar empire of humanity, ruled by the Emperor. It spans countless worlds and is constantly at war with alien races and the forces of Chaos. The Imperium is the largest and most powerful faction in the galaxy, but it is also riddled with corruption and internal conflict.
J is for Justice and Judgement
Time to add two more words in your Warhammer 40K glossary. The first is Justice, which in the Imperium is often swift and brutal. Given the galaxy's constant state of war, justice is often dispensed in the form of executions or military service. There is not a lot of time for due process.
The second is Judgement. In the Imperium, judgment is often passed by the Inquisition and other high-ranking officials. It can come in various forms, from imprisonment to Exterminatus. Judgement can also refer to the final judgment in the afterlife.
K is for Kill Team and Kill
Alright, let’s add the word Kill Team to your Warhammer 40K glossary. This is a small, specialized unit of soldiers, often Space Marines or other elite troops, that are deployed on covert missions or to eliminate high-value targets. Kill Teams are known for their skill and effectiveness in close-quarters combat.
And, the action Kill, which is the ultimate goal in the game. It is the result of many battles, and it is the only way to ensure survival in the grim dark future.
L is for Lore and Lasgun
Let’s add Lore to your growing Warhammer 40K glossary. This refers to the vast body of knowledge, history, and mythology that make up the Warhammer 40K universe. There is so much lore, and it is still being added to this day.
A Lasgun is a standard-issue energy weapon used by the Imperial Guard. It's a reliable and versatile weapon, but it is not as powerful as other weapons. Lasguns are the most common weapon in the Imperium, and it can be used for various purposes, from combat to mining.
M is for Macragge and Mutant
We need to add Macragge in your Warhammer 40K glossary. This is the homeworld of the Ultramarines Space Marine chapter. It is a symbol of order and discipline in a galaxy of chaos.
A Mutant is a human who has undergone a physical or mental mutation. They are often seen as outcasts and are often persecuted. The Imperium does not trust mutants.
N is for Necron and Nurgle
The Necron are ancient, robotic beings who were once a biological race. They are now undead, and they are seeking to reclaim their former glory. The Necron are a serious threat to the galaxy.
Now, let’s add Nurgle to your growing Warhammer 40K glossary. He is one of the four Chaos Gods, who represents decay, disease, and stagnation. His followers are known for their resilience and their willingness to embrace the rot.
O is for Ork and Outcast
Let’s talk about the Orks, a race of savage, green-skinned humanoids who are driven by a love of war and violence. They are always fighting, and they are always building up their strength. The Orks are a constant threat to the Imperium.
In addition, we have the Outcast, which is a person who has been cast out or rejected by society. They are often criminals, heretics, or mutants. Many Outcasts end up becoming Chaos cultists.
P is for Psyker and Planet
A Psyker is an individual with psychic abilities. They can manipulate the Warp to varying degrees. The Imperium uses psykers for a variety of purposes, but they are also a dangerous liability.
Also, a Planet is a celestial body, such as Earth. It is the core setting of the game, and the source of resources and conflict.
Q is for Questions
This is the end of the line, which means it’s time to add Questions to your Warhammer 40K glossary. Questions are crucial for learning more about the setting, and they can help you understand the universe better. Asking questions is important, so never be afraid to ask.
R is for Rogue Trader and Ruinous Powers
The Rogue Trader are explorers and merchants who are granted special licenses to travel beyond the Imperium's borders. They are explorers, and adventurers who seek out wealth, knowledge, and new territories. They are free from Imperial law.
And for our final words, we have the Ruinous Powers. This is another name for the Chaos Gods. They represent the ultimate evil in the Warhammer 40K universe.
S is for Space Marine and Sororitas
The Space Marines, also known as the Adeptus Astartes, are the elite warriors of the Imperium, genetically engineered for combat. They are incredibly powerful, and they are loyal to the Emperor.
Also, the Sororitas, who are the Sisters of Battle, are the warrior nuns of the Adeptus Ministorum. They are fanatically devoted to the Emperor, and they are fierce fighters.
T is for Tyranids and Thousand Sons
The Tyranids are a hive mind of alien creatures that consume all life in their path. They are a massive threat to the galaxy.
The Thousand Sons are a traitor Space Marine chapter, devoted to the Chaos God Tzeentch. They are known for their psychic abilities.
U is for Ultramarines and Unification
The Ultramarines are a Space Marine chapter, known for their adherence to the Codex Astartes. They are considered to be the most exemplary Space Marine chapter.
The Unification is the process by which the Emperor united the warring factions of Terra.
V is for Void and Victory
The Void is the space between planets, where the vastness of the galaxy is found. Travel through the void is dangerous.
Also, Victory is the ultimate goal in the game, which is achieved through strategy and conflict.
W is for Warp and Weapon
The Warp, also known as the Immaterium, is a realm of psychic energy. It is a dangerous place, filled with daemons and other horrors.
And of course, the Weapon, which is the tool of war, used by all factions to achieve victory.
X is for Xenos
Xenos is a general term for alien races in the Warhammer 40K universe. There is a huge variety of Xenos, each with its own culture and motivations.
Y is for Years
This one is pretty simple. When playing Warhammer 40K, it’s important to understand the concept of Years, to understand how long the events that happen. The game is set in the 41st millennium.
Z is for Zealot
And finally, in your Warhammer 40K glossary, let’s end with Zealot. This is a person who is extremely passionate about a particular cause or belief. They are often willing to make extreme sacrifices in the name of their faith.
And there you have it, folks! Your very own Warhammer 40K glossary, a starting point for understanding the vast and complex universe of Warhammer 40,000. Now go forth, explore, and may the Emperor protect you!