# Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 1987
- **BGG Rating**: 6.9
- **BGG Rank**: #5711
- **Players**: 2 (Best with: 2)
- **Duration**: 60-120 min
- **Weight**: 3.60 / 5
- **Designers**: Rick Priestley
- **Artists**: Alan Perry, Aly Morrison, Angus Fieldhouse, Bob Naismith, Carl Critchlow, Charles Elliot (I), Colin Dixon, Dave Andrews, David Gallagher, Ian Miller, Jes Goodwin, John Blanche, John Sibbick, Martin McKenna, Pete Knifton, Stephen Tappin, Tim Pollard, Tony Ackland, Tony Hough, Trish Morrison, Wil Rees
- **Publishers**: Alfil Juegos, Games Workshop Ltd.
- **Categories**: Miniatures, Science Fiction, Wargame
- **Mechanics**: Dice Rolling, Line of Sight, Measurement Movement, Modular Board, Variable Player Powers

## Verdict
If you're a wargame veteran or an RPG enthusiast who enjoys a good dose of creative freedom, Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader is a nostalgic and fascinating journey. Forget the rigid rules of later editions; here, the focus is on story and customization. It's a game for those who like to build their own universe within an already established one, with the help of a good Game Master.Rich narrative experienceImmense creative freedomUnit customization optionsDeep universe loreEncourages player creativityGM-dependent gameplayLooser rule systemNot for everyoneFOR GENRE FANS

## Description
Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader is the original edition of the acclaimed Warhammer 40,000 universe, but with a distinctly different flavor from what it would later become. Released in 1987, this wasn't just a wargame, but a narrative-focused skirmish game where the Game Master (GM) had the freedom to craft complex, personalized storylines for sessions. Think of it as closer to a tabletop RPG with miniatures, where the story is the main driver. The rulebook not only presented various races and their units but also offered algorithms for players to create their own custom units, calculating their costs and abilities. This flexibility was one of its great charms, allowing for unprecedented customization. There was a vast array of gear, vehicles, and troop types available to assemble truly unique armies. Games Workshop, at the time, even encouraged players to use models from other companies alongside their own, and to invent their own rules and units, which is almost unthinkable today! For many old-school fans, this edition is considered the best of all, precisely because of its rich background and the freedom its rules offered, creating a more open and creative gaming experience.

## FAQ
### What is the ideal number of players for Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader?
This game is designed for 2 players, ideal for intense tactical and narrative duels.

### What is the average playtime?
Games can last between 60 and 120 minutes, depending on the scenario's complexity and players' pace.

### Is it a complex game for beginners?
With a BGG weight of 3.6042/5, it's considered a medium to high complexity game. The rules are more flexible, but it requires a Game Master and a willingness to customize.

### Do I need a Game Master (GM) to play?
Yes, the Rogue Trader experience is heavily based on narrative and scenario customization, which requires a Game Master to guide the story and apply the rules.

### What are the main components of the game?
The game uses miniatures, dice for action resolution, a modular board to create varied scenarios, and rulers for measurement movement, in addition to a wide range of equipment and units.

### Is this game like the more recent editions of Warhammer 40,000?
Not exactly. While it's the first edition, Rogue Trader is much more focused on an RPG skirmish experience, with more open and flexible rules, encouraging creation and narrative rather than the later editions, which are more focused on competitive wargames.