WARHAMMER 40k TIMELINE IN 20 MINS! From the 21st Century to the 41st Millenium - 40k Archives

So, what universe is Warhammer 40,000 set in? Ours, of course! After a friend asked just that question, I wrote this; a short guide to how the 21st century turns into the 41st Millennium.
And FINE. 21 minutes. :/
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Copyright: Unless noted in the video, all images © Games Workshop 1987-2022. Title music is 'Black Rainbows' by Karl Casey @WhiteBatAudio
Copyright: Unless noted in the video, all images © Games Workshop 1987-2022. Title music is 'Black Rainbows' by Karl Casey @White Bat Audio
#warhammer40k #40klore #tabletopgaming #tabletopgames #40karchives #warhammer #wargaming #40khistory

[@mikehatton7908]

This guy is so normal, I bet he even smells ok. Makes a nice change...

[@underdoorc20]

Smells ok.... and likes 40k?.... HERESY!!

[@TheJediRyguy]

Ha!😂

[@stevieharding9650]

Holy shit a lore guy who's normal, what a nice change of pace.

[@biggusy25]

The rest unfortunately fell to Chaos as they delved too deeply into the future history of mankind.

[@WildFungus]

that was exactly my response too.

[@MrRayWolf]

@@WildFungus me too, finally! I hope for more in detail stuff on the othe races, presented with a clear normal human mind of this time and age again^^

[@emil87th]

What, Luetin09 isn't considered normal? Genuine question.

[@yamatocannon1]

Every time you find a warhammer youtuber who isn't a weird Norwegian nazi an angel earns its wings.

[@Crusader228]

Now that Henry Cavill announced that he’s working on a Warhammer show for Amazon. I immediately started to research everything I can find about this universe. Thanks to this video in particular i am extremely excited about the show now.

[@ArbitorIan]

Thanks! Me too!

[@mjbset93]

Very good video. This is like Dune with split personality syndrome. A little too much for me. I wish Cavil had stayed with Witcher universe and his concerns about its future addressed. Too much about this 40k universe is bleak.

[@TheFlash_4292]

Same

[@Snugggg]

@@mjbset93 if taken seriously, there is a overwhelming sense of hopelessness in the 40k universe. but I feel it's meant to be taken as very subtle tongue and cheek. its so ridiculously bleak in its infinite unfeeling homicidal bureaucracy.

[@coffeemadness2888]

precisely, why I started looking into it as well.

[@ChichiNaka]

Teaching newcomers how Ork magic works is always a joy

[@joshuachesney7552]

You just gotta believe!

[@johnpacheco79]

red go fast!

[@RobCooper-Bachatador]

I think, therefore it is

[@NogrimStoneson]

"ba cuz", "Datz ,Y"

[@gcl2783]

They are the Peter Pan.

[@Jinisinsane]

40k Ork timeline: Shouting waaaaaaagh for 20 mins straight.

[@shimirobu]

and making DAKA DAKA

[@-J--vx7nv]

*billions of years straight

[@jimlahey5623]

@@shimirobu but you know some orks can speak human language

[@td6460]

A socially well adjusted person talking about W40K. That's amazing. I've found a unicorn.

[@JollywoodJoel]

right?

[@kowoh]

But my thoughts are just like 40K i’m normal I swear. Don't interrupt me Uri Geller !

[@LucidFL]

Considering his background full of consumer junk and his pronouns in his bio, I doubt he is socially well adjusted.

[@wallyjoe2008]

@@LucidFL Because someone can't be socially well-adjusted if they're tolerant of transgender people?

[@deusdex1186]

@@wallyjoe2008 Pronoun weirdos are tolerant of nothing but that own ignorance.

[@uberknarf1]

You can tell a true master by how they can make the complex simple, and the comprehensive comprehensible. Thanks for sharing this distilled perspective on such a rich, immersive topic!

[@ElonTusks]

Beautifully put

[@sparky4774]

If you can't explain something simply, then you do not understand it enough. My man Einstein

[@SlimRhyno]

Very well said. I spent some time with Tex Winter learning a bit about the triangle offense (see Jordan and the Bulls during their 2nd three-peat), and he explained it so well. The same thing with Travis Haley and becoming a gunfighter. Two disparate examples, I know, but great teachers are great teachers.

[@ElonTusks]

@@SlimRhyno Umm yeh

[@JoelSnape1]

@@SlimRhyno This comment has made me want to look both guys up

[@IAmTheDawn]

Can anyone stop this guy????? He is just killing it like beyond what any one else could possibly think of doing

[@54tisfaction]

6:33 "In 40K there aren't really actual gods..." HERESY!!!

[@privatedino3239]

The emperor would be really disappointed if he heard you call him that

[@lionhead123]

@@privatedino3239 the Emperor doesn't see himslef as a God. He even forbids it. But, he stuck on his throne now so he can't really stop it. It was Lorgar who started it, the bastard.

[@privatedino3239]

@@lionhead123 he is a punk

[@lionhead123]

@@privatedino3239 Lorgar? Yeah he is. Deserved the same fate as Horus.

[@KingdomOfApple]

Damn bro, I don’t even know why I clicked on this; I have minimal to absolutely no interest in 40k, and yet, I couldn’t close the video. This is just some really well made content…

[@MEFelicia]

I have never heard of any of this, and I love fantasy and Sci fi and console gaming...I'm 40 yrs old. How did I miss this glorious world of 40k. How is it that I find myself here only because I'm a fan of Henry Cavill? This is so awesome. I thought I'd seen everything interesting to me and I was getting bored. Now I find this to throw my life into...I want to know EVERYTHING...

[@lexnight8345]

Yeah kinda the same I heard Cavill will do a series about this now I want to know all about this... where I ca find more ?

[@Tommygun23455]

@@lexnight8345 Welcome to the grim dark future

[@zenthious666]

There's sooooooooo much to learn

[@Tennethums1]

Originally it was just a tabletop, miniatures game. I mean, it had some history and stories to back it but NOTHING like the truckload of books it has become. Start with the book “Horus Rising”. Then work your way through the following four books (listed in order at the front of Horus Rising) to get to book 5; “Fulgrim”. Book 5 will make you an addict. It has parts that will literally make your jaw drop. 👍

[@darpsyxer]

holy shit you're me

[@readymadeplague]

I love how humanity isn't the good guy. No one is the good guy in Warcrimes 40k, but they all have their own truths. Finally got a chance to watch/listen to your whole video at work, great job bruv.

[@joegale9381]

This guy almost makes me admit out loud I read 40k books. Almost.

[@FreshLyte]

Lol. It's all I read. I'm so embarrassed to tell people. I just say "ya I don't read much" lol

[@RobertDownedU_Jr]

As a guy who did not play the boardgame (don’t know of this is the correct term) or other games about Warhammer. Are the books good for someone who doesn’t know a single thing about warhammer 40k?

[@happysalmon6719]

@@RobertDownedU_Jr If you don't know anything about it and just pick a random book to start with it will probably be very confusing, but yes, the books are in general very good in my opinion. If you are into depressing sci-fi centered around confilct and drama that is.

[@MrSmitty2733]

@@RobertDownedU_Jr if you start with the first of Dan Abnett’s Gaunt’s Ghost series (“First and Only”), I think that would be a good jumping in point. At least it was for me.

[@joegale9381]

@@RobertDownedU_Jr I have an audible account and have listened to around 12/13 books. Dan Abnett’s books are very good, so maybe start with those?

[@ThatAfricanMan-ne5gi]

Don’t know why the KZbin gods decided I needed to watch this... but I like it!

[@nothingtoseaheardammit]

Do not question the Will of the Emperor. Embrace it. Or Burn.

[@souldraggon]

KZbinz realize you were a heretic and need 40k

[@kenricnarbrough8191]

Pretty sure YT is The Warp at this stage.

[@logangrimnar3800]

Welcome to the lore! Remember the Emperor protects!

[@meteora31088]

Lmaoooooo same

[@ShadowKnight-es3tb]

Truly the best and easiest to understand summary of the 40k verse I’ve ever seen thanks a lot man

[@diracflux]

Agree 100%. The 40k universe is vast and it’s quite an accomplishment to summarise it all so well.

[@ghwyvernstudio]

That was the first time I have ever understood the 40k story. Thank you. This universe is pretty awesome and I love that they took their time with the timeline, kind of makes it more believable then a lot of other Science fiction.

[@BadTactics101]

After being in the hobby for over twenty years now, I must say, this is probably the most informative and concise introduction to 40k lore I have come across. I immediatly showed it to my girlfriend whom I intend to drag along into the depths of plastic. Thank you for making this, and I do hope you make similar videos for the other major races of the 40k universe.

[@xjohnwebsterx]

hey just following up is she still your girlfriend?

[@elgringofeo9348]

@@xjohnwebsterx he hasn't responded honestly you shouldn't shoehorn ppl into stuff like 40k or dark souls, or worse ... tarkov :(

[@corniel657]

emmm excuse me, what is girlfriend?

[@kezuehm4914]

@@elgringofeo9348 i force my missus to scav once a day shes getting good

[@elgringofeo9348]

@@kezuehm4914 hahaha, I like to imagine that "wench, it is time for your daily metaphorical ass pounding" and just get jump scared by a chad, did you make her go reserve with all the bosses

[@user-ro2nn7lt3r]

"The planets holding back the Eye of Terror fall..." Cadia stands bro, get your facts straight. Jokes aside I clicked on this just to kill a bit of time while doing chores and I ended up being delightfully surprised. Unlike other people that talk and make videos for a living, you are not extremely annoying when you speak. But even more than that - as someone that has done multiple academic presentation and publications, and as a 40k fan that knows the lore, I was amazed at how well you refined the whole script and delivered it. All the key points were there, nothing unnecessary, not too shallow but not detailed either. Excellent job considering the volume, the nature and the gaps in the source material. Cheers to you, sir!

[@nickbarnhart5811]

Cadia broke before the gaurd

[@cenciende9401]

If someone was extremely annoying when they speak, they simply wouldn't be able to talk for a living. Duh.

[@user-ro2nn7lt3r]

@@cenciende9401 but they do. Plenty of examples. Not only in the Warhammer community. But thanks for being smart, hope it works out for you.

[@DavidFarooq]

As a smelly Millenial born in the 90s who enjoys Pokemon and has never seen a warcraft figure, I must say I really enjoyed this, and the creativity of previous generations that boomers and gen x had to offer. Great video!

[@BARDOCK601]

Omg thank you it’s nice to see a brief summary that’s not a 300 hour playlist 😂

[@KalChoedan]

"Genetic Engineering is kinda the Empereror's hobby." Best line ever :)

[@TurockX3]

Along with being a terrible dad

[@Tulkash01]

@@TurockX3 He's a gestalt entity composed of the souls of thousands of psychers... you can't really expect him (it?) to be a loving and caring "father figure".

[@nilus2k]

@@Tulkash01 I mean he’s probably got a few hundred good fathers in him but probably more bad dads too. Also Moms as well. Given how he loves to give his favorites sons, the Space Marines, all sorts of very dangerous toys to play with. He’s probably mostly made of “cool uncles”. The type who give you fireworks and let you taste beer but who you don’t really want to take life advice from

[@axelNodvon2047]

@@nilus2k His favorite sons are not the space marines lol, its his own personal golden bananas

[@vignesh0208]

You could say that's how he met the mother of his children. ☺

[@jangozubr]

This kind of English is a blessing for a non-native language speaker. As well as content! Keep it up.

[@m3m3sis]

i dont even play or collect warhammer BUT I've been silently fanboying over both fantasy and 40k and this was very well put together. Insightful.

[@vignesh0208]

They say you've understood a topic expertly if you can explain it in a way that a child can understand it. And sir, you're explanation is smooth, efficient and enriching. It's incredible how you are able to explain chaos & reasons for the horus heresy in such simple words. Great job. The Emperor protects.

[@douglasradcliffe981]

Wow, I've been ignoring 40K for my 40 years of life. This intro was fantastic. I'm going to jump head first into it now. Thanks mate

[@Shaarapollo]

This is the single and most concise video ever made regarding the history of 40k lore and how it got to its present stage without getting sidetracked or divulging into a detail-laden slog. Also, Ian has a great speaking voice and manner and doesn't have that strange abnormal cadence to his speech like most 40k channels have. What a joy to listen to and coming from someone who is heavily invested and has a lot of knowledge of the 40k lore already I can confidently say this is absolutely excellent.

[@Shaarapollo]

I'm also a huge Dune fan and the parallels made toward the end were spot on, bravo.

[@ArbitorIan]

Thanks!

[@obiwankenobi661]

"that strange abnormal cadence to his speech like most 40k channels" = nerd speak

[@SusCalvin]

@@obiwankenobi661 Oculus Imperia has a pretty good radio voice as well.

[@miguelrivero317]

@@obiwankenobi661 No man, there are channels that have a cadence of forced dread that borders, rather, outright invades the absurd

[@co08m]

You just single handedly gave me a connection to my cousin. He and I can now talk 40k. Thank you good soul.

[@CounterNerd]

Finally someone on youtube who talks at the tempo and volume of a normal human being, and not a 6 year old with excess energy.

[@kevinbeefchips]

Did I already know all this lore and more, yes. Did I stay and watch the whole video, yes.

[@joshuabuitrago6498]

Not seeing any Witcher fans here due to Henry Cavill. Henry and Joey brought me here.

[@PaulSullivan828]

@@joshuabuitrago6498 How would you know who are Witcher fans?

[@jesseb1791]

Been into 40k since 1990. This was an extremely comprehensive report for a new fan, this will be my go-to when I have a friend that expresses interest in the hobby. Very well done. Even as someone who is super familiar with the lore, it was really fun to listen to. And I usually don't listen to things like this, I have too many 40k books to read. 😅

[@neusci]

Been into 40K since about 2000. Since you've been in it longer, maybe you could answer something. This guy says nobody knows where the Emperor came from. I thought the shamans of the world sort of melded their souls to produce the Emperor, who then appeared or was born in Anatolia in ancient times. Is that right or was I high when that thought occurred?

[@ScytheNoire]

11:00 "Implanting gene-seed into adolescent boys..." This is what got the Catholic Church in so much trouble.

[@atruemanofculture1521]

This was useful , I feel like 40k will be the sorta thing I’ll dip my toes into then a week later I’ll be completely trapped within its grip, I can’t wait

[@nicholashurst780]

Tolkien and Moorcock: We inspired Dungeons and Dragons!! Frank Herbert: Too small scale

[@Alamyst2011]

Herbert was amazing

[@RWZiggy]

@Wirr Ling Herbert was writing of religious zealots with jihads, other religions that controlled or hugely swayed mankind, human monarchs with absolute power, humans who obtained godlike powers, corporations so massive they were a planet and people ... you say they acted a bit weird? Yeah that was on purpose.

[@UnravellingTomcat]

The Emperor is definitely a huge rip off of The Emperor of Gran Bretan from Moorcock's Hawkmoon novels.

[@captainamerica8118]

The spice must flow lol

[@nickretrae2487]

Never knew how much Warhammer borrowed from Dune, good summary!

[@WozWozEre]

As much as I love 40K it's basically a mish mash of loads of other stuff.

[@antoninjanku3358]

It really took a lot of concepts.

[@lionhead123]

Biggest are The God Emperor, Forbidden AI(Butlerian Jihad) and the Navigators. All Dune.

[@vidarthorsby2052]

The 'Golden Path' is used my the Eldar. There are probably more Dune consepts as well. The braided hair assassin are like Thelaxu Face Dancers.

[@tommyboy054]

I love that so many folks are following Henry Cavill right into Warhammer. I've known of Warhammer for twenty years, but little of the actually lore. Thanks for providing a much needed foundation.

[@tdkreturns-batcavepictures1224]

I'm glad I found this. Because a friend of mine is an avid Warhammer fan IRL. And every time I go to visit him, he always constantly talks about it and I never know what in God's name he's even talking about. But thanks to you, hopefully now I will.

[@EHdesigner]

As someone who's been into 40k for years now, this is actually a great summary of the timeline. This gave me a better grasp of the lore and is a perfect intro for new players. Well done, cant wait to see what other videos you come up with!

[@victortugelbend812]

Really well done man! Thorough and well presented 😎

[@ArbitorIan]

Thanks! Presenting to camera is a whole new world!

[@13beedle]

Agreed!

[@TheJediRyguy]

New to 40k, I know already I'm going to love it, but right now I'm completely baffled by it. This video was SUPER useful. Because I'm so new to the lore, I found some if the other channels way confusing. I really appreciate the "Intro to 40k" stuff you do for n00bs like me!

[@luckys1evin]

I wasn't originally planning on watching the whole 21 minutes and minutes later i was glued to the screen for the whole thing.

[@StorytellerTina]

The way you presented the timeline was so well-paced and clear-cut! The comparisons to other media were also quite helpful. So much so, I just bought Xenos (and its audiobook) and it reads like goth-opera written by death metal space-priests. I'm instantly absorbed! Thanks a bunch!

[@matthewburke4520]

I'm enjoying Xenos immensely.

[@STNeish]

NIfty video! Back when I used to play 40K, I created my own Legion on the premise that they were actually the SECOND of the original Great Legions. Their Primarch, Malephar, had followed a path almost identical to the Emperor's own on Earth, and eventually conquered his own world - except that he EMBRACED Chaos, viewing it as the source of all change. Called the Brass Legion, they were a valued part of the Great Crusade, and their connection to Chaos went undiscovered... until the Horus Heresy. When the Emperor condemned the Thousand Sons and sent the Space Wolves to destroy them, Malephar opposed the Emperor. However, he also refused to side with Horus. Caught in the middle, the Brass Legion was forced to retreat into the Warp, where they remained for thousands of years. When they emerged, Malephar tried to spread the "truth," that Chaos is not a force of evil, that it is little more than the force of change in nature. Witness the stagnation of the universe as Chaos is suppressed by the Imperium, where nothing has changed in thousands of years. Of course, this message had to be opposed and suppressed by the Imperium, and so the Brass Legion was forced again to fight their brethren. At least, that's briefly the backstory I came up with. I expect a LOT of players defined their own legions as one of the two "lost" legions, and came up with similar stories.

[@darpsyxer]

Wow this is insanely MASSIVE universe I didn't know this was so big, amazing explanation, I need to read the books

[@ArbitorIan]

Thanks!

[@ilikmlow6900]

Algorithm doing its thang…Cavil announced his 40k project and this pops up in my feed , iv watched some 40k vids but they weren’t “introductions” this was fantastic 👌🏻👌🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@McJaews]

Man... Imagine thinking: "I'm invested in this hobby, so I'm going to make a KZbin channel and upload a video about it" And then you make this insane quality video with a tight script, great pacing, and pink lights that makes hundreds of thousands of views.

[@brothersteakneggs1274]

I hit the bell for this one. This is some of the most straightforward, thorough and just outright chill 40k lore content I've seen! I am so looking forward to what you got going on next!

[@matthewburke4520]

I’ve worked in games for nearly two decades yet consciously resisted Warhammer 40K. I believed I’d be sucked into the hobby, losing time to develop my own creative pursuits. Then Arbitor Ian showed me the way not three days ago. His videos are fantastic, approachable, yet so detailed. I’m utterly fascinated by the 40K storyworld and have started Eisenhorn’s first novel, Xenos. Damn you, Arbitor Ian! And thank you! I believe my side of the hobby will be with novels.

[@ArbitorIan]

Sorry! 😂

[@asiansweetboy]

Which novel does one start with

[@matthewburke4520]

@@asiansweetboy I believe Ian recommended Xenos? At least, that's what I'm starting with.

[@HistoritorJimaldus]

@matthewburke4520 how did you enjoy the book? :) I really love Ian’s book club videos with Mira, they’ve done all the Eisenhorn/Ravenor/Bequin books now

[@matthewburke4520]

@@HistoritorJimaldus Hi Jim, I haven't finished it yet, but will definitely let you know when I do. :)

[@danielball5360]

oh this is fucking perfect. got intrigued by the darktide video game and wanted to learn more, was intimidated by the constant cry of how "warhammer 40k lore is too big to get into" but this has just fanned the flame of my interest in the universe and emboldened my confidence in my pursuit of knowledge. genuinely using this to show my friend who was on the same fence as me to get them into the universe also. thank you for such a concise and well crafted video; your passion, experience and wisdom is very clear and proven in this :)

[@pearla1986]

I love how all it took for Ian to produce such a well written yet succinct presentation was his friend to say something like, “Wow, that essay you sent me about the 40k universe was great! You should start a KZbin channel”

[@jimmytsongaandtheshimmycon9421]

Ever since i first saw 40K figurines as a kid back in the late 80s, i've always been drawn more towards the futuristic themed fantasy genre. But i've never deep-dived into the history of 40K before, so this was very informative. Thanks!

[@theonlyjjparker]

That was a great job of making the overwhelming 40K into something tangible. Thank you.

[@ticotube2501]

I have never been to this channel. After 2 seconds left a like for: - Pink light - Electronic music - Great voice :)

[@wescha]

Oh man, I stopped playing 40k like 15 years ago but I still love the Universe and its lore. Well done!

[@destroyidiots7191]

Well that's because the gatekeeping that occurs from the player base is fucking dumb to put it lightly and the casual not give a fuck attitude that games workshop has for this IP that keeps it's ass above water is beyond fucktarded.

[@wescha]

@@destroyidiots7191 idk exactly what you mean because of language issue. I stopped because gw changed the rules so you'd have to buy more

[@jackdunne6152]

But the real question: does John Glenn technically count as the first Space Marine?

[@Merrexz]

I‘ve gamed and immersed myself in the 40k universe since the early 90s, and this summary was spot on.

[@Xion_Toshiro]

As many times as I've listened to the Story of W40k, I always learn something new, each time I hear the Timeline being explained You've done a perfect job explaining the timeline

[@douglasbull4147]

Jo

[@benjaminmay7707]

Dude this is out and out one of the best presented and produced 40k lore videos I've ever seen! Requests for specific videos in the future: One for each xenos race, one for the marines in general and then some on each chapter, one on some of the major conflicts so badab war, Armageddon, macragge, etc, maybe one on each primarch, and definitely one on the Inquisition!!

[@ArbitorIan]

Thanks, Ben! Badab War is in the pipeline right now, I just have to get my GIANT MOVING MAP assembled!

[@Grubenhaus]

@@ArbitorIan I mean, what a map!

[@destroyidiots7191]

" The planet broke before the guard did. "

[@jasonlee2323]

And then, the director's cut of Event Horizon is discovered, and a temporary peace falls over the imperium

[@idontwanttopickone]

Don't tell them, they are not supposed to know. Humanity is still too young.

[@ninetenduh]

Was there ever anything confirmed Regarding Event Horizon and Warhammer? I see it pop up quite often and in retrospective, it sounds logical.

[@Knokkelman]

Wait, you mean the amputee porn scenes that were hidden somewhere in, Transylvania or so? That strange story deserves it's own movie I say...

[@nigelproctor]

@@Knokkelman I think most of that already made it in the movie LOL most of the deleted footage was actual exposition and character development. Honestly that shit kinda went too far lol.

[@lionhead123]

stole my headcanon. The Event Horizon was one of the first ships to enter the immaterium, but it lacked a geller field.

[@LiquidSpiral]

Easily the top ten KZbin channels

[@johnny8975]

Dude, thank you. I have been trying to get into WARHAMMER for a while but did not know where to start.

[@bannedagain1483]

"By the 41st millennium the imperium is a galaxy spanning authoritarian fascist religious fundamentalist oppressive state." Sir, you had my curiosity, but now you have my attention.

[@CombatKing1237]

you fool, you forgot the comers.

[@OfficialRedTeamReview]

8:36 I'd like to hear these other theories about where he came from

[@walkingriver6104]

Ask Preston ;)

[@randombencounter263]

Necrons who are aware of human culture and care enough to study think he is a rogue weapon created by their ancient enemies. The Cabal (a conspiracy of various aliens and human psykers opposed to Chaos) claim he's an exceedingly rare kind of human mutant, and that he's the only one of his kind they never managed to strong-arm or manipulate into working with them. Daemons don't explain what they think he is but they call him The Anathema and allude to him being a different kind of god. I personally think he is a prototype supersoldier created via human genetic engineering from the technological and psychic height of humanity's power. Because I like the idea that his own obsession with creating ever more effective genetic soldiers comes from a misguided attempt to recreate his own origin and finally make companions who can relate to him.

[@OfficialRedTeamReview]

@@randombencounter263 The theory I subscribe to is that one where the Old Ones created a prototype new race (humanity) and he was one of the first super humans but it was too late to deploy. They hid him on a backwater world away from the Necrons and C'tan and Chaos and seeded that planet with life so that he could lead them one day. It'd be the perfect irony that humanity was created by ancient xenos and now are bent on ridding the galaxy of them.

[@sith_cake]

I was 40k adjacent for the last 15 years or so. My brother was into it, and I always found it interesting, even though I didn't have patience for it. We'd hang out while he painted, or I'd go with him when he played or had tournaments. The story is very interesting, and this video very informative. Never realized the HH and current time was 10k years apart. I think I'll be diving more into this world thanks to you. Still don't have patience to paint and learn all the rules, so I'll probably just read. :)

[@eyescrossedFTW]

I know this comment was 5 months ago but if you haven't started reading yet but are still interested, I'd recommend the Eisenhorn trilogy by Dan Abnett (as well as the Ravenor trilogy if you enjoy Eisenhorn's story, as it's kind of a spin-off) and then dive into the Horus Heresy

[@sith_cake]

@@eyescrossedFTW Thanks for the suggestion, I'll give it a shot.

[@HooplaHarley]

Stumbled across this video today (a year late!) as I was trying to explain 40k to my wife. Not only have you made it easy for newcomers, you’ve cleared something up for a “veteran.” Instant sub. Thanks for this!

[@dekuswagg]

I normally don't comment on videos, but this one was so superbly made that I felt obligated to leave more than a like and a subscribe. It was just so succinct, and presented in such a digestible way without wasting time or delving too far into the various subjects that it covered. Great work, Ian.

[@FatCatProductions]

I’ve been really wanting to get into the 40k universe as from the outside looking in it looked so sick. Obviously since it’s existed for ever in multiple forms the thought I’ve learning the story was extremely intimidating. This video was super well done. I feel like now I’m ready to hop into some form of the game and I’ll have a nice base to build my knowledge of the universe off of. 10/10

[@xTheZapper]

This sort of background info has virtually no use in the tabletop game. The game is all about knowing the incredibly complex rules for your particular units, how they move, shoot, defend, get wounded, get scared, and all the additional wargear that can change those statistics. Not to mention knowing who you're fighting against and what weapons or tactics are effective against them. However it is possible to be into the lore and not bother with the game, I only played the game once and found it boring, so then just painted the models, but then gave up on that and now just read the books. Not all 40k books are equal though, some are total shit, and there are so many writers all plugging away that quite often they contradict each other, even themselves sometimes.

[@Tennethums1]

Event Horizon is a great movie about the discovery of the Warp. Mind you, not officially…but still…😇

[@patrickperring4203]

As someone who’s only heard random bits of conversations from friends this somehow explained it better than I thought possible

[@VeganSpaceScientist]

This was great! I played 40k when I was a kid and didn't really understand the lore at all (I played space marines because BIG MAN STRONG). I haven't played in over a decade but I have been enjoying learning about the lore lately. The emperor being supposedly alive in M3 blew my mind.

[@kennethv5250]

the emperor was apparently born in 8500 bc in Anatolia or Turkey according to what i can find

[@MrDoogz007]

Wow an actual 40k video I didn’t want to fall asleep through. With someone who simplifies things but keeps it interesting enough for the lore veterans. Fantastic work. Subbed and look forward to your other zenos races lore videos. Love the video style.

[@TheChrisRolla]

I’m new to the lore and this was BY FAR the most helpful and unbiased introduction to the lore I’ve found in like 10 hours of watching these videos excellent work thank you so much

[@alexsmith7313]

That little giggle on “Religious Fundamentalist” at 17:18 is half of the reason I keep coming back to this video.

[@dekai7992]

As a fan of both: history of the Eldar and Necrontyr and the War in Heaven next, maybe? ^.^

[@justinoblanco]

Ever since I was a child, and went through a phase of painting lead figurines, the 40K universe has been a tantilizing but overwhelming and opaque presence. I'm so attracted to the visuals, but the lore is so incredibly complex, I've never had the courage to stick a toe in. Your summary was fantastic. I really appreciate the effort you put into it. I'm also nearly as overwhelmed as before I watched it lol. Thanks!

[@scottywan82]

I could listen to Ian explain Warhammer stuff all day, lol. This is marvelous.

[@tzaneee]

i find it funny how the imperium was like "hey you know that guy who hated and exterminated every religious person in our galaxy ? let`s worship him as a god ,i`m sure that`s what he wanted !!!"

[@suryokai313]

Everything except the Mechanicus

[@destroyidiots7191]

Religion brings a form of control and conformity without question. Many real life governments leveraged religion in order to gain control and keep control over populations with little to no actual controlling leverages, such as resources, which makes it cheap and easy, tell the man you will give him a lot of money to charge into battle and he might turn you down, tell him its for his god and he will die for free.

[@tzaneee]

@@suryokai313 the mechanicus was lucky they were into toasters ,otherwise i doubt big E would leave them be like he did ...no mechanicus equals no big guns for the imperium

[@ym6294]

Kind of ironic cause he is kind of a God do people forget that the emperor is literally was created by powerful 15 monks from tibet that merged together to reincarnat in a super human and untie earth and humanity.

[@tzaneee]

@@ym6294 that`s not canon mate and they were shamans not tibetan monks

[@CR-ke4sb]

"Summary of the Background for her" I had to start from beginning to make sure I heard that right. Heard it the second time and pure hysterical laughter. Best 40k comment I have ever in my life heard. Just subscribed to channel mate. I look forward to going through your channel

[@Seraphus87]

I think this might be the best "short" description of 40k that I've heard so far. Nice.

[@nimotech8008]

for a person that just picked up warhammer 40k last week, it was AWESOME. Love it

[@GeliSkandalis1337]

A thousand thanks. Even after 25 years in the hobby and dozens of books, this was enlightening in its perfect cohesiveness. . The only enlightenment I truly need.☮😁

[@peterwright6790]

I've never read the books or been into the hobby. So, complete outsider perspective, that was easy to follow and very entertaining! I didn't want it to end! Such a fascinating universe and great job as the storyteller.

[@darthhiggy23]

I dipped my toe in this month with the Horas Rises and this has been super helpful. I will start watching more.

[@mozowski_]

an itch of a new world emerging in front of me is something that I have not felt for a while.. much appreciated!

[@tomcruise9448]

I recently started reading Xenos as an entry point into the Warhammer 40k universe and since then I've had a great urge to learn more. I'm glad a video like this exist to give people like myself a way to get up to speed in a short period of time, as well as making it easy to identify pivotal periods in the timeline. Appreciate the effort you put into this video, thanks.

[@HistoritorJimaldus]

If you’ve finished Eisenhorn, Ravenor and Bequin now, Gaunt’s Ghosts is a series of equal or greater quality from the same writer :)

[@tomcruise9448]

@@HistoritorJimaldus I'm about half way through Hereticus currently but I was looking for a few series to read afterwards. I had Gaunt's Ghosts in mind as well as the Cain books, but I will definitely add Bequin and Ravenor to my list as well, thanks. Dan Abnett is a great author.

[@HistoritorJimaldus]

@@tomcruise9448 Ravenor has an good omnibus edition that should be cheapest, then there’s The Magos, then Pariah and Penitent :)

[@DRTAKOR]

Fantastisches Video, super Qualität und eine wunderbare Zusammenfassung der Zeitlinie unseres liebsten Hobbys!

[@wasteyelo1]

I think this is the best introduction to 40k I've seen on KZbin

[@Braxis_iv]

This randomly appeared on my feed, never had an interest in Warhammer but I'm glad I watched it all. Thank you!

[@blebonick7088]

Here's the thing: it's not like this information is hard to find, even on youtube. But you're just a fantastic storyteller: it takes skill to boil facts down into a linear format, and then build on that foundation to make a really good script, and THEN perform that script well. Guess I'll be binging some videos tonight...

[@Grubenhaus]

Really great video, very eloquent and detailed. I was really interested in the idea of "other people think differently about who the emperor is and where he came from...", would you consider making a video about the Emperor and various attitudes towards him?

[@JonesCrimson]

The image of elves attacking for the line "or being picked off by aliens" is very fitting.

[@christophernuckolls9964]

I've played 40k since the early 90s but still found this video entertaining and mostly accurate to 40k lore.

[@IndyMotoRider]

I'm a long time rpg gamer who, nearing 50 years of age, I won't likely get into the miniatures (the painting seems quite daunting). But I love science fiction and this universe is very intriguing. Thanks for making this video! After I finish reading the Wheel of Time series, this will likely be where I head. Liked and subbed.

[@MegaKretch]

There are people that paint miniatures as a side hustle, i know a guy that does that and if i get my own army i'll go right to him because i cant paint for shit

[@gaming4fun419]

For the first time I feel that delving into 40k might be worth it. I've dipped my toes in the 40k water plenty of times but the pure scale of it has always made me feel lost when trying to simply get a grasp on what the world is about. Great great video. That this is only your third video is simply amazing.

[@BakedTerranaut]

I thought "No way he can make 40K coherent in 20min", but that was very well done for the human perspective. Explaining the various xenos, forces of chaos and various legions, as well as how they tie in, would take a fair bit longer. Great vid

[@hung8969]

Your cute little smile when you say things that peak your interest is so funny to me. I’m here to just learn more for darktide but stayed for you.

[@pasteawey]

I've recently been getting into 40k lore, and this is the first video where i actually really enjoyed the commentary rather than just enduring it to get the information i wanted. Really good stuff man, keep it up!

[@pasteawey]

would also love to see your interpretation of the Astartes animation, since you seem really informed and there seems to be no definitive answer for the ending.

[@imcharming4808]

Finally, I no longer have to read pages and pages of the wiki to refresh my mind of the huge scope of this amazing lore! You did as good a job as I could hope for summarizing and detailing all of this. I’m going to keep this video as a resource for a long, long time.

[@DTC1138]

This is a great summary! Influences also include Starship Troopers, The Terminator, Manga/Anime, Gothic Paintings, Star Wars, Tolkien.... and the list goes on and on. GW is great at 'absorbing' IP and bringing anyone who absorbs' theirs to court haha.

[@geordievillan]

bought a 40k game on pc randomly, so this vid is literally my first exposure to it. Thank you! Looks like something deep enough for me to sink my teeth into for a long while.

[@brycelomonaco9113]

What a well thought out story all to have small well painted army men fight each other.