Only War PDF: A Comprehensive Guide (Updated 11/28/2025)
Only War’s core rules are readily available as PDF downloads, including the core rulebook and living errata; a Russian localization also exists.
These PDF versions offer access to the grim realities of the Astra Militarum, detailing character creation and brutal combat systems for players.
Resources like IGP03_Only War Living Errata v1_0 HQFIN.pdf and Only War ⏤ Core Rulebook;pdf are crucial for a complete gaming experience.
What is Only War?
Only War is a tabletop role-playing game (RPG) set in the grim darkness of the far future of the Warhammer 40,000 universe. Unlike many other 40k RPGs focusing on elite characters like Space Marines, Only War uniquely centers on the experiences of the common soldiers within the Astra Militarum – the Imperial Guard.
The game emphasizes the brutal realities of war, focusing on the challenges faced by enlisted personnel; Players don’t embody heroes, but rather individuals struggling to survive amidst overwhelming odds, facing constant danger and psychological strain. The core rulebook, available as a PDF, provides the foundation for this immersive experience.
It’s a system designed to portray the logistical nightmares, the relentless combat, and the sheer scale of warfare within the Imperium of Man. The PDF format allows for easy access to the rules and lore, enabling Game Masters and players to delve into this unforgiving setting.
The Core Rulebook: Availability and Formats
The primary resource for playing Only War is the Core Rulebook, readily available in PDF format. As of today, November 28th, 2025, the PDF version of “Only War ⏤ Core Rulebook.pdf” is accessible online, weighing in at approximately 84MB. This digital format offers convenience and portability for players and Game Masters alike.
While physical copies were previously available through Fantasy Flight Games, the PDF remains the most consistently accessible option. The PDF includes all the rules, character creation guidelines, and lore necessary to begin playing. Furthermore, supplementary PDFs, such as the “IGP03_Only War Living Errata v1_0 HQFIN.pdf” (11MB), provide crucial updates and corrections to the core rules.
These PDFs ensure players have the most current and accurate information for their campaigns within the 40k universe.
PDF Versions: Official and Fan-Made
The Only War community thrives on readily available PDF resources. Officially, Fantasy Flight Games released the “Only War ⸺ Core Rulebook.pdf” and the essential “IGP03_Only War Living Errata v1_0 HQFIN.pdf” for digital distribution. These official PDFs represent the core gameplay experience and necessary rule clarifications.
Beyond the official releases, a vibrant fan base contributes to the ecosystem. While identifying specific fan-made PDFs requires navigating online communities, players often share character sheets, custom scenarios, and supplementary materials in PDF format. These resources enhance the game, offering expanded content and unique experiences.
However, it’s crucial to verify the source and accuracy of fan-made content. The official PDFs remain the definitive source for rules and lore, supplemented by the official errata.
IGP03_Only War Living Errata v1_0 HQFIN.pdf: Understanding Updates
The “IGP03_Only War Living Errata v1_0 HQFIN.pdf” document is absolutely vital for anyone playing Only War. Released on March 5th, 2022, this 11MB PDF isn’t a standalone rulebook, but a crucial update to the core rules. It addresses ambiguities, clarifies interactions, and corrects errors found within the original Only War Core Rulebook.
Think of it as a “living” document – meaning it reflects ongoing refinement of the rules based on player feedback and developer analysis. Ignoring this errata can lead to incorrect gameplay and a less enjoyable experience. It’s essential to reference it alongside the core rulebook during character creation, combat, and any rule interpretation.
Regularly checking for updated versions of the errata is recommended, ensuring your game remains aligned with the most current official rulings.
Only War ⸺ Core Rulebook.pdf: The Primary Resource
The “Only War ⸺ Core Rulebook;pdf” is the foundational text for this grimdark roleplaying experience. Weighing in at 84MB and also released on March 5th, 2022, this document contains everything players and Game Masters need to immerse themselves in the brutal realities of the Astra Militarum.
Within its pages, you’ll find detailed rules for character creation, skill development, and the unforgiving combat system that defines Only War. It outlines the command structure, logistical challenges, and psychological toll of serving in the Imperium’s vast armies.
This PDF serves as the core reference for understanding the setting, mechanics, and overall tone of the game. While the errata provides essential corrections, the Core Rulebook remains the primary source of information for all things Only War.
Russian Localization: Only War Core Rulebook Rus PDF
For players preferring to experience the horrors of the 41st millennium in Russian, the “Only War Core Rulebook Rus PDF” offers a complete translation of the core rules. This localization project, completed in 2017, brings the grim darkness of the far future to a wider audience.
Available as a free download in PDF format, alongside text file options, this version allows Russian-speaking players to fully engage with the game’s mechanics and setting without language barriers. It faithfully recreates the experience of the English version, ensuring consistent gameplay.
This dedicated effort demonstrates the game’s growing international appeal and provides a valuable resource for the Russian-speaking Warhammer 40,000 roleplaying community.
Gameplay Mechanics in Only War
Only War’s PDF rules detail character creation, skills, and a brutal combat system, emphasizing the life of the common soldier within the Astra Militarum.
Character Creation: The Enlisted Man’s Path
The Only War PDF rulebooks fundamentally differ from other Warhammer 40,000 roleplaying games by focusing on the experiences of the average Imperial Guard soldier, not elite characters.
Character creation, detailed within the core PDF, emphasizes a background as an enlisted man or woman, shaping skills and attributes based on their pre-service life and military training.
Unlike heroes, players begin with limitations, reflecting the harsh realities of service in the Astra Militarum. The PDF guides players through selecting a homeworld, determining starting skills, and defining a character’s role within a regiment.
This process builds a believable, flawed individual thrust into the vast, uncaring conflict of the 41st millennium, as presented in the comprehensive PDF resources.
Skills and Attributes: Defining Your Soldier
The Only War PDF core rulebook details a skill system geared towards representing the practical abilities of Imperial Guard personnel, rather than extraordinary talents.
Attributes, such as Strength, Toughness, and Intelligence, are relatively low compared to other RPGs, reflecting the common soldier’s baseline capabilities, as outlined in the PDF.
Skills encompass a wide range of military proficiencies – weapon handling, survival, tech-use, and command – crucial for navigating the war-torn 40k universe, all thoroughly explained within the PDF.
Character progression focuses on improving these practical skills, making soldiers more effective within their roles. The PDF emphasizes that success isn’t about being a hero, but about surviving and completing orders, defining a unique gameplay experience.
Combat System: Brutality and Realism
The Only War PDF presents a combat system designed to be brutal and unforgiving, mirroring the grim reality of warfare in the 41st millennium. Unlike systems focused on heroic feats, Only War emphasizes the fragility of human life.
Hit locations, armor penetration, and the effects of suppression are all meticulously detailed within the PDF, creating a tense and realistic experience. Wounds inflict lasting consequences, potentially leading to debilitating injuries and psychological trauma.
The PDF’s rules reflect the chaos of battle, where a single lucky shot can change the tide, and even victory comes at a steep cost. Tactical considerations and utilizing cover are paramount for survival.
This system isn’t about power fantasies; it’s about the desperate struggle for survival against overwhelming odds, a core tenet detailed in the Only War rulebook PDF.
The Command System: Following Orders
The Only War PDF uniquely emphasizes the rigid hierarchy and command structure of the Astra Militarum. Players rarely act independently; instead, they execute orders issued by superiors, a core mechanic detailed within the rulebook PDF.
This system isn’t about player agency in the traditional RPG sense, but rather about faithfully portraying the life of an enlisted soldier. The PDF outlines how orders are given, interpreted, and potentially disobeyed – with severe consequences.
Commanders issue directives, often vague or incomplete, forcing players to utilize their skills and initiative within strict limitations. Success hinges on understanding the intent behind the orders and adapting to the chaotic battlefield.
The Only War PDF’s command system creates a compelling dynamic, highlighting the pressures and responsibilities faced by those serving in the Imperium’s vast military machine.
The Warhammer 40,000 Setting in Only War
Only War PDF immerses players in the grim darkness of the far future, focusing on the Imperial Guard’s relentless struggle for survival within the 40k universe.
Focus on the Imperial Guard
Only War, as presented in its PDF format, uniquely centers the roleplaying experience on the common soldiers of the Astra Militarum – the Imperial Guard. Unlike other Warhammer 40,000 roleplaying games that often spotlight elite forces like Space Marines, Only War deliberately places players in the boots of the rank and file.
This focus allows for exploration of the brutal realities of warfare from a grounded perspective, emphasizing the sheer scale of conflict and the expendability of individual lives. The PDF rulebooks detail the Guard’s organizational structure, equipment, and the harsh conditions they endure. Players won’t be heroes; they’ll be survivors, navigating a galaxy consumed by war, faith, and unending duty. The Only War PDF truly embodies the spirit of the Imperial Guard.
Life in the Astra Militarum
The Only War PDF meticulously details the grim and unforgiving existence within the Astra Militarum. Life isn’t about glory; it’s about survival, obedience, and enduring unimaginable horrors. The rulebooks portray a constant struggle against logistical nightmares, psychological trauma, and the ever-present threat of death from both enemy fire and internal failings.
Players, guided by the PDF’s rules, experience the relentless pressure of command, the scarcity of resources, and the pervasive influence of faith and propaganda. Expect brutal training regimes, minimal comforts, and a hierarchical structure that demands absolute loyalty. The Only War PDF doesn’t shy away from depicting the dehumanizing aspects of total war, offering a truly immersive and challenging roleplaying experience.
The Grim Darkness of the Far Future
The Only War PDF plunges players directly into the bleak and oppressive setting of the 41st millennium. It’s a universe defined by endless war, religious fanaticism, and the decay of a once-great empire. The core rulebook, available as a PDF, doesn’t offer heroic adventures, but rather a desperate struggle for survival against overwhelming odds.
This darkness permeates every aspect of gameplay, from the brutal combat system to the emphasis on psychological trauma. The Only War PDF showcases a galaxy where hope is a rare commodity, and even victory comes at a terrible cost. Expect to confront horrors beyond comprehension, battling not only xenos and heretics, but also the crushing weight of the Imperium itself.
Common Enemies: Chaos, Xenos, and Heresy
The Only War PDF details the myriad threats facing the Astra Militarum, presenting a constant struggle against the enemies of humanity. Chaos, with its corrupting influence and daemonic hordes, represents an ever-present danger, detailed within the core rulebook PDF. Players will confront the horrors of the Warp made manifest on countless battlefields.
Beyond Chaos, the galaxy teems with hostile Xenos races, each presenting unique challenges. From the savage Orks to the enigmatic Eldar, the Only War PDF provides ample opportunities for desperate conflicts. Internal threats are equally dangerous; Heresy, in the form of traitorous elements within the Imperium, can strike from within, demanding vigilance and unwavering loyalty. The PDF resources prepare players for all these foes.
Resources and Supplements
Only War PDF supplements include expansions, fan-created content, and online forums, enhancing gameplay. PDF tools like maps and handouts aid Game Masters greatly.
Additional Rulebooks and Expansions
Beyond the Only War Core Rulebook PDF, several supplementary materials enrich the gaming experience. While specific expansions directly in PDF format are less prominently advertised than the core book, players often find community-created content mirroring expansion themes. These resources frequently build upon the established ruleset, introducing new specializations, wargear, and campaign scenarios.
Dedicated fans have compiled and shared PDF documents detailing house rules, alternative character progression systems, and expanded logistical challenges. Searching online communities and forums reveals a wealth of player-generated content designed to deepen immersion within the Only War universe. Though not officially sanctioned, these additions demonstrate the game’s enduring appeal and the community’s commitment to expanding its possibilities. Accessing these resources often requires navigating fan-hosted sites and archives.
Fan-Created Content and Resources
The Only War community thrives on creating supplementary materials, often distributed as PDFs. These range from custom character sheets and regimental histories to entirely new campaign settings and rules modifications. Dedicated fans have produced detailed guides on logistical challenges, psychological trauma effects, and expanded wargear options, all freely available online.
Numerous forums and websites host these resources, offering players tools to personalize their Only War experience. Expect to find PDFs detailing unique enemy types, alternative command structures, and expanded skill lists. While quality varies, the sheer volume of fan-made content demonstrates the game’s passionate following. Remember to exercise caution when downloading files from unofficial sources and always scan for potential security risks.
Online Communities and Forums
Several vibrant online communities serve as hubs for Only War players, offering a space to discuss rules interpretations, share campaign experiences, and access player-created content, often in PDF format. Dedicated forums provide platforms for seeking advice on character builds, resolving complex combat scenarios, and coordinating online gaming sessions.
These communities are invaluable resources for both new and experienced players, fostering a collaborative environment where knowledge is freely exchanged. Many groups maintain extensive archives of house rules, custom scenarios, and downloadable resources, including character sheets and campaign aids. Active discussions frequently revolve around optimizing gameplay, addressing rules ambiguities, and sharing PDF-based tools for Game Masters.
Tools for Game Masters: Maps and Handouts
Running Only War campaigns benefits greatly from readily available tools, and many Game Masters utilize downloadable resources, frequently in PDF format, to enhance immersion. These include detailed maps of Imperial facilities, battlefields, and urban environments, aiding in tactical combat encounters. Handouts, such as official Imperial documents, propaganda posters, and interrogation transcripts, add depth to roleplaying scenarios.
Online communities often share custom-created maps and handouts, supplementing the core rulebook’s content. PDF-based character dossiers, requisition forms, and medical reports can streamline gameplay and reinforce the game’s gritty realism. Utilizing these tools allows GMs to create a more engaging and believable Warhammer 40,000 experience for their players.
Understanding the Unique Aspects of Only War
Only War, available as a PDF, distinguishes itself by focusing on non-elite soldiers, emphasizing psychological trauma, logistical challenges, and the pervasive influence of faith.
Emphasis on Non-Elite Characters
Only War, primarily accessed through its PDF core rulebook, fundamentally diverges from many Warhammer 40,000 roleplaying experiences. Unlike games centering on the superhuman Space Marines or enigmatic Xenos, Only War places players squarely within the ranks of the Imperial Guard – the common soldiers of the Astra Militarum.
This deliberate design choice profoundly impacts gameplay. Characters aren’t destined for greatness or imbued with extraordinary abilities; they are ordinary individuals thrust into extraordinary circumstances; The PDF rules reflect this, focusing on skills honed through rigorous training and the brutal realities of war, rather than inherent power.
Success isn’t guaranteed by heroism, but by resilience, obedience, and a grim determination to survive. The PDF system emphasizes the weight of command, the importance of logistics, and the sheer attrition faced by the Imperium’s vast armies. It’s a game about enduring, not conquering.
Psychological Warfare and Trauma
The Only War PDF rulebook doesn’t shy away from the mental toll of endless conflict within the Warhammer 40,000 universe. Unlike many RPGs, it incorporates robust systems for tracking psychological stress and trauma experienced by soldiers facing unimaginable horrors.
Characters aren’t simply defined by hit points; their mental state degrades under fire, leading to conditions like shellshock, phobias, and debilitating anxieties. The PDF details how prolonged exposure to the grim darkness of the far future can shatter even the most hardened veterans.
This emphasis on psychological realism adds a layer of depth and challenge, forcing players to confront the consequences of their actions and the lasting scars of war. The PDF rules encourage GMs to explore the themes of fear, desperation, and the fragility of the human psyche.
Logistics and Supply Lines
The Only War PDF distinguishes itself by meticulously detailing the often-overlooked aspect of military logistics. Unlike games focusing on heroic individuals, Only War emphasizes that the Astra Militarum is a vast, bureaucratic machine reliant on constant resupply.
The rulebook, available as a PDF, includes systems for tracking ammunition, rations, fuel, and replacement equipment. Characters may find themselves spending as much time requisitioning supplies as they do fighting the enemy, reflecting the realities of large-scale warfare.
Failure to maintain supply lines can have devastating consequences, leading to morale breakdowns, equipment failures, and ultimately, defeat. The Only War PDF provides tools for GMs to simulate these challenges, creating a truly immersive and gritty experience.
The Role of Faith and Propaganda
The Only War PDF deeply integrates the pervasive influence of the Imperium’s faith and propaganda within its gameplay. Soldiers of the Astra Militarum aren’t simply fighting for a nation; they are crusaders upholding a religious doctrine, and the PDF reflects this.
Characters can benefit from the blessings of the Ecclesiarchy, gaining bonuses to morale and resilience, detailed within the core rulebook PDF. Conversely, questioning the Imperial Creed can lead to severe consequences, mirroring the Imperium’s intolerance.
Propaganda is a constant presence, shaping perceptions and bolstering morale. The Only War PDF provides tools for GMs to utilize propaganda effectively, influencing character actions and creating a believable atmosphere of unwavering devotion – or simmering dissent.
