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We all know Warhammer, Bolt Action, and Star Wars: Legion, but what about the more unusual wargame settings? Have you ever ventured beyond the familiar stomping grounds of the grim darkness of the 41st millennium or World War II? The world of miniature wargaming is a vast and vibrant one, teeming with niche periods and genres just waiting to be explored.

This blog is your passport to these uncharted territories. We’ll explore the rich history and lore of lesser-known wargaming periods, from the Byzantine Empire’s clash of civilizations to the fantastical world of Middle-earth. We’ll explore the diverse landscapes and unique unit types that make these settings so compelling, and we’ll provide tips and tricks for getting started with your own niche wargaming adventures.

Let’s roll the dice and see what adventures await!

Part 1: Whispers of Forgotten Wars: Ancient and Medieval Obscurities

Step aside, Romans and knights! We’re venturing beyond the well-trodden paths of ancient Greece and medieval Europe to explore the shadows of history, where lesser-known conflicts whisper tales of forgotten valor and clashing civilizations. Forget predictable legions and chivalrous knights – here, we find samurai lords wielding intricate katanas, elephants charging amidst Roman ranks, and Byzantine heroes facing off against a kaleidoscope of enemies.

Embrace the Rising Sun

For our first unusual wargame setting, we set sail across the East China Sea to the tumultuous Sengoku period of Japan (1467-1603). Imagine a land torn between warring warlords, each vying for domination with their loyal samurai retainers. Here, the clash of steel isn’t just about brute force, but intricate swordsmanship and the code of bushido. Picture the glint of polished armor under the cherry blossoms, the deadly precision of arrow volleys from ninja clans, and the thunderous charge of mounted samurai on the field. Miniature companies like Warlord Games and Perry Miniatures offer breathtaking samurai and ashigaru figures, letting you recreate the iconic battles of Sekigahara or Nagashino.

Clash of Elephants and Legions

Next, we hop in a time machine and land amidst the scorching sands of North Africa during the Punic Wars (264-146 BC). This wasn’t just a fight between Rome and Carthage – it was a clash of empires, technologies, and tactics. Witness Hannibal’s masterful use of war elephants charging through Roman lines, or witness the Romans’ innovative use of warships and encirclement tactics. Think beyond hoplites and gladiators – here, you’ll find Numidian skirmishers, slingers raining death from afar, and Roman engineers deploying ballistas and catapults. Companies like Victrix Miniatures and Aventine Miniatures offer stunning ranges of Punic War warriors, from Roman legionaries to Carthaginian hoplites and Numidian cavalry.

Where East Meets West

Next, travel to the crossroads of civilizations – the Byzantine Empire (330-1453 AD). This rich melting pot of Roman, Greek, and Eastern influences offers a unique wargaming experience. Imagine Byzantine cataphracts adorned in gleaming mail, charging against Sassanid Persian archers or fending off Viking raiders. You’ll encounter diverse troop types like Varangian axemen, fire-breathing siphonae, and heavy-armored ektospatha swordsmen. With miniatures from companies like Fireforge Games and V & V Miniatures, you can recreate the epic siege of Constantinople or the clash of empires at Manzikert.

Celtic Fury

Immerse yourself in the iron age world of Britain and Gaul, where fierce Celtic warriors clad in woad paint clash with Roman legions. Imagine howling berserkers charging into disciplined Roman ranks, chariots thundering across the battlefield, and cunning guerilla tactics employed against superior Roman forces. Games that are favorites of mine are Hail Caesar and SPQR, both offering stunning Celtic and Roman figures, letting you recreate iconic battles like Boudicca’s Rebellion or the Siege of Alesia.

This is just a glimpse into the hidden treasures of ancient and medieval wargaming. With each of these unusual wargame settings, you’ll discover unique challenges, tactical puzzles, and a chance to delve into the forgotten corners of history. So, dust off those dice, sharpen your brush, and prepare to march into these thrilling niche periods – beyond the battlefield, to where history whispers forgotten stories of war and glory.

Part 2: Realms of Enchantment: Fantastical Forays

Move over, orcs and dragons, there’s a whole universe of imagination beyond the familiar tropes of high fantasy! We’re venturing into the realms of fantastical wargaming, where the line between reality and the extraordinary blurs, and miniature battles unfold amidst landscapes brimming with magic, technology, and monstrous creatures. So, strap on your enchanted greaves, grab your arcane staff, and prepare to explore…

Where Elves Meet Clockwork

It’s not all grimdark – let’s shift gears to the whimsical steampunk stylings of Warmachine. Warmachine (and Hordes) have been around long enough that it’s strange to count them among the unusual wargame settings, but they truly are unusual. Here, magic meets technology in a clash of cogs, gears, and arcane energies. Imagine hulking clockwork titans lumbering across the battlefield, mad alchemists conjuring bubbling concoctions, and steam-powered warjacks spitting fire and fury. Privateer Press offer a dazzling array of steampunk miniatures, from iron clad warriors piloted by daring warcasters to monstrous constructs infused with raw arcane power. Get ready for tactical maneuvering around towering factories and clockwork fortresses, unleashing devastating arcane attacks, and wrangling your own warjack to unleash chaos on the battlefield.

Epic Adventures in Tolkien’s World

We return to the familiar yet captivating world of Middle Earth in the game that I called one of the best miniature wargames ever made: the Middle Earth Strategy Battle Game. J.R.R. Tolkien’s sprawling fantasy epic offers a wealth of wargaming possibilities, from the epic clashes of Good versus Evil in the War of the Ring to the smaller-scale conflicts ofRohan against the Dunlendings or Gondor guarding against Mordor’s dark hordes. Imagine noble Gondorian warriors facing off against orcish hordes, nimble Elf archers raining arrows from ancient forests, and Dwarven axe-wielders carving through ranks of Uruk-hai. Games Workshop offers a vast selection of miniatures, from noble heroes like Aragorn and Gandalf to iconic monsters like Balrogs and Trolls. Prepare for grand tactical battles across sweeping plains and mountains, heroic last stands, and the thrill of commanding iconic characters from Tolkien’s legendarium.

Myths and Legends

Dive into the world of mythology and folklore, where fantastical creatures and legendary heroes clash in epic battles. Imagine commanding armies of Greek hoplites fighting under the watchful gaze of Zeus, leading Arthurian knights against Saxon hordes, or unleashing the wrath of Norse berserkers upon their enemies. Companies like Mierce Miniatures and Clay Cyanide Miniatures offer miniatures for a wide range of mythologies, allowing you to recreate tales from the Iliad and Odyssey, clash King Arthur’s Round Table with Saxon invaders, or even pit Odin’s Valkyries against Loki’s Jotunheim forces.

Gothic Horror

Not all fantasy is sunshine and rainbows – explore the dark side of imagination with gothic horror wargaming. Command undead hordes led by necromancers, unleash swarms of giant spiders under the command of a sinister spider queen, or lead brave vampire hunters on a desperate purge of the night. Games like Silver Bayonet and Turnip28 offer beautifully sculpted miniatures for terrifying creatures and courageous monster hunters, letting you recreate classic gothic horror narratives or craft your own chilling tales.

This is just a taste of the fantastical adventures awaiting in unusual wargame settings. Each setting offers unique challenges, captivating lore, and a chance to unleash your inner sorcerer, engineer, or hero. So, gather your fellowship, polish your enchanted blades, and embark on these fantastical forays – where anything is possible and imagination reigns supreme.

Part 3: Skirmishes Among the Stars: Sci-Fi Beyond Space Marines

Time to blast off and leave the familiar turf of space marines and laser rifles behind! The realm of sci-fi wargaming stretches far beyond galactic empires and epic space battles. We’re venturing into hidden corners of the universe where humanity faces unconventional threats, technology takes fantastical forms, and battles unfold on battlefields as diverse as neon-drenched cityscapes and alien jungle planets. So, buckle up, pilot your trusty starship, and prepare to explore these unusual wargame settings…

Neon-Drenched Dystopias

But what if your sci-fi fix comes with a healthy dose of cyberpunk? Shadowrun brings us to a gritty future where megacorporations rule, magic and technology intertwine, and cybernetic enhancements blur the lines between human and machine. Imagine street samurai wielding katana blades alongside cybernetically-augmented elves, corporate security goons clashing with anarchist hackers, and magically-summoned spirits wreaking havoc amidst neon-lit skyscrapers. Companies like Catalyst Game Labs offer a diverse range of Shadowrun miniatures, from trenchcoat-clad detectives armed with smartguns to cybernetic trolls wielding monofilament whips. Get ready for fast-paced, close-quarters skirmishes in urban underworlds, high-tech gadgetry warfare, and the strategic use of magic and technology in a world on the edge.

Post-Apocalyptic Wastelands

Leave the sleek spaceships behind and enter the gritty world of post-apocalyptic wargaming. Command mutant raiders armed with jury-rigged weapons, lead robot scavengers in search of precious scrap, or guide a ragtag band of survivors towards a new hope amidst the ruins. Imagine fortified settlements defended by laser turrets, brutal gladiatorial combat for control of precious resources, and desperate struggles for survival against irradiated creatures and rival factions. Games like Fallout Wasteland Warrior and Ramshackle Games offer fantastic post-apocalyptic miniatures, letting you build your own wasteland stories and battle for survival in a world gone mad.

Cosmic Horror

Forget about friendly alien encounters – delve into the depths of cosmic horror for a truly mind-bending sci-fi unusual wargame settings . Lead cultists worshipping forbidden idols from beyond the stars, command cybernetic soldiers battling against incomprehensible entities, or guide desperate scientists who uncover secrets better left untouched. Imagine sanity-shattering glimpses of impossible dimensions, horrifying mutations twisting reality, and battles against unknowable beings that defy human comprehension. Companies like Spectre Miniatures offer chilling miniatures for cosmic horror settings, allowing you to explore the darkest corners of the universe and test your sanity against unspeakable forces.

Cyberpunk Intrigue

Blend high-tech gadgetry with neon-drenched dystopias in cyberpunk wargaming. Command hacker gangs wielding augmented reality interfaces, lead corporate security forces wielding prototype weapons, or navigate the shadows as a lone operative with cybernetic enhancements. Imagine rooftop chases across shimmering skyscrapers, daring infiltrations of heavily guarded data centers, and tense negotiations with corrupt megacorporations. Games like Cyberpunk Red offer a wide range of cyberpunk miniatures, letting you explore the gritty underbelly of a future dominated by technology and rampant inequality.

These are just a few glimpses into the diverse sci-fi wargaming galaxy with unusual wargame settings. Each setting offers unique challenges, thrilling narrative possibilities, and a chance to command unique forces on battlefields unlike any you’ve seen before. So, fuel up your spaceship, power up your laser pistol, and embark on these otherworldly skirmishes – where the future is uncertain, but the action is guaranteed to be electrifying.

Unusual Wargame Settings: Beyond the Battlefield, Beyond the Horizon

The journey through niche periods and genres of miniature wargaming ends here, but the adventures they offer are just beginning. We’ve glimpsed samurai clashes under cherry blossoms, Roman legions facing charging elephants, and grimdark space marines battling daemonic hordes. We’ve explored clockwork titans stomping across steampunk battlefields, valiant heroes clashing in Middle-earth, and neon-drenched skirmishes against alien invaders. This is just a small taste of the vast and vibrant landscape beyond the familiar trenches of World War II or medieval Europe.

So, whether you’re a seasoned wargamer looking for a fresh challenge or a curious newcomer eager to dip your toes into the hobby, remember – the world of miniature wargaming is not confined to the well-trodden paths. There are uncharted territories waiting to be explored, hidden gems lurking in the shadows of history and fiction. Step beyond the battlefield, embrace the unconventional, and discover the thrill of commanding samurai under the rising sun, battling xenos hordes in the grimdark future, or leading Wookiee berserkers into the fray.

Remember, wargaming is more than just rolling dice and moving models. It’s about storytelling, strategy, and camaraderie. It’s about stepping into the shoes of heroes and villains, shaping the course of history, and forging friendships that transcend the tabletop. So, gather your dice, gather your friends, and let the miniature battles begin! The world of niche wargaming awaits, and its potential is as boundless as your imagination.