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Are you beginner in miniature wargaming? If you’re looking for a hobby that combines strategy, creativity, and a love for miniatures, then miniature wargaming might just be the perfect hobby for you.

What Is Miniature Wargaming?

Miniature wargaming is a tabletop game where players use miniature figures to represent soldiers, vehicles, and other elements of a battlefield, while engaging in strategic battles against other players.

This hobby has been around for decades and has grown increasingly popular in recent years, thanks to the rise of social media and the accessibility of games and miniatures. Miniature wargaming allows players to build and paint their own armies, and then use them in tactical battles against friends, family, or strangers. As a beginner in miniature wargaming you are entering an exciting and rewarding new hobby and community.

Miniature wargaming also provides a unique opportunity for players to exercise their creativity and imagination. With an infinite number of ways to customize and paint miniatures, players can create truly unique armies that reflect their personal style and interests.

In this blog post, we’ll provide some tips for a beginner in miniature wargaming who is interested in getting started. Whether you’re completely new to the hobby or you’re looking for ways to improve your gameplay, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in!

Understanding the Basics

Before diving into miniature wargaming, as a beginner in miniature wargaming it’s important to have a basic understanding of the different types of miniature wargaming, the rules and game mechanics, and the types of miniatures and terrain that are typically used.

Different types of miniature wargaming

There are several different types of miniature wargaming, each with its own unique appeal. Historical wargaming focuses on reenacting battles from real-world history, such as World War II (like Bolt Action of Flames of War) or the Napoleonic Wars (like Black Powder). Science fiction wargaming, like Warhammer 40k, allows players to create their own futuristic worlds and armies, while fantasy wargaming, like Warhammer Age of Sigmar, Kings of War, or A Song of Ice and Fire, is similar but focuses on medieval and mythical creatures and settings. It’s important to choose a type of wargaming that interests you and aligns with your personal preferences.

Rules and game mechanics

Each game system has its own set of rules and mechanics that govern how the game is played. Some game systems are more complex than others, so it’s important to choose a game system that matches your level of experience and comfort with complex rules. Some game systems have quick and easy-to-learn rules, while others have more in-depth rules that require more time and dedication to learn. It’s also important to note that some game systems require players to purchase rulebooks or supplements in order to play, so it’s important to factor this into your decision-making process.

If you’re into historicals, Bolt Action is a very accessible rule set. For science fiction or fantasy, One Page Rules might be the way to go as they have (as the name suggests) all of the rules on a single page.

Types of miniatures and terrain

Miniatures are the heart of miniature wargaming, and come in a variety of sizes and styles. It’s important to choose miniatures that fit the game system you’re playing and align with your personal preferences. For example, if you’re playing a game system set in medieval times, you’ll want to choose miniatures that resemble knights, archers, and other characters from that time period. Similarly, if you’re playing a science fiction game, you’ll want to choose miniatures that resemble spaceships, aliens, and other futuristic characters. Terrain, such as buildings, trees, and hills, are also an important part of the game, as they can impact gameplay and add to the overall visual appeal of the game. Some game systems come with pre-made terrain, while others require players to create their own terrain from scratch.

For many people, choosing the models you like is almost, if not more, important than choosing the ruleset you like. In this hobby, most people spend 90% of their time on the painting, assembling, and lore-reading side, and only 10% playing. That’s not always the case, but if you’re only going to get a game in once every couple of weeks, you’ll probably be doing a lot of painting and reading before that.

By understanding the basics of miniature wargaming, you’ll be better equipped to choose a game system, miniatures, and terrain that align with your interests and experience level. This will allow you to dive into the hobby with confidence and enthusiasm, and start playing miniature wargames that are both fun and challenging.

Choosing Your Game System

Once you have a basic understanding of miniature wargaming, it’s time to choose a game system that you want to play. There are many game systems to choose from, each with its own unique rules, settings, and miniatures. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a game system:

Factors to consider when choosing a game system

• Setting: The setting of the game system is an important factor to consider, as it can impact your enjoyment of the game. If you’re a fan of science fiction, you may want to choose a game system that takes place in a futuristic world, like Warhammer 40k, Infinity, Necromunda or Kill Team. If you’re more interested in historical battles, you may want to choose a game system that focuses on reenacting battles from real-world history, like Bolt Action, Black Powder, Hail Caesar or SPQR. If you want to mix things up there’s alternative history like “weird World War II” with Konflikt 47, or vampires and ghouls in Napoleonics like Silver Bayonet. Malifaux is a game that is almost impossible to categorize with its mix of Wild West, Steampunk, Victorian, Magic and more.
• Complexity: Game systems can range from simple and easy-to-learn to complex and difficult to master. If you’re new to miniature wargaming, you may want to start with a simpler game system that has easy-to-learn rules. As you become more experienced, you can move on to more complex game systems that require more strategy and skill.
• Miniatures: As a beginner in miniature wargaming, the miniatures used in the game system are an important factor to consider, as they can impact your enjoyment of the game. You may want to choose a game system that has miniatures that you find aesthetically pleasing and that fit your personal preferences. Additionally, you’ll want to choose miniatures that are easy to find and purchase. (Here’s our list of the easiest Warhammer armies to paint.)

Popular game systems for beginners

• Warhammer 40,000: This science fiction game system from Games Workshop is one of the most popular game systems in the world. It features a vast range of miniatures and has a deep lore that can be explored through playing the game. It’s also the most widely played miniature wargaming in the world. Here’s our in-depth guide to getting started in Warhammer 40k.
• Bolt Action: This historical game system from Warlord Games focuses on World War II battles and allows players to reenact iconic battles from the war. The game system has easy-to-learn rules and is great for beginners who are interested in historical wargaming. Here’s our in-depth guide to getting started in Bolt Action.
• Star Wars: Legion: This science fiction game system from Fantasy Flight Games allows players to create their own armies from the Star Wars universe and engage in tactical battles. The game system has easy-to-learn rules and features high-quality miniatures that are a joy to paint and customize. Here’s our review of Star Wars: Legion.

By taking these factors into consideration, you’ll be able to choose a game system that aligns with your interests and experience level, and that provides you with a fun and engaging gaming experience.

Building Your Army

One of the most exciting parts of miniature wargaming is building and painting your own army. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Basic Army Building Guidelines

Building an army for miniature wargaming can be both exciting and challenging. Here are some basic guidelines to help you get started:

• Start Small: When building your army, it’s best to start with a small number of units and gradually build up your forces as you become more experienced. Starting small will allow you to learn the rules and develop your own playstyle without becoming overwhelmed. As a beginner in miniature wargaming, you can start in an escalation league, where everyone in the league starts with a small force and adds a set number of models to it as the weeks and months progress.
• Balance Your Army: A balanced army is key to winning battles in miniature wargaming. This means having a mix of units that can handle different situations and opponents. A well-balanced army should have units that are good at close combat, ranged combat, and support roles such as healers or engineers.
• Customize Your Army: Customizing your army is one of the most enjoyable aspects of miniature wargaming. You can personalize your army to reflect your own style and preferences. This can be done by creating custom units, adding special weapons or equipment to existing units, or even creating unique paint schemes. (Here’s our guide to building you own custom Space Marine chapter.)
• Consider Faction Synergy: When building your army, it’s important to consider faction synergy. This means choosing units that complement each other and work well together on the battlefield. For example, a faction that specializes in close combat may benefit from having a few ranged units to support them from a distance. Here’s our guides to Warhammer faction playstyles: one for Warhammer 40k, and one for Warhammer Age of Sigmar.
• Plan for Upgrades: Many game systems allow players to upgrade their units with new equipment or abilities. When building your army, it’s important to plan for these upgrades and choose units that can benefit from them.
• Consider the Scenario: When building your army, it’s important to consider the scenario or mission you will be playing. Some missions may require specific units or equipment, and it’s important to be prepared for these situations.

As a beginner in miniature wargaming, by following these basic army building guidelines, you’ll be able to create a well-balanced and customized army that reflects your own style and preferences. As you gain more experience, you can continue to refine and improve your army to become a formidable force on the battlefield.

Choosing factions and units

• Choose a faction that interests you: When building your army, it’s important to choose a faction that interests you and aligns with your personal preferences. Whether you’re interested in playing as space marines, medieval knights, or robots, there’s a faction for you.
• Choose units that fit your play style: When choosing units for your army, you’ll want to choose units that fit your play style. If you prefer a more defensive play style, you may want to choose units that have high armor and can take a lot of damage. If you prefer a more aggressive play style, you may want to choose units that are fast and can deal a lot of damage.

Tips for Assembling and Painting Miniatures

Assembling and painting miniatures is one of the most rewarding parts of miniature wargaming. Here are some tips to help you get started:

• Take Your Time: Assembling and painting miniatures can be a time-consuming process, but taking your time and doing it right is crucial to creating high-quality miniatures. Rushing through the process can result in poorly assembled miniatures or a sloppy paint job. Here’s our guide to getting started in the Warhammer 40k painting and assembling hobby, and our guide to getting started in the Bolt Action painting and assembling hobby.
• Use Quality Materials: Using quality materials is important when painting miniatures. Quality brushes and paints will make a big difference in the final product. Cheap materials can result in streaks, smudges, and a less professional look. Here’s our guides to the best paints and best brushes.
• Experiment with Different Techniques: There are many different painting techniques that you can use to create different effects on your miniatures. Experiment with different techniques and find what works best for you. Some common techniques include dry brushing, layering, and washes.
• Prime Your Miniatures: Priming your miniatures is important for several reasons. It creates a surface that paint will adhere to, it makes the details of the miniature easier to see, and it helps protect the miniature from wear and tear. Choose a primer that is appropriate for the type of paint you will be using. Here’s our guide to the best primers for miniature wargaming.
• Use a Steady Hand: Painting miniature requires a steady hand, but don’t worry if you don’t have a steady hand yet. Steadiness comes with practice. In the meantime, try to find ways to brace your hand or miniature to steady it, such as resting your hand on a table or using a magnifying glass. Getting a painting handle, such as this one from Games Workshop, is a great way to keep steady hand control.
• Practice on Cheap Miniatures: Practice on cheap miniatures before working on your more expensive ones. This will give you the opportunity to experiment with different techniques and find what works best for you without risking damaging your expensive miniatures. As a beginner in miniature wargaming, it can look very expensive. If you want to start on something cheap, try Bolt Action miniatures or Warlord Games Napoleonics. They’re much cheaper, unit-for-unit, than Warhammer or Star Wars: Legion miniatures.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to assemble and paint high-quality miniatures that will enhance your gaming experience and add to the overall enjoyment of the hobby.

Playing Your First Game

Playing your first game of miniature wargaming can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. Here are some tips to help you get started:

• Familiarize Yourself with the Rules Before playing your first game, make sure you are familiar with the rules of the game system you will be playing. It’s a good idea to read through the rulebook and watch tutorials or playthroughs online to get a better understanding of the rules and gameplay mechanics. It can be good to start a game that offers free rules, like One Page Rules or Malifaux.
• Start with a Small Game For your first game, it’s best to start with a small game with a limited number of units. This will allow you to focus on learning the rules and developing your own playstyle without becoming overwhelmed.
• Have a Reference Guide Handy During your first game, it’s helpful to have a reference guide handy that outlines the rules and special abilities of your units. This will help you remember the rules and prevent you from constantly flipping through the rulebook. (We recently learned about the “ruleser” and think it’s an amazing idea.)
• Communicate with Your Opponent Communication is key when playing miniature wargames. Make sure to communicate with your opponent about the rules and any questions you may have. This will help prevent misunderstandings and ensure a fair and enjoyable game for both players.
• Learn from Your Mistakes Your first game may not go exactly as planned, and that’s okay. Take the opportunity to learn from your mistakes and figure out what worked and what didn’t. This will help you improve your gameplay in future games.
• Have Fun! The most important part of playing miniature wargames is to have fun! Don’t worry too much about winning or losing. Focus on enjoying the game and the experience of playing with your customized and painted army.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to have a successful first game of miniature wargaming and start to develop your own playstyle and strategies.

Joining a Community

Joining a community of other miniature wargaming enthusiasts can be a great way to enhance your experience and learn more about the hobby. Here are some tips on how to find and join a community:

• Look for Local Gaming Stores: Many gaming stores have designated areas for miniature wargaming, and host events and tournaments for players. Look for local gaming stores in your area and check their event calendars for upcoming miniature wargaming events.
• Join Online Communities: There are many online communities for miniature wargaming enthusiasts, such as forums, social media groups, and Discord servers. These communities can be a great way to connect with other players, ask questions, and share your own experiences and tips.
• Attend Conventions and Events: Attending conventions and events, such as Gen Con or Adepticon, can be a great way to meet other players and see some of the best miniature wargaming armies and tables in the world. These events often have demo games and seminars for beginners to learn more about the hobby. Here’s our list of the best miniature wargaming conventions.
• Start Your Own Group: If you can’t find a community in your area, consider starting your own group. Reach out to local gaming stores or post on social media to find other players who are interested in miniature wargaming. You can start with small, casual games and gradually build up to more competitive games or tournaments.

By joining a community, you’ll be able to connect with other players, learn from their experiences, and get more involved in the hobby. Don’t be afraid to reach out and make connections with other players – the miniature wargaming community is known for being welcoming and inclusive to all.

Investing in the Hobby

As you become more involved in miniature wargaming, you may find that you want to invest more in the hobby. Here are some tips on how to make smart investments in your collection:

• Budget Wisely: Miniature wargaming can be an expensive hobby, especially if you want to build a large and varied army. Set a budget for yourself and stick to it. Prioritize buying the units and equipment that you need and hold off on purchasing unnecessary items. (Read: Is Miniature Wargaming Really That Expensive?)
• Choose Quality Products: When purchasing miniatures, paints, and other equipment, choose quality products that will last. Quality products may cost more upfront, but they will save you money in the long run by not needing to be replaced as frequently.
• Take Care of Your Collection: Taking care of your collection will ensure that it lasts a long time and looks great on the battlefield. Store your miniatures in a cool, dry place, and handle them carefully to avoid chipping or breaking. Clean your brushes and other painting supplies regularly to keep them in good condition.
• Expand Your Collection Gradually: As you become more experienced and invested in the hobby, you may want to expand your collection. Do so gradually, focusing on adding units that complement your existing army and fill gaps in your collection. This will allow you to build a well-rounded army without breaking the bank.
• Consider Trading or Selling: If you find that you no longer need certain units or equipment, consider trading or selling them to other players. This can be a great way to recoup some of your investment and acquire new units or equipment that you need. (Read about how to buy and sell on eBay.)

By making smart investments in your collection, you’ll be able to enjoy miniature wargaming for years to come without breaking the bank. Remember to prioritize quality over quantity, and take care of your collection to ensure that it lasts a long time. Soon you won’t be a beginner in miniature wargaming but a seasoned veteran.

Conclusion

In conclusion, miniature wargaming is an exciting and rewarding hobby that allows you to build and customize your own army and engage in epic battles with other players. While getting started may seem intimidating as a beginner in miniature wargaming, by following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a skilled miniature wargamer.

Remember to start with the basics, familiarize yourself with the rules, and gradually build up your army. Customize your army to reflect your own personal style and preferences, and take care of your collection to ensure it lasts a long time. Joining a community of other players can enhance your experience and provide opportunities to learn from others and make new connections.

Investing wisely in your collection and expanding it gradually will allow you to build a well-rounded army without breaking the bank. Most importantly, remember to have fun! Miniature wargaming is a hobby that can provide hours of enjoyment and satisfaction, both on and off the battlefield.

We hope these tips have been helpful in getting you started on your beginner in miniature wargaming journey. Now, it’s time to gather your army, prepare for battle, and may the best army win!