We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.

Let’s talk about miniature wargaming obsession. A designer friend of mine I’ve known since the first day of ninth grade came up with a slogan: “Too Much is the New Enough.” It used to be good enough to have, well, enough. But now we have to have more. In fact, we have to have TOO much. Enough is out. Too Much is in. 

If you’ve ever been captivated by the world of miniature wargaming, you know just how thrilling it can be. The intricately designed models, the thrill of a strategic battle, the camaraderie among fellow gamers – it’s a universe that hooks you in, and before you know it, you’ve succumbed to a Warhammer obsession or another game that captures your imagination. But the problem starts when ‘enough’ stops being enough. When did ‘too much’ become the new ‘enough’?

I think it’s easy to remember back when we were kids–many of us still are, but I’m certainly not–and be severely limited in pocket money. If we got a box of Space Marines for our birthday then that was the gift that would be our Enough. It was plenty to keep us entertained and playing.

Of course, we’d dream about more. We’d look through the White Dwarf (if you’re old like me) or you’d browse the internet, looking at painter after painter after painter, and you’d think “I need those models. I must have them!” We didn’t need self control back then because we were too poor to go down the rabbit hole, but now we have jobs and money–and those new Cities of Sigmar models look SO GOOD…

What This Article Is and Is Not:

This article isn’t about blaming the games or the manufacturers. It’s about how we, as individuals, approach our hobbies. It’s about that thin line between a passionate interest in miniature wargaming and a miniature wargaming obsession that leads us down a road we never intended to walk.

It’s a line I crossed myself. A line that’s probably more common than we’d like to admit in our community. As someone who has battled gaming OCD, I’ve seen first-hand how the desire to possess the newest releases, to have more, to never miss out, can spiral into something unhealthy and unsettling. 

The allure of miniature wargaming can be irresistible, and when combined with the obsessive tendencies that OCD fuels, and poor money management, it can lead you to a place where you’re buying models just to stash them in a closet, never to be seen again. Or even, in my case, spending rent money on miniatures because the compulsion was just that overpowering.

But here’s what I want you to remember as you read this: this isn’t about demonizing the hobby we all love. It’s not about pointing fingers or brewing guilt. It’s about introspection. It’s about understanding the new ‘enough’ and finding ways to make it healthy. Because at the end of the day, we’re here to enjoy miniature wargaming, not let it control us.

The Magic and Madness of Miniature Wargaming

The Magic of Miniature Wargaming

Picture unwrapping a brand-new miniature. The thrill is intoxicating. The craftsmanship, the detail, the potential for epic battles – it’s pure magic. Miniature wargaming, be it Warhammer, Bolt Action, Malifaux, Relicblade, or another game, has a unique allure that’s hard to resist.

Let’s break down what makes it so special:

• The Miniatures: Whether it’s Warhammer 40k’s grimdark aesthetic or the colorful fantasy realm of Dungeons and Dragons, these games offer beautifully designed miniatures. Painting them can be as fun as the game itself!
• The Community: Nothing beats the camaraderie of fellow gamers. Whether it’s strategizing for the next battle or showing off a newly painted miniature, the miniature wargaming community is a fun, supportive space.
• The Strategy: Miniature wargaming isn’t just about collecting; it’s about planning and executing strategies. Every battle is a test of your tactical skills.
• The Lore: Each game transports us to an entirely different world, with lore so deep and characters so well-developed it’s like immersing yourself in a great book or an epic movie.

Who wouldn’t be enchanted by all of this? But as we all know, even the most enchanting things can have a dark side.

The Madness: When Enthusiasm Becomes a Miniature Wargaming Obsession

For every magical aspect of miniature wargaming, there’s a flip side that can turn love for the game into a Warhammer obsession or a broader miniature wargaming obsession. It’s where the line gets blurry, and gaming OCD starts to sneak in.

Here are some of the common pitfalls:

• Chasing the New Releases: Manufacturers regularly release new models, and there’s a thrill in owning the latest and greatest. But when that thrill becomes a relentless pursuit, it can lead to obsessive buying patterns. I know I said this article wasn’t about bashing manufacturers, but it needs to be said that Games Workshop has this FOMO marketing nailed down. It’s hard to avoid the trap.
• The “Scalper” Trap: Limited editions and exclusive releases can sometimes push gamers to pay exorbitant prices to scalpers on eBay. It’s the fear of missing out, but at a hefty cost.
• The Stash of Unopened Models: When buying becomes more about the collection and less about the game, it’s easy to end up with a closet full of unopened models. It’s a clear sign of gaming OCD when the joy of acquisition outweighs the enjoyment of the game itself. We joke about our piles of shame (or piles of opportunity, or whatever you want to call them) but they’re basically piles of unusable money. When we buy a box of Orks and set them on the shelf to gather dust, that’s $50-odd dollars that you’ve just stored away in your closet. And it ain’t a savings account. It’s just aging plastic. 
• The Financial Drain: Miniature wargaming isn’t a cheap hobby. It’s easy to overspend when you’re caught up in the excitement. Like the time I spent my rent money on miniatures – not a decision I’m proud of, but a stark example of the risks of unchecked enthusiasm.

When ‘too much’ becomes the new ‘enough,’ these pitfalls become all too common. And trust me, they can take the joy out of a hobby that should be all about fun, creativity, and community.

But remember, there’s always a way to find balance. I know because I’ve walked the path from obsession back to healthy enjoyment. We can embrace the magic of miniature wargaming without falling into the trap of a Warhammer obsession or gaming OCD.

My Personal Story: From Passion to Obsession

My Introduction to Miniature Wargaming

I got into miniature wargaming in the cheapest way possible: although we had a comic store around the corner that sold Warhammer Fantasy (this was somewhere around 1987) I spent my tiny allowance on little green army men and some paint. Two full armies that, at 1987 prices, cost me five dollars. 

Crossing the Line: The Birth of My Warhammer Obsession

Fast forward to adulthood–and having money. Not a lot of money, but money.. Slowly and steadily, my passion began to cross over into an unhealthy obsession. New releases turned from exciting events into stress-inducing occasions. I was constantly worried about missing out on a limited edition model, and the idea of not having the latest releases felt like a personal failure. I found myself stuck in a cycle of buying, hoarding, and obsessing that was far from the joyous hobby that miniature wargaming should be.

Let’s Call a Spade a Spade: I Am Clinically Diagnosed with OCD

I have been diagnosed with OCD and schizophrenia for the past 12 years, although looking back at my youth I can see it is something I’ve struggled with far longer. The good news is that I am well medicated now, seeing a therapist, and there is absolutely hope for a better future. 

But here’s how my obsession took form:

• Constant Buying: My desire to own the latest models overpowered everything else. I found myself buying models, not because I needed them or even wanted them, but simply because they were new.
• Hoarding Unopened Models: My closet turned into a storage unit for unopened models. I bought them faster than I could paint or play with them. The enjoyment of painting and gaming was replaced by the hollow satisfaction of possession.
• Financial Struggles: My Warhammer obsession began to take a toll on my finances. I started to stretch my budget, ignoring the warning signs. The lowest point was when I spent my rent money on miniatures, a decision that had severe repercussions and forced me to confront my unhealthy obsession.
• Gaming OCD: My love for miniature wargaming turned into a form of gaming obsessive compulsive disorder, where my obsessive behaviors dominated the hobby.

The Turning Point: Recognizing My Miniature Wargaming Obsession

The day I spent my rent money on miniatures was the wake-up call I needed. I realized that my miniature wargaming hobby had morphed into an obsession that was negatively impacting my life. I was no longer the enthusiastic gamer who enjoyed painting miniatures and strategizing battles. Instead, I was someone controlled by my next purchase, my next acquisition.

Recognizing my problem was the first step towards reclaiming my love for miniature wargaming from the jaws of obsession. It wasn’t an easy journey, but it was a necessary one.

I have very few models from my youth because when I realized the obsession, and that it was a problem, I decided to make a clean break. Around 2012 I sold EVERYTHING. Books, miniatures, terrain. Got rid of all of it. 

It wasn’t until I had been well medicated for several years that I came back to the hobby: in time to see the End Times of Warhammer Fantasy and the launch of Primaris Marines. 

Thoreau’s Wisdom and Regaining Control

Thoreau’s Wisdom: Simplify, Simplify, Simplify

One of my favorite books of all time is Walden, by Henry David Thoreau. (You should buy it–it’s only 99 cents!) I read it first in college and always pull it out to enjoy while camping and sitting by a lake. 

“Simplify, simplify, simplify! I say, let your affairs be as two or three, and not a hundred or a thousand,” it reads. 

“My greatest skill in life has been to want but little.” 

It struck me how far I’d strayed from this philosophy. My desire for more – more models, more exclusives, more of everything – had taken over my life. Thoreau’s words helped me realize that wanting less, focusing on what truly mattered, could be the path out of my obsession.

Regaining Control: Steps to Overcome Miniature Wargaming Obsession

The journey from obsession back to a healthy enjoyment of miniature wargaming wasn’t easy, but I found ways to regain control. Here are the key steps I took:

• Setting a Hobby Budget: The first step was to regain financial control. I agreed on a hobby budget with my wife, which included money for new miniatures, painting supplies, and any game-related expenses. This helped to curb impulse purchases and made me think twice before buying something. We actually created a separate bank account that gets a monthly deposit of money every month. 
• Seeking Professional Help: I started seeing a therapist and a psychiatrist to work through my gaming OCD. They gave me strategies to manage my obsessive thoughts and behaviors, which helped me regain control over my hobby.
• Keeping a Project Log: I began using MS OneNote to keep a detailed log of every project I had (I use OneNote because I get it free with my work account, but Evernote is good, and for years I used Elisi), right down to each model and its state of completion. This gave me a clear picture of what I owned and helped to curb the urge to buy more. While some people have to open cabinets and dig through bins to find their piles of shame, my entire pile of shame is an itemized to-do list, always open on my computer. 
• Maintaining Open Communication: I made it a point to always discuss my hobby with family members. This helped keep me accountable and prevented me from slipping back into old habits.

The process wasn’t quick or easy, but it was worth it. I found my way back to a place where I could enjoy miniature wargaming without it taking over my life. I’m not perfect, and there are still times when I feel the pull of old habits, but I now have the tools to manage them.

And remember, it’s perfectly fine to love miniature wargaming. The goal isn’t to quit the hobby but to enjoy it in a healthy way. Whether it’s Warhammer, Dungeons and Dragons, or any other game, the joy of painting, strategizing, and sharing in a community of fellow gamers is something to be cherished. By managing our time and resources, we can keep ‘too much’ from becoming the new ‘enough’ and find joy in the hobby we love.

The Art of Balancing: It’s Okay to Have Miniatures

Setting Boundaries: Keeping Your Hobby Healthy

Having miniatures and enjoying the rich world of miniature wargaming doesn’t automatically mean you’re sliding into obsession. The trick is to recognize when enjoyment becomes compulsion. When you find yourself buying new models not because you want them but because you feel you need them, it’s time to step back and reassess.

Here are a few steps to keep your hobby healthy:

• Establish a Budget: As I mentioned above, this helps so much. Define what you’re willing to spend on your hobby each month, taking into account all your financial responsibilities. Stick to this budget and avoid impulse buys.
• Avoid Hoarding: Keep track of your collection. Know what you have and know the reason you have them. If you’re accumulating models faster than you can paint or play with them, it’s time to hit pause. Remember, the joy of miniature wargaming lies in assembly, painting and playing, not merely in possessing.
• Take a Breather: If you’re feeling the pressure of constantly keeping up with new releases, step back. It’s okay to skip a few. The world of miniature wargaming will continue, and there will always be new models to explore when you’re ready. 

Reclaiming the Joy: Less is More

In this hobby, as in life, less is often more. Thoreau’s wisdom of desiring but little can be the key to unlocking the joy of miniature wargaming. A carefully curated collection of miniatures that you love and enjoy using can bring far more satisfaction than a closet full of untouched models.

Ultimately, your miniature wargaming hobby should be about your enjoyment. Don’t let the chase for the new and the pressure to have it all steal the joy from your gaming experience.

Find Your Balance

So yes, it’s perfectly okay to have miniatures. It’s okay to immerse yourself in the exciting worlds they offer. The key is to find balance, to keep your hobby a source of joy and creativity rather than letting it become a cause of stress and anxiety.

Don’t let ‘Too Much become the New Enough’. Be content with what you have, take pleasure in the simple act of painting, strategizing, and playing. Keep the spirit of Thoreau alive in your miniature wargaming: simplify, balance, and enjoy.