Wargaming is a tabletop hobby where players use miniatures, rules, dice, and strategy to play battles and scenarios.
Whilst Warhammer is a well-known wargame, it is not there only one.
What is Wargaming?
Wargaming is a strategy hobby where players recreate battles or fictional conflicts. They may use rules, models, counters, and miniature figures.
In tabletop miniature wargaming, players move models across a table, measure distances with a tape measure, roll dice, and follow rules to decide game outcomes.
Is Warhammer a Wargame?
Yes, Warhammer is one type of wargame.
Warhammer editions such as 40K and Age of Sigmar incorporate miniature figures, rules, movement, dice, and tactical decisions.
However, it should be noted that not all wargaming is Warhammer. There are many other types of wargames, such as historical, fantasy, naval, sci-fi, and smaller skirmish games.
How Does Wargaming Work?
Wargaming usually involves the following:
- Players choose armies, teams, or forces.
- Models are placed on a table or ‘battlefield’.
- Players take turns to move.
- Dice and rules decide moves such as shooting, combat, or other actions.
- The game usually has direct objectives.
Whilst some smaller games are quick, others are more large and complex and take several hours to play.
What Do You Need For Wargaming?
Basic items for wargaming may include:
- Miniatures or playing pieces
- Rulebook or starter rules
- Dice
- Measuring tape or ruler
- A table or play surface
- Scenery or terrain
- Tokens or markers
- Somewhere to store the models
Is Wargaming the Same as a Board Game?
Wargaming can seen similar to a traditional board game, but is it not the same thing. Whilst both have rules, pieces, and turn-taking, wargames are usually played on an open table top, rather than a board.
In wargaming, players often incorporate scenery, terrain, measuring tools, and more flexible movement compared to a board game, where pieces are usually moved across printed squares.
Is Wargaming the Same as Roleplaying?
No, roleplaying is not the same as wargaming, although there can be some overlap.
A roleplaying game, such as Dungeons & Dragons, usually incorporates a lot of imagination and storytelling. Wargaming, on the other hand, involves battles, tactics, armies, and scenarios.
There are people who enjoy both types of game, as they both involve dice, and have fantasy and tabletop elements. Both can be great social activities.
What Types of Wargaming Are There?
There are several types of games to choose from:
- Historical, which is based on real armies, battles, or events (such as the English or American Civil Wars)
- Fantasy, which uses magical and monster figures such as elves or orcs.
- Sci-fi, which incorporates aliens, robots, and space ships and futuristic technology.
- Skirmish, which uses smaller games and fewer figures. This may be a good place for beginners to start.
Is Wargaming Hard to Start?
Whilst wargames can look complicated at first, it is not hard to break into them if you start small. Remember that you do not have to learn everything at once.
The best way to get going is to start with a small beginner set and a simple set of rules. Choose a game that doesn’t need a big army of models! You can learn the rules by starting with small, simpler games, and then graduate onto bigger ones.
Is Wargaming Expensive?
Wargaming can be expensive if you try to buy everything all at once. There are countless figures, accessories, paints, books and other pieces of kit that you can buy, but you don’t need a start with a big, impressive army!
Instead, keep your costs low by starting with any of the following:
- A small starter kit
- A skirmish game
- Second-hand models
- Paper terrain or simpler scenery
- Only a small selection of paints and tools
Who Is Wargaming Good For?
Wargaming can suit people who like:
- Strategy games
- Painting miniatures or models
- Fantasy, sci-fi, or history
- Collecting
- Tactical thinking
- Playing games with other people
If you want a quick or low-cost hobby, wargaming may not be the best choice for you.
Beginner Tips For Trying Wargaming
- Start small
- Pick a game that actually interests you
- Do not buy a huge army straight away
- Learn using a simple scenario
- Use beginner rules if you can
- Focus on having fun, rather than mastering every rule
Final Thoughts
Wargaming refers to any sort of tabletop game that pits armies or characters against each other. It usually involves strategy, rules, and imagination. Warhammer is one type of wargame, but there are lots of others available in different settings and themes.
For beginners, it’s a good idea to start small, choose a game or theme that actually interests you, take it slow, and have fun!