Miniature wargaming is a type of tabletop gaming where players use miniature models, usually made of metal or plastic, to simulate battles or conflicts between armies or other groups. The models are typically small-scale replicas of soldiers, vehicles, and other equipment used in historical or fictional wars.
The basic premise of miniature wargaming involves players taking turns to move their models across a tabletop battlefield and attempt to defeat their opponent's army by inflicting damage or capturing objectives. Players typically use rulebooks and game systems to determine the outcome of their actions and the overall flow of the game — see our guide to the basic rules of Warhammer 40,000 for a worked example of how the world's most popular wargame plays.
Players also use a range of game components such as dice, measuring tapes or rulers, terrain pieces, and markers to help them track the progress of the game and resolve various scenarios.
Miniature wargaming can be played at various levels of complexity, from simple skirmish games with a handful of models, to large-scale battles with hundreds of models and complex rules. Additionally, the hobby often involves collecting, painting, and customising the models themselves, which can add an additional creative element to the game.
Overall, miniature wargaming is a hobby that combines strategy, creativity, and social interaction, making it a popular pastime for gamers and hobbyists alike.
Ready to give it a go? Our guide to Warhammer 40k starter sets compares every entry point — or pop into our Barry store and see the hobby up close.
Frequently asked questions
What is miniature wargaming?
It's a tabletop hobby where players use small-scale models of soldiers, vehicles and equipment to fight simulated battles. Players take turns moving models across a tabletop, using rules and dice to resolve combat and capture objectives.
What do you need to start miniature wargaming?
At minimum you need some miniatures, a rulebook or game system, dice, something to measure distances, and a surface to play on. Most people also collect, build and paint their models as part of the hobby.
Is miniature wargaming an expensive hobby?
It can scale to any budget. You can start small with a single skirmish-sized force and a handful of models, then expand gradually — there's no need to buy a large army straight away.
What's the best wargame for beginners?
Warhammer 40,000 is the most popular entry point and has plenty of beginner-friendly starter sets, but the principles of movement, measuring and dice-based combat carry across nearly every miniature wargame.
Do I have to paint my miniatures?
No, but most players enjoy it and it's a big part of the hobby's appeal. Painting lets you personalise your force, and even a simple, tidy paint scheme makes an army look great on the table.
