Tabletop wargaming (also called miniature wargaming) is a hobby where players use miniature models, usually plastic, resin or metal, to fight out battles on a tabletop. Each player commands an army, takes turns moving their models and uses dice and rules to decide who wins. This guide covers how it works, what you need to start and where to begin.
How does miniature wargaming work?
The basic premise is simple: players take turns moving their models across a tabletop battlefield and try to defeat the opposing army or capture objectives. Rulebooks and game systems decide the outcome of each move, shot and fight. For a worked example, see our guide to the basic rules of Warhammer 40,000.
Games can be anything from a quick skirmish with a handful of models to large battles with hundreds, so you can pick the scale that suits your time and budget.
What you need to start tabletop wargaming
Most players need the same few things:
- Miniatures: your army, from a starter box or a few kits. Browse our Warhammer 40k models and miniatures or the Age of Sigmar models and miniatures.
- Rules: a rulebook or game system for the game you have chosen.
- Dice: most wargames resolve actions on the roll of a die, and a good set of dice is half the fun.
- Measuring tools: a tape measure or ruler to check movement and range.
- Terrain and markers: scenery and tokens to track objectives and the state of the game.
- Paints and brushes (optional but popular): our miniature painting kits are a good place to start.
The hobby side of miniature wargaming
The hobby often involves collecting, building and painting your army, which adds a creative element on top of the strategy. New to brushes? Start with painting your first miniature. If you want to know why so many of us get hooked, read why playing Warhammer is so much fun.
Which tabletop wargame should you start with?
Warhammer 40,000 and Age of Sigmar are two of the best-known miniature wargames and both have beginner-friendly starter sets. Not sure which world appeals? Our comparison of Warhammer 40k or Age of Sigmar will help you choose, and what you need to start Warhammer 40k lists the essentials.
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 and Age of Sigmar are popular entry points with plenty of beginner-friendly starter sets, and 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.
