The ultimate guide to wargaming for Beginners

The Ultimate Guide to Miniature Wargaming for Beginners

Miniature wargaming is a thrilling hobby that combines strategy, creativity, and craftsmanship. If you're a beginner, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. From choosing your first game to selecting tools and supplies, this guide will provide everything you need to dive into the exciting world of miniature wargaming without breaking the bank.

What Is Miniature Wargaming?

Miniature wargaming involves using painted models (miniatures) to simulate battles on a tabletop. These battles are guided by rules and dice rolls, with players deploying their armies, managing resources, and using tactics to outmaneuver their opponents. Games vary in scale and complexity, making it a versatile hobby that can appeal to casual and competitive players alike. Some of our family’s best moments have take n place around a gaming table. If you are ready to create epic moments and tell stories together as a family Keep reading.

Best Miniature Wargames for Beginners

As a beginner, it's essential to start with games that are easy to learn but still offer depth and replayability. Here are some of the top gateway games to get you started:

1. Star Wars: X-Wing

• Why It’s Great for Beginners: If you’re a Star Wars fan, X-Wing offers an accessible entry into miniature wargaming. It’s less complex than other games, featuring pre-assembled and pre-painted miniatures, so you can jump right into gameplay.

• Starter Set: The Star Wars: X-Wing Core Set includes two TIE Fighters and an X-Wing, along with all the necessary components to begin playing.

2. Frostgrave

• Why It’s Great for Beginners: This fantasy-based skirmish game is affordable and rules-light, making it an excellent choice for beginners on a budget. It allows you to use any fantasy miniatures you may already own.

• Starter Set: The Frostgrave: Second Edition Rulebook is all you need to start. You can use any miniatures from other games, or buy cheap plastic ones online.

Essential Tools and Supplies for Beginners

Getting started in miniature wargaming doesn't have to be expensive. Here are the basic tools and supplies you'll need to begin building, painting, and playing with your miniatures:

1. Miniatures

• Tip for Beginners on a Budget: While official game miniatures can be costly, look for cheaper alternatives online, such as second-hand models or 3D-printed figures. You can also use miniatures from other games if they fit the scale.

2. Paints

• Starter Paints: A basic set of acrylic paints is a must. Brands like Citadel, Vallejo, and Army Painter offer miniature-specific paints in convenient starter kits.

• Tip for Beginners on a Budget: Buy only the essential colors to start: black, white, red, blue, green, and metallics like silver or gold. You can mix colors to create other shades as needed. Honestly you can achieve good results using craft paints from Walmart or Amazon at a fraction of the cost. These paints are more affordable and can help save you money while you start your painting journey and begin to develop your techniques and style.

3. Brushes

• What You Need: You’ll need fine detail brushes for painting miniatures. Size 0 or 1 brushes are ideal for detail work.

• Tip for Beginners on a Budget: Craft stores often sell affordable sets of small brushes that work just as well as high-end brands for starting out.

4. Modeling Tools

• Basic Tools: Clippers for removing miniatures from sprues, a hobby knife for trimming, and a file for smoothing edges.

• Tip for Beginners on a Budget: If you don’t want to invest in specialist tools, standard craft supplies like a box cutter and sandpaper can work as temporary alternatives.

5. Glue

• What You Need: For assembling plastic miniatures, plastic cement is ideal, while superglue works for resin or metal models.

• Tip for Beginners on a Budget: Superglue is a versatile option that can be used across different materials, saving you from needing multiple types of glue.

6. Primer

• Why It’s Important: Primer is essential for creating a surface that paint can adhere to. Spray primers work best for beginners as they provide even coverage.

• Tip for Beginners on a Budget: Automotive primer from a hardware store is often cheaper and works just as well as miniature-specific primer. Just make sure it is flat or Matte finish otherwise your model will look super shiny and washes and other paints may not adhere well to a gloss finish.

7. A Gaming Mat or Terrain

• Affordable Terrain Options: You don’t need to buy expensive terrain sets right away. Use household items like books, boxes, and cereal cartons to represent obstacles or buildings. Later, you can invest in or build custom terrain using DIY materials like foam board or pink insulation foam.

• Tip for Beginners on a Budget: There are free printable gaming mats available online, or you can use a simple cloth or paper as a temporary battlefield mat.

Top Tips for Miniature Wargaming Beginners

Now that you’ve got your supplies, here are some essential tips to get started on the right foot:

1. Start Small

It’s tempting to buy an entire army right away, but it’s better to start with a small force or skirmish game. Fewer models mean less assembly and painting work, allowing you to focus on learning the rules and tactics. My personal rule is I only build and paint one unit at a time to completion before I buy another unit. This helps me not get overwhelmed by the sheer amount of plastic model kits that can accumulate.

2. Watch Online Tutorials

YouTube is full of great resources for miniature wargaming, from gameplay tutorials to painting guides. Channels like ours here at A FIST FULL OF DICE are great places to learn the basics of painting and modeling. I also recommend Miniac and Tabletop Minions as a great resource for beginner friendly advice.

3. Practice Your Painting

Don’t worry if your first few miniatures aren’t perfect. Practice makes perfect, and painting is an essential part of the hobby. Focus on improving with each model, and soon you’ll be painting like a pro.

4. Join a Community

Find local game stores or online communities where you can meet other wargamers. Many players are happy to offer advice, teach you the rules, and even let you try out their games before committing to a purchase.

5. Play for Fun

Remember, the point of miniature wargaming is to have fun! Whether you're painting or playing, focus on enjoying the process. The more games you play, the more you'll learn about your personal strategies and preferences.

How to Save Money as a Beginner Wargamer

Starting a new hobby can get expensive, but there are ways to keep costs down:

• Buy Used Miniatures: Check eBay, Facebook groups, and local game stores for second-hand miniatures at a fraction of the cost.

• DIY Terrain: Save money on terrain by building your own using household items like cardboard boxes, pink insulation foam, or old kids’ toys.

• Paint in Batches: When you paint multiple miniatures at once, you can save time and reduce the amount of paint you use.

Final Thoughts

Miniature wargaming is a rewarding hobby that offers countless hours of enjoyment, from building and painting to strategizing and battling. By choosing the right gateway games and using budget-friendly tools and supplies, you can start your miniature wargaming journey without a hefty investment. Take your time, enjoy the process, and immerse yourself in the creative world of miniature warfare!

Happy wargaming!

FAQs

Q: How much does it cost to start miniature wargaming?
A: Costs can vary, but a beginner can expect to spend around $50–$100 for a starter set, paints, and basic tools. To save money, buy second-hand miniatures or opt for budget-friendly games like Frostgrave.

Q: How long does it take to learn the rules of a miniature wargame?
A: Most gateway games have simple rules that you can learn in a few hours. Complex games like Warhammer 40K may take longer to master, but quick-start guides and beginner tutorials can help you get up to speed.

Q: Do I need to paint my miniatures?
A: While it’s not mandatory to paint your miniatures, painting is a big part of the hobby and adds to the immersive experience. Many players enjoy the creative challenge, and it’s easy to learn with practice.