How to Choose Your First Miniature Wargame
Starting a miniature wargame can be one of the most rewarding parts of the tabletop hobby.
You choose an army, assemble and paint the miniatures, learn how they fight, build terrain, and eventually put everything onto the table against another player.
The difficult part is choosing your first miniature wargame.
Warhammer 40,000 may be the biggest name in the hobby, but it is not automatically the best game for every beginner. Some players would be happier commanding historical armies in Bolt Action, recreating Star Wars battles in Legion, playing rank-and-flank fantasy with Conquest, or beginning with a smaller skirmish game that requires far fewer miniatures.
The best miniature wargame for beginners is therefore not simply the easiest game. It is the game that matches the kind of miniatures you want to paint, the scale of battles you want to play, the amount of time and money you want to invest, and—most importantly—the games people around you actually play.
This complete beginner's guide compares major miniature wargames, explains army games vs skirmish games, looks at cost and hobby commitment, and helps you choose a system you are likely to enjoy long after your first box of miniatures.
Browse fantasy, science-fiction, historical, skirmish, and other miniature wargames at Tistaminis.
Quick Summary
- Best Overall First Wargame: The game with the strongest combination of miniatures you love and players in your local area
- Best for Huge Community and Product Range: Warhammer 40,000
- Best Fantasy Army Game: Warhammer Age of Sigmar
- Best Historical Beginner Game: Bolt Action
- Best Star Wars Wargame: Star Wars: Legion
- Best Large-Scale Fantasy Alternative: Conquest: The Last Argument of Kings
- Best Way Into Conquest With Fewer Models: Conquest: First Blood
- Best for Players Who Want Fewer Miniatures: A skirmish game
- Best for Hobby Painters: Whichever range contains the miniatures you most want to paint
- Best for Competitive Players: Choose a system with an active local tournament community
- Best for Casual Players: Choose the theme and rules style your regular opponent enjoys too
- Most Important Buying Rule: Do not buy a full army before playing or watching the game first.
- Most Important Beginner Advice: Local players matter almost as much as the rules.
What Is a Miniature Wargame?
A miniature wargame is a tabletop game where physical models represent soldiers, heroes, monsters, vehicles, ships, or military units on a battlefield.
Unlike a traditional board game, the battlefield is usually not restricted to a fixed grid.
Players often measure:
- Movement
- Weapon ranges
- Charge distances
- Objective distances
Terrain also plays an important role.
Depending on the Game, Terrain Can:
- Block line of sight
- Provide cover
- Slow movement
- Create chokepoints
- Control objectives
- Change deployment strategies
Miniature wargaming combines several hobbies into one:
- Gaming
- Miniature painting
- Model building
- Army collecting
- Terrain building
- Strategy
- Social gaming
Step 1: Decide What Kind of World You Want to Play In
The first question should not be, "Which game has the simplest rules?"
Ask:
Which miniatures and setting actually make me want to build an army?
Science Fiction
Consider games such as:
- Warhammer 40,000
- Star Wars: Legion
- Infinity
- Warmachine
- Kill Team
- Star Wars: Shatterpoint
Fantasy
Consider:
- Warhammer Age of Sigmar
- Warhammer: The Old World
- Conquest
- Kings of War
- Middle-earth Strategy Battle Game
- Malifaux
Historical
Consider:
- Bolt Action
- Black Powder
- Hail Caesar
- Flames of War
- Team Yankee
- Pike & Shotte
If you love the models, you will be much more motivated to assemble, paint, and learn the army.
Step 2: Army Game or Skirmish Game?
This is one of the most important decisions for a new player.
Army Wargame
Army games typically involve larger forces.
Examples
- Warhammer 40,000
- Age of Sigmar
- Star Wars: Legion
- Bolt Action
- Conquest: The Last Argument of Kings
- Kings of War
Advantages
- Impressive battlefield presence
- Large army collections
- More list-building possibilities
- Vehicles and large monsters
- Long-term collection growth
Disadvantages
- More miniatures to buy
- More painting
- More storage
- Larger playing area
What Is a Skirmish Game?
Skirmish games use much smaller forces.
Examples
- Warhammer 40,000: Kill Team
- Star Wars: Shatterpoint
- Conquest: First Blood
- Malifaux
- Infinity
- Rangers of Shadow Deep
Advantages
- Fewer miniatures required
- Lower hobby commitment
- Faster to paint a complete force
- Easy to collect multiple factions
- Characters often feel individually important
Possible Disadvantages
- Less of the massive-army spectacle
- Individual mistakes may matter more
- Some skirmish games can still have sophisticated rules
Best Beginner Rule
If the thought of painting 40 or 60 miniatures sounds exhausting, start with a skirmish game.
Army Games vs Skirmish Games
| Feature | Army Game | Skirmish Game |
|---|---|---|
| Models Required | Medium–High | Low |
| Painting Commitment | Higher | Lower |
| Storage | More | Less |
| Battle Scale | Large | Small |
| Best For | Army collectors | Character and squad collectors |
Step 3: Check What People Play Locally
This is arguably the most overlooked part of choosing a miniature game.
You can buy the greatest rules system ever designed, but if nobody nearby plays it, you may struggle to get games.
Before Buying, Check:
- Local game stores
- Store event calendars
- Local Facebook groups
- Discord communities
- Local tournaments
- Gaming clubs
- Friends who already play
Ask Your Local Store:
- Which systems have weekly players?
- Which games have tournaments?
- Which beginner nights are available?
- Which armies are commonly stocked?
Why Community Matters
An active local community gives you:
- Opponents
- Rules help
- Painting advice
- Events
- Used-army opportunities
- People to learn alongside
Step 4: Consider the Hobby Commitment
Miniature games are not only games.
Most require some combination of:
- Assembly
- Glue
- Priming
- Painting
- Basing
Ask Yourself:
Do I actually want to paint?
If Yes
Excellent. The hobby side may become one of your favourite parts.
If No
You still have options:
- Play with unpainted miniatures where allowed.
- Use speed-painting techniques.
- Buy painted used armies.
- Hire commission painters.
- Choose games requiring fewer models.
Step 5: Consider Storage
Large miniature collections take up real physical space.
You May Eventually Need:
- Display cabinet
- Army case
- Magnetic transportation box
- Foam case
- Terrain storage
- Paint storage
A skirmish force might fit inside one small box.
Several full armies plus terrain can occupy an entire room.
Step 6: Decide How Competitive You Want to Be
Not everyone plays miniature games for the same reason.
Narrative Player
You may care about:
- Story
- Themed armies
- Campaigns
- Interesting scenarios
Casual Player
You may mainly want:
- Games with friends
- Fun army lists
- Cool miniatures
Competitive Player
You may care more about:
- Balanced missions
- Tournaments
- List optimization
- Regular rules updates
- Active organized play
Choose a game with a community that matches how seriously you want to approach competition.
The Best Miniature Wargames for Beginners
There is no universal ranking, but the following systems are strong places to begin depending on what you want from the hobby.
1. Warhammer 40,000 – Best Overall Community and Selection
Warhammer 40,000 is the most recognizable miniature wargame in the world.
Its setting combines:
- Space Marines
- Orks
- Chaos
- Tyranids
- Aeldari
- T'au
- Necrons
- Imperial armies
- Alien civilizations
Why It Is Good for Beginners
- Huge player community
- Large product range
- Many starter products
- Extensive tutorials online
- Strong local event support
- Easy to find opponents in many areas
Combat Patrol
Combat Patrol provides a smaller format for players who do not immediately want to build a full large army.
This makes it a practical bridge between buying your first miniatures and eventually playing larger Warhammer 40K games.
Possible Drawbacks
- Large full armies can become expensive.
- The product range can initially feel overwhelming.
- Competitive play can involve frequent list changes.
- Large armies require substantial painting time.
Who Should Start 40K?
Choose Warhammer 40K if you:
- Love science fiction.
- Want the largest possible army selection.
- Want a strong chance of finding opponents.
- Enjoy collecting over several years.
- Want both casual and competitive play.
Beginner Rating: Excellent
2. Warhammer Age of Sigmar – Best Fantasy Army Game for Beginners
Warhammer Age of Sigmar takes the large-army Warhammer concept into a high-fantasy universe.
You Can Collect:
- Stormcast Eternals
- Orruks
- Skaven
- Chaos warriors
- Undead armies
- Aelves
- Daemons
- Ogor Mawtribes
- Seraphon
- Many other factions
Why Beginners May Prefer Age of Sigmar
If fantasy creatures, monsters, armour, magic, and gods interest you more than tanks and guns, Age of Sigmar may be far more motivating than Warhammer 40K.
Spearhead
Spearhead provides a smaller entry point using preselected forces and a reduced battlefield format.
Best For:
- Fantasy fans
- Monster painters
- Large-army collectors
- Players wanting Warhammer without science fiction
Beginner Rating: Excellent
3. Bolt Action – Best Historical Wargame for Beginners
Bolt Action is one of the easiest historical games to recommend to someone entering miniature wargaming.
The game focuses primarily on World War II ground combat.
Armies Include:
- United States
- Germany
- Britain and Commonwealth
- Soviet Union
- Imperial Japan
- France
- Italy
- Other forces and theatres
Why It Is Beginner Friendly
- Recognizable historical setting
- Strong plastic miniature range
- Dedicated starter sets
- Infantry and vehicles are easy to understand conceptually.
- Random order activation keeps both players involved.
Order Dice
One of Bolt Action's defining mechanics uses order dice drawn from a bag.
This helps determine which side activates next.
Instead of knowing one entire army will always act before the other, the sequence can change from round to round.
Best For:
- World War II fans
- Historical model builders
- Players who enjoy infantry and tanks
- Players wanting an alternative to fantasy or science fiction
Beginner Rating: Excellent
4. Star Wars: Legion – Best Licensed Wargame for Beginners
Star Wars: Legion lets you build tabletop armies from across the Star Wars universe.
You Can Field Forces Such As:
- Galactic Empire
- Rebel Alliance
- Galactic Republic
- Separatist Alliance
- Various mercenary options
Why It Appeals to Beginners
You already understand much of the setting.
You know what Stormtroopers, Clone Troopers, Jedi, battle droids, and AT-STs are before opening the rulebook.
Gameplay Focuses On:
- Objective control
- Unit positioning
- Cover
- Suppression
- Command choices
- Heroes supporting armies
Best For:
- Star Wars fans
- Players who want recognizable characters
- Traditional miniature gamers
- Players who enjoy infantry and vehicles
Beginner Rating: Very Good
5. Conquest: First Blood – Best Gateway Into Conquest
Conquest: First Blood is the skirmish-scale game set in Para Bellum's fantasy world of Conquest.
It is particularly interesting for beginners because a smaller warband can later become the foundation of a larger Conquest collection.
Why Start With First Blood?
- Smaller model count
- Lower initial hobby commitment
- Multiple distinct factions
- Miniatures can contribute toward a larger army
- Good way to test the setting before committing heavily
Conquest Factions Include:
- Hundred Kingdoms
- Spires
- Dweghom
- Nords
- Old Dominion
- W'adrhŭn
- City States
- Sorcerer Kings
- Weaver Courts
- Yoroni
Best For:
- Fantasy players
- Players who enjoy larger miniatures
- People interested in eventually building rank-and-flank armies
- Players who want something outside the Warhammer ecosystem
Beginner Rating: Very Good
6. Conquest: The Last Argument of Kings – Best for Epic Fantasy Armies
The Last Argument of Kings is the larger rank-and-flank Conquest game.
Units fight in organized regiments rather than operating as independent individual miniatures.
The Appeal
- Large fantasy battles
- Impressive formations
- Distinct faction identities
- Larger miniature scale
- Strategic regiment movement
Beginner Consideration
It requires more models than First Blood, so new players may prefer beginning with a warband before moving into the full army game.
Beginner Rating: Good if you specifically want rank-and-flank fantasy
7. Kings of War – Best for Straightforward Mass Fantasy Battles
Kings of War from Mantic Games focuses on large fantasy armies fighting in regimented formations.
Why Players Like It
- Mass-battle feel
- Large units
- Streamlined army interactions
- Wide selection of fantasy factions
- Strong focus on battlefield manoeuvring
Best For:
- Fantasy army collectors
- Rank-and-flank fans
- Players who enjoy large formations
- Former fantasy wargamers looking for alternatives
Beginner Rating: Good
8. Middle-earth Strategy Battle Game – Best for Tolkien Fans
The Middle-earth Strategy Battle Game recreates battles from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.
Armies and Characters Include:
- Gondor
- Rohan
- Mordor
- Elves
- Dwarves
- Orcs
- Goblins
- Hobbits
- Famous heroes and villains
Why It Appeals to Beginners
A player already familiar with Tolkien immediately understands many of the factions and characters.
Best For:
- Lord of the Rings fans
- Narrative gamers
- Scenario players
- Character-focused collectors
Beginner Rating: Very Good for Tolkien fans
9. Warhammer 40,000: Kill Team – Best Warhammer Entry With Fewer Models
Kill Team is a strong alternative for someone who loves Warhammer 40K models but does not want to begin with an entire army.
Instead of an Army:
You control a small specialist team.
Advantages
- Fewer models
- Faster hobby completion
- Detailed individual operatives
- Dense tactical terrain
- Easy to own several teams
Important
Kill Team is not simply "small Warhammer 40K."
It has its own rules and tactical structure.
Best For:
- 40K fans with limited hobby time
- Skirmish players
- People who enjoy detailed squads
- Players who want to collect multiple factions
Beginner Rating: Very Good
10. Star Wars: Shatterpoint – Best for Character-Focused Star Wars Gaming
Star Wars: Shatterpoint is another excellent option when you want fewer models.
Instead of commanding armies, players field squads built around famous Star Wars characters.
Why Beginners May Prefer It
- Low miniature count
- Larger models
- Recognizable characters
- Strong hobby appeal
- No need to paint an entire army
Best For:
- Star Wars fans
- Character painters
- Skirmish gamers
- Players who prefer heroes to armies
Beginner Rating: Very Good
11. Flames of War – Best for 15mm World War II Battles
Flames of War also covers World War II but at a smaller miniature scale than Bolt Action.
This changes the feel considerably.
Bolt Action
Focuses more heavily on individual soldiers and squads.
Flames of War
Allows more tanks, infantry formations, artillery, and battlefield elements on the table.
Best For:
- WWII enthusiasts
- Tank fans
- Players who want larger battles
- Historical hobbyists comfortable painting smaller models
Beginner Rating: Good
12. Team Yankee – Best for Modern 15mm Warfare
Team Yankee uses a similar broad scale to Flames of War but moves into a hypothetical Cold War conflict.
Expect:
- Modern tanks
- Helicopters
- Infantry fighting vehicles
- Missiles
- Modern infantry
Best For:
- Cold War enthusiasts
- Modern military fans
- Tank collectors
- Players who enjoy 15mm armies
Beginner Rating: Good for players already attracted to the setting
13. Infinity – Best for Deep Tactical Sci-Fi Skirmishing
Infinity is a science-fiction skirmish game known for highly detailed miniatures and interactive tactical gameplay.
Strengths
- Small model counts
- Detailed metal miniatures
- Strong science-fiction aesthetic
- Deep tactical interactions
- Terrain-heavy battlefields
Beginner Consideration
Low model count does not necessarily mean simple rules.
Infinity can be tactically demanding and rewards players who enjoy learning detailed interactions.
Beginner Rating: Moderate
14. Malifaux – Best for Characterful Alternative Skirmishing
Malifaux combines horror, steampunk, fantasy, western influences, and strange supernatural characters.
Why It Is Different
Malifaux uses cards instead of traditional dice for many game mechanics.
Strengths
- Small crews
- Highly distinctive miniatures
- Unique setting
- Character-focused strategies
Best For:
- Experienced board/card gamers
- Players looking for something different
- Character painters
- Skirmish fans
Beginner Rating: Moderate
15. Warmachine – Best for Combo-Focused Fantasy/Sci-Fi Combat
Warmachine combines warcasters, warjacks, armies, magic, machinery, and faction-specific combinations.
Appeals To Players Who Enjoy:
- Powerful character abilities
- Mechanical war machines
- Synergistic unit interactions
- Combo-driven strategy
- Competitive play
Beginner Consideration
The game rewards understanding how units interact, which can create a steeper initial learning curve than some beginner-focused systems.
Beginner Rating: Moderate
Which Wargame Has the Easiest Miniatures to Paint?
There is no universal answer, but some armies are naturally easier to batch paint.
Easier Characteristics
- Large armour panels
- Uniform colour schemes
- Repeated infantry designs
- Models that respond well to drybrushing
- Models designed for Speedpaint or Contrast-style workflows
Potentially More Time-Consuming
- Highly individualized characters
- Complex heraldry
- Many exposed faces
- Detailed historical uniforms
- Models with many different materials and colours
However, you should still choose models you actually want to paint.
Which Wargame Is Cheapest to Start?
Generally, skirmish games require the smallest initial model purchase.
Lower Initial Commitment
- Kill Team
- Shatterpoint
- Conquest: First Blood
- Malifaux
- Infinity starter forces
Higher Long-Term Commitment
- Warhammer 40K
- Age of Sigmar
- Star Wars: Legion
- Conquest: The Last Argument of Kings
- Large historical armies
But starter price is not the entire story.
A game with an active local community that you play every week may offer far better value than a cheaper system that stays on your shelf.
What Do You Actually Need to Start Miniature Wargaming?
The exact products depend on the system, but a typical beginner setup includes:
- Miniatures
- Rules
- Dice
- Measuring tool
- Tokens or markers
- Opponent
- Terrain
For the Hobby Side:
- Sprue cutters
- Hobby knife
- Glue
- Primer
- Paint
- Brushes
Many starter boxes include some of the gaming accessories but not all hobby tools.
Should Your First Purchase Be a Starter Set?
Often, yes.
Two-Player Starter Sets Are Excellent When:
- You are starting with a friend.
- You like both included factions.
- The box includes rules and accessories.
- You want the best possible entry value.
Single-Faction Starter Sets Are Better When:
- You already know which army you want.
- You already have opponents.
- You do not need miniatures for a second faction.
Do Not Buy a Starter Set Just Because It Says Starter
If you dislike both armies inside, buy the faction you actually want instead.
Should You Split a Starter Box?
Yes, when the box contains two factions and you only want one.
Benefits
- Lower starting cost
- Both players get armies
- Shared rules and accessories
This is one of the easiest ways for two friends to begin a new wargame together.
Should You Buy a Used Army?
A used army can be one of the best values in miniature gaming.
Advantages
- Lower cost
- Models may already be assembled.
- Models may already be painted.
- Large force immediately available
Check:
- Current legality
- Missing components
- Model condition
- Assembly quality
- Paint thickness
- Whether the army actually matches your preferred play style
Beginner Warning
Do not buy a gigantic used collection purely because the price looks good.
A smaller force you understand is usually a better starting point.
How Many Miniatures Should You Buy at First?
As few as necessary to start playing.
Better Approach
- Buy starter force.
- Assemble it.
- Paint at least some of it.
- Play games.
- Learn what the army lacks.
- Expand deliberately.
Bad Approach
- Buy 3,000 points immediately.
- Build 20% of it.
- Become overwhelmed.
- Start another faction.
This is how miniature backlogs grow extremely quickly.
Should You Choose an Army Based on Power?
Usually not for your first army.
Why?
Competitive strength changes.
Rules are updated.
Points change.
New units release.
Armies that are extremely powerful today may become average later.
Choose Based On:
- Miniatures
- Theme
- Play style
- Hobby appeal
You will probably own the miniatures longer than the current competitive meta lasts.
Should You Choose an Army Based on Lore?
Absolutely.
Lore provides motivation to:
- Build themed armies
- Name characters
- Create custom bases
- Choose paint schemes
- Play narrative campaigns
For many players, attachment to the faction's story becomes more important than its rules.
How Important Is Model Count?
Very.
Low Model Count
Advantages:
- Faster painting
- Easier transport
- Less storage
High Model Count
Advantages:
- Impressive army appearance
- Mass-battle feeling
- Large formations
If you dislike repetitive batch painting, avoid starting with an enormous horde army.
How Important Is Game Length?
Do not ignore how much time you realistically have.
If You Usually Have One Hour
A compact skirmish game may fit your life better.
If You Enjoy Full Afternoons of Gaming
Large army games become more practical.
Consider:
- Setup time
- Actual playtime
- Cleanup
- Travel
How Important Is Terrain?
Some games require significantly more terrain than others.
Dense Terrain Games
Often include:
- Kill Team
- Infinity
- Shatterpoint
Open Battlefield Games
Historical and rank-and-flank systems may use more:
- Hills
- Forests
- Fields
- Walls
- Buildings
Store Gaming Helps
If you play primarily at a local game store, the store may already provide tables and terrain.
This can significantly reduce the cost of starting.
Best First Wargame by Player Type
| You Are... | Consider... |
|---|---|
| Science-fiction fan | Warhammer 40K |
| Fantasy fan | Age of Sigmar |
| World War II fan | Bolt Action |
| Star Wars fan | Star Wars: Legion |
| Want fewer models | Kill Team / Shatterpoint / First Blood |
| Want epic ranked fantasy armies | Conquest / Kings of War / The Old World |
| Tolkien fan | Middle-earth Strategy Battle Game |
| Want detailed sci-fi tactics | Infinity |
| Want unusual character skirmishing | Malifaux |
| Want large 15mm tank battles | Flames of War / Team Yankee |
Best Beginner Wargame If You Already Play Board Games
Board gamers may be comfortable with rules but unfamiliar with miniature hobby work.
Good Options
- Kill Team
- Shatterpoint
- First Blood
- Malifaux
Smaller forces make it easier to discover whether you enjoy miniature assembly and painting before committing to a full army.
Best Beginner Wargame If You Already Paint Miniatures
If painting is already your hobby, model count may be less intimidating.
Consider:
- Warhammer 40K
- Age of Sigmar
- Conquest
- Bolt Action
- Star Wars: Legion
Choose whichever range contains the models you most want to paint.
Best Beginner Wargame If You Already Play TCGs
Trading card players often understand:
- Meta changes
- List optimization
- Resource management
- Competitive events
The bigger transition is physical movement and spatial strategy.
Good Options
- Kill Team
- Shatterpoint
- Warhammer 40K
- Star Wars: Legion
Best Beginner Wargame for Couples
Choose something both players are excited about.
Good Strategy
- Choose a shared setting.
- Pick different factions.
- Split a starter set if appropriate.
- Build and paint together.
- Learn using smaller games.
A two-player starter box can be excellent value when both players genuinely want the included forces.
Best Beginner Wargame for Families
Consider:
- Model durability
- Rules complexity
- Game length
- Child's interest in painting
- Amount of fragile terrain
Starting with small forces is usually easier than immediately introducing a large tournament-format game.
How to Test a Wargame Before Buying
Watch a Battle Report
Seeing an actual game is more useful than only reading the product description.
Watch a Learn-to-Play Video
Look at:
- Turn structure
- Dice mechanics
- Movement
- Army activation
- Objectives
Ask for a Demo
Local stores and gaming communities may run demonstrations.
Borrow an Army
Many experienced players have more than one army and may be happy to teach someone new.
Play a Small Game
You do not need tournament-size armies to decide whether the basic rules are enjoyable.
The Best Beginner Buying Strategy
Step 1: Pick Three Games
Choose the three settings that interest you most.
Step 2: Check Local Communities
Eliminate systems you will struggle to play regularly unless you already have an opponent.
Step 3: Watch Gameplay
See which turn structure looks enjoyable.
Step 4: Choose a Faction
Pick based primarily on models and theme.
Step 5: Buy the Smallest Useful Starter
Avoid purchasing a complete army immediately.
Step 6: Build Everything
Do not expand before assembling the first models.
Step 7: Play
Learn what you actually enjoy.
Step 8: Expand Slowly
Buy the next unit because it solves a need or because you genuinely love the model.
Common Beginner Wargaming Mistakes
1. Buying the Strongest Army
Competitive power changes. Models remain.
2. Buying Too Much Immediately
A wall of unbuilt boxes can turn excitement into obligation.
3. Ignoring the Local Community
Games need opponents.
4. Choosing a Game Only Because It Is Popular
Popularity is useful, but you still need to enjoy the setting.
5. Choosing a Tiny Game Because It Looks Cheap
A low model count does not automatically mean simple rules.
6. Choosing an Army You Hate Painting
You will spend a lot of time looking at those miniatures.
7. Expecting to Paint Like the Box Art Immediately
Your first army is also a learning project.
8. Buying Every Hobby Tool at Once
Start with the essentials.
9. Building a Tournament Army Before Learning the Game
Play smaller games first.
10. Starting Multiple Armies Simultaneously
Finish a playable force before beginning the next one.
11. Ignoring Transportation
Eventually your army needs to travel safely.
12. Forgetting Terrain
A miniature game needs a battlefield, not only miniatures.
Beginner Hobby Tools You Actually Need
Essential
- Sprue cutters
- Hobby knife or mould-line tool
- Appropriate glue
- Primer
- Several paints
- Two or three useful brushes
Useful Later
- Wet palette
- Pin vise
- Files
- Sanding tools
- Painting handles
- Airbrush
You do not need a professional hobby studio before assembling your first unit.
Should Beginners Use Speedpaint?
Speedpaint, Contrast-style paints, washes, and drybrushing can be extremely useful for getting an army onto the table quickly.
They Are Particularly Good For:
- Cloth
- Fur
- Skin
- Organic textures
- Large infantry units
- Historical uniforms
Traditional layering is not required for every miniature in your first army.
Do You Need to Paint Your Army Before Playing?
This depends on where and how you play.
Casual games often allow unfinished miniatures, while particular tournaments or events may have painting requirements.
Good Beginner Goal
Get the army assembled first.
Then paint it gradually while learning the game.
You do not need to delay playing for months while trying to create competition-level paint jobs.
How Long Does It Take to Build a First Army?
That depends heavily on:
- Model count
- Assembly complexity
- Painting style
- Experience
- How many hours you hobby each week
A small skirmish force can potentially be completed far sooner than a mass infantry army.
Do Not Rush Because Other Players Have Finished Collections
Many experienced players have spent years building their armies.
Is Miniature Wargaming Expensive?
It can be, but the cost is heavily influenced by how you collect.
You Can Control Cost By:
- Starting small
- Buying starter sets
- Splitting two-player boxes
- Buying used miniatures
- Avoiding unnecessary duplicate tools
- Finishing one army before starting another
The Biggest Cost Mistake
Buying miniatures faster than you can build and use them.
How to Know When to Expand Your Army
Expand when:
- Your current models are assembled.
- You understand the basic game.
- You know what your army needs.
- You want to play larger games.
- You genuinely want the next unit.
Do not expand simply because a large pile of boxes feels like progress.
Recommended Beginner Paths
I Want Warhammer 40K
- Choose a faction.
- Start with a beginner or Combat Patrol-sized product.
- Build the models.
- Learn using smaller games.
- Expand toward the full game gradually.
I Want Fantasy
- Compare Age of Sigmar, Conquest, Kings of War, and The Old World.
- Decide whether you prefer loose formations or ranked regiments.
- Choose a faction based on models.
- Start with a small playable force.
I Want Historical Gaming
- Choose a historical period.
- For WWII, compare Bolt Action and Flames of War.
- Choose the miniature scale you prefer.
- Start with infantry before buying large numbers of vehicles.
I Want Star Wars
- Choose Legion if you want armies.
- Choose Shatterpoint if you want characters.
- Pick favourite faction or characters.
- Start with a core force.
I Don't Want to Paint 50 Models
- Choose a skirmish game.
- Look at Kill Team, Shatterpoint, First Blood, Infinity, or Malifaux.
- Buy one team or crew.
- Finish it before buying another.
The Beginner Wargame Checklist
- Do I love the setting?
- Do I like the miniatures?
- Does someone nearby play it?
- Do I want army-scale or skirmish gameplay?
- How many models do I want to paint?
- How much space do I have?
- How long do I want games to last?
- Do I want casual or competitive play?
- Is there a starter product for the faction I like?
- Have I watched actual gameplay?
- Can I try a demonstration game?
- Am I comfortable with the hobby commitment?
If you can answer those questions, choosing your first game becomes considerably easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best miniature wargame for beginners?
There is no universal best game. Warhammer 40,000 is an excellent choice for community size and product variety, Bolt Action is particularly approachable for WWII fans, Star Wars: Legion is strong for Star Wars fans, and skirmish games such as Kill Team, Shatterpoint, and First Blood require fewer miniatures.
Is Warhammer 40K good for beginners?
Yes. Warhammer 40,000 has a large player community, extensive beginner content, starter products, and smaller-format ways to begin before building a large army.
What is the easiest historical miniature wargame to start?
Bolt Action is one of the strongest beginner choices for World War II gaming because it has dedicated starter sets, a large miniature range, recognizable armies, and an active rules system.
What miniature game requires the fewest models?
Skirmish systems generally require fewer miniatures than army games. Kill Team, Star Wars: Shatterpoint, Conquest: First Blood, Malifaux, and Infinity are examples worth considering.
Should I start with a skirmish game or an army game?
Choose a skirmish game if you want a smaller painting commitment and fewer miniatures. Choose an army game if large formations, vehicles, monsters, and building a substantial collection are major parts of the appeal.
Should I choose my first army based on how strong it is?
Usually not. Rules, points, and competitive balance change over time. Choose an army whose miniatures, theme, and play style you enjoy enough to collect for years.
How many miniatures should I buy when starting?
Buy the smallest useful playable force. Assemble it, play games, and understand the army before purchasing a much larger collection.
Do I need to paint miniatures before playing?
That depends on the event and gaming group. Casual games often allow unfinished miniatures, while some organized events have painting requirements. Check local rules before attending.
Are skirmish games cheaper than full wargames?
They usually require fewer miniatures initially, which can lower the starting cost. Long-term spending still depends on how many factions, terrain sets, and hobby supplies you decide to collect.
Is Bolt Action easier to start than Warhammer?
They provide different experiences. Bolt Action can be straightforward for players already interested in World War II, while Warhammer offers larger communities and extensive beginner support. The better choice depends on your preferred setting and local opponents.
Should I buy a starter set or individual miniatures?
Starter sets are often excellent value if you want the included factions and accessories. If the starter does not contain the army you want, buying a faction-specific starting force may be the better option.
Where can I buy miniature wargames in Canada?
You can browse Warhammer, Bolt Action, Star Wars, Conquest, historical games, fantasy games, skirmish systems, and other miniature wargames online or in store at Tistaminis.
Final Verdict: What Should Your First Miniature Wargame Be?
The best first miniature wargame is the one that makes you excited to build the models, paint the army, learn the rules, and keep playing.
If you want the largest community and an enormous selection of factions, Warhammer 40,000 remains one of the safest starting points. Its smaller beginner formats also mean you do not need to jump directly into a massive army.
If fantasy appeals more than science fiction, look toward Age of Sigmar for large free-form battles or Conquest, Kings of War, and The Old World if ranked formations are what you imagine when you think about fantasy warfare.
If history is your main interest, Bolt Action is one of the strongest places to start. Its WWII setting, plastic infantry, vehicles, and dedicated starter products create a natural bridge between historical modelling and tabletop gaming.
Star Wars fans should look at Legion when they want armies or Shatterpoint when they want smaller groups of iconic characters.
If the idea of painting an entire army is the biggest thing stopping you from starting, choose a skirmish game. Kill Team, Shatterpoint, First Blood, Infinity, and Malifaux can provide complete miniature-gaming experiences with much smaller collections.
Most importantly, check your local gaming community before making a major purchase. Having regular opponents, beginner events, and experienced players willing to teach you can transform an intimidating rules system into an easy hobby to learn.
Then resist the temptation to buy everything immediately.
Start with one small force. Assemble it. Paint some models. Play several games. Learn what you enjoy.
Once you understand the game, building the rest of the army becomes considerably easier—and every future purchase has a purpose.
Browse miniature wargames at Tistaminis and explore science-fiction, fantasy, historical, and skirmish systems to find the tabletop game that fits the way you actually want to play.
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