Wargaming in General

What is a Wargame?

A wargame is a type of strategic game that simulates battles, often using miniatures. Players command armies or factions, each with their own strengths, weaknesses, and playstyles. Rules dictate how to move your miniatures, engage in combat, and achieve objectives. It’s a unique blend of strategy, chance (with dice rolls), and creativity.

If you’d like to start with an accessible format, explore the Spearhead format, designed for quick games.

Why Play Wargames?

Wargaming has many appeals that attract players from all walks of life:

• Strategy: Every battle is a puzzle requiring thought, anticipation, and adaptation.
• Creativity: You assemble and paint your miniatures, creating an army that reflects your vision.
• Social: Games are often shared experiences with passionate players.
• Immersion: The stories and universes of the games make every battle unique and memorable.

To learn more about the benefits of the hobby, especially for children, check out our dedicated article.

Who Can Play?

Absolutely anyone! Whether you’re an adult looking for a hobby, a teenager fascinated by strategy, or a parent wanting to share an activity with your child, there’s a wargame for you. Games cater to all levels: beginner, intermediate, or expert.

For practical advice on getting started, explore how to begin the hobby.

What Types of Wargames Exist?

There are two main categories:

1. Historical Wargames: These recreate real battles or historical periods.
2. Fantasy or Sci-Fi Wargames: These take place in imaginary worlds, such as Warhammer Age of Sigmar for fantasy or Warhammer 40,000 for science fiction.

A Serious Tool

Wargaming isn’t just a hobby. It is also used by military forces and organizations for training and strategic decision-making:

• The Armed Forces: Militaries worldwide have used war simulations for centuries to train officers, test tactics, and plan complex operations.
• Businesses and Institutions: In fields like crisis management or strategic planning, wargames help model complex scenarios and evaluate different approaches.

These serious applications show that wargaming, beyond being an engaging pastime, can also be a powerful tool for developing essential skills.

What Wargaming Brings

Playing a wargame is much more than just a game. It helps develop valuable skills such as:

• Planning and decision-making.
• Creativity in assembling and painting miniatures.
• Patience and attention to detail.