Introduction
Command armies, rewrite history, and test your tactical skills against opponents from around the world. Wartable games more commonly known as wargames offer an immersive blend of strategy, history, and social interaction that has captivated players for decades.
Whether you’re drawn to recreating famous battles from World War II or commanding futuristic armies in sci-fi conflicts, wargaming provides a unique hobby that combines intellectual challenge with hands-on creativity. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to enter this fascinating world, from understanding the basics to mastering advanced strategies.
By the end of this post, you’ll have a clear roadmap for starting your wargaming journey and joining a community of passionate strategists who share your love for tactical gameplay.
What Are Wartable Games?
Wartable Games is a form of strategic simulation that allows players to recreate military conflicts using rules, dice, and various game components. Unlike traditional board games, wargames emphasize realistic tactical decision-making and often incorporate historical scenarios or fictional military campaigns.
The appeal of wargaming lies in its unique combination of elements. Players must think several moves ahead, manage resources effectively, and adapt to changing battlefield conditions. This creates a deeply engaging experience that challenges both analytical thinking and creative problem-solving skills.
The roots of modern wargaming trace back to 19th-century Prussia, where military officers used kriegsspiel (war games) for training purposes. H.G. Wells popularized civilian wargaming with his 1913 book “Little Wars,” which established many conventions still used today. The hobby evolved significantly during the 1960s and 1970s, with companies like Avalon Hill producing accessible games for the general public.
Digital technology has transformed wargaming without replacing its physical counterpart. Many enthusiasts appreciate the tactile experience of moving pieces, rolling dice, and interacting face-to-face with opponents. This tangible aspect creates a more immersive and social experience than purely digital alternatives.
Types of Wargames
Tabletop Wargames
Board-based wargames use hex grids or area movement systems to represent terrain and unit positioning. These games typically focus on strategic-level decision making rather than individual unit details.
Popular examples include “Advanced Squad Leader,” which simulates World War II tactical combat, and “Twilight Struggle,” covering the Cold War era through card-driven mechanics. These games often feature complex rule systems that reward careful study and repeated play.
Miniature Wargames
Miniature wargaming involves painted metal or plastic figures representing individual soldiers, vehicles, or fantasy creatures. Players measure distances and line of sight directly on tabletop terrain, creating visually stunning battlefields.
“Warhammer 40,000” dominates the sci-fi miniature market with its dystopian setting and elaborate model range. Historical options include “Bolt Action” for World War II skirmishes and “Black Powder” for Napoleonic-era battles. These games combine tactical gameplay with the artistic hobby of model painting and terrain building.
Historical Wargames
Historical wargames recreate specific battles or entire campaigns from military history. They prioritize accuracy and educational value while maintaining engaging gameplay mechanics.
“Combat Commander” series covers World War II infantry combat with card-driven uncertainty that simulates the fog of war. “Here I Stand” allows up to six players to control major European powers during the 16th century, incorporating political and religious elements alongside military conflict.
Many historical wargames include extensive designer notes explaining their research methodology and historical interpretations. This educational component attracts players interested in learning about military history through interactive simulation.
Getting Started with Wargaming
Essential Materials
Basic wargaming requires minimal initial investment. Most games include all necessary components: game boards or maps, playing pieces, dice, and rulebooks. A flat playing surface and adequate lighting complete the basic setup.
Storage solutions become important as your collection grows. Plastic containers, tackle boxes, and specialized gaming cases help organize components and protect valuable games during transport.
Choosing Your First Game
New players should prioritize games with clear rulebooks and active player communities. Complexity ratings help identify appropriate starting points—look for games rated as beginner or intermediate difficulty.
Consider your historical interests and preferred game length. Some wargames conclude within two hours, while others require multiple sessions spanning several days. “Memoir ’44” offers an excellent introduction to World War II tactical gaming with streamlined rules and high-quality components.
“Commands & Colors: Ancients” provides similar accessibility for ancient warfare enthusiasts. Both games use card-driven activation systems that create tactical decisions without overwhelming new players with complex rules.
Learning the Rules
Wargame rules can appear intimidating, but systematic approaches make learning manageable. Start by reading the basic game concepts and victory conditions before diving into detailed mechanics.
Many games include tutorial scenarios specifically designed for learning. These shorter engagements introduce core concepts gradually while providing immediate gameplay satisfaction.
Online resources significantly accelerate the learning process. Video tutorials, rules clarifications, and player aids are widely available for popular games. Board Game Geek hosts extensive databases of player-created content for virtually every published wargame.
Community and Events
Benefits of Local Gaming Groups
Joining established gaming groups provides immediate access to experienced players willing to teach newcomers. Most groups welcome beginners and maintain collections of popular games for shared use.
Local game stores often host regular wargaming nights where players gather for scheduled sessions. These events create opportunities to try different games before purchasing and to find regular opponents for longer campaigns.
Gaming groups also facilitate access to larger, more complex games that require multiple players or extended time commitments. Epic games like “Advanced Civilization” or “Here I Stand” become feasible when groups coordinate multi-session campaigns.
Conventions and Tournaments
Wargaming conventions offer immersive experiences featuring vendors, tournaments, and demonstration games. Major events like GenCon, Origins, and ConsimWorld Expo attract thousands of enthusiasts annually.
Conventions provide opportunities to meet game designers, participate in organized tournaments, and preview upcoming releases. Many conventions feature flee markets where collectors trade rare or out-of-print games.
Regional conventions often focus on specific historical periods or game systems. These smaller events create intimate settings for deep exploration of specialized interests within the broader wargaming hobby.
Advanced Strategies and Skills
Tactical Development
Successful wargaming requires understanding probability, resource management, and positional advantage. Study classic military principles like concentration of force, economy of action, and maintaining reserves.
Analyze your games systematically by reviewing key decisions and their outcomes. Many experienced players maintain gaming journals to track lessons learned and strategic insights.
Playing against stronger opponents accelerates improvement more than repeated victories against weaker competition. Seek out challenging opponents and don’t fear losing—each defeat provides valuable learning opportunities.
Scenario Design
Creating custom scenarios extends game longevity and allows exploration of hypothetical situations. Start by modifying existing scenarios before attempting completely original designs.
Historical research adds authenticity to custom scenarios. Primary sources, military histories, and academic works provide inspiration and factual foundations for new challenges.
Playtesting remains crucial for balanced scenario design. Initial versions rarely achieve perfect balance, so iterate based on player feedback and observed outcomes.
Miniature Painting and Terrain Building
Painted miniatures and detailed terrain transform gaming tables into immersive battlefields. Start with basic techniques using starter paint sets and gradually develop more advanced skills.
Terrain building uses everyday materials like foam board, modeling paste, and natural elements to create realistic landscapes. Online tutorials demonstrate techniques for forests, rivers, buildings, and other battlefield features.
The creative aspects of miniature painting and terrain construction provide relaxing breaks from competitive gaming while enhancing the visual appeal of future battles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to start wargaming?
Entry-level wargames typically cost between $30-60, making initial investment quite reasonable. However, the hobby can become expensive as collections grow, particularly for miniature games requiring painted figures and terrain.
How long do wargames take to play?
Game length varies dramatically by type and complexity. Simple wargames might conclude within one hour, while complex historical simulations can require 20+ hours across multiple sessions. Most popular games fall within the 2-4 hour range.
Do I need to know military history to enjoy wargaming?
Historical knowledge enhances appreciation but isn’t required for enjoyment. Many games include historical background information, and playing often sparks interest in learning more about depicted conflicts and periods.
Can I play wargames solo?
Many wargames include solo play systems or adapt well to solitaire play. Dedicated solo wargames provide challenging AI-like opponents for players who prefer gaming alone or lack regular opponents.
Are wargames suitable for children?
Age-appropriate wargames exist for younger players, though most wargames target adult audiences due to complexity and thematic content. Games like “Memoir ’44” work well for mature children interested in history and strategy.
Your Journey into Strategic Gaming Begins Now
Wargaming offers a unique blend of intellectual challenge, historical education, and social interaction that few hobbies can match. The journey from curious beginner to skilled strategist provides years of engaging entertainment and continuous learning opportunities.
Start small with an accessible introductory game that matches your historical interests and available time. Connect with local gaming groups or online communities to find opponents and mentors. Most importantly, embrace the learning process—every game teaches valuable lessons about strategy, history, and decision-making under pressure.
The wargaming community welcomes newcomers with enthusiasm and patience. Your first game might feel overwhelming, but experienced players remember their own beginnings and generally offer generous assistance to those willing to learn.
Take the first step by visiting your local game store or researching online retailers. The perfect introductory wargame awaits, ready to launch your tactical gaming adventure.
