Warhammer 40k is a tabletop miniature wargame produced by Games Workshop. Players assemble armies of miniatures representing futuristic armies in the game, then fight against each other using dice. While Warhammer 40k can be a lot of fun, it can also be expensive. Many different games can provide an enjoyable experience without breaking the bank. This article will cover several alternatives to Warhammer 40k, whether you want to play something new or cannot afford some of the pricier tabletop wargames.
What is Warhammer 40k?
Warhammer 40k is a tabletop miniature wargame produced by Games Workshop. Players assemble armies of miniatures representing futuristic armies in the game, then fight against each other using dice. The game is set in the future, and the troops represent different factions vying for control of the galaxy.
The game can be played with various numbers of players but is typically played with two. Each player controls an army, and the game is played on a tabletop with terrain representing the battlefield.
The fictional world is rich in lore that has been developed over many years through numerous novels published by the Black Library. The Black Library is the publishing arm of Games Workshop that is responsible for the chronology set in the Warhammer Universe.
The game can be quite expensive, as players must purchase miniatures for their army, paints, and other materials. In addition, Games Workshop offers many different supplements and expansions that can make the game even more expensive.
Why is Warhammer 40k so popular?
The game is popular because it is a well-established franchise with rich lore. Additionally, the game can be quite tactical, and players must use different strategies to win.
The numerous armies that Warhammer 40k offers are extensive, including but not limited to Space Marines, Chaos Space Marines, Eldar, Orks, and Imperial Guard. Each army has unique units with different abilities. These abilities can be found in Warhammer codexes that provide the lore behind the army, a list of all abilities, and stats of characters and units.
It is not hard to see why Warhammer 40k has established itself as the go-to tabletop wargame for many people. It is hard to see how Warhammer will ever lose its crown as the most popular miniature wargame in the world. It is a deep and complex game that can be pretty rewarding for players who invest the time to learn all the different mechanics. It has something for everyone, whether you are a collector, lore enthusiast, painting fanatic, or want to have fun playing an engaging tabletop game.
The cost of Warhammer is 40k – is it worth it?
The game can be quite expensive, as players must purchase miniatures for their army, paints, and other materials. In addition, Games Workshop offers many different supplements and additional units that can make the game even more expensive.
However, the game is very popular and has a lot of content. The game is constantly updated with new units, expansions, and lore. Additionally, the game is very tactical and can be pretty rewarding for players who invest the time to learn all the different mechanics.
Overall, Warhammer 40k is an excellent game with a lot to offer. It can be expensive, but it is worth the cost if you are looking for a deep and complex game that provides many hours of entertainment.
If you want to learn more about the average cost of Warhammer 40k, then we encourage you to read our article that covers the expenses of Warhammer in an in-depth review.
Alternatives Warhammer Games to Warhammer 40k
Many excellent alternatives to Warhammer 40k can provide an enjoyable experience without breaking the bank.
Blood Bowl (Games Workshop)
Blood Bowl is a tactical miniatures game that simulates a brutal sport played by teams of fantasy creatures. The game is based on American football but has many rules and variations.
The game can be played with two players. Each player must assemble a team of eleven players, and the game is played on a square board with squares representing the playing field. The game’s goal is to score touchdowns by getting the ball into the opponent’s end zone.
The game is from Warhammer, so where is the violence? Well, there is plenty. Players can tackle and injure their opponents. Injuries can be severe, and some players may even die on the playing field. Doing so can reduce the enemy’s team, making it easier for you to score. Your units won’t mind as they know what they are getting themselves into.
Games Workshop produces Blood Bowl, and the game includes many different teams such as Humans, Dwarves, Orcs, Elves, and Skaven.
The game is quite tactical, and players must use different strategies to win. The game can be expensive, with the base game costing £95. Players also have the option to purchase miniatures for their team, paints, and other materials. In addition, Games Workshop offers many different supplements and expansions that can make the game even more expensive. But you don’t need all this; you can purchase the base game.
Necromunda (Games Workshop)
Necromunda is a miniatures game that simulates gang warfare on the planet Necromunda. The game is played with two players but can be played with up to four.
Each player must assemble a gang that is usually limited to 9 units, and the game is played on two different terrains Zone Mortalis (12″ square tiles) or Sector Mechanicus (traditional tabletop terrain usually within a built-up area).
Games Workshop produces Necromunda, and the game includes many different gangs such as The House Goliath Gang, Escher Gang, Van Saar Gang, Orlock Gang, Cawdor Gang, Delaque Gang, Genestealer Cults, Chaos Helot Cults, Corpse Grinder Cults, Venators, Enforcers and Slave Ogryns.
Each character has its own set of abilities, equipment, and even personalities. The game has a campaign focus, allowing you to grow (or wipe out) your team throughout the campaign. This leads to a lot of bitter rivalry between players that can often see their last model burn to death while falling from the top of the building.
If that sounds like a bit of you, you can get the base game for £180. Players also have the option to purchase miniatures for their gang, paints, and other materials. In addition, Games Workshop offers many different supplements and expansions that can make the game even more expensive.
Kill Team (Games Workshop)
This game is similar to Warhammer 40k in that it is a miniature wargame. However, it is much cheaper and can be played in a fraction of the time. In Kill Team, players choose a small team of miniatures (usually 5-10) and fight against each other in quick, brutal battles. The game is simple to learn and a great way to get into miniature wargaming without spending much money.
You can pick up the starter set for £65 from the official Game Workshop site. You can also get the rulebook that will provide the basic rules for playing Kill Team and loads of extra content to keep you entertained.
Discontinued but worth a look…
Mordheim (Games Workshop)
Mordheim is a tactical miniatures game that simulates skirmishes in the ruins of the city of Mordheim. The game is played with two players but can be played with up to four. The skirmish-style match is set after the destruction of Mordheim by the Wyrdstone Comet in the imperial year 2000.
Released in 1999, Games Workshop discontinued the game in 2006. However, this game can easily be picked up online through eBay and is worth playing if you are interested in the lore of Warhammer Fantasy.
Each player must assemble a Warband of between one and twenty models, and the game is played in the ruins of Mordheim through scenery models. Various objectives can be completed, including the collection of Wyrdstone. The goal is to kill the other mercenary teams, earn money and level your team as you outwit your opponents.
Games Workshop produced Mordheim, and the game includes many different warbands such as Humans, Dwarves, Orcs, Witch Hunters, Skaven, and Undead.
Players must use different strategies to win and dominate the other mercenary teams. The game can be expensive, with the base game costing £60. Players also have the option to purchase miniatures for their Warband, paints, and other materials. In addition, Games Workshop offers many different supplements and expansions that can make the game even more expensive.
Dreadfleet (Games Workshop)
Dreadfleet is a tactical miniatures game that simulates a naval battle in the Warhammer Fantasy world. The game is played by two players (up to 10), with each player selected between two alliances; The Grand Alliance or The Dreadfleet.
Each player must assemble a fleet of ships, and the game is played on an ocean-themed mat but can be played on any tabletop surface. The game comes with ten boats (5 for each alliance), with the vessels being split among the players. The competition aims to sink and board the enemy team ships while being impacted by wind, fate, and damage cards.
The game can be expensive as it has been discontinued, costing on average £100. However, you can pick up a steal on eBay, so keep looking for a bargain; many games go for less than £60.
Alternative Non-Warhammer Games to Warhammer 40k
Bolt Action (Warlord Games)
Bolt Action is a WW2 miniatures game that simulates skirmishes between various nations during the second world war. The game is played with two players.
Each player must assemble an army of between twenty-five and fifty models. Games can be played with more or fewer troops based on the choice of the players. Like Warhammer 40k, the game is played on a tabletop with the scenery; this can represent a WW2 battle or whatever your imagination dreams up.
Warlord Games produces Bolt Action, and the game includes many different armies such as The British, The Americans, The Germans, The Russians, and The Japanese.
Players must use different strategies to win, dependent on the objective. These can be found in the rulebook from bolt action but include goals such as demolition, blowing up strategic locations, and capture hold campaigns.
The game can be expensive, with the starter sets costing upwards of £75. Players also have the option to purchase miniatures for their army, paints, and other materials. In addition, Warlord Games offers many different supplements and expansions that can make the game even more expensive.
Flames of War (Battlefront Miniatures)
Flames of War is a WW2 miniatures game that simulates skirmishes between various nations during the second world war. The game is played with two players but can be played with up to four.
Each player must assemble an army of between fifteen and thirty models, and the game is played on a terrain landscape as with Bolt Action.
Battlefront Miniatures produces Flames of War, and the game includes many different armies such as The British, The Americans, The Germans, The Russians, and The Japanese.
Players must use different strategies to win, dependent on the objective. These can be found in the rulebook from Flames of War but include goals such as Annihilation and Seize Ground.
The game can be expensive, with the starter sets costing upwards of £60. Players also have the option to purchase miniatures for their army, paints, and other materials.
X-Wing (Fantasy Flight Games)
If you’re looking for a skirmish-level miniatures game with lots of tactical depth, X-Wing is an excellent choice. It’s set in the Star Wars universe, so you’ll be at home if you’re a franchise fan. The game can be played with just a few ships, making it perfect for smaller groups, and the rules are relatively simple to learn.
Models range from £20 upwards, and you can grab a game mat for £30.
Star Wars: Legion (Fantasy Flight Games)
Another skirmish-level miniatures game, this time set in the ground battles of the Star Wars universe. If you’re more into the movies than the X-Wing games, this is the one for you. Again, the rules are relatively straightforward, and you can start with a small force.
Models range from £20 upwards, and you can get a game mat for around £30.
Star Trek: Attack Wing (WizKids)
Another great option for science fiction fans is Star Trek: Attack Wing. This game uses pre-painted miniatures and is based on a popular television series. The rules are similar to X-Wing, so if you’re already familiar with that game, you’ll have no trouble picking up Attack Wing. Attack Wing can also be played with a smaller number of ships, making it ideal for groups of three or four players.
The base game will cost you £35 and allow you to have a complete game without needing further add-ons. They also offer expansions that can enhance your game.
Heroclix (Wizkids)
If you’re looking for a fast-paced miniatures game with plenty of action, Heroclix is the game for you. It’s based on the popular comic book franchise, and the rules are straightforward to learn. The game can be played with just a few figures, making it perfect for smaller groups.
A starter set will cost you around £25 and include everything you need to start. They also offer expansions that can enhance your game.
This is just a small sample of the many great miniatures games available. With so many options to choose from, you’re sure.
Infinity (Corvus Belli)
Infinity is a skirmish-level miniature wargame set shortly. In the game, players control small squads of highly trained soldiers, called ” operators,” who carry out missions in a world of espionage and military conflict.
The game is played on a three-dimensional board, with terrain that can be used for cover and line of sight. Infinity uses special dice that are rolled to determine the success or failure of an operator’s actions. The game also features unique tokens called “orders,” which are used to give operators special abilities.
The game is played with two players but can be played with two. Each player must assemble an army of between ten and thirty models. Corvus Belli produces Infinity, and the game includes many different armies such as The Human Sphere, The Combined Army, The PanOceania, and The Aleph.
Models are expensive, running at around £30 for a starter set that includes several models. But the models are intricate in detail and are great for those individuals that love futuristic tabletop fantasy games.
Malifaux (Wyrd Miniatures)
If you’re looking for a dark and gothic miniature wargame, look no further than Malifaux. This game pits two players against each other in an alternate-reality Wild West, where the undead walk the earth and magic is throughout the world. With its unique card-based mechanics, Malifaux is a fast-paced, action-packed game that will please any miniature wargamer.
Wyrd Miniatures produces Malifaux, and the game includes many different factions such as The Arcanists, The Guild, The Resurrectionists, and The Neverborn.
The game is quite tactical, and players must use different strategies to win. The game can be expensive, with the base games costing upwards of £40. Players also have the option to purchase miniatures for their crew, paints, and other materials.
Hordes (Privateer Press)
Hordes is a fast-paced, action-packed miniatures game that pits two mighty forces against each other in fierce combat. Players can choose from various factions, each with its unique playstyle. Hordes is perfect for players looking for an aggressive and exciting game.
Privateer Press produces hordes, and the game includes many different factions such as The Circle Orboros, The Legion of Everblight, The Skorne Empire, Grymkin, Minions, and The Trollbloods.
Players must use their armies to achieve different objectives on the battlefield. The game can be expensive, with the base games costing upwards of £40. The cost comes in when you expand your army past the starter kit, but the same can be said for most of the games on this list. Players also have the option to purchase miniatures for their crew, paints, and other materials.
Dropzone Commander (Hawk Wargames)
Dropzone Commander is another miniature wargame that pits two factions against each other in fast-paced battles. The game is played on a smaller scale than Warhammer 40k, meaning that games can be completed in a shorter amount of time. In addition, the game is very competitive and has an intense tournament scene.
Privateer Press produces Hordes, and the game includes many different factions such as The Circle Orboros, The Legion of Everblight, The Skorne, and The Trollbloods.
Dropzone Commander is available as a starter set for £50 from the Hawk Wargames site. The rulebook is also available to purchase separately.
Dystopian Wars (Spartan Games)
Dystopian Wars is another miniature wargame that offers a cheaper, faster alternative to Warhammer 40k. The game can be played with as few as two players, making it perfect for a quick game. In addition, the game has a steampunk aesthetic which sets it apart from other miniature wargames.
The starter set for Dystopian Wars is available for £50 from the Spartan Games site. The rulebook is also available to purchase separately.
How to get started in any of the alternatives listed
Players need to purchase a starter set or the base game to get started in any of the alternatives to Warhammer 40k listed. These can be found online or at local game stores. In addition, players will need to buy miniatures for their army, paints, and other materials. Fantasy Flight Games and Privateer Press offer different supplements and expansions that can make the game even more expensive.
Players can also find tactics and strategies for the game online or in books. Players can use many resources to learn about the game and how to play it. In most cases, players must purchase the official rule books from the manufacturers as the company’s intellectual property rights protect character stats.
Final thoughts on the alternatives to Warhammer 40k
As you can see, many different games can provide an enjoyable experience outside the world of Warhammer. However, you will be hard-pressed if you are looking for a cheaper alternative. Unless you purchase a complete in-box game, collecting miniatures can be pricey but worth every penny! These are just a few recommendations, and many other great games are out there. With so many options available, players will indeed find a game they will enjoy. Thanks for reading! Now go out and get playing!
