Have you ever checked the price of a wargame and thought, "There's no way I can afford that"?
You're not the only one. Many people see the high costs and feel discouraged from getting into the hobby. But it doesn't have to be that way.
With some creativity and thoughtful choices, you can build your army and fully enjoy wargaming without breaking the bank.
How to Wargame Inexpensively
There are several steps you can take to start wargaming on a budget. Here are some practical tips to help you get started.
Start with Paper Miniatures
If you're new to wargaming and want to keep costs low, paper miniatures are your perfect starting point.
Websites like One Monk and Junior General offer free paper miniatures you can print at home. All you need is a printer, paper, and scissors.
They might not look as detailed as physical models, but paper minis work great for learning the game. Plus, you can easily replace them with real troops when you have the funds.
Use Household Items as Proxies
Using household items as proxies is a simple way to start wargaming without the extra cost of miniatures. You probably have everything you need lying around.
Bottle caps, poker chips, or even LEGO figures can stand in for your army units. You can mark them with a pen or attach small labels to keep track of different roles.
Some players use chess pieces to represent various unit types. Pawns become infantry, bishops as special units, and rooks as tanks. The tactic works well for casual games while you build out your collection.
Make Your Own Terrain
Creating your own terrain is another effective way to keep wargaming affordable. You can use materials like cardboard, foam, and even household items to build hills, buildings, and obstacles for your battlefield.
For instance, you can turn cardboard boxes into buildings and shape styrofoam into hills or walls with some simple cutting and painting.
Many hobbyists craft rivers, roads, and other landscape features using felt, which you can easily cut into flexible pieces for your game.
Building terrain with inexpensive materials allows you to experiment with shapes, colors, and techniques you may want to use later.
Mix and Match Game Components
You donβt need to buy new miniatures and components for every wargame. Many games have similar mechanics, so you can reuse miniatures, dice, and templates across different systems.
For example, you can take miniatures from Risk or Axis & Allies and use them in other wargames. Itβs a great way to experiment with different combinations to create unique scenarios while keeping your hobby budget-friendly.
Explore all types of wargaming scenarios to find what you like best.
Scale Down Your Game
Wargaming doesn't always require full-scale battles with dozens of miniatures.
Many game systems offer smaller-scale versions, such as skirmish games where you only need a handful of miniatures to play. For example, the Bolt Action wargame allows for skirmish scenarios with fewer units, which means less expense for models.
Another option is to play at a smaller scale, like 15mm or 6mm, where miniatures are less expensive and you need fewer of them. Scaling down your game keeps costs low and saves space when setting up your battlefield.
Try Alternative Miniatures
If paper minis aren't your style, there are other low-cost options for building your armies.
Plastic soldiers from dollar stores or toy shops work well as temporary stand-ins for expensive wargame miniatures. These can be a great way to keep your budget in check while still enjoying the game.
You can also find used miniatures for games like Bolt Action on second hand websites or forums. These deals can help you build a full army without spending much.
Print Your Own Miniatures
Printing your own miniatures can drastically reduce the cost of wargaming while giving you complete control over your army. With the increasing affordability of 3D printers and the availability of downloadable STL files, wargamers can now create high-quality models right at home.
Several websites, such as Thingiverse and MyMiniFactory, offer a wide range of free or inexpensive STL files for tanks, infantry, and even terrain pieces. Once you have the files, all you need is a 3D printer and some basic materials to start producing your miniatures.
Stick to Basic Paints
When starting out, you donβt need an extensive collection of paint to bring your miniatures to life. A few primary colors, along with black, white, and metallics, can go a long way in creating a well-painted army.
You can even look into affordable paint brands, such as craft store acrylics, instead of specialized miniature paints. Over time, you can expand your palette, but starting simple keeps costs down.
Explore Free Rulesets and Open-Source Games
Many miniature wargames come with expensive rulebooks, but you can find high-quality free or open-source options that donβt cost anything. There are plenty of websites offering these, including Wargame Vault, where you can easily download affordable or even free rulesets.
You can also explore systems like One Page Rules and FUBAR, which provide simple yet engaging mechanics for fantasy, sci-fi, and historical wargaming. These games make it easier to get started without feeling overwhelmed by complex rules.
Join a Wargaming Community
Wargaming communities, either local or online, can help you save money. Local clubs or friends often have terrain, miniatures, and other game essentials that you can borrow or share.
Additionally, online forums and groups may have members selling discounted or second hand items, or you might find people looking for trade opportunities. Don't forget to ask experienced wargamers for advice on budget-friendly resources and tips.
Wargaming on Your Budget
Wargaming doesnβt have to be a battle for your wallet. Instead of jumping in with a full army, why not start with just a few essential units and watch your forces grow? Focus on the key pieces to get started, and gradually add more as you march forward.
You can enjoy miniature wargaming without waving a white flag to your budget. Start small, think creatively, and let your collection take shape, one battle at a time.
