You're staring at your battlefield, ready to deploy your army, and something's missing. Where's the tape measure? Or the dice? Are you missing that one marker you always forget?
As a wargamer, you want a kit that covers the essentials-tools you'll actually use every game. But what should you pack? What's truly necessary, and what's just extra clutter?
Let's talk about the must-haves for dedicated wargamers.
The Wargaming Essentials You Need
Measuring Tools
Nothing halts the heat of battle like realizing you don't have a way to measure distances.
A classic tape measure works, but dedicated wargaming rulers are built for precision. Compact and easy to handle, these tools help you quickly gauge firing ranges, unit movement, or objectives. Some games, like Warlord Games Bolt Action, even include sticks or rulers in their starter sets.
Pro tip: Invest in a dual-inch/centimeter ruler for ultimate versatility. It's practical, and it lets you avoid "close enough" debates.
Objective Markers
Paper scraps and coins ruin the immersive experience of wargaming. Clear, dedicated objective markers show players exactly what they're fighting for and where.
When every player can see and understand objectives at a glance, games flow better.
Dice Tray
Rolling dice is fun until they bounce off the table and disappear under the couch.
A dice tray solves this problem elegantly. It keeps rolls contained, adds a touch of professionalism to your setup, and eliminates disputes over cocked dice.
If you're a DIY enthusiast, you can even make your own from a small box or a picture frame with felt lining.
AOE Templates
Area-of-effect attacks are fun but messy without the right tools. Enter templates.
From fireballs to grenade blasts, templates show exactly who's in the danger zone. Some even include measurement markers for added utility.
Modular Terrain Pieces
Modular terrain takes your battlefield to the next level.
Rearrange buildings, hills, and obstacles to create new layouts for every game. It keeps things fresh, challenging, and endlessly customizable.
P.S. They're easy to store and perfect for crafting unique scenarios.
Tokens and Markers
Status effects. Damage. Objectives. Tokens and markers keep chaos in check.
Glass beads are a simple, budget-friendly option. Red for damage, green for healing, blue for activation-assign colors, and you're set.
Don't want to go generic? Custom acrylic tokens or themed markers add a personal touch.
Line-of-Sight Laser
Is your sniper in range? Does that tank have a clear shot?
A line of sight laser answers these questions with surgical precision. It's a game-changer, especially in dense terrain or tight skirmishes.
And yes, it's small enough to fit in your kit without taking up valuable space for dice or snacks.
Miniature Transport Case
Protect your army.
Invest in a miniature transport case with foam inserts. These cases are designed to keep your wargaming miniatures safe from bumps and scratches during travel.
Whether you're heading to a tournament or a friend's house, your troops will arrive in perfect condition.
Gaming Mat
Wobbly miniatures and scratched tables? That's no way to battle.
A gaming mat fixes all that. It offers a smooth, non-slip surface and transforms your table into a battlefield-complete with thematic designs like grassy plains or war-torn cities.
Portable Light
Dim lighting can ruin a perfectly good game.
A portable LED light ensures you can see every detail, from dice rolls to rulebooks. Clip it onto the edge of your table, and you'll never squint at tiny text again.
And oh, it doubles as a painting aid for late-night miniature touch-ups.
Paint Touch-Up Kit
Chipped paint is the bane of a perfectionist's army.
A small kit with a couple of brushes and basic colors can save the day. Fix minor flaws between games and keep your army looking like it just marched off the display shelf.
Rulebook Stand
Free up table space and keep your hands free with a rulebook stand.
These stands hold your book open to the right page, making it easy to reference rules mid-game without cluttering your battlefield.
Wargamer's Toolbox
Every dedicated wargamer needs a toolbox for emergencies.
Pack clippers, glue, extra bases, and spare dice. Sometimes miniatures lose an arm (or worse) mid-game. A quick repair means the battle can continue without a hitch.
A Notebook and Pen
Sometimes the simplest tools are the most effective.
Use a small notepad to jot down points, objectives, or campaign progress. Sticky notes can act as quick markers, while a fine-tip pen is perfect for annotating rulebooks or tracking adjustments during gameplay.
Card Sleeves
Your cards take a beating. They shuffle, slide, bend, and occasionally meet the wrong end of a drink. Quality card sleeves can help.
The smooth shuffle and crisp draw of protected cards adds a subtle but satisfying element to play. More importantly, you'll never worry about damaged unit stats or ability cards in the middle of a crucial battle.
Multi-Purpose Accessories
If you dabble in both wargaming and tabletop role playing games, crossover accessories are worth considering.
Multi-purpose dice sets, customizable terrain pieces, and modular boards serve double duty for wargame skirmishes and RPG campaigns.
You can even add in some miniature painting supplies-because nothing kills the mood like unpainted minis on the table.
Static Grass Applicator
Want your miniatures' bases to look battlefield-ready?
A static grass applicator adds realistic texture to bases and terrain. From overgrown ruins to lush fields, it makes your table feel alive.
It's oddly satisfying to use, like watching a time-lapse of nature reclaiming your battlefield.
Conclusion
A good wargaming setup starts with the essentials.
Start with measuring tools, a dice tray, and markers-basics that get the job done. Then add as you go, finding what fits your style best.
The right tools solve problems and keep your focus where it belongs: on the battlefield.
