Starting Malifaux is quite simple. First, you'll need a copy of the Malifaux Third Edition Rulebook, which outlines all the rules and mechanics of the game. From there, you'll need to select a Faction that appeals to you and purchase a box set. Each box set includes a Master, their Totem, and a selection of other miniatures that serve as the Master's crew. Alongside this, you'll need a deck of cards (poker deck will suffice), a tape measure, and some terrain to create your battlefield.

Unlike most wargames, Malifaux uses cards, not dice. This adds an element of strategy as players can manipulate their deck to influence results. Characters take turns performing two actions such as moving, attacking, or using their unique abilities, making for a game that is dynamic and tactical.

Victory is not achieved solely through the destruction of the opponent's crew but by achieving objectives and completing schemes that you secretly select at the start of each game, providing depth and a strong narrative element to each game.

Malifaux offers seven unique Factions, each with its own playstyle and aesthetic. These include:

The Guild: Lawkeepers and enforcers maintaining the status quo.
The Resurrectionists: Necromancers and practitioners of dark magic.
The Arcanists: Magical rebels, constructs, and elemental beings.
The Neverborn: Nightmarish creatures and spirits native to Malifaux.
The Outcasts: Mercenaries, criminals, and oddities.
The Ten Thunders: A criminal syndicate with elements of magic and martial arts.
The Bayou: Mischievous gremlins and swamp-dwelling denizens.