Alternative wargaming systems to Warhammer 40k
Warhammer 40k is one of the most recognizable wargames ever. It’s vast, with a rich background and fascinating in-universe stories. Moreover, it’s approachable from the rules’ point of view. Nonetheless, what’s an advantage for one, for others might be a disadvantage. That’s why many people look for some alternative - whether because the grim dark future reality doesn’t suit them or the gameplay isn’t satisfying for them enough. If that’s the case, what to pick? After all, Games Workshop is the biggest, the most known wargaming company. But there are some alternatives.
What are the most popular alternative wargaming systems?
It isn’t a mystery that numerous wargaming systems exist. Pretty straightforward is also a fact that among these - let’s call them “alternative” - systems, there are many resembling Warhammer 40k. But that resemblance can take various forms. For example, one wargame can be similar to Games Workshop’s creation in terms of gameplay but utterly different from the setting point of view at the same time. Of course, this scenario can happen vice versa - when the grim dark future climate highly inspires the universe of one’s game, but its rules don’t resemble the primary ones at all. That’s why first of all - if we want to look for alternatives to Warhammer 40k - we need to be 100% sure of what we seek and what we want to find.
First of all, let’s discuss that if you’re looking for alternative stylistics to Warhammer 40k, you don’t necessarily need to find an alternative game. You can always use some alternative models to make your army feel different - more original and unique. In such a case, you can achieve many goals - not only you’ll stay in the orbit of a system whose rules suit your style of play, but you can also manage to afford cheap alternative (and still good-looking) figures. Well, they don’t even need to be “cheap” (because lower price means lower quality, and the quality is significant as well), but at least cheaper than primary models from Games Workshop.
If you browse our official Kromlech store, you’ll find many fascinating models that can be used as alternatives for some Warhammer 40k factions. We don’t talk only about Orcs and Goblins, which are somewhat our main series, but also Space Legionaries, Imperial Guardsmen, Daemons, Sindari Voidfarers, and even Caste Enclaves. As you can see, the possibilities for choosing are numerous. Remember that by searching through the depths of the Internet, as well as hobby stores or 3D manufacturers shops near your location, you can always find many more available (and affordable) options.
And speaking about 3D printing, it’s good to underline that there is no necessity to search only the whole models. Please take a look at our Kromlech 3D Workshop offer. There you can find many bits that can serve you as parts to build alternative figures by yourself from the very beginning. And in this case - if you own a 3D printer - you can have these parts in the desired quantity. On the other hand, if you’re short on such things (or you’re an enjoyer of more traditional modeling ways), don’t you worry as well - bits to convert, customize, or even build your own alternative models are also available to buy, made from high-quality resin. Then all you’ll need are some tools from the modeling and basing category, and voila - your alternative models will be ready in the nick of time!
Ok, but what about another issue that looks even more complicated? How to find an alternative wargaming system, which will be in some way in a similar orbit as Warhammer 40k, but at the same time will feel a little bit different and vary from the rules point of view? It’s undoubtedly the matter that will require even more consideration. Additionally, it might need at least essential knowledge of the wargaming reality.
Wargaming systems may differ, but some things stay the same
In the first place, it’s pretty logical to list down other Games Workshop products. It might not be enough, but to feel a little difference, it’s always a good idea to try Horus Heresy. Theoretically, it’s still the same universe as Warhammer, but it isn’t 40k - more like 30k. If you didn’t hear about it earlier, worry not. You can always learn more about this part of the grim dark future reality thanks to novel series under the same title and information stored in several Internet hobby wikis. You need to know by now that thanks to the Horus Heresy, you can experience Warhammer on the table a little bit differently. With the range of new miniatures, unique characters unavailable in standard Warhammer 40k, and a different Rulebook, you can discover something new really close to where you began your search.
Keeping on this track, let’s also discuss Warhammer: Age of Sigmar. If you seek an alternative for Warhammer 40k and you don’t have anything against more fantasy themes, you can always try this option that offers different rules and a range of models. What’s more, in some instances with this setting - such as, for example, with the Stormcast Eternals - you can still feel the spirit of 40k.
Right. Let’s move on to entirely different wargames from various producers. If you’re a fan of futuristic climates, you should try Star Wars Legion by Atomic Mass Games. The well-known universe, which is the basis for this system, has a lot to offer - many various factions, heroes, and scenarios. What’s more, the gameplay is enormously different from the one in Warhammer 40k - including the usage of varying measurement tools or even dice designed precisely for this game. Not to mention a different scale of figures (which is quite common in the cases of alternatives to the Warhammer 40k). The only thing that might cause a little dissonance here is that the Star Wars universe - although built around the Space and space-traveling subject - isn’t even as half “dark” as Warhammer 40k one. Here the focus is on the hero’s journey, adventures, and a little dose of humor - all of that can be felt when playing this wargame.
If you’re looking for something “heavier” in tone but still future-galaxy-focused, please take a look at the AVP: The Hunt Begins. It’s another game based on the known franchise, this time on the brutal, dark world full of Xenomorphs and Predators - two aggressive alien species that (along with humans) can be played in this game. Initially, The Hunt Begins was brought to life as a board game, but it has official rules that get it onto the wargaming ground. The game was produced by Prodos Games and is now discontinued, but you can still buy full boxes, sets, and figures.
Another excellent example of a game set in the grim dark future reality (as well as the one based on the well-known franchise) is Terminator Genisys: The Miniatures Game from River Horse. Similarly to The Hunt Begins, there also existed a version that was “more intended for the general gaming public.” Still, the edition which interests us the most is a complete wargame with a rulebook, miniatures to assemble and paint, as well as accessories such as various dice sets, gaming mats, etc.
We’re moving to the end of alternative wargames made on a license of popular franchises with the relatively new Masters of the Universe: Battleground from Archon Studio. Centered around the iconic pop culture character - He-Man - the game offers an enormously different approach to the tabletop than Warhammer 40k. A battle mat with spaces to move or a high usage rate of cards and tokens are only examples of what “new” might await you in this game.
Ultimately, it’s good to mention a wargame that isn’t based on any well-known universe but still looks like a good alternative for someone who enjoyed playing Warhammer 40k. Now defunct - but the models are still available to buy - Dust 1947 is a system that introduces you to the alternative history of World War II where - besides the conventional weapons - you can bring on the table zombies, aliens, and even monsters from Cthulhu Mythos!
How to find an alternative wargaming system?
Finding an alternative wargaming system to Warhammer 40k shouldn’t be a challenging task. As you see in the examples above, possible options are just lurking behind a corner. Still, if you’re keen on even more significant changes, simply think about a specific setting or universe you like - there’s a good chance that a tabletop game on such a license already exists. If you won’t be able to find what you were precisely seeking for, there’s still no need for panic. Thanks to the power of web browsers, you’ll have access to search results that show you games significantly similar to what you were looking for.
There’s still one more thing to discuss before we finish here. An alternative system is one thing, but even if you find one that will suit you, you may still need to afford some gaming accessories required to play. Although most wargames offer such accessories in boxed or starter sets, sometimes you might have difficulty finding these. That’s why it’s good to remember that the “universal” stuff to use in the games can be afforded through different sellers. These might not only be some tokens, markers, templates, or battle dice. Maybe even battle rulers produced by Tabletop Scenics will happen to be useful for you.