GUIDE TO: How to Start Tabletop Wargaming
Your beginner-friendly guide to getting stuck in — models, rules, and finding your local club
Tabletop wargaming is one of the most rewarding hobbies out there. It blends strategy, creativity, storytelling, and social connection — all across a table filled with miniatures, terrain, and dice. But if you’re new to it, knowing where to begin can feel daunting.
This guide breaks it down step by step, with a special focus on local clubs, which are one of the best ways to learn, play, and feel part of the community.
🧱 Step 1: Pick Your Style
There are many types of tabletop wargames, and choosing one that suits your interests is key.
Skirmish games (like Travers, Kill Team, or Frostgrave) use small model counts and are easy to learn.
Mass battle games (like Warhammer 40K or Kings of War) involve larger armies and more complex rules.
Historical games (like Bolt Action or Pike & Shotte) recreate real-world battles with tactical depth.
Fantasy and sci-fi games offer rich lore and imaginative units.
Start with something that excites you visually or thematically — you’ll enjoy painting and playing more if you love the setting.
🛒 Step 2: Get the Basics
You don’t need a full army to begin. Most games offer:
Starter sets with miniatures, dice, and rules
Free rules online (especially for indie games like One Page Rules)
Printable terrain or budget-friendly scenery kits
Focus on learning the core rules and painting a few models. You can expand later.
🧑🤝🧑 Step 3: Find a Local Club
This is where the hobby comes alive.
Why clubs matter:
You’ll meet experienced players who are happy to teach
You can try different games before committing
Clubs often have terrain, tables, and loaner armies
It’s more fun than playing solo!
How to find them:
Search Facebook for “[your town] wargaming club”
Ask at your local game shop or hobby store
Check Meetup.com or Discord servers
Look for community centres or scout halls with regular gaming nights
In East Sussex, for example, there are clubs in Brighton, Eastbourne, Hastings, and Hailsham — many of which welcome beginners and have open demo nights.
🎨 Step 4: Paint and Play
Painting miniatures is part of the fun, but don’t let perfectionism hold you back.
Start with basic colours and washes
Use YouTube tutorials for guidance
Join painting nights at your local club
Celebrate progress, not perfection
Once you’ve got a few models ready, jump into your first game. Most players are happy to help you learn as you go.
🌟 Bonus Tip: Try Travers
If you want a game that’s truly beginner-friendly, Travers is a great place to start.
Simple rules
Fast gameplay
Small model count
Easy to teach and learn
It’s designed to be welcoming, intuitive, and fun — perfect for your first steps into tabletop wargaming.
🧭 Final Thoughts
Getting into tabletop wargaming doesn’t require a huge budget or encyclopedic knowledge. All you need is curiosity, a few models, and a willingness to learn. And with so many clubs out there, you’ll find a welcoming space to play, paint, and grow.