If thou hast ever partaken in the mirthful activity of gaming, perchance alongside a compatriot, or hast perused stunning depictions of gorgeously painted models, then lo, thou may find thyself ensorcelled by the art of tabletop wargaming. Fear not, for shouldst thou be so enraptured, thou may avail thyself of the aid of the kindly individual stationed behind the counter of thy local game store. They will shepherd thee unto thine desired collection of models with sage guidance and patient instruction.
Behold, the breathtaking majesty of tabletop wargaming models, resplendent in their intricate detail and ornate majesty, oft leave one agape with wonder. Yet, one may find oneself aghast at the formidable price point of such exquisite artistry. Yet, verily I say unto thee, despair not! Thou shalt discover novel and cunning means of procuring the necessary funds to fuel thine ardor for this passion.
There are a few good ways to get into this hobby without ending up entirely broke.
- People who play the games often want to switch factions. You can probably find someone at your local store who wants to switch from one faction to another.
- Online retailers
- Used Models from eBay
- Start by buying a few models of cars that you can afford.
Find people at your local game store that are switching games or factions
The power structure of each game will change over time. One faction might become more powerful because they have a new model that makes the other factions weaker. Or maybe that great, overpowered model will get an errata written about it so it isn’t as strong anymore.
Some players will change their faction a lot, because they are always looking for something better. They get angry when things don’t go their way, and they leave their faction. But this is usually because they are impatient, not because of anything their faction did wrong.
This is a great opportunity to get into the game cheaply. If they are leaving a faction that interests you, offer to buy their old one from them. They often are willing to sell it for much less than retail because they want to get rid of it all at once.
Make sure that the game and faction you are interested in playing matches your interests. Half of the fun of playing these games is using a faction where you like the playstyle or the background story. Ideally, you will pick a faction that lets you have both of these options.
Follow the rules of your friendly local game store. Most stores will allow you to have transactions like this one. However, some stores see this as competition and may not allow it. If your store has rules against buying and selling, please respect them. You can always talk to the other players away from the store.
Look for good deals online
If one finds oneself on a quixotic quest to uncover a faction that has not already been co-opted by another in their immediate vicinity, a substantial waiting period may be required before a fitting individual is discovered. The particular faction one is eyeing might be in vogue in the local meta, or if one inhabits a modest marketplace, there may not be sufficient players to foster the diversity required to obtain a profitable transaction from alternative switchers accessible online. In such an event, it may be propitious to delve into the realm of tabletop miniature game websites.
Certain websites proffer games that do not fare well in terms of sales, but these very games could very well be the ones with the greatest traction in one’s locality. Engaging in a search for these games can furnish one with a propitious bargain. One may even come across sales or coupon codes on these websites, although it is important to note that the prices on these websites typically tend to be uniform, as manufacturers have a propensity to institute minimum prices that retailers must adhere to in order to circumvent a sharp decline in the pricing of these games.
Buy used and strip the bad paint
One way to get cheaper models is to look for used models on eBay. You can find partially painted and assembled models this way. The worse the condition of the model, the better the deal you can usually get on it. before making any deals, you will need to ask the seller a few questions about them.
- What kind of paint did they use to paint the model? If they used acrylic paints, then it can be undone. Acrylic paints are any brand that can be found at a game store. (Citadel, P3, Reaper, Army Painter, Vallejo) Acrylic paint can be stripped from the models using simple green. If the paint was enamel based (typically Estes or other paints that are used in traditional model cars or planes) you would have to use hash chemicals to get it off and I usually pass on these models because I feel like they are unusable at that point.
- Make sure your model has all of its pieces. The pieces make the model what it is. They give it character and make it look unique. Some games are more particular about the pieces on a model than others. Warmachine and Hordes for example. The rules state that weapons the model can use in the game must be represented and recognizable on the model during the game. If the model is missing pieces, you might not be able to play with it if someone who knows the rules well judges it.
- You can try to negotiate with the seller. Some sellers have a “best offer” price, so you can just make an offer and see what they say. Even if it’s listed as a fixed price, you can still send a message to the seller and ask if they are willing to take less money for the house. This has worked well for me in the past.
eBay is a website where you can buy things. You need to follow the rules or you might not get what you paid for. If you follow the rules, eBay will help you if something goes wrong with your purchase. If you don’t follow the rules and try to contact the seller outside of eBay, eBay won’t help you if something goes wrong.
Ease into it
I buy all of my models for this website from my local game store. I think it’s important to support local businesses, especially small businesses like game stores. They may not be around if we don’t support them. So go visit your local game store and pick up some new games!
Many stores have loyalty programs in which they offer rewards for buying a certain amount of products. My local store offers $25.00 of free products if I purchase a certain amount. They also offer discounts for pre-ordering items. If I combine these two programs, I can save more money. Another store near me offers a bulk purchasing discount; if I purchase a certain amount at once, I get a percentage off the entire purchase price. Ask your local store if they have any discount or loyalty programs that you can participate in to save money.
You can get a good experience by starting with a starter set and then adding a few models at a time. This will let you know the models in your army better. And then, you can add just what you need to improve that squad or army.
FAQ
What are some good starter war games?
There are many different types of war games, and it really depends on your preferences as to what would be a good starter game for you. If you’re into historical wars, games like Sid Meier’s Civilization or Europa Universalis IV might be more your speed. Alternatively, if you’re into modern warfare, games such as Arma III or Battlefield 4 might be more up your alley. Ultimately, it comes down to what type of warfare you’re most interested in, and there are plenty of games out there to fit any preference.
What is the best way to get into wargaming without spending a lot of money?
The best way to get into wargaming without spending a lot of money is by finding a group or club in your area that meets regularly to play. You can also look for online groups that play via video call or forum. Finally, there are many free online resources that can help you learn the ropes of wargaming.
Are there any cheap or free wargames that are good?
Yes! There are a few great wargames that are available for free or at a very low cost. Check out War of the Ring, Advanced Squad Leader, and Battles of Napoleon for some top-notch gaming action. These games offer a wide variety of scenarios, armies, and gameplay that will keep you entertained for hours on end.
How can I get into wargaming without buying a lot of miniatures?
There are several ways to get into wargaming without buying a lot of miniatures. One way is to find a local game store that offers demo games. These are games where you can come in and play a demo of the game with some of the store’s miniature collection. If you like the game, you can buy the rules and start playing with your friends. Another way to get into wargaming is to join an online wargaming community. There are many websites and forums where people play different types of tabletop wargames online. You can download the rules for free, and most sites have a section where people post pictures of their armies and battlefields.
What are some miniature wargames that don’t require a lot of models?
There are a few miniature wargames that don’t require a lot of models. These include The 9th Age, Kings of War, and Warhammer.