Choosing Your First Wargame: Sci-Fi, Fantasy, or Historical?

Choosing your first wargame can be an exciting, yet daunting, experience. The hobby offers a vast landscape of options, each with its own unique flavor and mechanics. One of the initial decisions you'll face is selecting the genre that most appeals to you. The primary categories are sci-fi, fantasy, and historical wargames.

Sci-Fi Wargames

Sci-fi wargames transport you to futuristic battlefields, where advanced technology and imaginative scenarios take center stage. These games often feature:

Futuristic Technology: Expect energy weapons, robotic units, and advanced vehicles.
Varied Factions: Play as humans, aliens, or other unique factions with distinct abilities.
Imaginative Settings: Battles can occur on distant planets, space stations, or post-apocalyptic landscapes.
Examples: Warhammer 40,000, Star Wars: Legion, Infinity.

Sci-fi wargames are excellent for those who enjoy creative freedom and don't mind complex rulesets to accommodate advanced technologies and abilities.

Fantasy Wargames

Fantasy wargames immerse you in worlds of magic, mythical creatures, and epic quests. Key aspects include:

Magical Elements: Spellcasting, magical artifacts, and enchanted creatures are common.
Mythical Races: Command armies of elves, dwarves, orcs, and other fantastical races.
Heroic Characters: Individual heroes with unique abilities can significantly impact battles.
Examples: Age of Sigmar, Kings of War, Warhammer Fantasy Battle (now discontinued, but still played).

Fantasy wargames are ideal for players who appreciate rich lore, intricate character development, and the unpredictable nature of magical combat.

Historical Wargames

Historical wargames recreate battles and conflicts from human history. These games emphasize:

Realism: Focus on accurate depictions of historical units, tactics, and equipment.
Detailed Research: Game design relies heavily on historical sources to ensure accuracy.
Specific Eras: Choose from ancient battles, medieval warfare, the Napoleonic era, or World War II, among others.
Examples: Bolt Action (World War II), Hail Caesar (Ancient and Medieval), Black Powder (Napoleonic Era).

Historical wargames appeal to history enthusiasts who enjoy learning about the past and recreating famous battles with a high degree of accuracy.

Making Your Choice

When selecting your first wargame, consider the following:

Personal Interests: Which genre appeals to you the most? Your passion for the setting will enhance your enjoyment of the game.
Community: Are there local gaming groups that play the game? A supportive community can greatly improve your experience.
Complexity: How complex is the ruleset? Start with a simpler game if you're new to wargaming.
Cost: How much does it cost to get started? Some games require a significant investment in miniatures and rulebooks.

Choosing your first wargame is a personal journey. Explore different genres, talk to experienced players, and find a game that excites you. Whether you prefer the futuristic battles of sci-fi, the magical realms of fantasy, or the historical accuracy of historical wargames, the wargaming hobby offers something for everyone.