Games Like Warhammer

Infinity Malifaux, Frostgrave, Fallout, Bloodbowl

Games Workshop is the juggernaut (or should we say dreadnaught) of the miniature wargame world. Founded in London by John Peake, Ian Livingstone, and Steve Jackson in the mid-1970s as a manufacturer of wooden board games, it later became the importer of Dungeons & Dragons, then a publisher of wargames and role-playing games in it’s own right. After several years of prioritising RPGs and a significant growth period in the late 80’s, GW refocused on miniature wargames, which it’s specialised in since and has become most famous for.

Although Games Workshop has published many different games over the years, it’s most popular and recognisable is Warhammer 40,000. Initially released in 1987 and currently on it’s tenth iteration, the game has been developed through a large body of novels and sourcebooks and has received significant praise for the tone and depth of the setting. Set in a grim, distant future, human and alien civilisations clash in epic battles in hostile environments across the galaxy. Combining fantasy races like Orcs and Elves with Giger-inspired Tyranids and other dimensional Chaos demons, players use their army of choice to engage in tactical combat with a multitude of units and game mechanics that are fun and well-balanced. Even though the game has seen many changes over the years, it still remains popular amongst hobbyists and both young and old.

Warhammer’s impact extends beyond tabletop gaming into other media, including video games, books, and additional forms of media, creating an expansive universe for fans to explore.

For anyone who has played and enjoyed Warhammer 40K and wants to try something new, or anyone who enjoys the idea of war games but not the theme of 40K, there are plenty of decent alternatives out there. We’ve listed a few games like warhammer that we think are just as if not more enjoyable that we think you should try.

Star Wars: Legion

A great game for fans of the franchise, Star Wars: Legion puts players on the frontlines of infantry battles between rebel and imperial forces. Taking control of many familiar faces, players will be able to use their special abilities on the battlefield to try and swing the momentum of the fight.

Coming from Fantasy Flight, you know this is gonna be a winner! Star Wars: Legion thrusts players into battles with the likes of Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker and has them command forces in a well-balanced and thought-out war game. Players can create and customise their army using dozens of familiar faces, and mix it up with their opponents in infantry based battles.

The game is played over six rounds, with players randomly selecting command cards at the start of each turn, then deciding who goes first based on the priority of their card. Players will then give each unit in their army two actions on their turn, from moving to attacking, healing, or using a card action: an action or ability unique to that unit on the card that comes with the model. Players will need to either collect more victory tokens than their opponent (by completing various tasks based on the objective of the game) or wipe their opponents army off the map in order to win the game.

It’s a great game for Star Wars fans and offers plenty of fan service, but does not skip out on the rules in doing so. There’s also a ton of options out there for when it comes to creating an army.

Dungeons and Dragons Onslaught

For fans of D&D who enjoy combat but don’t necessarily want to take part in a long campaign! Onslaught is a skirmish game where players create small bands of unique adventurers and compete to complete various objectives, and survive!

Onslaught is a fantasy game that combines strategic gameplay with fantasy elements. It is a competitive and fun skirmish game in which players create an adventuring party and delve into dungeons, battle rivals, and confront fearsome monsters for the sake of glory and treasure. Each adventuring party contains six characters, each a different race and class and offering unique skills and abilities. The game comes with ten different scenarios for players to tackle, but there are others available online for those who get through them. Each adventure has a set length, a list of objectives, and describes how to set the map up.

The goal of the game is to complete these objectives quicker than the other player or eliminate the opposing team outright to win. Action and combat are the main focus with Onslaught and there are plenty of factors for players to consider when planning their moves, including line of sight, elevation, and the range and area of effect with attacks and spells. This adds plenty of strategy to gameplay and with most adventures being 6-8 rounds long, the added pressure of time means each move has to count.

A good alternative for those who want a quicker and less complex war game, with six figures to keep track of rather than sixty. Good mechanics and simple to learn, with each scenario taking around an hour to complete, it’s a great game that’s highly recommended.

Marvel Crisis Protocol

An epic tabletop miniatures game featuring heroes and villains from the Marvel universe! Marvel Crisis Protocol is an actual game that captures the essence of superhero battles. Assemble your team and pit your forces against your friends on an interactive field of battle.

Players select up to ten characters to make up their team, each of which comes with a card detailing their attacks and abilities. The game area is constructed using all kinds of scenery which is well-detailed just like the miniatures. Each player draws a crisis card, which lays out that teams mission, and players will take turns to move around the board, gradually inching towards completing their objective, and of course, take part in super-hero fisticuffs.

Like most skirmish games, the rules on combat are detailed and require players to think carefully about their movements, taking line of sight and elevation into account for example. Understanding how to utilise their environment to their advantage (including chucking fire hydrants at their opponents) and using their hero’s skills to their fullest is what will ensure victory. Unique to Crisis Protocol are the tactics cards, which players can use to their advantage to give their team a much-needed boost. Whichever team completes their objective first is declared victorious!

Also Read: A Comprehensive List of Marvel Champions Expansions: Some Assembly Required

Although it can appear quite intimidating with it’s in-depth and hefty ruleset, Crisis Protocol is a highly enjoyable game and the closest thing you can get to simulating real superhero and supervillain encounters. Offering hundreds (no really) of characters to add to your team, this is a must-have for Marvel fans!

Infinity

This sci-fi skirmish game is all about precision and tactics, with each decision shaping the battlefield. Whether you’re sniping from a rooftop or sending a cloaked operative to outflank the enemy, this game rewards clever thinking over raw power.

Compared to previous games in the sci-fi skirmish genre, Infinity stands out with its unique features and gameplay mechanics. Set 175 years in the future, Infinity offers a speculative vision on what our future may be like on Earth, with the superpowers of the planet combining and clashing against each other. Facing off in both cities and the wilderness, players must try and survive whilst setting out to complete the objectives of the scenario chosen for the session. Thie objective-based gameplay and using a small band of characters means utilising the right tactics and looking before leaping is crucial. Unlike some similar games, players can take their actions at any time, including their opponent’s turn is unique for this kind of game and adds an additional challenge for those used to turn-played games.

With rich lore, highly detailed and unique miniatures, and an emphasis on tactical combat, Infinity is a fun game that’s great for those who don’t just want to run and gun every challenge they have to overcome.

Malifaux

In Malifaux, horror, steampunk, and dark fantasy collide. Set in an alternate Earth filled with magic and horrific creatures, this game is as much about crafting stories as it is about crafting a winning strategy. Play as necromancers, gunslinging outlaws, and eerie puppets powered by sinister forces, to name a few.

The unique characters in Malifaux can be compared to the iconic Space Marine faction in Warhammer 40k, where space marines are involved in cooperative gameplay against enemies, highlighting their popularity in various game settings.

Malifaux puts more emphasis on story and narrative than practically every other game in the genre, and this makes for a very interesting experience. Each faction is very different from each other and each are very distinct. In trying to complete the objectives of the mission when playing the game, instead of rolling dice, a card system is present and can be used to create a different kind of gamble, adding tension and excitement to every play.

For fans of steampunk and horror, Malifaux is a great gothic game. All figures are exceptionally well crafted, and the unique designs of the units make for a very interesting game experience each time.

So as you can see, there are quite a few different types of war games out there, but there are plenty of others to play. We’d love to hear your opinion and let us know about any you particularly enjoy that we haven’t listed here. !

Video Games Like Warhammer

If you’re looking for a digital experience that captures the essence of Warhammer, several video games might just hit the mark. These games offer rich lore, strategic depth, and immersive gameplay that Warhammer fans will appreciate.

• Total War: Warhammer: This game masterfully combines the strategic depth of the Total War series with the rich fantasy world of Warhammer. Players can choose from a variety of factions, such as the Empire, Dwarfs, and Orcs, each with unique units and abilities. Engage in epic battles and manage your empire in a blend of turn-based strategy and real-time combat. The game’s campaign play is particularly engaging, offering hours of strategic planning and intense battles.

• Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War: Set in the grim darkness of the far future, this real-time strategy game allows players to command factions like the Space Marines, Orks, and Eldar. With a strong focus on campaign play and multiplayer modes, Dawn of War offers a rich and immersive experience. The game’s tactical depth and variety of units make it a must-play for fans of Warhammer 40k.

• Warhammer: Vermintide 2: For those who prefer a more hands-on approach, Vermintide 2 is a cooperative first-person shooter set in the Warhammer Fantasy universe. Players must work together to fend off hordes of Skaven and other enemies, using a mix of melee and ranged combat. The game’s character customization and focus on teamwork make it a thrilling experience for fans of intense, action-packed gameplay.

• Battlefleet Gothic: Armada: This space-based strategy game set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe challenges players to build and command their own fleets of spaceships. With a strong focus on campaign play and multiplayer, Battlefleet Gothic: Armada offers a unique blend of tactical space combat and strategic planning. The game’s detailed ship customization and epic space battles are sure to captivate Warhammer fans.

These video games provide a digital extension of the Warhammer experience, offering rich narratives, strategic depth, and engaging gameplay that fans of the tabletop games will love.

Free and Low-Cost Alternatives

For those who love the thrill of miniature wargaming but are looking for more affordable options, there are several free and low-cost games like Warhammer. These options provide a fun and engaging experience without breaking the bank.

• Open-source miniatures games: Games like Open Combat and Song of Drums and Shako are available online and offer a similar experience to Warhammer. These open-source games come with basic rules and allow players to use any miniatures they have on hand, making them a cost-effective alternative.

• Print-and-play miniatures games: If you’re handy with a printer, print-and-play games like Paper Miniatures and Miniature Wargaming offer a low-cost way to enjoy miniature wargaming. These games provide downloadable files for miniatures and terrain, allowing you to create your own game pieces at a fraction of the cost of official models.

• Toy cars as miniatures: For a creative and budget-friendly alternative, consider using toy cars as miniatures. Games like Gaslands: Refueled turn matchbox cars into post-apocalyptic racing machines, offering a fun and affordable way to engage in miniature wargaming. The game’s rules are easy to learn, and the use of toy cars adds a unique twist to the traditional wargaming experience.

• Free online tabletop simulators: Platforms like Tabletop Simulator and Roll20 offer a way to play tabletop games online without the need for physical miniatures or terrain. These simulators provide a virtual space where you can play a variety of tabletop games, including miniature wargames, with friends from around the world. They are a great way to enjoy the hobby without the cost of physical components.

While these alternatives may not offer the same level of complexity or depth as Warhammer, they provide a fun and accessible way to enjoy miniature wargaming. Whether you’re looking to save money or try something new, these options are worth exploring.

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