Are you getting tired of the meta-chasing game that is 40k? Don’t worry. You can still flex your hobby muscles in these games that stay pretty constant.
Warhammer 40k is definitely the most popular it’s ever been. However, more and more hobbyists seem to be getting tired of the meta-chasing pattern and aren’t sure what to do. If that’s you, make sure you check out all of these games. One might fit you perfectly!
Tired of 40k? 5 Other Games You Have To Try!
Okay this one is pretty much a no-brainer, right?
Kill Team
Kill Team is basically small-scale 40k but plays totally different from the large tabletop game. Sure, you still follow the same statline as everything else in the game, but cover saves, range and tactics work totally different.
If you didn’t know, Kill Team is set in the 40k universe and pits two highly elite operators against each other. Each model on your team is essentially a character with a unique ability he offers to the team. Tactics and superior strategy usually come down to who wins these games. They don’t take nearly as long to play as a game of 40k either.
The cost to get into this game is almost non-existent compared to 40k. If you’ve already got a basic troop choice, you have a Kill Team. It helps to have a book and maybe even a Kill Team Commander, but the most expensive thing out there is a $60 book and you’re essentially done.
Another plus to getting into Kill Team is that you can focus all your hobby focus on a squad of 5-10 guys and get them looking above and beyond tabletop quality. You don’t have to exhaust yourself putting together and painting an entire army.
Necromunda
Necromunda is somewhat like Kill Team. Instead of being a highly trained squad, you’re just a gang in the undercity of an Imperial planet. Depending on which faction you choose, you may have more models or state of the art technology to fight your battles. This game is similar to Kill Team in that the model count is small, the maps are cluttered with terrain, and the games don’t take too long.
Just like Kill Team, you can spend your focus on a few models and make them look like they’ve been in the undercity all their lives. You can also get everything you need for your gang in one place. Gang boxes are $40 each and the latest Gang War 3 book is only $30.
Warhammer Underworld: Nightvault
Nightvault is the second “setting” in the Warhammer underworlds lineup. Shadespire and Nightvault are a part of the same universe. As of right now you’re totally able to use all the Warbands/cards in the games.
The game is also tile-based which means movement is usually balanced and there are no major meta shifts. The most excitement you’ll see come to this game is when a new Warband drops.
You can get the starter set that comes with two Warbands, two tiles, and a hefty chunk of cards/dice for just $60. It’s got everything inside that you need to play. All you need to get next is a friend to beat up on! Looking to expand your Warbands? They only cost $30 and come loaded with cards that you can use with your other factions.
Age of Sigmar
Age of Sigmar is another GW titan that isn’t 40k. You can rest assured that there’s always going to be at least one AoS player at your hobby shop. Jumping straight into this game shouldn’t be a huge problem.
The game is exploding with new factions, models, and more. Old races are being brought up to speed as well. If you like medieval fantasy mixed with some magic, AoS might be perfect for you.
The cost of this game sits at about the same of 40k. (It’s as expensive as you want to make it). With that being said, you can shop smart and get a huge chunk of points with Start Collecting deals.
Bottom line, AoS is VERY magic and melee-centric. There’s also a whole goldmine of races and factions that can’t be played anywhere else. Look over the models and do some research on the ones that spark your interest.
Horus Heresy
Forge World recently decided to jack prices up ASTRONOMICALLY in August. Consequently, this game has turned into the art of shopping smart.
Anyone wanting to get into Horus Heresy should snipe deals off of eBay. If hey can find a Betrayal at Calth box, they need to swipe it up immediately. There’s so much value inside of it you could start an army just off of that.
Like we said with AoS, Horus Heresy is one of those games where it’s as expensive as you want to make it. If you like Space Marines but don’t like where 8th edition 40k is going, Horus Heresy will always be there to welcome you into its loving arms.
Honorable Mention: Adeptus Titanicus
Sure it’s expensive, but it has a solid ruleset that is a ton of fun. Plus with a low model count, you can really get that hobby lovin on all your Titans!
What do you think about 40k’s current state? Do you play one of these games as well? Let us know in the comments of our Facebook Hobby Group.
About the Author: Wesley Floyd
Wesley Floyd
Job Title: Staff Writer
Joined: 2018
Socials: @RealmbrushPainting
About Wesley Floyd: Wes has been in the Warhammer hobby since 2015 and joined the Spikey Bits writing team in 2018. He is known for his satirist takes on trending topics and imaginative yet amazingly affordable hobby solutions to painting Warhammer miniatures.
Imperial fanboy, tabletop fanatic, and the self-proclaimed King of Sprues. He knows for a fact that Mephiston red is the best-tasting paint and is the commission painting equivalent of a Wendy’s 4 for $4. If you like what he writes and want to contact him or have your tabletop minatures painted (to a mostly okayish standard), message him on Instagram.
