Here are 28 of the top tabletop miniature wargames like Warhammer 40k. Our guide helps you compare rules, model counts, and costs to pick your favorite.
Updated September 22nd, 2025, by Rob Baer with new information from the Games Workshop alternatives, top tabletop wargames, and links to relevant content.
If you’ve ever felt like your Warhammer 40,000 collection is eating both your wallet and your shelf space, you’re not alone. While Games Workshop delivers epic battles and jaw-dropping miniatures, sometimes you want a change of pace, or a game that doesn’t require a small fortune to field an army.
Lucky for you, the tabletop wargaming world is brimming with options that bring fresh rules, striking models, and unique settings to the table. From grimdark showdowns to fantasy skirmishes and sci-fi battles, we’ve rounded up 28 of the best alternatives that rival Warhammer 40k in scale and excitement.
Whether you’re after faster gameplay, unique factions, or just a break from the “usual” grim darkness of the far future, there’s something here for every hobbyist ready to roll dice and wreak havoc.
Let’s check out the options that might redefine your next game night!
Alternative & Similar Type Games to Warhammer 40k
So, you’ve painted your last Space Marine and can recite the entire Codex Astartes in your sleep, but maybe you’re starting to feel that the grim darkness of the far future could use a little variety. Or perhaps you’re just curious about what else is out there in the vast cosmos of tabletop gaming.
Either way, we’ve got a lineup of the best alternative game types similar to Warhammer 40k that promise epic battles, solid rules, and cool miniatures for tabletop wargaming.
This isn’t just about finding something different; it’s about finding something that scratches that same itch in a whole new way. From the bustling streets of Marvel’s New York to the war-torn realms of distant galaxies, these are the best alternative game types to Warhammer 40k.
Here’s a quick reference list of games to check out:
| Game | Genre / Setting | Scale | Model Count | Why It’s Like Warhammer 40k |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marvel Crisis Protocol | Superhero Skirmish | Skirmish | 10–15 | Fast tactical play with collectible miniatures |
| Bolt Action | WWII Historical | Mass Battle | 30–60+ | Combined-arms battles with armies and vehicles |
| Trench Crusade | WWI Grimdark Battles | Skirmish | 10-30 | Has a very grimdark feel and similar scale |
| Star Wars X-Wing | Star Wars Space Combat | Dogfight | 3–8 ships | Tactical squad building and cinematic scenarios |
| Star Wars Legion | Star Wars Ground Battles | Army Skirmish | 30–40 | Unit tactics with heroes and cinematic missions |
| Star Wars Shatterpoint | Hero Skirmish | Skirmish | 6–10 | Character-driven combat with abilities and combos |
| Infinity | Sci-Fi Cyberpunk | Skirmish | 8–15 | Reactive orders and terrain-focused firefights |
| Gaslands | Post-Apocalyptic Racing | Vehicle Skirmish | 3–6 cars | Kitbashed cars fight in demolition derby battles |
| Blood & Plunder | Pirate Era Historical | Skirmish & Naval | 20–40 | Mix of land and ship combat with detailed minis |
| Warmachine MK IV | Steampunk Fantasy | Army Skirmish | 20–40 | Warjacks and heroes in tactical force battles |
| One Page Rules | Sci-Fi & Fantasy | Flexible | Any | Free rules, use any minis, covers 40k-like systems |
| Mantic Firefight | Sci-Fi Battles | Army Skirmish | 20–40 | Affordable plastics, streamlined army combat |
| Puppetswar | Community Sandbox | Flexible | Any | 3D printed minis and custom rules, hobby-driven |
| D&D Onslaught | Fantasy Skirmish | Skirmish | 8–12 | Iconic D&D heroes in tactical combat |
| Battletech | Mech Warfare | Skirmish or Mass | 4–20+ | Classic mech battles with campaign depth |
| Malifaux | Horror Steampunk | Skirmish | 6–10 | Card mechanics instead of dice, asymmetric factions |
| Kings of War | Fantasy Mass Battle | Mass Battle | 60–100+ | Rank-and-file armies echo Warhammer Fantasy |
| Battle for Vallor | Fantasy Warfare | Mass Battle | 50+ | Indie fantasy battles with minis and lore |
| Fallout: Wasteland Warfare | Post-Apocalyptic RPG Skirmish | Skirmish | 10–20 | Campaign play with the beloved Fallout setting |
| The Elder Scrolls: Call to Arms | Fantasy Skirmish | Skirmish | 10–20 | Tamriel in miniature, narrative campaigns |
| The Walking Dead: All Out War | Zombie Survival | Skirmish | 10–15 | Solo and co-op play, survival mechanics |
| Conquest: The Last Argument of Kings | Fantasy Mass Battle | Mass Battle | 60–100+ | Modern rank-and-file with large plastic minis |
| Frostgrave | Fantasy Skirmish | Skirmish | 8–12 | Wizard-led crews with RPG progression |
| Guild Ball | Steampunk Sports | Skirmish | 6–10 | Tactical football-style play with fantasy guilds |
| Halo: Flashpoint | Sci-Fi Tactical Combat | Skirmish | 20–30 | Spartan fireteams with familiar Halo weapons |
| Dreadball | Sci-Fi Sports | Boardgame/Skirmish | 6–10 | Fast, hex-based futuristic sports combat |
| A Song of Ice and Fire | Game of Thrones Fantasy | Mass Battle | 50–100+ | Rank-and-file troops with large house armies |
| Gundam Assemble | Anime Mecha Skirmish | Skirmish | 5–10 | Gunpla kits as playable miniatures, tactical battles |
How to Choose the Right Tabletop Wargame
So, you’ve got the itch for dice, minis, and big table battles, but which system should you actually pick up? Choosing between games like Warhammer 40k and other tabletop miniature wargames isn’t about finding the “best” game overall; it’s about finding the one that matches your wallet, painting time, and appetite for rules crunch.
Here’s the quick checklist hobbyists actually care about:
- Cost to Start – Some systems let you get rolling with a handful of models, while others expect you to show up with a van full of plastic.
- Model Count – Do you want a tight skirmish with 10 minis or a sprawling battlefield with 100 troops?
- Community & Support – A great game is even better when you can actually find people to play against. Check your local scene, game stores, or online groups.
- Theme & Setting – Love historical battles? Prefer grimdark sci-fi? Or maybe you’re into pirates, zombies, or mechs the size of buildings?
- Rules Crunch – Some players live for intricate mechanics, others just want to roll buckets of dice and yell “For the Emperor!”
Pick the game and starter set that lines up with what excites you most. That way, whether you’re chasing Warhammer-type games or something completely different.
Top Sci-Fi Alternative Tabletop Wargames
Trench Crusade
Trench Crusade takes the mud, blood, and barbed wire of World War I and twists it into a grimdark clash of soldiers, knights, and nightmares. The rules are right on their site, and people absolutely love playing it.
Games are fast, brutal, and dripping with narrative, making every match feel like a story unfolding in the trenches. If you’re looking for a fresh alternative to Warhammer 40k that oozes style and atmosphere, Trench Crusade is one of the best contenders.
Star Wars Legion
Star Wars Legion brings the Star Wars saga to your tabletop with full-scale ground battles between Rebels, Imperials, Clones, and Droids. You’ll command squads of troops and legendary heroes like Darth Vader.
The miniatures are detailed, fun to paint, and backed by a wide range of expansions to grow your army.
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Star Wars Shatterpoint
Picture the galaxy’s most infamous personalities duking it out in the ultimate showdown. Welcome to Star Wars Shatterpoint. This game, not too similar to Warhammer 40k, delivers big battles with even bigger personalities.
The gameplay strikes a perfect balance between Jedi-level strategy and just the right dose of unpredictability to keep things interesting. Packed with models and scenarios straight from your favorite moments, Shatterpoint is ideal for fans itching to recreate or rewrite galactic history.
- IMMERSIVE STAR WARS EXPERIENCE: Dive into the iconic Star Wars universe with the Shatterpoint Core Set, offering an immersive gaming experience set in a galaxy far, far away. Join the legendary Jedi and Sith in epic battles and thrilling adventures.
- COMPLETE CORE SET: This all-in-one box includes everything you need to start your Star Wars journey - rulebook, miniatures, cards, dice, and more. Gather your friends for an action-packed game night filled with lightsaber duels and blaster fights.
- ICONIC CHARACTERS AND POWERS: Command powerful and iconic characters like Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Han Solo, and more. Unleash the Force and strategize your way to victory in thrilling skirmishes.
- EASY-TO-LEARN RULES: Whether you're a seasoned gamer or new to tabletop adventures, the Shatterpoint Core Set offers easy-to-learn rules that make it accessible for players of all skill levels. Dive in and become a Jedi or Sith master in no time.
- EXPAND YOUR GALACTIC ADVENTURE: The Core Set is just the beginning of your Star Wars journey. Expand your galactic adventures with additional expansions and allies, unlocking new characters, locations, and missions to enhance your gameplay.
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Infinity
In the sleek, tech-forward universe of Infinity, brute force takes a back seat to careful planning and outsmarting your opponent. This sci-fi skirmish game is all about precision and tactics, with each decision shaping the battlefield.
The Warhammer similar game is razor-sharp, rewarding those who think ahead and adapt to changing circumstances.
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Warmachine MK IV
In Warmachine MK IV, magic meets machinery in a head-on collision of tactical mayhem. As a warcaster, you’re not just commanding troops; you’re also piloting massive, steam-powered warjacks armed to the teeth.
The latest edition streamlines the rules without losing the crunch, making it a great time to jump into the chaos. From intricate strategy to just wanting to watch giant robots smash things, this Warhammer-type game has it all.
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One Page Rules
Why stick to one system when One Page Rules lets you mix and match to your heart’s content? This adaptable wargaming system keeps things simple; yes, the rules really do fit on one page (and are free), but don’t let that fool you.
What sets it apart? You can use any miniatures. If you’re looking for a system that puts creativity and customization front and center, One Page Rules might be your top tabletop wargame.
Mantic: Firefight
Futuristic warfare just got a serious upgrade with Firefight, a game that drops you into the thick of high-octane battles across distant galaxies. Fast, responsive gameplay keeps the action moving, while the clever Orders mechanic lets you adapt on the fly, giving you the edge when it counts.
If you’re ready for a streamlined, no-fuss game like the Warhammer 40k system that doesn’t skimp on the fun, Firefight delivers in spades.
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Battletech
“BattleTech” started small but has grown into a sprawling universe over nearly 40 years. At its heart, “BattleTech” is about piloting massive mechs into combat and settling disputes the explosive way. It’s a great game similar to Warhammer 40k
With rules that make you feel like a battlefield mastermind (or at least one in training), it’s no wonder fans keep coming back for more.
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Best Fantasy Wargames
D&D Onslaught
D&D Onslaught is like a mashup of epic fantasy tales and tactical combat, where iconic characters from the Dungeons & Dragons universe duke it out in a top tabletop wargame. Each hero comes with unique abilities and spells, giving you plenty of ways to outsmart your opponents.
The scenarios pull inspiration from classic D&D adventures, blending nostalgia with a twist. Whether you’re a long-time fan of D&D lore or new to the scene, this game offers a fresh way to enjoy.
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Mantic Kings of War
If square bases make your heart sing, Kings of War is your jam. Picture massive fantasy armies; grumpy dwarves, rampaging orcs, spell-slinging wizards, all crashing into each other in battles where strategy takes the crown.
It’s fast-paced, big on spectacle, and, best of all, doesn’t bog you down with endless rulebook consultations. This Warhammer similar game runs smoother than an elf on a caffeine high.
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Conquest
Conquest brings classic tabletop wargaming vibes with a fresh twist, setting the stage for massive fantasy battles where strategy reigns supreme. Picture grand armies clashing, magic flying, and factions all fighting for dominance.
Each faction isn’t just a pretty face; they come with distinct playstyles, so you can pick what suits your battlefield persona. This game type harkens back to the old Warhammer-type games, like Fantasy.
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Frostgrave
If you’re into small-scale skirmishes with big personalities, Frostgrave should be on your radar. Set in the frosty ruins of a forgotten city, the game casts you as a wizard leading a crew of treasure hunters on quests for magical loot.
Unlike other top tabletop Wargame large-scale battles, this one’s all about tight tactics, quick thinking, and the thrill of snatching victory from the jaws of chaos. What makes Frostgrave a standout is its focus on narrative and progression, and the fact that you can use any minis.
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A Song of Fire and Fire
If you’ve ever dreamed of leading the armies of Westeros into glorious (and messy) battle, A Song of Ice and Fire: Tabletop Miniature wargaming is your ticket to the carnage. Forget courtly intrigue, this game dives straight into the heart of the action, where rival houses settle their disputes with sharp steel and clever tactics.
Unlike smaller skirmish games, this one’s all about big armies. Troops march in formation on rank-and-file trays, making the battlefield look as epic as a Game of Thrones finale.
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Malifaux
Welcome to Malifaux, a tabletop game where Victorian horror, steampunk, and dark fantasy collide. Set in an alternate Earth filled with magic and creepy creatures, this game is as much about crafting stories as it is about crafting a winning strategy.
The miniatures are mini-masterpieces, capturing the unsettling charm of Malifaux’s world in a game like Warhammer 40k. From intricate undead figures to strange mechanical oddities, each model is a testament to the game’s eerie vibe.
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Best Licensed & Narrative Games
Marvel Crisis Protocol
Picture this: Earth’s mightiest heroes, or its most infamous villains, squaring off in battles only your imagination could orchestrate. That’s Marvel Crisis Protocol in a nutshell.
The gameplay? Quick to pick up but loaded with tactical twists. You can play speedy skirmishes or settle in for epic, drawn-out brawls. Each character’s abilities feel true to their story, making your favorite heroes and villains play as cool as they look.
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Fallout / Modiphius
Fans of Fallout rejoice, Wasteland Warfare by Modiphius brings the post-apocalyptic chaos of the video game to a Warhammer-similar game.
From scavenging scrap to facing off against Super Mutants, the game captures the quirky retro-future vibe perfectly.
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The Walking Dead
Ever wondered how you’d survive a zombie apocalypse? The Walking Dead: All Out War lets you find out, without the real-life risk of getting eaten. The mechanics are all about making noise: do you sneak by the undead, or go full-action-hero?
They’re pre-assembled (a huge win for hobby newbies, a little too shy for Warhammer-type games) and bulkier than your average mini, making them great for painting practice.
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Halo Flashpoint
Halo: Flashpoint drops you straight into the action-packed chaos of the iconic sci-fi universe. This officially licensed game transforms the legendary War Games combat into a top tabletop wargame. This is much more of a board game type than some of the other similar Warhammer 40k games.
Set in the aftermath of the Covenant War, Flashpoint lets you command Spartan fireteams and take on anything the galaxy throws your way, or even face off against rival Spartans.
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Best Historical Tabletop Games
Bolt Action
Ready to swap laser guns for something with a little more grit? Enter Warlord Games’ Bolt Action, where the battlefields of World War II are yours to command. Think tanks, infantry, and artillery duking it out in everything from street-to-street skirmishes to sprawling epic clashes.
This is a game like Warhammer 40k, but it moves it in a whole new direction with this game type.
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Blood & Plunder:
Pirates, privateers, and the occasional colonial skirmish, it’s all on deck with Blood & Plunder. This game whisks you back to the golden age of piracy and blends naval and land combat, where your tabletop is a stage for swashbuckling adventures.
The miniatures are beautifully detailed, from the sails of your ships to the scowls on your pirate crew, and they’ve recently gone plastic. If you’re looking for a game similar to Warhammer 40k, this might not be for you. However, if you want to play with pirates and ships, this is your game.
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The Best Adjacent & Hobby Picks
Gaslands
What happens when you strap machine guns and rocket launchers to muscle cars and throw them into a post-apocalyptic demolition derby? You get Gaslands, a Warhammer-type game that’s equal parts chaos and creativity.
Got some old Hot Wheels lying around? Slap on some spikes and you’re good to go. The real beauty of Gaslands lies in its open-ended set of rules. The rules are easy to learn, making it perfect for quick, high-octane games where everything explodes (including your patience).
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Guild Ball
Guild Ball brings the gritty charm of steampunk and smashes it into the excitement of a tabletop sports game. Teams from various guilds face off in a game that feels like fantasy football but with more mayhem and fewer refs.
Its steampunk flair isn’t just for show; it adds depth and character to a game where every choice has consequences. So if you’re looking for a tabletop game that blends sportsmanship with strategy, Guild Ball is your ticket to glory, and it’s still top tabletop wargames out there.
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Dreadball
Dreadball is where sci-fi chaos meets sports drama, cranked up to 11. Imagine a futuristic sports league where alien teams battle it out for fame, glory, and maybe a little underhanded cheating (because who’s going to stop you, really?).
While the miniatures might not outshine Guild Ball in detail, Dreadball packs a ton of variety in its team designs, with quirky sci-fi squads that’ll make you chuckle and plot in equal measure.
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Puppetswar: Community-Driven Creativity
Puppetswar isn’t just a game; it’s like an open sandbox where the community shapes the playground. The creators hand over the keys, letting players access rules, 3D and 2D assets, and even model downloads for free. This all-access pass invites players to have a hand in shaping the game, making it a standout in the tabletop scene.
Up & Coming Games You Might Want to Try
Battle for Vallor: Fantasy Warfare Redefined
Battle for Vallor brings the chaos and charm of fantasy warfare right to your tabletop. Set in a magical realm where knights clash with orcs and sorcerers duke it out with terrifying beasts, this game is the total package: strategic gameplay, jaw-dropping miniatures, and a lore that ties this new addition to the Warhammer similar games list together.
Gundam Assemble
At its core, Gundam Assemble is a skirmish miniatures game featuring 2″ Gunpla models, the official Mobile Suit plastic model kits. Each mobile suit in the game will have unique traits and abilities, giving players plenty of variety when building their forces.
The miniatures for Gundam Assemble will require assembly and painting, staying true to the spirit of Gunpla building. While this won’t be like Warhammer 40k, the game aims to bring the thrill of Gundam’s high-stakes battles to the tabletop.
Final Thoughts From Us: Best Tabletop Miniature Wargames
Want a break from your usual army grind? Pick one of these top wargames tabletop games like Warhammer 40k, grab some minis, and throw dice until someone claims bragging rights.
With everything from massive fantasy clashes to quick sci-fi skirmishes, there’s no shortage of new battlefields waiting for you. Got a sleeper hit we missed? Drop it in the comments so the rest of us can act like we found it first.
Best Alternatives to GW’s Warhammer Miniatures
