Don’t quit Warhammer; here are some things to do if you disagree with Games Workshop’s policies on FOMO, rules bloat, and overall business practices.
Tired of paying $60 for a codex that’s outdated before the shrink wrap comes off? You’re not alone. If Games Workshop’s prices, policies, or power moves have you rolling your eyes harder than your dice, don’t worry, there are better ways to hobby.
Print the minis you actually want, play with rules that don’t cost a small fortune, and finally tackle that mountain of gray shame with paints that don’t come in tiny gold-labeled pots.
This isn’t about quitting Warhammer, it’s about doing it your way, on your budget, and with way more fun. Let’s break it down.
Frustrated With GW? Here’s How to Keep Enjoying Warhammer 40k
Updated January 7th, 2026, by Rob Baer with the latest thoughts and a video.
Look, we all love painting little plastic soldiers and arguing over which one’s tougher in a lore fight. But sometimes, Games Workshop makes decisions that raise eyebrows or spark full-on table flips. Pricing models, region-specific, exclusive, and paywalled releases, heavy-handed IP policing… You name it.
If you’ve hit that point where you’re still into Warhammer but not into how it’s being run, good news: you’ve got options that don’t involve rage-quitting the hobby.
Print It Like You Mean It
Let’s start with the obvious: 3D printing Warhammer stuff. No, we don’t mean running off entire knockoff armies (although technically, you could). The real fun is in the details, printing custom bits for conversions, unique helmets, shoulder pads, terrain pieces, model cases, and even score trackers.
GW is notorious for having a new release character or squad out of stock for months on end. Why not print an alternative miniature so you can actually use the model and rules in your games! What does GW expect people to do if they can’t get something? Never look for an alternative or play with, lol?
It’s a DIY dream, and it’ll make your army look like it has actual personality. Got a favorite chapter no one makes bits for? No problem. Print it. Want a squad of 40k Orks riding wolves? Weird, but I support you. Print it.
The Wonderful World of Alternative Minis
Not into printing or don’t have a printer? That’s cool, welcome to the glorious world of alternative Warhammer miniatures. There are hundreds of smaller companies out there creating models that are just as detailed (sometimes more so) and full of character.
These figures often have unique aesthetics, and painting them is ridiculously fun. Do some browsing, check out the community recommendations, and don’t be afraid to grab something from a lesser-known sculptor. One note: depending on your location, you might deal with tariff drama or import taxes, but the uniqueness can be well worth it.
Paint Like You Mean It
While you’re at it, this is the perfect time to upgrade your paint game. Not every hobby dollar has to be spent on new minis; investing in quality paints and brushes can actually be more satisfying.
Companies like Vallejo, Army Painter, and Monument Hobbies have been around for ages and know what they’re doing. That neon green you’ve been layering six times to get right? There’s probably a better paint for that.
That Backlog Isn’t Going to Paint Itself
And hey, if your wallet’s telling you it needs a rest (or you’ve already got a backlog threatening to crush your workspace), just start painting what you already own. We know, we know. Shocking idea.
But seriously, most of us have more gray plastic than we’ll admit, and knocking out a few projects from the pile can reignite that hobby joy better than any new release.
The dopamine hit from finishing a model you started last year? Stronger than caffeine.
Skip the Codex, Keep the Game
Now, let’s talk rules. Don’t want to drop $60 on a codex that’ll be outdated in six months? Totally fair. Grab the rules from Wahapedia. The site is clean, clear, and has just about everything you need. Combine that with army builder apps like Battlescribe or New Recruit, and you’re golden. You can build legal, fluffy, or downright cursed lists without flipping through 10 books.
Try New Games, Keep Your Minis
And if you’re just tired of GW’s core games in general, you’re not out of luck. Systems like Trench Crusade, One Page Rules, or even the new Zeo Genesis give you all the tabletop tactics with none of the rulebook bloat. They’re free, fast, and surprisingly well-supported. Best part? You can still use all those models you love or swap in those snazzy third-party sculpts you picked up earlier.
Keep Rolling, Keep Painting
So no, you don’t have to walk away from the Warhammer hobby you love just because you’re not on board with how the mothership’s steering the ship. Whether you’re printing, kitbashing, painting, or diving into a new ruleset, there’s always a way to keep the dice rolling and the brushes moving.
Stay creative. Stay weird. And most importantly, keep painting.
Over 50 Alternative Miniature Companies to GW!
What do you do when you disagree with Games Workshop’s business practices or stock issues?
the changes to Heresy have inspired some soul searching locally.
We’re looking into alternatives to 3.0 and there is a surprising amount of stuff out there!
1) ProHammer, the alternative 40k ruleset compatible with all the codexes from 3rd to 7th (and HH too with a few houserules).
2) sticking with Heresy 2.0, And investigating the Badab War setting with its fan made codexes which works with 2.0 or the addons from Liber Panoptica.
3)The Outer Circle’s home-made Heresy ruleset.
Once we’ve decided what we’re doing we’ll be free of the GW codex/edition treadmill
“No, we don’t mean running off entire knockoff armies”..
A custom army is not a “knockoff” (unless it’s a scan or 1:1 copy) and also,why didn’t you mention the best way to play 40k? Play OPR.