We sat down with One Page Rules to discuss the new Broken Truth starter set, plastic minis, and how this will impact the game moving forward.
If Warhammer 40k has your wallet gasping for air, One Page Rules (OPR) just threw down something you’ll want to check out. Their new Grimdark Future: Broken Truth Starter Set is the indie answer to Games Workshop’s cycle of codex churn and rising prices. We’re talking plastic miniatures, streamlined rules, and even a 12-inch Gator statue.
And the best part? You can try the game for free before spending a dime.
If you’ve been wondering what sets them apart, we spoke with Jefferson Thacker of OPR to learn more about what makes the game work, why they chose the plastic route, and what the future of the game looks like.
Q&A Interview: What Makes One Page Rules Special
All these answers are directly from the OPR team about what to expect as the game progresses, if there will be more plastic, what will happen to the STLs, and even the future after the starter set is released.
Q: Broken Truth is your first plastic starter box. What made now the right time to step into the plastic miniatures space?
A: We want to make the game as easy to start playing as we can, and having a physical box set with minis ready to go opens the game up to a lot of people who may not have 3d printers or an existing mini collection.
With this box set available, and with the launch of the game into retail stores, we’ll be able to have OPR available where any gamer who wants to can get them. It will also make it easier for new OPR communities to spring up when new players can grab what they need to play right away where they’re already playing games.
Q: A lot of 40k and AoS players are feeling burned out on constant rules, codex drops, and legends churn. How does OPR’s free, streamlined rules system solve that frustration?
A: We’ve always wanted to make it easier to jump in and play games, and we do all we can to remove any friction or obstacles to playing. Our game is easy to learn and quick to play. The rules are free, the army stats are free, and the army building app is free. When we do make updates, you can always grab a fresh download and everything is up to date for everyone. And you can play with whatever models you have or want to play with.
This means you and your friends can grab your models, put your lists together in minutes, and start rolling dice and having fun. The core rules are one page, the army sheets have all their rules stats and spells printed on it, and that’s all ya need for the game. You’ll get surprised by your opponent’s strategies, not because you forgot a rule in a book you didn’t bring with you or don’t have.
Q: The Broken Truth set comes with Saurians and Robot Legions. What drew you to those factions for the first plastic release?
A: When we were getting started with the production of Broken Truth two years ago, these were our two most popular armies in Grimdark Future, and they’re still some of our most popular models today. Their models look fantastic and always catch attention when we play with them at events, and they look very distinct.
Both armies also have fairly elite options available to them in game, so are great first armies for new players. They also play fairly differently from each other. The Saurian Starhost are very aggressive with lots of powerful attacks when they charge in, while the Robot Legions are slow and durable, rewarding a more methodical and relentless strategy.
Q: One of the biggest hooks with OPR is that players can use any miniatures they want. How do you balance supporting agnostic play with now producing your own plastic kits?
A: Being able to play Grimdark Future, or any of our games, is core to what we do even though we’ve already made thousands of models you can 3D print already. This is true even in our official tournaments.
We’re making these plastic models to make it easier for more people to get started playing the game, reach new audiences, and grow the community. Yes you can play our game with any models you like, but having a ready to go starter set with armies designed to use right away makes getting into any new game less intimidating. Its true in other mini games, just like it’s true with starter decks for collectible card games. Then from there you can expand your collection, try out new armies, find new models after you’ve learned the game and know what to look for.
Also, we think our models are fantastic, and our artists have worked hard to give them all an uniquely OPR feel. They’re designed to be easy to play with and easy to paint, and we’ve worked hard to make them affordable. And that’s really worked out for us. We want people to play with our minis because they want to, not because they have to.
You’ve just rolled out the 3.5 rules beta for playtesting. How important is community feedback in shaping OPR compared to the more top-down approach of Games Workshop?
A: Community Feedback is incredibly important to the game. It’s the whole reason for the beta and why it’s nearly 8 weeks long. We’ve been previewing these changes for the last few months and launched the beta with a live stream complete with live chat. Dedicated discord threads for each army were available right away and boy has the discussion been lively!
We’ve already made a ton of changes based on user feedback, and there is a lot more beta left to go. The players have run a lot of test games, and are quick to let us know how things went and how it felt to play. Working with the community like this will mean a better game for everyone.
A: For hobbyists who already own huge 40k or AoS armies, what’s the pitch for trying out Broken Truth or OPR’s other games?
A: The game is a blast to play, and if you already have a huge model collection, all you have to do is grab our rules off our website and start rolling some dice. The game is designed to play fast with alternating activations meaning you’re always engaged.
The average game only takes 60-90 minutes, so you can fit several matches in each game night. There is zero risk for you and your friends giving the game a try, and once you play it, we think you’ll be hooked.
Q: STLs have been a big part of OPR’s identity until now. Does the Broken Truth starter mark a shift away from digital files, or is it more of a ‘both-and’ approach?
A: Oh this is absolutely a ‘both-and’ approach – we release 50 to 100 minis to 3d print each month, not to mention missions, short stories, and more, and we don’t intend to slow that down anytime soon. Our Broken Truth Campaign is about opening the game up to more people, making it more accessible. We will continue to appreciate and support our 3d printing audience.
Q: Crowdfunding is a bold move. What does success for this campaign look like, and what does it unlock for the future of OPR?
A: If we hit our funding goals and then some, we’ll be thrilled. It will mean that we can get the game ready to use plastic models out into the world, in game stores, in our store, and more.
We’ve already committed a lot to this campaign, the molds have been made, the accessories designed, the boxes measured and more, so we’re confident that the community will love it. And we hope it means the community for the game will be able to grow even faster, because at the end of the day we want people able to find games, roll dice, and play.
Q: You’ve mentioned keeping rules free and models optional. How sustainable is that business model as you expand into physical products?
A: OPR is 11 years old now, and the community support has been amazing. We couldn’t be doing what we’re doing without their support. Making the game more accessible, easier to get into with physical models won’t change that.
Q: Looking ahead, what’s next for OPR after Broken Truth? Should fans expect more plastic armies, new factions, or expansions to other game systems?
A: We’d love to do all of that, of course! It would be awesome to have ready to go box sets for all our armies at every local game store, to have starter sets for all of our games ready to go. But we’re not counting our chickens before they’ve hatched.
We’re going to keep making the games we love, keep making fantastic models, and helping grow an awesome gaming community
Final Thoughts On How One Page Rules is Changing Miniature Wargames
To us, the Grimdark Future: Broken Truth Starter Set is more than just another product drop; it’s a mic drop. OPR is here to give players an alternative: faster games, cheaper entry, free rules, and models that don’t break the bank.
If you’re burned out on codex creep, model tax, and waiting for FAQs, it might be time to grab some Saurians, square off against some Robots (or just the free rules), and see what all the hype is about.
At worst, you tried a free game. At best, you just found your new favorite system.
Click Here to Grab the New Starter Box!
