Top Ten Tips for Newbies to Historical Wargaming

If you're thinking about getting into historical tabletop wargaming, or you've recently made the jump from fantasy or science fiction gaming, my latest YouTube video shares the ten pieces of advice I genuinely wish someone had given me when I started. Rather than being hard-and-fast rules, they're lessons learned through years of collecting, painting, gaming and researching history. You can watch the full video below, but if you prefer to read first, here's a summary of the key points.

Historical wargaming is unlike any other branch of the tabletop hobby. While it shares many of the same elements as other miniature games, it also combines military history, strategy, modelling and painting into one rewarding pastime. Making the transition can feel daunting, but it doesn't have to be.

The first thing I would say is to start small. Don't feel pressured to recreate Waterloo on your first day. Skirmish games such as Bolt Action or Saga provide an excellent introduction without requiring hundreds of miniatures or complex rules. Just as important is choosing a period you genuinely love, because your enthusiasm will last much longer if you pick an era that truly fascinates you. Whether that means Ancient Rome, Napoleonics, medieval warfare, World War II or the English Civil War, following your own interests is often far more rewarding than simply collecting what everyone else is playing.

It also helps to learn some history. Understanding the tactics and battlefield methods of your chosen period makes games more immersive and often improves your decision making on the tabletop. Alongside that, it is worth investing in quality where you can. Good miniatures and terrain enhance every game, so buy the best quality you can reasonably afford, don't overlook scratch-building terrain, and take the time to learn what good craftsmanship looks like before trying to replicate it yourself.

Painting your armies is another important part of the hobby. Adopting a "no bare miniatures" approach encourages steady progress and improves your painting over time. Nobody starts as an expert, and every completed unit builds confidence. It is equally important to learn the rules properly. Spend time reading the rulebook instead of relying entirely on quick summaries, and make use of tutorial videos, online forums, experienced local players and club demonstration games to help you get to grips with the system.

Historical wargaming is at its best when shared with others, so joining the community can make a huge difference. Clubs, online communities and gaming groups offer advice, inspiration and opportunities to enjoy larger games and campaigns. At the same time, it is worth remembering to balance accuracy with enjoyment. Historical authenticity matters, but the goal is still to have fun, and small adjustments that improve everyone's experience are perfectly reasonable within your own gaming group.

Recording your games can also be incredibly rewarding. Battle reports, photographs and videos create a lasting record of your hobby journey while helping you improve as both a player and painter. Finally, never stop learning. History is an endless source of inspiration, and books, documentaries, museums, conventions and conversations with fellow gamers continually add new ideas and perspectives that enrich the hobby.

There is no single "correct" way to enjoy historical wargaming. Every hobbyist arrives from a different background and develops their own interests over time. Hopefully these ten tips provide a useful starting point for anyone considering the move into historical gaming, but they're certainly not the only advice worth sharing. I'd love to hear what tips you would add, so feel free to leave a comment on the video and join the discussion.