Historical wargaming has always been one of those hobbies people sometimes raise their eyebrows at. Painting tiny soldiers, reading endless history books, and recreating battles on a tabletop—it’s easy for outsiders to dismiss it as strange or even childish. But here’s the thing: that geeky, nerdy side of wargaming is exactly what makes it so worth celebrating.
For years, the label “geek” was used as an insult. If you were into comic books, roleplaying games, or fantasy novels, you were often treated as though your interests weren’t valid. Wargamers have felt that too. How many of us have shrugged off awkward questions about why we spend hours painting uniforms no one else will notice, or why we know far too much about the organisation of Napoleonic cavalry? But the truth is, this hobby is more than just toy soldiers—it’s history, art, strategy, and community rolled into one.
Historical wargaming encourages us to learn. Every new army painted sparks an interest in the history behind it. Every game played teaches us something about strategy, organisation, or communication. Every miniature finished is an exercise in patience and attention to detail. These are skills and qualities that go far beyond the tabletop.
And then there’s the community. Whether it’s through clubs, conventions, online forums, or YouTube videos, wargaming connects people who share the same passion. It creates spaces where we don’t have to explain why we care about these things—because everyone around us gets it. Of course, like any community, it has its challenges. There are trolls, there’s sometimes infighting, and yes, there can be snobbery between different gaming groups. But at its heart, historical wargaming is inclusive. It doesn’t matter whether you’re painting your very first regiment or you’ve been gaming for decades—if you love it, you belong.
So rather than feeling embarrassed by the geeky side of our hobby, let’s embrace it. Being a wargamer means being curious, creative, and passionate. It means learning, building, painting, playing, and sharing. It means being part of something that stretches across time, place, and background.
Historical wargaming is geeky—and that’s what makes it awesome.
