In my latest YouTube video, I take on one of the most common—and often divisive—questions in miniature wargaming: are skirmish games the ideal starting point for newcomers, and do they have long-term appeal for experienced players?
As someone who absolutely loves playing big historical battles, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little wary of the growing dominance of skirmish games. There’s something majestic about commanding vast armies across a sprawling tabletop, and I’d be sad to see that fade away. But the truth is, skirmish games offer something incredibly valuable to the hobby. They’re fast to get into, rewarding to play, and provide a manageable entry point for beginners and veterans alike.
In the video, I explain how I’ve come to see skirmish games not as a rival to large-scale battles, but as part of the same journey. I even suggest using 6mm bases to represent single models in skirmish rules—an approach that lets you start playing quickly but gradually build toward full-scale engagements. Over time, those few bases become a full army. You’re playing from day one, but you’re also growing something much bigger.
Most importantly, I argue that there doesn’t need to be a divide in the community. Skirmish games and big battles aren’t competing. There are different ways to enjoy the same hobby. And in many cases, one can lead naturally to the other.
Whether you’re just starting out or thinking of a new project, I invite you to watch the video and share your own views. What do you think—are skirmish games just a stepping stone, or are they the future of wargaming?
I'm a big battle player, Lee. However, there is a place for skirmish games. I think that the advise you have offered in this video are spot on. Well done.
ReplyDeleteGotta agree, Big games do rule, but I also love a bit of skirmish too!
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