Most people think you need a huge budget and years of experience to get into tabletop war gaming. That is simply not true. The hobby is more accessible today than it has ever been, and thousands of new players pick it up every single month. If you have been curious about War Gaming Miniatures but did not know where to start, this checklist is made exactly for you.

Why This Hobby is Worth Starting

There is something really satisfying about building a small army from scratch, painting each figure by hand, and then putting them on a game table. It is part art, part strategy, and part fun. You do not need to be a master painter or a game expert on day one. You just need the right starting supplies and a little bit of patience.

Start With the Right Miniature Set

The first thing you need is a good starter box. Games Workshop makes some of the most popular options out there, like the Combat Patrol sets. For example, the Combat Patrol: Ultramarines box gives you multiple figures, a decent variety of unit types, and it is priced in a range that makes sense for beginners. You get a solid foundation to build your first army without overbuying.

Next, think about the faction that interests you most. Do you like space soldiers, fantasy warriors, or alien creatures? Picking a faction you actually like makes the whole experience more enjoyable from the start.

Glue and Assembly Essentials

Building miniatures means sticking small plastic parts together, and the glue you use matters a lot. Plastic cement works best for connecting plastic pieces because it creates a chemical bond that holds firmly. Super glue is great for metal or resin parts.

Here is a quick list of what you need for assembly:

• Plastic cement or super glue
• Hobby knife or box cutter
• Plastic sprue cutters or nippers
• Cutting mat to protect your workspace
• Tweezers for tiny pieces

These tools make assembly faster and cleaner. A good set of nippers, for example, prevents rough edges on your figures.

Paints and Brushes for Beginners

Painting is where your miniatures come to life. You do not need fifty colors to start. A small set from Citadel by Games Workshop or Army Painter covers most of what a beginner needs. Get a base coat color for your army, a wash for shadows, and a highlight color. That is a solid three-step painting process that looks great even for first-timers.

In addition, pick up two or three brush sizes. A medium brush for base coats and a fine detail brush for faces and weapons will handle most of your painting early on.

Primer Is Not Optional

Skipping primer is one of the most common mistakes beginners make. Primer helps paint stick to plastic and metal surfaces. Apply a thin coat of grey or black spray primer before you paint anything. It takes just a few minutes and saves hours of frustration later.

Terrain and Game Mats Add Real Depth

Once your army is ready, you need a battlefield. Foam terrain pieces, printed cardboard buildings, or resin scatter terrain all work well. A game mat printed with roads, grass, or stone floors ties the whole table together visually. Even basic terrain improves the gameplay experience significantly.

Dice, Rulebooks, and Datacards

The game itself needs a few more items. Most war gaming systems use specific dice sets, usually multi-sided. A rulebook or army codex tells you how your specific faction plays. Datacards are also handy because they list unit stats in a format that is easy to reference during a game.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What are war gaming miniatures?

A1. War gaming miniatures are small plastic, metal, or resin figures used in tabletop strategy games. Players build, paint, and move them across a game board to simulate battles.

Q2. How much does it cost to start war gaming miniatures?

A2. A beginner can start for around $100 to $150, covering a starter box, basic paints, glue, and a couple of brushes. Costs grow as your army expands.

Q3. What is the best starter set for new players?

A3. Combat Patrol boxes from Games Workshop are widely recommended. They include multiple units for one faction and offer good value compared to buying individual kits.

Q4. Do I need to paint my miniatures to play?

A4. Painting is not required to play, but most game groups prefer painted armies. Painted figures also make the game visually more engaging and easier to identify on the board.

Q5. Where can I find miniatures in Salt Lake City?

A5. If you are looking for miniatures in Salt Lake City, MRS Hobby Shop in Sandy, Utah, carries a strong selection of Games Workshop sets, paints, tools, and terrain supplies.

 

Your Starter Army is One Visit Away

Here at MRS Hobby Shop, we stock everything on this checklist and then some. From Games Workshop Combat Patrol boxes to Citadel paints, Army Painter sets, hobby knives, cutting mats, and terrain pieces, we carry it all under one roof. We have been serving Utah's hobby community since 1984, and we genuinely enjoy helping new players get started the right way. Stop by our Sandy, Utah, location or browse our full range of war gaming miniatures online. Building your first army is easier than you think, and we are here to help every step of the way.