The Best Tabletop Miniature Games In 2024 (2024)

Ever looked at your dusty old chess set and thought, "If only these pieces could wield swords and cast spells"? Well, welcome to the thrilling realm of tabletop miniature games! Journey into intricate battlegrounds where knights, wizards, and even dragons come alive, clashing in epic battles dictated not just by chance but by your wits and strategy.

It's Chess with characters, Monopoly with magic, and Scrabble with skirmishes (try scoring that on a triple word score). These aren't your typical 'roll-the-dice-and-move' board games—they're miniature worlds waiting for you to command and conquer. So, ready to elevate your game night?

Updated on May 27, 2024, by Vaspaan Dastoor: While miniatures games are fun on their own, there's nothing like playing one that emulates your favourite IP. Be it medieval soldiers or futuristic starships, there's plenty for every kind of fandom. We've updated this list with a few more miniatures games based on popular IPs.

Best Sci-Fi Game

Core Space Starter Set

An exciting space adventure awaits!

Dive into immersive sci-fi adventures with Battle Systems Core Space, a tabletop game blending intricate 3-D terrain, thrilling missions, and dynamic gameplay.

Pros

• Captivating space adventure theme.
• Impressive table presence with intricate terrain.
• Versatile gameplay modes and mission variety.

Cons

• Lengthy setup with terrain punching and building.
• Rulebook layout can be confusing, requiring constant flipping.
• Numerous icons and chits can be daunting for newcomers.

See at Amazon$100 at Walmart

Battle Systems Core Space isn't just another tabletop game—it's an entire universe waiting to be explored. The 3-D terrain offers players a tangible depth to their missions, bringing spaceports, rustic villages, and war-torn cities to life right on your table. Each game feels fresh, thanks to the unpredictability of NPCs and the diversity of missions.

Yes, there's an initial time investment, particularly with setup, but the payoff is a deeply immersive experience. The rulebook might take a moment to navigate, but the gameplay itself remains intuitive and engaging. For those with a love for space adventures and detailed board games, Core Space presents an opportunity to combine both. All in all, it's a delightful balance of strategy, story, and stunning visuals.

Marvel: Crisis Protocol Core Set

A tabletop adventure with your favorite heroes!

Dive into thrilling tabletop battles with Marvel’s most iconic heroes and villains, featuring intricately detailed miniatures, immersive terrain, and dynamic game mechanics.

Pros

• Expansive hero roster for diverse gameplay.
• Intricately designed miniatures to paint and display.
• Tactical gameplay ensures a fresh experience every time.

Cons

• Requires an initial investment in tools and paints.
• Time-consuming assembly and painting process.
• Best experienced with a dedicated group or club.

See at Amazon$80 at Walmart

If you've ever dreamed of clashing with Marvel's mightiest, Marvel: Crisis Protocol delivers in spades. From the impressively detailed miniatures of fan-favorite characters to the tactically rich gameplay, there's no shortage of immersion to this game. True, the hobby aspect requires commitment—both in time and finances. You'll need tools and paints for your miniatures. You may also require a few expansion packs.

Still, this process is an adventure in itself, transforming you into both a gamer and an artist. The game shines brightest when played with fellow enthusiasts, where strategies evolve, and epic tales unfold. But even solo hobbyists will find joy in assembling and painting these iconic figures. Overall, Marvel: Crisis Protocol offers an engaging bridge between the Marvel universe and tabletop gaming.

Middle-earth Strategy Battle Game: The Fellowship of the Ring

Epic battles in the heart of Middle-earth.

Experience grand confrontations, strategic maneuvers, and the rich tapestry of Tolkien's world in this expertly crafted Warhammer game.

Pros

• Tailors to any play style.
• Strategic yet accessible ruleset.
• Captures the essence of the movies and allows for personal creative twists.

Cons

• Some miniatures are quite dated.
• Requires time to understand all gameplay intricacies.
• Some units can be hard to acquire due to age.

See at Amazon$48 at Walmart

The Middle-Earth Strategy Battle Game stands as a testament to the timeless appeal of Tolkien's world. It offers both hardcore fans and newcomers a chance to wage war in this legendary realm. Whether you're a dedicated Warhammer player or just looking to explore Middle-Earth in a new way, this game promises hours of fun.

Though some miniatures might show their age, the essence and charm of the characters remain intact. Plus, with various equipment and Heroic Actions, the strategies and possibilities are endless. If this game isn't enough to quench your thirst for adventure, check out our guide on the best Lord of the Rings tabletop games.

Best Strategy Game

Warhammer 40,000: Command Edition Starter Set

Mastering tactics in a universe at war.

Step into the vastness of Warhammer 40K's universe with the Command Edition, where strategy, tactics, and iconic miniatures collide.

Pros

• The ideal gateway for 40K rookies.
• Offers in-depth strategy with dynamic miniatures.
• Comprehensive Command Manual eases the learning curve.

Cons

• Board size limits tactical movement.
• Lack of wound trackers can disrupt gameplay.
• Some tutorial missions lean heavily towards one faction.

See at Amazon$140 at Walmart

The Command Edition paints a vivid picture of the Warhammer 40K universe for both rookies and veterans alike. Its board may feel a tad restrictive, but it's this very constraint that amplifies the thrill of close-quarter combats between the formidable Space Marines and the relentless Necron Warriors.

The missions provide a progressive learning experience. However, players should beware of certain imbalances in the earlier missions—which can feel skewed towards a particular faction. Regardless, these are simply minor blips to an otherwise immersive and enjoyable game.

Best for Beginners

Star Wars: X-Wing Miniatures Game

Ready to master the skies of a galaxy far, far away?

Star Wars X-Wing 2.0 offers a simplified yet thrilling experience for budding star pilots like you!

Pros

• High-quality, pre-painted miniatures ready to play.
• Engaging gameplay with constant player interaction.
• Expansions available for diverse gameplay experiences.

Cons

• Rulebook lacks clarity and is hard to reference.
• Gameplay can be time-consuming.
• Squad-building apps have quirks and can be finicky.

See at Amazon$38 at Walmart

So, you're looking to venture into the vast universe of Star Wars tabletop gaming? The X-Wing 2.0 is your perfect starting point. Its beginner-friendly mechanics ensure you don't get lost in space, while the intricately designed miniatures ignite that childlike wonder - reminiscent of unwrapping Star Wars toys during the holidays.

Sure, the rulebook might test your patience a tad—but even the Millennium Falcon had its quirks! And, while you might spend some time setting up, the exhilarating dogfights make it all worth it

Best for Advanced Players

A Song of Ice & Fire: Tabletop Miniatures Game – Stark vs Lannister Starter Set

The battle for Westeros begins at your table!

Step right into George RR Martin's universe, but swap those books for miniatures. Lead the Starks or Lannisters and bring your favorite characters to life on the battlefield!

Pros

• Detailed miniatures capture the essence of Westeros.
• Rich tactics board adds layers of strategy beyond the battlefield.
• Continually updated for balance, keeping gameplay fresh.

Cons

• Updates might mean adjusting your strategy with revamped units.
• Stock availability can sometimes be a challenge.
• Investment might be hefty before starting your first game.

See at Amazon$80 at Walmart

Looking for a special gift for the Game of Thrones enthusiast in your life? This game brilliantly marries intricate warfare strategy with the cunning politics of Westeros. Those detailed miniatures? More than just eye candy. They bring distinct attributes to the fray, allowing for a rich and varied gameplay.

The standout feature has to be the tactics board, which is not just a sideshow. The board captures the essence of Westerosi politics, making characters like Cersei and Little Finger crucial players. It's not just about who has the bigger army; it's about who plays the game better.

With continuous updates, you're assured gameplay that evolves, challenging your strategic prowess every time. So, whether you're maneuvering the treacherous terrain of the Lannisters or rallying the fierce loyalty of the Starks, every game is an unpredictable, thrilling ride.

Star Wars: Rebellion

Easily the most recognisable miniatures.

While Warhammer miniatures are great for fans, Star Wars minatures are something that would appeal most people. Iconic starships like the Death Star and X-Winds, or ground troops like the AT-AT are readily recognizable, especially since they are crafted with such detail and precision. Star Wars: Rebellion is a great starter game for anyone looking to get into games with miniatures.

Pros

• Miniatures of iconic units from the Star Wars Universe.
• Great gateway into more indepth miniature board games.
• Make great display items as well.

See at Amazon$88 at Walmart

Imagine holding the moon-sized Death Star in your hand. With the precision that Star Wars: Rebellion puts into its miniatures, you might want to get this game just to play with them. It also acts as a great gatewat into more complicated miniatures games like Warhammer 40K and Middle-earth Strategy Battle Game.

Cthulhu: Death May Die

Not so scary when he's so tiny

Miniatures of soldiers and spaceships is one thing, but Cthulhu: Death May Die lets you move ancient gods around like they're nothing. While it doesn't follow the traditional miniatures game formula, it certainly warrants a place on this list thanks to the detailed miniatures of the characters, Lovecraftian monsters, and even Cthulhu himself.

Pros

• Miniatures include Lovecraftian horrors and Cthulhu himself.
• Even the human miniatures are unique and full of characters.
• Expansions feature more monsters.

See at Amazon$100 at Walmart

Much like the Death Star in Star Wars: Rebellion, Cthulhu doesn't seem so threatening when he fits in your palm. Regardless of that, the miniatures are incredibly detailed, each with unique characteristics to further add to the horror in Cthulhu: Death May Die.

BattleTech

Mechs > Any other unit

We can all agree that mechs are the coolest military-based units. BattleTech brings that idea to the tabletop wargame genre with a large variety of mech miniatures. If you're a fan of the Armored Core series of video games, you should probably check out this one.

Pros

• Diverse range of miniatures.
• Beginner box is very well loaded with everything you'll need.
• Expansion sets include a large number of new miniatures.

See at Amazon$51 at Walmart

Besides featuring some of the coolest looking miniatures on this list, another great thing about BattleTech is that the expansions include a large number of miniatures. Building up your collection won't be so tough, as there aren't countless offshoots featuring a handful of units, like in Warhammer 40K.

Necromunda

The gang's back together

As dark and dreary the Warhammer 40K universe is, Necromunda takes it a level further. Based in the seedy, gang-infested underbelly of the 40K universe, this tabletop miniatures game swaps out Space Marines for gang members with a grim cyberpunk aesthetic.

Pros

• Great dark cyberpunk aesthetic.
• Based in the Warhammer 40K universe, but is vastly different.
• Includes a lot of terrain.

See at Amazon

If a grim cyberpunk setting is your thing, Necromunda might just be your miniatures game of choice. Each miniature is highly detailed in a rusty futuristic aesthetic that looks like it belongs in the 40K universe. This one really showcases the creativity of the designers at Games Workshop.

Horrified

A Thriller miniatures game.

The thing that sets Horrified out of the crowd is that, instead of featuring popular IPs, it features monsters from various mythologies. Be it ancient Greek, American, or classic monsters, any of them can be used on the board, making the game vastly different with each playthrough.

Pros

• Features popular monsters from across the world.
• All monsters can be mixed and matched.
• Great starter miniatures game.

Cons

• Not to the scale of a regular miniatures game.

$40 at Official SiteSee at Amazon$40 at Walmart

While you're usually the one controlling the miniatures, Horrified has you and other players fight them off. Each monster miniature has to be defeated in a particular manner, making it a very versatile game when you mix up the set of three editions.

Star Wars: Armada

In a galaxy on your tabletop.

Star Wars battles can be divided into two parts - epic Lightsaber duels and epic space battles. If you're a fan of the latter, Star Wars: Armada allows you to pit some of the iconic starships from the IP against each other in miniature-based gameplay.

Pros

• Features iconic Star Wars starships.
• Ever-growing expansions and miniatures to add to your collection.
• Work great as showpieces too.

See at Amazon$96 at Walmart

Recreating one of the iconic space battles from the Star Wars universe is pretty easy with Star Wars: Armada. The miniatures game is constantly evolving, as with the IP, so new expansions are always coming out. You're going to have a hard time putting these miniatures back in the box, because they just look so good.

FAQ

What are tabletop miniature games?

Tabletop miniature games, often referred to as wargames, involve players using miniature figures to represent warriors or combatants on a battlefield. Players typically use strategy and tactics to defeat their opponent, with gameplay governed by a set of rules.

How are these games different from traditional board games?

While traditional board games use pre-designed boards and often have a fixed set of pieces, tabletop miniature games allow players more freedom to design their own battlefields. They use detailed miniature figures and often have more complex strategies and rule sets.

Do I need to paint the miniatures myself?

Many games come with unpainted miniatures, giving players the option to customize them. However, there are also pre-painted options available for some games for those who prefer to dive straight into gameplay.