Every December, it happens.
Someone wanders into a hobby store or online group and asks the same question:
“What miniature game should I buy for Christmas?”
And like clockwork, someone replies:
“Start with Warhammer 40K. It’s the best.”
Cool. Except it isn’t.
Warhammer 40K isn’t a bad game. It’s brilliant. It’s cinematic. It’s the poster child of miniature gaming. But as a starter? It’s like handing a learner driver the keys to a Ferrari and wondering why they crashed before the first turn.
Let’s be honest — Warhammer 40K is a terrible starting point for beginners. Especially as a Christmas gift.
Here’s the truth, straight from someone who’s been neck-deep in glue, paint, and regret for years: if you want your loved one to actually play the game you buy them, skip 40K. There are better options that cost less, teach faster, and deliver fun immediately instead of six weeks later.
Why 40K Fails as a Christmas Gift
Let’s run the numbers.
A Warhammer 40K starter box costs about £40-£50. Reasonable, right? Except that’s not actually a full game. You’ll need paints. Brushes. Glue. Terrain. More models. Before you can even roll a single dice, that “starter” set turns into a £200 commitment.
That’s not a Christmas gift — that’s a financial side quest.
And then there’s the learning curve. 40K’s rules aren’t impossible, but they are dense. The rulebook reads like an ancient prophecy. You’ll spend your first three games not strategizing, but Googling what “Engagement Range” means and which special rule just nuked your army.
Even worse, you’re locked into a faction before you even know what you enjoy.
You bought Space Marines because they looked cool. By February, you realise you hate them. But now you’ve spent two months painting blue armor and crying over decals.
The result? Another hobby box gathering dust.
So let’s fix that.
Game 1: Deadzone — The Actual MVP of Starter Games
Deadzone isn’t flashy. It doesn’t have a billion YouTube channels screaming about lore. But after six weeks of testing, it’s easily the best miniature game for beginners — especially around Christmas.
Here’s why it works:
Price: You can buy a starter set for around £35–40. That’s a complete game. Not a teaser. You get everything you need to play and enjoy right away.
Painting: Ten models. That’s it. Not fifty. You’ll paint them in a weekend and still have time for mince pies. They look good, they play great, and you won’t burn out before you finish.
Rules: Clean. Streamlined. You’ll actually finish a game your first night. The mechanics reward smart moves and positioning, not rulebook memorization.
Replayability: Because it’s a skirmish system, you can tinker endlessly. Try different lists. Experiment with tactics. It scales beautifully as your confidence grows.
The experience: Within an hour, you’ll be playing a real miniature game that feels like the full experience — without the financial hangover.
Deadzone teaches you the fundamentals: line of sight, cover, movement, strategy. It’s the perfect training ground. By the time you graduate to bigger games, you’ll know how miniatures work.
And honestly? Most people don’t even “graduate.” They stay, because Deadzone’s that good.
Game 2: Kill Team — The Warhammer Alternative
Now, if your gift recipient already drools over Warhammer lore, Kill Team is the smart compromise.
Think of it as Warhammer 40K Lite. You get the same universe, same quality models, but smaller squads — five to ten miniatures per side. Games last about half an hour, not an entire evening.
The beauty of Kill Team? You can reuse the models in full 40K later if you choose to scale up. That means zero wasted investment.
The downside? It’s pricier than Deadzone, sitting around £55–60 for a starter. But the presentation is peak Games Workshop: beautiful minis, excellent production, and tight gameplay.
If your giftee loves 40K aesthetics but not the commitment, Kill Team hits the sweet spot.
Game 3: Warcry — The Fast and Chaotic One
Warcry lives in the Age of Sigmar universe — and it’s fun, fast, and messy in the best way.
It’s the beer-and-pretzels miniature game. You’ll get dramatic dice rolls, chaotic effects, and the kind of nonsense moments that make you yell across the table.
It’s also great for families or casual gamers. One game takes 30 minutes. The models look fantastic. The rules are digestible.
Downsides? It’s less about tactics and more about energy. You’ll get chaos and laughs, not deep strategic duels. Perfect for Christmas afternoon, less ideal if you want long-term campaign depth.
Game 4: Necromunda — The Campaign Beast
Necromunda is Warhammer meets Peaky Blinders. Small gangs. Dirty streets. Campaigns where your fighters gain skills, scars, and grudges.
But make no mistake: it’s not for beginners. There’s crew management, experience tracking, and a rulebook thick enough to stun an Ork.
If your recipient already loves miniatures and story-driven games, this is an incredible long-term hobby. If they’re brand new? It’s like giving someone Dark Souls when they’ve only ever played Candy Crush.
Game 5: Age of Sigmar Starter — The Big Gift
Age of Sigmar starter sets are genuinely solid Christmas gifts. Two armies. Nice rulebooks. Clear tutorials.
It’s the only entry-level “army game” that feels doable. The painting load is bigger, but it teaches large-scale gaming fundamentals straight away.
If your giftee wants that epic “armies clashing” vibe, this is the right call. Just know it’s a step up in commitment.
The Ones That Almost Made It
- Warmachine: Great game, but the community’s smaller and rules are heavier.
- Infinity: Gorgeous models, but painting and gameplay are both tough for first-timers.
- Battletech: Fantastic mech tactics, but it’s more wargame than true miniatures hobby.
The Real Lesson
The biggest mistake people make is confusing popularity with accessibility.
Warhammer 40K is the most famous miniature game on the planet — but fame doesn’t make it friendly for newcomers.
Deadzone teaches faster. Kill Team bridges the gap. Warcry adds laughter. Necromunda builds story. Age of Sigmar gives you spectacle.
The goal this Christmas isn’t to buy the “most iconic” game — it’s to buy the one that’ll actually get played.
What to Actually Put Under the Tree
Never painted a model before?
Deadzone starter (£35–40). Add a £10 paint set. Done.
Loves Warhammer lore but not ready for full 40K?
Kill Team starter (£55). Feeds the fandom, not the wallet drain.
Wants quick, fun chaos?
Warcry starter (£45). Great for families or casual nights.
Wants campaign storytelling and grit?
Necromunda (£60). Only for the patient and passionate.
Wants the big spectacle battle experience?
Age of Sigmar starter (£90–100). Two armies, tons of game.
Final Word
Warhammer 40K is incredible. But it’s not a gift for beginners. It’s a reward for veterans.
If you want to give someone the spark of a lifelong hobby, start smaller. Give them a game that’s playable, paintable, and actually finishable.
Because the best miniature gift isn’t the one with the most lore or models.
It’s the one that makes someone sit down, open the box, and say:
“Let’s play right now.”
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