Wargaming encompasses a wide range of genres, each offering unique settings, historical periods, and thematic elements for players to explore. Some of the most popular genres are:
General historical wargaming which focuses on recreating battles and conflicts from real-world history. Players can engage in strategic and tactical simulations of historical wars, campaigns, or specific battles. This genre covers various time periods, from ancient civilizations and medieval warfare to modern conflicts and everything in between. Which would might include those below as well as other time periods:
World War II wargaming focuses on the conflicts and campaigns of the Second World War. Players can reenact historical battles or create fictional scenarios within the World War II setting. Popular World War II wargames include Flames of War, Bolt Action, and Memoir ’44.
Napoleonic wargaming centers around the wars and campaigns of the Napoleonic era (late 18th to early 19th century). Players can recreate the grand battles of this period, command armies of infantry, cavalry, and artillery, and experience the tactics and strategies employed by Napoleon Bonaparte and other prominent commanders.
Ancient wargaming focuses on battles and conflicts from civilizations of antiquity, including ancient Greece, Rome, Egypt, and Persia. Players can immerse themselves in the strategies and tactics of historical armies, command phalanxes, legions, or chariot units, and relive famous battles like the Battle of Thermopylae or the Battle of Cannae.
Modern wargaming covers conflicts and warfare from the late 19th century to the present day. It includes games that simulate both historical and hypothetical modern battles, encompassing periods such as World War I, the Cold War, and contemporary conflicts. Games like Team Yankee and Modern Spearhead fall within this genre.
Naval wargaming focuses on naval warfare, allowing players to command fleets of ships and engage in tactical naval battles. This genre covers historical naval conflicts, such as the Age of Sail, as well as modern naval warfare. Notable naval wargames include Victory at Sea and Axis & Allies: War at Sea.
Fantasy wargaming transports players into imaginative worlds filled with magic, mythical creatures, and epic battles. These games often involve armies of fantastical creatures, heroes, and wizards engaged in conflicts that take place in unique fantasy realms. Popular fantasy wargames include Warhammer Fantasy Battle, Kings of War, and Age of Sigmar.
Science fiction wargaming explores futuristic and interstellar conflicts. Players command armies, fleets, or factions in battles set in outer space, on distant planets, or in dystopian futures. This genre includes iconic games like Warhammer 40,000, Star Wars: Legion, and Infinity.
These genres offer a wide range of themes and settings, catering to different interests and preferences within the wargaming hobby. Players can choose to explore specific historical periods, immerse themselves in fantastical worlds, or engage in strategic conflicts of the past, present, or future. The diversity of wargaming genres ensures there is something for every enthusiast.
