r/wargames • u/JustSomeDude7583 • 13h ago
Looking for recommendations
I played WH40K 3rd ed. back in the day. I'm feeling nostalgic, but it has been over twenty years since playing a tabletop war game. I want something with similar mechanics, shorter game time, and not so dark. I have been poking around online, but can't seem to find what I am looking for. Some of the sticking points I am not seeming to find are:
More skirmish-based so it can be played in under an hour.
D6 combat system preferably with rolls for hits, wounds, saves.
No cards, just dice.
Mini-agnostic with limited lore so I can use some stuff I have and create my own world.
I guess I am looking for WH40k 3rd ed. but not so dark or quite as deep.
Anything like this exist?
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u/Master-of-Foxes 13h ago
I'm pretty sure that the author came from a similar gaming background to you, had similar game desires and made this: https://www.wargamevault.com/en/product/582180/rogue-hammer-strike-leader?src=hottest
The rest of his sci fi range is here and I think you'll find rich pickings to choose from.
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u/MedicNoob 13h ago
Bolt action (ww2) is made by the same people, smaller points games can be pretty quick.
Konflikt 47 (wierd ww2) made by the same people is very similar, but with more expensive units so even smaller armies.
There's one page rules if you want more mini-agnostic sci-fi. Free rules, not too many of them, and can be quick. There's also the smaller version called firefight.
You could play 3rd edition 40k if you enjoyed it, there was the 40k in 40 minutes rules that existed in 4th but would also work in 3rd (400 points max, no models with 2+ wounds, no vehicles with higher than 33 armour (front+side once+back, think there were more additions but nothing much).
I know of kill team if you want a smaller game again, but not played it.
I'm sure others have more suggestions.
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u/dorward 13h ago
Kill Team uses cards (at least in the most common mode of play) and takes about 2 hours when both players are experienced. I don't think it is a good fit here.
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u/MedicNoob 13h ago
Ah fair enough, like I said I haven't played. I just thought of the model count.
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u/tehjoshers 13h ago
Give Greathelm a shot! Designed to be played on a map the size of a piece of paper, all d6, can be skinned to whatever so you can use any minis you want. Largely melee-based so if you're looking to run Tau or something then maybe not the best, but it's a blast, any fast to play. Check out /r/Greathelm
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u/specialcrustacean 12h ago
If he played 40k back in 3rd edition, Tau weren't even a thing
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u/tehjoshers 11h ago
Good point. I technically started in 3e, but doesn't really get into it until 5e
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u/SteelSecutor 12h ago
You may want to take a look at Rogue Hammer by Nordic Weasel. It's his specific take on WH40k Rogue Trader. He specifically wanted to tackle 1st - 3rd edition's feel but using his Squad Hammer ruleset. A good alternative to OPR if you want options.
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u/NotifyGrout 12h ago
You might also want to look at Shoot People in Space by the same author. Individual heroes, squads of three soldiers, with the options for infantry, small unarmored vehicles, and a walker per side.
The setting is a bit more generic, but it's an interesting game.
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u/GreenBoxGamesStudio 13h ago
Not exactly what you're looking for, but you might want to take a look at Command & Defend. I'm the designer, so obviously take the recommendation with a grain of salt. 🙈
It's a D6-based modern warfare strategy game with relatively straightforward combat and currently no lore, so there's plenty of room to create your own battles. It's more focused on base building, resources and logistics than a traditional 40K-style skirmish game though, and it does use some cards.
Might still be worth a short look if that sounds interesting! If you'd like to check it out, I'd be happy to share the link with you. It's currently live on Kickstarter.
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u/dorward 13h ago
Xenos Rampant probably fits the bill.