Warhammer is known as an extremely expensive hobby, into which fans sometimes pour thousands of euros. But do you really have to pay so much for the little figures? Not necessarily: With a few tips, you can save a lot and still enjoy Warhammer.
Model building is expensive, and Warhammer as a nerd hobby is no exception. Over 40 years ago, the world and its figures were created and has since been considered a costly pastime for people with enough money.
There are always memes about needing to sell at least one kidney for a complete army or even for individual figures. In fact, there are multiple models in the official shop for 800 euros, the currently most expensive one costs over 1,500 euros – without essential components like weapons and helmets (the Mars Pattern Warlord Titan).
To promote the whole idea of saving money while playing, a community even formed: Poorhammer. Here, fans simply create their models from inexpensive materials. However, there are ways to save money when it comes to Warhammer in general.
The cheapest option: Make the minis yourself
Strictly speaking, Warhammer is only the rulebook of the tabletop with the guiding principle: “What you see is what you get.” This means a game figure uses only the exact equipment that is attached to the model, according to the corresponding rules.
The basic rules are available for free on the official site, and the rules for certain factions can often be found online, at least in a simplified version.
Especially in friendly games, it is possible to use unofficial figures. These placeholders are called “Proxys” and can take all sorts of forms. One user even built an entire army made of tin for just 7 euros.
Others create huge models with many details out of cardboard and ice cream sticks. Before a game, it is declared which proxy represents which official figure, sometimes with small markings.
As long as the opponent agrees that the figures can be used, there is no problem. The only important thing is that the size of the “base,” that is, the stand foot, is correct. Only in official tournaments are you usually not allowed with proxies.
