Using miniature proxies for popular tabletop wargames

If you’ve been a wargamer for any length of time, you’ve likely felt the squeeze of big companies trying to box you into their neat little ecosystems. They want you to buy their official miniatures, terrain, and books, all while telling their stories. But here’s the thing: the hobby belongs to us, the players. And one of the best ways to reclaim it? Proxy miniatures.

What Are Proxy Miniatures?

Proxy miniatures are simply stand-ins for official models. They might be third-party minis, 3D-printed figures, or even conversions you’ve bashed together yourself. The key is that they allow you to break free from the confines of official ranges and inject a bit of your own personality into your army.

Aligning Proxy Miniatures to Official Squads

Using proxy miniatures doesn’t mean you have to throw out the rulebook—far from it. You can still follow the official game systems but with a personal twist. When it comes to proxies, you’ll want them to roughly match the size and loadout of the official miniatures. That way, they’ll fit into the game without a hitch, while still allowing your creativity to shine.

Pros of Using Proxy Miniatures

1. Save Yourself a Few Quid

Let’s not beat about the bush—official miniatures are pricey. Proxy miniatures are often a much more affordable option, whether you’re buying from smaller companies or printing your own. You can build a stunning army without shelling out for the latest overpriced releases, and you won’t be compromising on quality either.

2. Unleash Your Creativity

Why should your army look like everyone else’s? Using proxies means you’re free to explore new ideas—whether you’re kitbashing parts from different kits or experimenting with fresh paint schemes. It’s your army, your way. Throw in some custom terrain, and you’re not just playing a game—you’re creating an entire world.

3. Escape the Prescribed Narrative

The more you invest in a big company’s miniatures, the more you’re tied to their universe. By using proxies, you’re no longer limited to their stories or their vision of what a faction should be. Want to create your own lore for your army? Go for it. Fancy building a homebrew campaign? Nothing’s stopping you. It’s about reclaiming the hobby from corporate narratives and turning it back into something personal.

A Few Cons to Consider

1. Tournament Restrictions

One downside of using proxies is that many official tournaments require the use of branded miniatures. While some independent events or clubs might be more lenient, you could run into restrictions if you’re planning to play competitively. But for friendly games or home campaigns, proxies are almost always welcomed.

2. Time-Consuming

Let’s be honest—putting together proxies, especially if you’re converting or kitbashing, can take time. It’s not as quick as slapping together an official model straight out of the box. However, for many of us, that’s where the fun lies—the joy is in the process, not just the end result.

A Return to the Heart of the Hobby

At the end of the day, using proxies, kitbashing, and building your own terrain is about something bigger than just saving money. It’s about rediscovering the creativity that makes this hobby so brilliant. When we free ourselves from the constraints of big companies, we return to what wargaming is really about—crafting our own stories and making something truly unique.

So, if you’re tired of being another cog in the machine, grab a proxy miniature, build that terrain, and make the hobby yours again.