Miniature wargames are a cornerstone of tabletop entertainment, combining strategy, customisation, modelling, lore, and community. Among the most talked-about names are Mantic Games and Warhammer (Games Workshop).

Both have millions of fans worldwide. Both bring worlds to life with highly detailed miniatures. Both offer competitive gameplay and collectible armies. Both inspire painting, modelling, and storytelling. And both create memorable experiences around the table.

Yet they’re not the same, and choosing the right one depends on your playstyle, budget, hobby goals, time investment, and gaming preferences.

If you’re deciding between Mantic Games and Warhammer, this guide breaks down everything you need to know:

• Gameplay experience

• Entry cost

• Complexity

• Time investment

• Lore & storytelling

• Miniature quality

• Army variety

• Community size

• Style of play

• Competitive scene

• Best starter choices

 The Short Answer

Warhammer is best for people who love:

• Beautifully detailed miniatures

• Deep lore and worldbuilding

• Big armies and big table battles

• A large global community

• Competitive league/tournament play

Mantic Games is best for people who want:

• Affordable armies

• Faster gameplay

• Easy learning curve

• Flexible starter sets

• Tactical, rewarding game design

Now let’s dig deeper.

 Gameplay Style & Experience

Warhammer Gameplay

Warhammer is epic, cinematic and immersive. It leans into:

• Narrative storytelling

• High fantasy (Age of Sigmar)

• Sci-fi warfare (Warhammer 40,000)

• Huge variety of factions

The armies are often detailed and numerous. Games are longer, battles are grander, and the depth appeals to collectors who want to invest time into campaign building.

It’s a “big investment hobby.”

Mantic Games Gameplay

Mantic focuses on:

• Balanced competitive play

• Fast turns

• Streamlined rules

• Tactical decision-making

It’s ideal if you want the fun of a tabletop wargame without needing to spend hundreds or learn complex mechanics.

The games feel strategic but flow smoothly, and are easier to teach to friends.

Cost to Play & Build an Army

Let’s be honest: miniature gaming can become pricey.

But the difference between Mantic and Warhammer can be significant.

Warhammer Cost

Warhammer tends to cost more:

• Miniatures are premium-priced

• Players collect lots of units

• Accessories, paints & scenery add up

Is it worth it?
For many, yes. The craftsmanship is exceptional, the hobby is deep, and it’s highly rewarding.

But it requires commitment.

Mantic Games Cost

Mantic is known for budget-friendly wargaming:

• Armies are cheaper

• Starter sets are excellent value

• You can build a full force without overspending

This makes Mantic ideal for:

• Beginners

• Teens

• Casual gamers

• Experimenting before committing

• Gifts

You get the tactical wargame experience without breaking the bank.

Time Investment & Learning Curve

Training Yourself to Play Warhammer

Warhammer has:

• Larger rulebooks

• Faction-specific rules

• Interactions to memorise

It’s immersive.. but it takes time
Perfect for committed hobbyists.

Learning Mantic Games

Mantic games:

• Teach quicker

• Play quicker

• Require fewer special rules

This makes them great for:

• Gaming nights

• Family sessions

• Beginners

• Clubs introducing new players

Hobby Experience (Painting & Modelling)

Both games involve modelling and painting, but their styles differ.

Warhammer Hobby Appeal

Warhammer is famous for:

• Beautiful sculpt quality

• Artistic detail

• Showcase painting

A lot of hobby painters choose Warhammer purely for painting and collecting, even if they barely play.

Mantic Hobby Appeal

Mantic has:

• Clean sculpts

• Easier builds

• Larger units without high cost

Great for:

• Speed painting

• Army creation

• Starting painting as a hobby

Lore & Worldbuilding

Warhammer Storytelling

Warhammer’s universes are huge.

• Centuries of lore

• Faction histories

• Characters, battles, conflicts

• Books, comics, fan fiction

Playing Warhammer is like jumping into a living mythos.

Perfect for roleplayers and lore enthusiasts.

Mantic Storytelling

Mantic lore exists, but:

• Worlds are lighter to absorb

• Books are fewer

• Rules and gameplay are the main focus

For players who prioritise gameplay over lore, Mantic is perfect.

Army Starters: Best Entry Points

Best Warhammer Starter Products:

• Warhammer 40K Combat Patrols

• Age of Sigmar Vanguard Boxes

• Kill Team Starter Sets

Perfect for:

• Competitive play

• Deep immersion

• Army building

Best Mantic Starter Products:

• Kings of War Starter Armies

• Deadzone Starter Boxes

• Armada Starter Sets

Great for:

• Beginners

• Quick setup

• Casual and club play

Competitive vs Casual Play

Warhammer Competitive Scene

Warhammer excels at:

• Tournaments

• League matches

• Faction specialisation

• Strategy depth

Its community is massive and global.

Mantic Competitive Scene

While smaller, Mantic is appreciated for:

• Fair balance

• Solid tactical decisions

• Rewarding strategic play

Competitive players often describe Mantic games as “tight, tactical and satisfying.”

Community & Support

Warhammer Community

Huge:

• Thousands of clubs

• Massive online presence

• Global events

Mantic Community

Smaller, but:

• Very welcoming

• Easier to enter

• No gatekeeping vibe

• Great for casual players

Miniature Quality Comparison

Warhammer Models

• Museum-quality detail

• Hard plastic kits

• Customisation galore

Mantic Models

• Great tabletop quality

• Faster assembly

• More practical finishing

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose Warhammer if you want:

• Deep lore

• Stunning miniatures

• Big armies

• Huge competitive scene

• Long campaigns

Choose Mantic if you want:

• Great gameplay without huge cost

• Fast setup

• Easy-to-learn rules

• Affordable armies

• Shorter games

 Mistakes People Make When Choosing

• Thinking “cheap” means low quality

• Assuming Warhammer is only expensive

• Forgetting time investment matters

• Buying too much too soon

• Not knowing playstyle before purchase

Quick Decision Checklist

If most of these sound like you, buy Warhammer:

• You love detailed hobby painting

• You want deep immersion

• You enjoy competitive gameplay

If most of these describe you, buy Mantic:

• You want affordability

• You want fast games

• You’re introducing others to wargaming

Final Thoughts

Both brands are excellent, but they cater to different types of gamers.

The best news?
Many players enjoy both and choose armies from each depending on mood.

It’s not either/or.
It’s “which fits what you want today?”

Fox & Fable Toysellers

If you're ready to explore the worlds of Mantic and Warhammer, we’re here to help.

At Fox & Fable Toysellers, we:

• Offer curated selections of Mantic Games and Warhammer

• Provide affordable starter options

• Help you begin the miniature hobby with confidence

• Only stock products with strong demand

• Supply both individuals AND distributors

We also hand-select toys, games and miniatures that consistently produce strong ROI for retailers (typically 30%+ on Amazon FBA products) and we’re trusted as a reliable toy wholesale supplier.

👉 Whether you're buying for personal fun or you're a distributor stocking gaming products, browse our catalogue and check our stocklist today.