The appeal of OG Warhammer undeniably lies in its grimdark atmosphere and epic large-scale battles. What makes Moonstone from Goblin King Games unique is how much it strays from that aesthetic. From its gameplay to its lore, Moonstone takes a far more lightbright tone in its miniatures, lore and gameplay. If you've ever wanted a break from all the grimdark of the Old World or 40k, then Moonstone just might be the wargame for you.
And luckily, Moonstone has an ongoing holiday sale.
For 20% off, you can grab Christmas starter bundles from the official Moonstone store. These bundles are a great gateway into this whimsical game of skirmish warfare. Each starter kit is bigger than the last, giving you control over how much you want to invest into a new world. The bigger the bundle, the more miniatures and bang for your buck you get.
As for why Moonstone is worth your time, the answer comes in threes. First, the gameplay takes a card-based approach to wargaming. That means no crunchy dice rolls to min-max towards. Instead, players must use a variety of offensive and defensive cards to dominate the battlefield, which can be refreshing for wargame fans who want a bit of spice. While bad rolls can't be bluffed out off, a bad hand can.
Secondly, I love how intimate its gameplay and lore are when paired together. With only 4-6 miniatures per game, it's a skirmish in a similar vein to something like Warhammer 40k's Kill Team series. The goal isn't to wipe out the other side (usually) but to nab as many of the eponymous moonstones as possible before the game's end.
Finally, the miniatures are absolutely gorgeous. The overall aesthetic reminds me of classic European fantasy with hints of Dark Crystal and Labyrinth. The adorably ugly goblins and cheery woodspeople makes this a surprisingly comfy wargame. Plus, at 32mm, they can fit right into a number of your other Warhammer displays.
If you're looking for people to play these new wargames with, check out the Wargamer Discord. For more fantasy tabletop experiences, check out the best fantasy wargames guide.