If you have ever wanted a Warhammer 40k-style experience without emptying your wallet, Grimdark Future by One Page Rules might be exactly what you’ve been waiting for.
This free, streamlined sci-fi wargame condenses epic battles onto a single sheet of paper, making it perfect for casual players and veterans alike. While fans have long relied on 3D-printed models, OPR has now revealed that real plastic miniatures are ready to hit production. This move could bring a new level of legitimacy to the indie wargame and make it feel more like a proper tabletop contender. With a blend of ambitious design and clever fan service, Grimdark Future is stepping into the big leagues.
From Fan Project to Indie Game
Grimdark Future began its life as OnePage40k, a stripped-down ruleset designed for 28mm sci-fi battles. Unlike Warhammer 40k, you could jump in with any miniatures and didn’t need a codex to field an army. This made it accessible, and it quickly became a beloved entry point for hobbyists. In 2017, OPR launched a Patreon to fund digital miniatures, cementing the transition from a fan project to a full indie game. At this point, the game shed its explicit Warhammer 40k ties and became the original Grimdark Future we know today, complete with unique lore and factions.
Plastic Miniatures: Production Ready
The big reveal from OPR is that all plastic minis for the upcoming Broken Truth starter set are production-ready. This includes infantry, big models, and even wild concepts like dinosaur-riding space warriors. The miniatures are made from PVC soft plastic, which is far superior to the bendy board game figures of the mid-2000s. While they may require some superglue, the quality is now well-suited for serious wargaming. According to OPR, all molds are completed and final production samples are already shipping, meaning backers will get models that match these prototypes. Non-infantry models simply won’t be glued to their bases, giving hobbyists freedom to pose them creatively.
Ambitious Investment and Crowdfunder Plans
OPR’s approach to production is ambitious. PVC miniatures require expensive steel molds, sometimes costing tens of thousands of dollars each, which represents a serious financial gamble. By front-loading this investment, OPR shortens the timeline for delivery and reduces risks during the Gamefound crowdfunding campaign. It’s a bullish move that shows the team is confident in backing their vision and the fanbase. The upcoming campaign will include the starter set plus optional add-on packs, dice towers, and even extra minis, all of which have molds ready to go.
Navigating the 40k Connection
Over the years, OPR has carefully balanced its relationship with Warhammer 40k. While many players use 40k miniatures to play Grimdark Future, the game needs to maintain its own identity and avoid copyright infringement. Investing in a physical starter set is as much about credibility and visibility as it is about gameplay. It signals that Grimdark Future is stepping out of the shadow of its more famous cousin, offering a legitimate, standalone sci-fi experience.
Final Thoughts
For indie wargamers and 40k veterans alike, the move into real plastic miniatures is exciting news. Grimdark Future has evolved from a clever, free ruleset into a tangible, hobby-friendly product that could easily hold its own on the tabletop. Between its approachable rules, imaginative miniatures, and now fully funded production, it’s clear that OPR is aiming for something bigger. If you’ve been curious about the game, now might be the perfect time to check out the Broken Truth starter set and experience a grim, dark universe without the usual wallet drain.
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