“War is coming, with glory and horror.” Archon Studio has licensed a StarCraft tabletop wargame. They previously adapted Masters of the Universe and Wolfenstein.

So, for many hobbyists, it is about time. Starter set demos appeared at Cancon in Canberra.

Minis, Terrain, and Plastics

These were not final rules, so details may change. Still, the sculpts looked very faithful to the videogames. However, the scale is bigger than 40k. Marines read like Terminators, and Marauders are even bulkier. Meanwhile, Zerglings are nearly Marine sized, and the Queen is enormous. Therefore, Zerg should love contrast paints.

Demos used about a 3×3 board. Apparently, 2,000 points uses a 4×4 table. Yet reinforcements arrive over time, so boards should not stay clogged.

A convention Zeratul kit suggested GW-level plastic that clips cleanly. It included a clear cloaked option, and parts seemed sturdy. However, it shipped with one base, and an STL rumor was unverified. More broadly, all factions use many clear or colored components.

Gameplay: 40k Familiarity With RTS Base Building

If you play 40k, you will recognize most ideas quickly. However, list building starts with structures, since buildings unlock units and set supply pacing. So, you build a base first, then spend supply to reinforce units.

Phases use alternating activations, and total rounds were not finalized. Movement is unusual: move one model, then place the squad within about 3 inches coherency. It sounds like bunny hopping, yet low movement values limit abuse.

Units then Run, Shoot, or Charge. Charges are D6 plus movement. Shooting uses hit rolls and armor saves, with no wound roll. Also, Surge can add armor ignoring wounds when keywords match, and it is one die per unit. Some attacks are ground only or air only, so Mutalisks got a nod. Melee uses Evade first, then armor, and casualties come from non engaged models. Objectives score by counting supply in range, and supply drops as models die.

Summary

This demo sounds like the StarCraft wargame the community has wanted for years. A June 2026 starter wave was suggested, logistics permitting, with regular releases after. Competitive support is unclear, although StarCraft’s legacy makes a meta feel natural. Long term, three factions and finite canon units raise questions, yet leader heroes may add variety. Also, expect multiple character versions, like different Kerrigan eras.

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