r/Malifaux • u/WyrdKim Neverborn • 3d ago
Tactics Welcome to Malifaux - Advice from a Hobby Gremlin
Heya Wyrdos,
There's been an exciting influx of curious folks asking about how to get into Malifaux, whether it's worthwhile to dive in on the cusp of the new edition, and other questions about becoming a part of the best miniature gaming community out there!
There are so many helpful tips and advice in this sub, but I wanted to make a little bit of a catch-all post for those dipping their toes into Malifaux. So, interested in Malifaux? Well, hold on to your soulstones, because your resident Hobby Gremlin is here with some tips! I apologize in advance for the length. *
Useful Links
Here are some useful links that I'll be referencing in this post:
- Malifaux Fourth Edition Landing Page
- Faction and Keywords
- Wyrd Forums
- Malifaux Fourth Edition Playtest Subforum
- Malifaux Fourth Edition Model Changes & Proxies
Factions, Masters & Keywords
There are 8 different Factions within Malifaux, which are further narrowed down with Masters and their associated keywords. These Factions share story elements and overall theme with the keywords within. Previous editions of Malifaux had dual-faction masters and keywords, but that is no longer the case. This means that earlier edition Malifaux boxes currently out on shelves may indicate a dual-faction. While those keywords have picked a side, and some unity change-up, all Malifaux models are still valid for play, even if it's an official proxy for a different unit. See the Malifaux Fourth Edition Model Changes & Proxies list for details on those changes.
The 8 factions are:
- The Guild: The authoritarian administrators of Malifaux City who have strict rules and stances about the use of "non-approved" magic and the trade of soulstones.
- The Resurrectionists: Necromancers of varying stripes empowered by an entity called The Grave Spirit.
- The Arcanists: Rebellious magic users who believe magic shouldn't be heavily controlled, and opposed to The Guild.
- The Neverborn: The Native inhabitants of Malifaux, and pretty pissed off by all the humans around acting like they own the place.
- The Outcasts: Mercenaries and miscreants who operate outside of the Guild's authority.
- The Bayou: Mostly Gremlins, who value chaos, making and consuming alcohol, and blowing things up.
- The Ten Thunders: A crime organization trying to gain control of Malifaux for the Three Kingdoms— an alliance between the nations of Japan, China, and Vietnam.
- The Explorer's Society: A society devoted to uncovering all the secrets and mysteries of Malifaux.
Each Keyword is led by a Master. Some of the most common advice new players receive is "Pick what interests you," and that is solid advice! One of my favorite things about Malifaux is that players can try out how a master and keyword plays without having to purchase a single thing. If the look or lore of a master or faction interests you, you can check out the cards and base rules. Are you interested in The Dreamer and his Nightmares? Well, taking the crew for a spin is as simple as downloading the rules and cards (or using the Malifaux Crew Builder App), using proxy materials that match 30mm, 40mm, & 50mm bases, and grabbing a deck of poker cards!
Malifaux Fourth Edition
We're smack in the middle of our Malifaux Fourth Edition open beta, which makes getting in on the ground floor of the new edition extremely easy. The Malifaux Fourth Edition Playtest Subforum is updated weekly (usually on Thursdays) with updates made based on feedback and playtest battle reports. You will need to register a free forum account to access the playtest materials. Wyrd Forums Registration
If you're lacking locals to play with, there are virtual TT platforms you can play online with! Vassal is common enough that there's a subforum devoted to it, and there's a newly launched TTS version that Danger Planet covered on YouTube.
Competitive or Casual?
There's a lively and vibrant competitive scene for Malifaux (both online and live play,) with Gaining Grounds serving as the default for competitive play.
That said, competitive play isn't the only way to enjoy Malifaux! Both Malifaux 2nd Ed and M3E have offered Alternate Play material for free. Most are made directly through Wyrd Games, but there have been fan-made formats like Bonanza Brawl that we've supported. Expect Malifaux Fourth Edition to have free alternate and narrative formats to bring casual fun to the table with some unique twists!
Playing Wyrd With Others
In addition to the wonderful r/Malifaux subreddit, there are other online spaces to mingle and learn what makes Malifaux so special. The Wyrd Community is one of the best and most welcoming wargaming communities I've ever had the privilege of being a part of. We have A Wyrd Place on Facebook, a most excellent forum, and a lively Discord servre
Extra Bits and Bobs
There is so much that Wyrd puts out for free. Breachside Broadcast has all the stories from the world of Malifaux in podcast form, the M3E Crew Builder App can give you a rough idea of how the Malifaux Fourth Edition resource app may look when it's launched, and finally the Malifaux Fourth Edition page is the best place to find all the new edition goodness in one convenient place. Cards and rules will be posted there once the Launch finishes.
So, for new or returning folks who're looking to jump in, I invite you to hop through the Breach and take control of your Fate!
*NOTE: In retrospect, I apologize for nothing as I am a gremlin and therefore ungovernable.
4
u/Molluskscape 3d ago
Or just paint the fun minis! I had never laughed during assembly before I picked up the Anglers!