I’m travelling at the moment, which means no 5 on Friday. Instead, I’m reminiscing! In the golden days of the late 90s or early 2000s, there was a magical time when a simple fiver could buy you a box of miniatures. These sets, featuring iconic units like Plague Marines, Beastmen, Genestealers, and Dwarfs, were more than just plastic and metal; they were gateways to the worlds of Warhammer, accessible to anyone with a bit of pocket money.
I was reminded of them recently, after seeing this image surface on social media:
Back then, the affordability of these sets played a crucial role in making the Warhammer hobby accessible to a wider and younger audience. For many young enthusiasts, these £5 sets were their first foray into the intricate and imaginative universe of Warhammer. The low price point meant that even those with limited funds could participate. They were pocket money kits.
Some kits really stood out for me. The ones I remember buying included:
- Plague Marines: These harbingers of decay brought the grim darkness of the far future to life, allowing players to field the forces of Nurgle in their battles.
- Beastmen: Representing the wild and untamed aspects of the Warhammer Fantasy world, Beastmen were a favorite for those who loved the lore of chaos and primal fury.
- Genestealers: These alien horrors were a staple for Warhammer 40,000 players, introducing many to the terrifying concept of the Tyranid hive fleets.
- Dwarfs: Stalwart and resilient, Dwarfs were a beloved choice for those who admired their craftsmanship and unyielding nature.
Each set was a small, affordable piece of a much larger narrative, allowing players to build their armies piece by piece without breaking the bank. It’s a pity that this experience is largely gone.
Recapturing the Magic Today
In today’s market, the cost of entry into the Warhammer hobby has significantly increased, which can be a barrier for new players. However, there are ways to recapture the spirit of those old £5 sets:
- Starter Kits: Games Workshop could introduce smaller, more affordable monopose sets. They don’t need to be the newest models, so long as they can give that same experience of putting together some minis, painting them up, and being able to then use them on the tabletop.
- Community Engagement: Encouraging local hobby stores to host painting and gaming events can help new players get involved without needing to invest heavily upfront. Community-driven initiatives can foster a sense of belonging and shared passion.
- Digital Integration: Leveraging digital platforms to offer virtual hobby experiences, such as painting tutorials and interactive lore sessions, can make the hobby more accessible to a tech-savvy generation.
- Subscription Boxes: Introducing a subscription model where players receive a small set of miniatures and hobby supplies each month could spread the cost and keep the excitement alive. This is being done to some extent with the Hachette magazines.
- Re-releases: Bringing back some of the classic £5 sets as limited-edition releases (albeit at a new price point; say £10?) could tap into the nostalgia of long-time fans while providing affordable entry points for new players.
The old £5 Warhammer boxed sets hold a special place in the hearts of many hobbyists. They certainly made the hobby accessible to me at an early stage. They were more than just products; they were invitations to a world of creativity and camaraderie. I’d love to see an honest, earnest effort to recapture that.
No Rerolls 
I loved these boxes, I had the Dwarf one when I first started WHFB
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