In The Beginning - Getting Started In 15mm Sc-Fi

 If I Were To Start From Scratch

I had a little think about how I would get started in 15mm sci-fi game and thought I'd write about it here.

First thing you should purchase is a set of rules, this can then influence how you purchase your figures.

So for solo play, the rules I would go with are Starport Scum by Nordic Weasel Games available from Wargame Vault. These are a great set of comprehensive rules that will give you a fun battle and everything you need to play a quick game, as well as all the information you need to start and run a campaign. 

https://www.wargamevault.com/en/product/188598/starport-scum

For opposed play skirmish games with solo gaming options there is Space Weirdos - this is a skirmish RPG game with two warbands going head to head, or, in solo games, your warband trying to defeat and achieve something in a specific scenario. Youy build a warband according to a points system in Space Weirdos, there is an option for a smaller game with a small total points available for your warband, or a larger game option. two foot by two foot playing area is recommended for the smaller game, and three foot by three foot for the larger game. 

https://www.wargamevault.com/en/product/359157/space-weirdos

Then for miniatures, you cant go wrong with a value pack so I would recommend one of the Alternative Armies value packs which essentially gives you more than enough figures for a warband/crew/gang etc.

There are many more value packs available at Alternative Armies. A very good way to get started with some cool figs.

Now you will need a playing area, in 15mm skirmish game, two foot by two foot will suffice, three foot by three foot is ideal, and for larger skirmish games alot of fun can be had in four foot by four foot area. 

Lets say you need a playing area of two foot by two foot. A square of green, beige, brown, grey, or white cloth will suffice depending on the type of environment you want to set your game or campaign in.

Alternatively use 4 square carpet tiles. Or buy a specific wargames cloth, if you buy a larger size, you can just fold it up to the playing area required. 

Next up terrain, you will want plenty of terrain/cover on your table top for skirmish games.

My recommendation, if you dont have appropriate stuff you can utilise laying around the house to buy a bag of mixed pebbles - cheap and effective. Then just lay them out randomly on the playing area.