Video Games to Get Your Tabletop Fix
Let’s talk about some cool video games you can play while you’re stuck at home, wishing you were at the tabletop.
If you’re anything like me you’ve suddenly found yourself stuck at home a lot more than usual. With cities going into lockdown or people practicing social distancing going out to game nights at your FLGS may not be an option for a lot of us for some time. Of course gamers gotta game, even when stuck at home. Sure we can hobby, build and paint all day, but a lot of still want that hot gaming fix. Here are a few games you can play while stuck at home to help get a bit of that Warhammer, and other tabletop, gaming fix.
Dawn of War
Dawn of War is the original 40K RTS and old enough now to be a classic of the genre. While the sequels had their own unique appeal the first game is in many people’s opinion the best and most complete 40K video you can get. You play as a ton of factions and have some really epic battles. It’s also got an active modding community so even if you played the game to death back in the day you’ll find some new stuff. I recommend the Ultimate Apocalypse mod for a fun time. It’s got a multiplayer mode so its the next best thing to 40K you’ll get.
Battlefleet Gothic: Armada 2
Battlefleet Gothic: Armada 2 is a beautiful translation of one of the best games GW ever made. This is a truly epic and fun game of space battle in the Grim Dark. Armada 2 built on the good parts of the first game, and introduced a vastly improved campaign and more ships and factions, in fact all the factions for the tabletop game are in the video game. This is a game you can sink a lot of time into. Since it’s hard even in the best of times to play BFG irl this is a great way to get into the game. It’s also got multiplayer battles so you can keep in touch with friends.
Tabletop Simulator/Vassal 
I’ve grouped these two together because they mostly do the same thing. Tabletop Simulator and Vassal are virtual tabletop simulator games. They themselves are pretty basic engines but you can find mods and builds for many of your favorite games on here. Both board games and tabletop games can be found for these systems and they are all designed to be played with other people. Get you and your friends some copies and you can have a virtual game night thats almost as good as the real thing. If there is a specific game you just NEED to get your fix for these are the best bet.
Star Wars: Empire At War
Like Dawn of War I, Star Wars: Empire At War game came out why back in 2006 (which was just a stellar year for games). For those not familiar Empire At War is a grand strategy game set during the Galactic Civil War. You take control of one side in the conflict and control things on the strategic map building and moving armies and fleets. In battle you can take command of your forces in awesome real time battles, both ground and space are represented. This game was a ton of fun when it came out 14 years ago, but it has aged. Luckily, and the reason I’m still playing it, it has a very very active modding community. There are a large number of absolutely stunning mods from complete Clone Wars conversions to major graphical re-hauls that make the game look like a recent release. This game is just a ton of fun for any Star Wars fan, and modders have put pretty much any popular bit of Star Wars in the game somewhere. If you need an X-Wing, Legion or Armada fix this is the game for you.
Total War: Warhammer II
The Old World Lives! Total War: Warhammer II is the game to play if you miss the Old World and Warhammer fantasy. This game is a pretty faithful conversion of the vast bulk of the Old World and its factions into a computer game. While it doesn’t really play like a table top game, all your favorite units and heroes from Warhammer are there to be messed around with and it’s just a ton of fun. Really I doubt this game needs much introduction as its currently very popular. Grab a friend or two and drop into a multiplayer battle and it’s almost like 2012 again.
Battletech 
Battletech is a faithful adaptation of the classic tabletop game to PC. While its not exactly a direct copy of the old tabletop game, Jordan Weisman one of the two original Battletech/Mechwarrior designers did lead the team that made this video game, so it comes from the original creator giving it a ton of the feel and flavor of the original. I really don’t know what I can say about this game other than that is one of the best video games I’ve every played. It is a fun and immensely satisfying game and this is coming from someone who never really got into the tabletop game. It’s a mainly turn-based tactical game, so has a very similar feel to a tabletop game. Really if you like tabletop games, tactical games, or just big robots this is a game to try.
Final Liberation: Warhammer Epic 40,000
I’m going to end this list with another amazing classic game. From all the way back in 1997, Epic 40,000: Final Liberation is a well regarded classic of Warhammer lore. This absolutely amazing games recreates Epic 40K on the PC. It’s centered around a campaign pitting Space Marines and Imperial Guard against Orks and really shows off all the wacky-zanyness of early 40K. This game is still regarded by many as one of the best Warhammer video games out there, and is an absolute blast. It’s current;y on sale on GOG for under 2 dollars so really what do you have to lose. Oh and let’s not forget that this game has the absolute best cut-scenes mankind has ever made.
Let us know what games you’re playing to take the edge off, down in the comments!
