Wargames Illustrated WI449 May 2025 Edition

OBSERVATION POST

In this month’s Observation Post there’s a trio of new rulebooks, some excellent elves, and 10mm Samurai command.

RELEASE RADAR

Dom Sore’s monthly column highlights new and upcoming releases in the world of miniature wargaming.

QUICK FIRE

Short, quick-read posts from WI readers about their hobby projects, notes, news, and observations.

THEME: THE CELTS AT WAR AND ON THE TABLETOP

We take in the impressive options on this month’s free frame, and discuss the battlefield tactics they bring to your wargaming.

THE ARMY PAINTER HISTORICAL PAINTS - OVERVIEW

WI’s James shares his thoughts on the new Historical WWII paints from The Army Painter, putting them to the test via his air- and bristle-brushes.

THEME: THE LAND OF THE YOUNG

James Morris discusses his love for Irish mythology and presents a battle that can be played with his Midgard ruleset.

THE ARMY PAINTER HISTORICAL PAINTS: WWII GERMANS PAINTING GUIDE

Hobby YouTuber Peachy shares how he painted a German sentry for 02 Hundred Hours, using The Army Painter’s new World War Two German Paint Set.

THEME: FRAME FOCUS: CEILTIGH I STÍL FITZPATRICK

WI’s Matt Parkes takes inspiration from the work of Irish artist Jim FitzPatrick to paint stands of figures from the Freebie Frame that look wonderfully different.

THE LEGEND OF RAMBLIN’ PETE - PART TWO

Mark Etheridge’s What a Cowboy! campaign wraps up with the final three scenarios.

THE WARGAMES ILLUSTRATED/HAMMERHEAD 2025 PAINTING COMPETITION - WINNERS GALLERY

The Hammerhead Painting Competition is a chance for entrants to showcase their incredible artistry, skill, and creativity. We present some of the winners here.

CLOSING THE FORCEFIELD

Quadruple Golden Demon Slayer Sword winner, WI’s own Matt Parkes, presents his second Salute 2025 display piece.

FIGURE SPOTLIGHT: SPANISH NAPOLEONIC INFANTRY 1808-1811

We get the skinny on Alan Perry’s two new Napoleonic box sets from the man himself.