If you’re looking for a tabletop skirmish game that combines deep tactics, sci-fi action, and eye-catching miniatures, Infinity is the game that has kept me hooked for years. Infinity is a miniatures game set in a far-future universe where high tech armies and special agents battle it out on detailed urban terrain. I got started because I loved the look of the models and terrain, but stuck with it for the rich gameplay and the vibrant community.
What Is Infinity?
Infinity is a skirmish tabletop miniatures game produced by Corvus Belli. Each player assembles a small team of intricately detailed miniatures that represent futuristic soldiers, hackers, and robots. Games are played on a highly detailed table with plenty of cover, simulating close quarters firefights in a cyberpunk-inspired universe. Each match feels personal, and every move matters since you’re only fielding about 5 to 15 figures.
One thing that drew me in was how Infinity blends cinematic action with intense strategy. You’re not just moving soldiers and rolling dice. You’re positioning each model to take advantage of terrain, set up crossfires, and try to outwit your opponent. It’s like a game of chess; every piece becomes a hero in its own right.
Why Play Infinity?
Infinity stands out because of its tactical depth, interactive rules, and the looks of the miniatures. When I first got into Infinity, I was surprised by how involved I stayed, even when it wasn’t my turn. There’s an “active/reactive” system that means both players are making decisions at all times. This keeps the tension high and helps every moment in the game feel important.
Another thing that’s really important to me is the variety and support from the community. You can play as one of many unique factions, each with its own style, story, and set of units. Whether you want to field stealthy hackers, heavily armored troopers, or advanced mechs called TAGs and drones, there’s definitely a faction for you. The official Infinity wiki is a great place to check out the lore and rules or to explore each unit up close.
Getting Started with Infinity
Getting into Infinity doesn’t have to break the bank, nor does it demand your entire schedule. To play, you’ll need a few things:
- Miniatures: Starter sets come with enough models for a small game and a perfect way to try out a new army.
- Measuring Tape & Dice: 20 sided dice and a tape measure handle movement and attacks.
- Rules: The rules are free online, letting you look up anything using the official wiki whenever you need.
- Terrain: Infinity is best played with lots of 3D cover. Cardboard scenery packs are an easy way to begin, and most players slowly build up their own unique boards over time.
Many players use the Infinity Army Builder to plan their forces. This web app lets me build lists, manage models, and learn the ins and outs of my chosen faction. Having this sort of tool available for free makes getting started much smoother.
To ease yourself in, you might want to search for beginner tutorials or “how to play” videos on YouTube. These walk you through setup, key rules, and give you a feel for the pace before you play your first match. Community advice can be invaluable when you’re just starting out.
How a Typical Infinity Game Works
Infinity unfolds over a set number of turns, usually three or four, with both players alternating between acting and reacting. Here’s a basic rundown of the flow:
- Deployment: Both players set up on opposite sides of the table, usually with some hidden troops or sneaky tricks.
- Order Phase: Each model provides “orders” that you spend to move, shoot, hack, or perform objectives. You can put multiple orders on a single model, letting you make bold plays with your favorite hero.
- Active & Reactive Play: When one player acts, the opponent can react with defense, return fire, or even counterhacks. This keeps both players involved from start to finish, minimizing downtime.
- Objectives: Victory is scored by accomplishing missions, such as holding objectives, hacking systems, or eliminating key enemy figures, not just by taking out enemy models.
What I really appreciate is just how cinematic a game can feel. Every time my sniper covers a crucial lane or my camouflaged ninja sneaks up to complete an objective, the excitement rises. The missions are designed to reward careful planning and bold moves alike.
What Makes Infinity Different?
Having tried other skirmish and wargames, I’ve found that Infinity’s rules reward clever positioning and fair play. Here are standout features:
- Order Pool System: You have a set number of orders equal to your active models. This lets you focus your actions—sometimes a single trooper becomes the hero by going on a spree across the board.
- Hacking and Objectives: The game goes beyond simple shooting. Hackers can disable equipment and shake up the flow of the match. There are always objectives to compete for, not just models to eliminate.
- Concealment & Camouflage: Many units can start hidden, letting you bluff and set up surprising moves right from the beginning.
- Line of Sight and Terrain: The amount of cover and the careful sight lines make every board unique. The game gets you thinking about movement and positioning every single turn.
Another highlight is Corvus Belli’s support of rules FAQs, balance updates, and organized events. With seasonal missions and new units being put out regularly, Infinity keeps feeling fresh. Community-created content is encouraged, and the main forums and social media groups are awesome places to ask questions, share tips, or show off painted miniatures.
What You Should Consider Before Committing
Jumping into any tabletop game comes with a few things to weigh. Here’s what helped me decide Infinity was right for me:
- Learning Curve: The rules might feel dense at first, especially with the active/reactive system. I recommend playing smaller games at first to make things manageable.
- Painting Miniatures: Infinity models come as unpainted metal or plastic. Learning to assemble and paint them can be a fun hobby in itself, but it may require some practice if you’re new.
- Community and Opponents: Infinity is popular in many cities, but local game store scenes can vary. Finding a local group or joining an online community (like the forums or Facebook groups) makes practice and learning easier.
- Table Requirements: The game shines with a table full of terrain. Modular cardboard sets or printable terrain can get you started inexpensively.
Learning Curve
Infinity has a reputation for being super detailed, and at first it can seem intimidating. My trick was starting with small “CodeOne” games, which use stripped down rules. Playing a few of these helped me feel comfortable with the mainline ruleset. The community is welcoming and always happy to help new players get the hang of things quickly.
Building and Painting Models
The miniatures are what initially drew me into Infinity. Assembling them sometimes calls for a bit of patience compared to board games with simple plastic pieces. Watching hobby tutorials and taking your time can make the experience more fun and satisfying. Plus, painting your models is a cool way to make your army stand out on the tabletop and feel truly yours.
Advanced Tips and Tricks
After playing for a while, I picked up a few tricks that really gave a boost to my game:
- Think in Arcs: Always keep an eye on which models can see which areas. Good positioning can block your opponent’s movement options and spot threats before they become a problem.
- Order Efficiency: Using the minimum number of orders to make things happen frees you up to refocus your forces quickly.
- Mission Focus: Remember that missions win games. Sometimes it’s way better to sneak by big threats and finish objectives than to chase pure firefights.
- Army Builder Mastery: Spend time with the Infinity Army Builder to check out unit combos and upgrades that match your playstyle. Test lists online before you buy minis to avoid being stuck with models you don’t enjoy using.
Improving comes from playing lots of games, watching battle reports, and asking questions. Trying new factions or lists often teaches me something I can bring back to my main army; don’t be afraid to mix things up.
The Different Factions You Can Play
Infinity’s universe features many unique factions, each offering its own story and playstyle. Some are built around brute force, while others depend on hacking and sneaking around. I’ve found that even within a single faction, there’s room to customize how you get into the action.
- PanOceania: Leading-edge technology and big firepower, great for beginners who want straightforward action and big guns.
- Yu Jing: Heavily armored elite troops, tricky specialists, and a balance between punch and finesse.
- Ariadna: Hard-wearing fighters with camouflaged scouts and practical gear instead of advanced tech.
- Haqqislam: Medical specialists and quick units, skilled at grabbing objectives or turning the tide.
- Nomads: Master hackers and flexible troops who can fill all sorts of combat roles with ease.
- Combined Army: Alien invaders using advanced biotech, with unpredictable units and wildcard play.
Each army comes with its own tool set, so I recommend exploring the Infinity wiki or checking player showcases to get a sense of what suits your play preferences. The rich backstories and detailed art draw you further into the awesome sci-fi world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some things I wanted to know when I first started Infinity:
Question: How expensive is it to start playing Infinity?
Answer: You can kick things off with a small starter box, usually including enough miniatures for an intro game. Since a standard match needs just 5 to 10 models, costs stay manageable—especially compared to big army games.
Question: Where can I find the rules for Infinity?
Answer: The full rulebook and quickstart guides pop up for free on the Infinity wiki. It’s super handy to keep this open on your phone during games as a quick reference.
Question: Do I need to paint my models?
Answer: Painting is optional, but lots of players like to show off their work. Painting guides are everywhere online, and the Infinity hobby community is always happy to help you freshen up your skills.
Question: How do I find local players?
Answer: I suggest asking at your local game shop or searching Infinity communities on Discord, Facebook, and the official forums. Most people are welcoming and eager to help new players get in on the action.
Infinity offers a fresh take on tabletop gaming. Packed with strategy, interactive gameplay, and models that shine on the table, there’s a ton here for newcomers and experienced players alike. I’m always stumbling upon new tricks, discovering wild combos, and making up stories with every game. If you want a game that rewards creativity and creative thinking, Infinity is a game worth checking out.