Fallout Factions: What You Need to Start Playing Nuka World

Quick Answer

To start playing Fallout Factions: Nuka World, you need the core rules, a faction crew of miniatures, dice, and a small play area. Buy the Fallout Factions: Nuka World core set first, then add a second faction or extra miniatures once you know which crew you enjoy. If you already own Fallout: Wasteland Warfare, you can use many of those miniatures as proxies, but Factions uses a different, faster skirmish ruleset.

Fallout Factions is a fast, brutal skirmish game set in the ruins of Nuka World. Unlike the broader battles of Fallout: Wasteland Warfare, Factions focuses on small crews fighting for territory, resources, and survival. The good news: you do not need a huge collection to start. A single box gets you playing.

This guide cuts through the options. We will cover exactly what you need for your first game, how the rules differ from Wasteland Warfare, and which purchases make sense now versus later. Whether you are a Fallout fan curious about tabletop skirmish or a Wasteland Warfare veteran looking for something quicker, this will help you buy the right things first.

What Comes in the Fallout Factions Core Set

The Fallout Factions: Nuka World core set is your entry point. It includes the full rules, faction cards, dice, tokens, and a starting crew of miniatures. You get everything two players need for a first game. The miniatures are 32mm scale, multipart resin or plastic, and require some assembly. They come unpainted, so you can paint them to match your chosen faction.

If you already own terrain from other games, you can use it. Factions plays on a 2x2 or 3x3 foot area with scattered scenery. The core set includes cardboard terrain, but you can upgrade later. Do not buy extra miniatures until you have played a few games and know which faction suits you.

• Core set includes rules, dice, tokens, and two starting crews.
• Miniatures require assembly and painting; no glue or paint included.
• You can use existing terrain from other games to save money.

Fallout Factions vs Wasteland Warfare: Which Should You Buy?

Fallout Factions is a competitive skirmish game. Each player controls a small crew of 5-10 models. Turns are alternating activations, and games run 45-60 minutes. The focus is on scenario objectives, territory, and quick, lethal combat. It is ideal if you want fast games with a low model count.

Fallout: Wasteland Warfare is a broader tabletop wargame. It supports larger forces, solo and co-op play, and narrative campaigns. Games take longer and require more miniatures and terrain. If you already own Wasteland Warfare, you can use many of those miniatures in Factions as proxies, but the rules are not interchangeable. Factions is the better choice if you want quick, competitive pickup games.

• Choose Factions for fast, competitive skirmish with 5-10 models per side.
• Choose Wasteland Warfare for larger battles, solo play, and narrative campaigns.
• Many Wasteland Warfare miniatures work as proxies in Factions, but you still need the Factions rules.

What to Buy After the Core Set

Once you have played a few games, you will want to expand. The first purchase should be a second faction crew so you can host games or switch sides. Fallout Factions supports multiple factions, each with unique rules and playstyles. Buying a second crew box gives you variety without overwhelming your painting queue.

Next, consider terrain. While the core set includes cardboard scenery, resin or plastic terrain adds visual appeal and tactical depth. Look for ruined buildings, barricades, and scatter pieces that fit the Nuka World theme. You do not need a full table immediately; a few key pieces will change how games play.

• Buy a second faction crew before adding individual characters.
• Terrain expands tactical options; start with 3-4 pieces of scatter terrain.
• Paint your core crew first so you can play with fully painted models.

Budgeting Your First Purchases

Your initial outlay should cover the core set, glue, and basic hobby tools. If you are on a tight budget, use the cardboard terrain included and skip extra miniatures until you have played at least five games. A single extra faction box is the most cost-effective expansion because it doubles your available crews.

If you already own Fallout: Wasteland Warfare, you can save money by using those miniatures as proxies. However, you will still need the Factions core set for the rules, dice, and tokens. Do not assume the Wasteland Warfare rulebook contains what you need; it does not.

• Core set + glue + clippers is enough to start.
• Use proxies from Wasteland Warfare to test factions before buying.
• Set a budget for terrain after you have played a few games.

Decision Rules for Buying Fallout Factions

• If you are brand new to tabletop skirmish: Buy the Fallout Factions: Nuka World core set first. It contains everything two players need to play, including rules, dice, tokens, and two starting crews. Do not buy extra miniatures until you have played at least three games. Core set is mandatory; extras are optional.
• If you already own Fallout: Wasteland Warfare: You can use your existing miniatures as proxies in Factions, but you still need the Factions core set for the rules and tokens. Do not try to use the Wasteland Warfare rulebook; the systems are different. Buy the core set; use existing minis to save money.
• If you want to expand after the core set: Buy a second faction crew box before individual characters. This gives you two complete crews to host games and learn different playstyles. Add terrain after that, prioritizing pieces that block line of sight. Second crew > individual characters > terrain.

Useful Products for Fallout Factions

• Fallout: Wasteland Warfare - Raiders - Disciples Leaders: This miniatures set is part of the NUKA WORLD wave for Fallout: Wasteland Warfare and includes leaders of the Disciples faction. These models can serve as proxies for a Disciples crew in Fallout Factions, giving you thematic leaders without buying a separate Factions box.
• Fallout: Miniatures - 40mm Wasteland Scenic Bases: This set contains 10x 32mm scale high-quality resin Wasteland themed scenic 40mm bases. Requires some assembly. Supplied unpainted. Upgrading your Factions miniatures to scenic bases adds visual polish and helps them stand out on the table, especially if you are mixing models from different sets.
• Fallout: Wasteland Warfare - Terrain Expansion: Robot Work Bench (STL): This is an STL product from Modiphius Entertainment, part of the Fallout: Wasteland Warfare range of scenery and accessories. Supplied as an STL file for 3D printing. If you have a 3D printer, this terrain piece adds wasteland flavor to your Factions board at a low cost compared to resin terrain.

Who Should Buy Fallout Factions

Best for

• Players who want fast, competitive skirmish games with 5-10 models per side.
• Fallout fans who want a quicker alternative to Wasteland Warfare.
• Gamers who enjoy narrative campaigns with territory and resource management.

Not for

• Players who prefer large-scale battles with dozens of miniatures.
• Those who want a solo or co-op experience out of the box (Factions is competitive).
• Hobbyists who dislike assembling and painting miniatures.

Fallout Factions: Nuka World is an excellent entry into skirmish gaming. Start with the core set, play a few games, then expand with a second faction. If you already own Wasteland Warfare, you can reuse many miniatures, but you will still need the Factions rules. Buy smart, play often, and enjoy the wasteland.