October Updates

We checked the September analytics and over 10,000 unique visitors stopped by the library to see what free historical wargames we have available on the shelves! There hasn't been a formal update since the July launch, so this feels like a good time to check in and let you know what's happening behind the scenes. Three new titles have been added, three more are approved for release and coming soon, and we've made some site improvements.

NEW TITLES

There are two new wargames on the library since we launched. You may have heard that Langton Miniatures, run by Rod and Carol Langton, finally closed its doors due to retirement of the owners. The molds got picked up by other outfits (luckily!) but we reached out to ensure their classic ancient naval rules wouldn't disappear! Naumachiae is an old school staple of ancient naval gaming and some years ago Rod Langton decided to share the published rules for free on his website. With permission from Langton and their blessing, we are now hosting the game, QRS, scenarios, and FAQs. Go check it out!

We've also recently added Paper Tigers II to the shelf. This is a most fascinating beer and pretzels WW2 system from Donald Bailey, first released in 2008 and updated in 2012. The game is beginner friendly and also solo friendly, using a creative poker deck mechanic for initiative, orders, and action resolution. Paper Tigers can be played on a small table with very few figures in about one hour. The rules didn't come with any historical scenarios so we reached out to Don and helped research and playtest a real historical engagement from Operation Goodwood. And yes, of course, it features Tigers! The rules and scenario are available now.

Finally, the first edition of Little Wars Magazine is now on the magazine rack for everyone to enjoy. Print copies were exclusive to Historicon 2026 and HMGS members, while the PDF has been available for LWTV patrons since July. Recently, the complete scenario magazine has gone public and we hope to continue adding issues of this free magazine on an annual basis.

WEBSITE IMPROVEMENTS

Several of you have kindly written to us when you found links or buttons going to the wrong page, typos, or missing files. Thank you! We've been actively addressing those issues. We also added a category filter for "Solo" friendly games. When you go to the Catalog, you can now filter specificially for this. By popular request, we also added a "last updated" date to the New Releases at the bottom of the home page. You'll now be able to see the calendar date of the most recent upload. This way, if you haven't been here for awhile, you can glance at the bottom of the home page and see what you missed.

COMING SOON

We have several games approved for release. It just takes time to onboard new titles with a proper write up, links, resources, and photos. But it is our goal by the end of 2026 to have 3-5 new free wargames in the library, taking us up near 40 curated titles, not including the magazine rack! We'll also be opening a new secret room for you to find as you explore the site. This room will include a treasure trove of Napoleonic scenarios adaptable for multiple systems.

As always, we encourage you to share ideas and free games you come across and would recommend. We do need to be able to get permission from the author/publisher, so keep that in mind as you consider suggestions. Paper Tigers II is a great example of a game we knew nothing about until someone reached out and said we should track it down. We did, we played it, and now it's on the shelf! Happy reading, gamers. Go check out some cool free wargames.