Warhammer 40k is an incredibly popular and beloved hobby that many passionate gamers have come to enjoy. It offers an immersive world of strategy and imagination, combining complex rules with stunning miniatures and exciting story-telling. Whether you're looking for a casual game or a full-fledged campaign, Warhammer 40k has something for everyone. With its deep lore, wide variety of units and scenarios, and ever-growing community, this hobby is well worth the time and money for those who are looking for a challenging and rewarding experience.
Hobby ideas: Gaming, animation and retro collecting
Looking for a hobby that actually sticks? Pick one that matches your time, budget and what you enjoy—playing, creating, or collecting. Below are clear, practical ways to start three popular hobbies that fit the posts under this tag: gaming, learning animation, and retro console collecting.
Pick what fits you
If you like immediate fun and social time, gaming is a great pick. Prefer making things and telling stories? Try animation. Love nostalgia and hands-on gear? Retro consoles make a satisfying hobby. Ask yourself: how many hours per week can you spare, and how much can you spend on gear? Answering that narrows the choices fast.
Keep it real with time: 30–60 minutes a day with clear goals works better than vague long sessions. Set one small goal per week—finish a level, draw a walk cycle, or source one retro cartridge.
Quick starter plan
Gaming: Start on the device you already have—phone, PC, or console. For mobile, try a few well-reviewed apps/games to find what you like. If you own a Nintendo Switch, a 400GB microSD usually holds dozens of games (many indie titles are small, big AAA titles take more space). For consoles, join a friend’s session or a casual online lobby before committing to expensive gear.
Animation: Begin with free tools and short projects. Try Pencil2D or Krita for simple 2D work, and Blender for 3D. Make a 10–20 second animation of a simple action (walk, jump, turn). Share it in a forum or Discord and ask for one specific improvement. That feedback loop speeds learning far more than endless tutorials.
Retro collecting: Decide if you want consoles, cartridges, or manuals. Start local—check thrift stores, flea markets, and second-hand shops. Learn to evaluate condition (screen/label wear, missing cables). Set a small monthly budget and a clear target like a specific model or game series.
Find practice time and stick to tiny wins. For example: one 20-minute animation sketch, one multiplayer match, or hunting one retro item per weekend. Tiny wins build momentum without burning you out.
Join communities that match your hobby. For gaming and animation, Discord servers, Reddit communities, and niche forums are gold for tips, feedback, and finding teammates. For retro collecting, local groups, Facebook marketplace chats, and weekend meetups help you spot good deals and trade items.
Tools and learning sources: use short tutorials, focused courses, and project-based practice. For animation, follow a project tutorial and copy it once, then change one thing. For gaming, watch a short guide on strategy for one character or vehicle and practice that move list. For retro collecting, watch buyer guides that show how to test gear quickly.
Hobbies should be fun and low-pressure. Keep goals tiny, track progress, and plug into a community for help. Browse the hobby posts here to get specific tips, gear ideas and short how-tos that match your interest.