Planning to join us at ArcFest for the first time? Or maybe you’re a returning player? Either way, there’s one key rule you’ll want to embrace to make the most of this epic gaming weekend: Rule #4 – Forged for Fun!
At ArcFest, it’s not just about playing the game—it’s about creating unforgettable moments for everyone involved. Whether you’re fielding an army, squad, or warband, your goal isn’t just to win but to forge an experience that’s as fun for your opponents as it is for you.
So, let’s dive into what it means to create an army “Forged for Fun” and why it’s at the heart of the ArcFest community.
What Is “Forged for Fun”?
Forged for Fun is one of ArcFest’s core pillars, and it’s about bringing joy and creativity to the tabletop. Winning is great, but at ArcFest, it’s not the main focus. Instead, we encourage players to build armies that:
• Tell a story: Whether it’s a lore-rich creation from the Warhammer universe or your own unique narrative, your army should feel like it belongs on the battlefield.
• Spark imagination: Think outside the box! Creative themes, stunning conversions, and vibrant paint jobs add to the fun for everyone.
• Deliver exciting games: Build forces that are balanced, engaging, and fun to face—not ones that overwhelm or frustrate your opponents.
If your army can get people talking, laughing, and creating war stories, you’ve nailed the Forged for Fun spirit!
Avoiding the Pitfalls of the Meta
Sure, crushing your opponents with a hyper-optimized “power list” might sound appealing, but trust us—it’s not the ArcFest way. There are plenty of tournaments year-round where you can bring a meta army and chase trophies. ArcFest is different.
Over the years, we’ve learned that armies designed purely to win can lead to games that aren’t enjoyable for everyone. No one wants to see their entire force wiped out in one turn or face units that feel invincible.
Instead, we believe everyone should aim for balance and focus on creating a force that’s fun to play with and against. After all, it’s not just about you—it’s about ensuring your opponents have a great time too.
The Rule of Cool
When it comes to ArcFest, the Rule of Cool always wins! Whether it’s jaw-dropping conversions, imaginative paint schemes, or themed armies that tell a story, the armies that stand out are the ones that get remembered.
Take inspiration from past champions like the Tauformers, a Transformers-themed Tau army, or Mike Consto’s 2023 Best Painted Army, which was a perfect balance of stunning visuals and fun gameplay. These are the forces that leave a lasting impression and embody the spirit of ArcFest.
Keep It Manageable
One important thing to keep in mind: horde armies can be a challenge at ArcFest.
While it’s awesome to see an army of 100+ models, they can slow games down and make it harder to finish within the time limits. So you’re army is likely to be boring , dare we say frustrating to play against. We don’t play with time clocks at ArcFest… but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be aware of the time demands of your army.
It starts with the choices you make when designing your list. If you’re thinking about fielding a horde, consider scaling it back for ArcFest to keep the pace of your games snappy and enjoyable for everyone.
Your Opponents Are the True Judges
At ArcFest, it’s not the event organizers who decide how well you’ve done—it’s your opponents.
Every game you play is an opportunity to earn the respect and admiration of your fellow players. They’ll be the ones deciding if your army was fun to play against and if it created memorable moments on the tabletop.
That’s where our Forged for Fun scoring system comes in. It ensures that armies designed with fun, creativity, and sportsmanship in mind are rewarded—and that’s what makes ArcFest special.
Be a Champion of Fun
Winning games is great, but at ArcFest, the real champions are those who make the event unforgettable for everyone. Here’s how to do it:
1. Build an Army Forged for Fun: Put thought into your theme, balance, and paintwork.
2. Be a Good Sport: Play with enthusiasm, respect, and a sense of camaraderie.
3. Create Memorable Moments: Focus on the epic, heroic, and cinematic moments that make tabletop gaming so special.
When you bring all this to the table, you’ll not only have an incredible time—you’ll ensure everyone else does too.
The ArcFest Spirit
ArcFest isn’t just a tournament; it’s a celebration of the tabletop gaming hobby.
It’s a place where players come together to share their love of the game, forge new friendships, and create memories that last a lifetime.
Whether you’re traveling across town or across the country, remember this: everyone at ArcFest has invested time, effort, and passion to be part of this event.
Let’s make it a weekend to remember for all the right reasons!
See You at ArcFest 2025!
So, what are you waiting for? Start building your army, pour your creativity into your paintbrush, and remember: play for fun, forge great stories, and create memories that’ll last a lifetime.
We can’t wait to see what amazing armies and epic moments you’ll bring to the table at ArcFest 2025!
ArcFest will be held 3-4 May 2025, Sandown Racecourse Melbourne Victoria. Tickets are on sale from 7.00pm AEDST Thursday 30 January 2025.
ArcFest will host a variety of exciting tournaments and hobby events, including:
Arc40k: Australia’s premier Warhammer 40,000 event remains the heart and soul of ArcFest. For over a decade, this fun, relaxed tournament has brought players together for a weekend of epic battles and camaraderie.
Arc of Sigmar: Bringing a Path to Glory narrative experience to life, this Age of Sigmar event invites hobbyists to grow their warbands, embark on quests, and immerse themselves in an evolving storyline.
ArcPoint: A Star Wars: Shatterpoint event - celebrating May the 4th! Gather your forces, choose your allegiance, and prepare for battle in a galaxy far, far away.
ArcFinity: The Infinity ITS tournament returns, showcasing tactical skirmishes in the Human Sphere.
MiddleArc: Join the journey with this Middle-earth Strategy Battle Game tournament. Will the forces of good prevail, or will darkness take hold?
Arc in the Old World: New for 2025, this event brings Warhammer: The Old World to life with battles steeped in nostalgia and glory.
Operation: Arc: Test your skills in this competitive Kill Team tournament.
And for hobbyists, ArcOpen is back, with an expanded space to display breathtaking miniatures. The painting community continues to thrive at ArcFest, and we’ll have some big announcements for other activities you can participate in soon.
コメント