The world is ending. The year is 1490, and a toxic "Creeping Death" fog is swallowing Medieval Europe. If you want to survive, you have to climb.
1490 Doom is the hit indie skirmish game that combines "Dungeon Synth" vibes with brutal, vertical tactical combat. If you’re transitioning from games like Warhammer or Mordheim, or you’re brand new to the hobby, here is everything you need to know to start your first Doom Company.
1. What is a "Doom Company"?
Unlike massive army games, 1490 Doom is intimate and high-stakes. You control a Doom Company of just 3 models.
Because the game is "miniature-agnostic," you can use any 28mm-32mm models you own. Most players kitbash their own using medieval bits, gas masks, and plenty of "grimdark" texture.
Common Archetypes include:
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The Brute: High vitality, perfect for holding the line.
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The Scout: Fast and agile, essential for reaching high ground first.
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The Warrior Priest: Provides much-needed utility and "miracles" in a hopeless world.
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The Saboteur: Masters of traps and ranged disruption.
2. The Golden Rule: Get Vertical
In 1490 Doom, the ground is a death trap. The "Creeping Death" fog rises throughout the game, and if your models are caught in it, they take damage every turn.
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Verticality is everything: The game is won or lost on the towers and ramparts.
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The "Push" Mechanic: One of the most satisfying (and brutal) parts of the game. If you are in base-to-base contact with an enemy on a ledge, you can use an action to Push them. If they fail a skill check, they fall. Falling 6+ inches is usually fatal.
Pro Tip: This is why high-quality terrain is a requirement for this game. You need structures with multiple levels, ladders, and "climbable" surfaces to make the tactical depth of the game shine.
3. Core Gameplay Mechanics
The game is designed to be fast, usually wrapping up in 30–45 minutes.
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Alternating Activations: You move one model, then your opponent moves one.
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2 Actions per Activation: Use these for Moving, Dashing, Attacking, or interacting with Resource Caches.
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Resource Caches: Scattered around the board are supplies. Opening these grants items like "Food" (extra actions) or "Herbs" (healing). Collecting the most caches is often a primary victory condition!
4. How to Win
There are three main ways to score Victory Points (VP) in a standard match:
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The High Ground (2 VP): Have the highest-altitude model at the end of the game.
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The Scavenger (1 VP): Open the most resource caches.
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Survival (1 VP): Have the most models still alive by Round 7.
5. Building Your Battlefield
Because the game takes place on a small 2'x2' area, the density of your terrain matters more than the size of the table. You want a "cluttered" medieval look—ruined walls for cover from crossbows and tall towers to escape the fog.
Ready to start your descent into 1490 Doom? Check out our medieval ruined terrain collection—designed to give your Doom Company the high ground they need to survive.
