Pyrkon 2024 once again descended upon the Poznań International Fair, reaffirming its heavyweight status as one of the biggest European cons. This year, convention halls were brimming with the energy of thousands of enthusiasts from across the continent, all drawn to a showcase of fantasy, science fiction, and gaming worlds. With a packed schedule of engaging panels, interactive workshops, and countless attractions, Pyrkon again hit the mark for its dedicated audience.
The sheer scale of the Poznań International Fair, spanning a dozen halls, was expertly handled. Smooth organization, readily visible signage, and a well-conceived layout kept the massive crowds moving, ensuring that even during peak times it remained a surprisingly fluid experience.
While Pyrkon 2024 offered all kinds of convention entertainment, from anime and manga through to roleplaying games, live-action events, and concerts, for us, it’s the wargaming events that truly captured our strategic interest.
With a huge mix of several hundred events unfolding across the weekend, each with its own distinct allure, choosing what to highlight is a formidable task. Every corner held something fascinating, but this report will deploy its focus squarely on the battlefields of the wargaming zone.
Reflecting on Pyrkon 2024, it was a huge event and this abundance meant that navigating the convention and making the most of those three fantastic days required genuine strategic planning. A handy online Pyrkon line-up contains the complete lists of activities and events (available also as a PDF), will let you plan your entire con in advance.
Pyrkon 2024: Did It Deliver for Wargamers?
If your primary objective at Pyrkon 2023 was wargaming, you were in for a treat. The convention boasted a vibrant wargaming scene, packed with diverse tournaments, open play tables, and insightful game presentations. Pyrkon truly solidifies its reputation as an essential pilgrimage for wargamers. While giants like Warhammer 40,000 and Battletech drew their loyal legions, the event also championed many other excellent, if less mainstream, games – with One Page Rules skirmish system, getting a welcome showcase.
ESO Diorama
One undeniable highlight was this rather large Elder Scrolls Online diorama, which naturally captivated players of the sprawling MMORPG. This detailed creation offered a tangible representation of their digital adventures. Intriguingly, the diorama stepped away from the official “Elder Scrolls: Call To Arms” miniatures by Modiphius, opting instead collection of figures sourced from various other lines, demonstrating a keen eye for miniature conversion and selection.
Wargaming and board game hall
The sheer scale devoted to tabletop gaming was, as always very impress. Across the dedicated halls, dozens upon dozens of tables stretched out, forming a vast landscape for both wargamers and board game aficionados alike. This was a teeming ecosystem of play, consistently bustling with hundreds, if not thousands, of players at any given time.
From focused wargame battles to sprawling board game epics and quick card games, every conceivable type of tabletop experience was represented. Gaming hall was one of the crowdiest space at Pyrkon, and not without a reason.
Frostgrave table
Among the many impressive setups, a dedicated Frostgrave table commanded significant attention, a welcome sight for enthusiasts of tactical skirmishes. For those unfamiliar with its icy allure, Frostgrave is a captivating narrative-driven wargame. Each player assembles and leads a unique warband, spearheaded by a powerful wizard and their apprentice, venturing into the treacherous, frozen ruins of an ancient city.
The core of the game revolves around magical duels, daring expeditions for forgotten lore, and battling rival warbands and wandering monsters for valuable treasures. Its blend of straightforward rules, strong campaign progression, and emergent storytelling has cemented Frostgrave as arguably the most celebrated creation of Joseph McCullough. The fact that McCullough was a special guest at this year’s Pyrkon undoubtedly amplified the buzz and interest surrounding any Frostgrave presence at the event.
A Conquest diorama
Para Bellum Wargames’ Conquest also made a significant impression, particularly with a striking diorama showcasing the ordered might of their City States. This fantasy mass battle system is distinguished not only by its unique lore and gameplay mechanics but also by its visually arresting miniatures. Conquest figures consciously break the mold of the usual 28mm scale, being sculpted noticeably larger (often in the 35-38mm range).
This design translates into models that are not just bigger, but possess a certain gravitas and allow for more pronounced detailing – they just look too cool. The result, as clearly demonstrated by this City States diorama, is a game that has an exceptional table presence, with individual models and entire units looking incredibly impressive both up close and from across the battlefield.
A Warcry table. There could be no wargaming convention without GW games
Naturally, no gaming convention would feel complete without a significant Games Workshop presence, and Warcry tables are consistently a highlight. This skirmish game is exceptionally well-suited to the bustling atmosphere of a convention for several key reasons. Unlike larger-scale battles such as those in Warhammer: The Old World, which can demand over a hundred models and hours of playtime, Warcry focuses on small, elite warbands. This not only makes it easier for players to transport their forces but also ensures games can be completed briskly, often in under an hour.
Warcry is perfect for fitting in a quick battle or several throughout the day. Beyond its logistical advantages, Warcry is lauded for its engaging, fast-paced gameplay and a notably tight ruleset that many find more streamlined and accessible than the complexities of, say, Warhammer 40,000. The particular setup catching attention featured a formidable warband of Maneater Ogres, showcasing the characterful sculpts the game is known for and proving a popular draw.
A scratch-built Land Raider
As you’d expect, Warhammer stuff was everywhere and looking strong. Loads of cosplayers were rocking Space Marine, Imperial Guard, and Adepta Sororitas gear, and they all looked pretty spot-on. The real showstopper, though, was this huge Land Raider someone put together from scratch. Super impressive piece of fan work!
Painting competition minis
The Pyrkon painting competition once again highlighted the incredible skill within the miniature wargaming community. With categories for individual characters, full units, and ambitious conversions, there was a platform for all types of painters. Dozens of stunning miniatures graced the displays, representing a wide range of manufacturers.
Iconic Games Workshop entries, such as a formidable (and bloodied) World Eaters Chaos Knight dominated the display cabinets, but there was much more than Warhammer, which is always nice to see. This breadth was beautifully illustrated by unique pieces like the fantastic owlbear painted with non-metallic metals (shown above), proving that the hobby is not limited to GW products – which is obviously good.
The Debrief: Three Days at the Tabletop Fly Fast
Pyrkon 2024 is wrapped up, and what a ride! If you’re a wargamer, this convention is pretty much the place you should visit every year. The sheer amount of wargaming packed in was awesome – from tournaments that really put hardcore players through their paces (Warhammer, Battletech, One Page Rules, Warcry), to super welcoming demo games perfect for new players. Rhere was something for every kind of tabletop general.
Indeed, those three days felt less like a weekend and more like a compressed whirlwind of painted miniatures, tactical discussions, and dice rolling. That’s what happens when there’s so much cool stuff going on. The only real challenge was trying to absorb it all!
If this year’s anything to go by, Pyrkon has totally locked down its spot as a can’t-miss event on the European wargaming map. So, yeah, start clearing that calendar, get those painting projects moving, and begin prepping your forces. Pyrkon 2025 is already announce, and you can bet we’ll be there, ready to throw down. Meet you on the tabletop next year!
