Vanishing Ranks

In tabletop wargaming, there’s something deeply satisfying about watching a unit’s ranks thin out as casualties mount. But is removing miniatures from the battlefield always the best way to show it? In this video, I explore the pros and cons of figure removal compared to using tokens, dice, or other tracking systems.

We’ll look at why physically removing miniatures can create powerful visual storytelling, immersion, and emotional impact—but also how it can slow the game, risk damaging models, and complicate formation-based rules. I’ll also cover alternatives like casualty markers, dice tracking, and hybrid solutions, along with how different game scales, historical periods, and play styles influence the choice.

Whether you’re a historical wargamer trying to capture the feel of Waterloo, a sci-fi player managing shield counters, or a painter who cringes at chipped bayonets, this discussion will help you think more critically about how your games handle casualties—and how that affects both gameplay and the look of your tabletop.

Join the discussion in the comments—do you prefer vanishing ranks or marker-based tracking?