Welcome to the Human Sphere, new players! I’m a beginner diving into Infinity the Game N5, Corvus Belli’s thrilling sci-fi tabletop wargame that’s captivated me with its cyberpunk aesthetic, deep tactics, and stunning 28mm metal miniatures. If you’re eager to start playing Infinity N5 (released December 2024), this beginner’s guide is your first step. I’m sharing everything you need to kick off your Infinity N5 journey—miniatures, rules, terrain, and more—plus my newbie struggles and tips to master this tactical skirmish game.
Infinity N5 immerses you in a futuristic universe where factions like the Japanese Secessionist Army (JSA), PanOceania, and the Combined Army clash in covert missions on a JSA-controlled planet. The N5 ruleset refines gameplay with streamlined mechanics like Saving Rolls and the Special Die, making it ideal for both newcomers and veterans. As a rookie, I’m learning with the Infinity Essentials starter set, and this guide will help you get started with Infinity the Game.
What Is Infinity N5?
Infinity N5 is a 28mm-scale tabletop wargame where small squads (8-15 models) battle in objective-driven scenarios. Unlike other wargames, Infinity prioritizes missions like hacking terminals or securing zones over raw destruction. Key N5 updates include:
Saving Rolls (SR): A new system replacing ARM/BTS, where you roll under a weapon’s Probability of Survival (PS) to avoid losing Vitality (VITA).
Special Die (+1SD): Fireteams and select units roll an extra d20, discarding the worst, even in reactions.
New Units: Vehicles and refreshed faction rosters, like JSA’s samurai-themed troops.
Narrative Shift: Set five years after N4, JSA’s betrayal of PanOceania fuels a new conflict.
The game’s manga-inspired visuals and “always your turn” mechanics (via Automatic Reaction Orders, or AROs) make every match feel like a high-stakes spec-ops mission. Ready to start your Infinity N5 adventure? Here’s what you need.
Essential Materials for Infinity N5
To play Infinity the Game N5, you’ll need a few core components. Here’s your checklist for hitting the table:
1. Miniatures for Infinity N5
You’ll need 28mm metal miniatures to represent your sci-fi troops. Start with:
Infinity Essentials Box: The Operation: Sandtrap set is perfect for beginners, including JSA and PanOceania’s Kestrel Colonial Force (6-8 models per side), cardboard terrain, dice, and Infinity Essentials quick-start rules.
Faction Action Pack: These offer 10-12 models for one faction (e.g., Nomads, Yu Jing), ideal if you’ve chosen a faction.
Proxying: Infinity N5 allows proxying, letting you use any suitable model as a stand-in to save costs.
My Experience: I chose Operation: Sandtrap for JSA’s samurai vibe. Assembling metal miniatures was tricky—those tiny katana arms tested my patience! Tip: Use super glue with an accelerator and a sharp hobby knife for clean builds.
2. Infinity N5 Rules
N5 rules are free and beginner-friendly:
Quick-Start Rules: Download the Infinity Essentials PDF at infinityuniverse.com/resources for simplified mechanics tailored to Sandtrap missions.
Full N5 Rules: Grab the complete N5 rulebook (updated April 2025) at downloads.corvusbelli.com/infinity/rules/infinity-rules-n5-en-v1.pdf. It’s dense but skimmable.
Mission Rules: Find N5 missions, including “Stealth-Ops,” at downloads.corvusbelli.com/infinity/its-rules-season-16.
My Experience: The quick-start rules were a godsend, but the full N5 rulebook’s Fireteam rules overwhelmed me. Stick to Essentials for your first games.
3. Dice and Measuring Tools
Dice: 3-5 twenty-sided dice (d20s) per player for actions and Saving Rolls.
Measuring Tape: A 48-inch tape or ruler for movement and ranges (Infinity uses inches).
Optional: Silhouette templates (downloads.corvusbelli.com) for line-of-sight checks.
My Experience: I snagged cheap d20s but forgot a measuring tape for my demo, scrambling to borrow one. Tip: Pack a tape to avoid my blunder!
4. Terrain for Infinity N5
Dense terrain is vital for Infinity’s cover-based tactics. Aim for 8-10 pieces that block line of sight or provide cover:
Starter Terrain: Operation: Sandtrap includes cardboard terrain, great for beginners.
DIY Options: Use books, boxes, or 3D-printed sci-fi structures.
MDF Terrain: Affordable sets from Warsenal, TTCombat, or Micro Art Studio add thematic flair.
My Experience: I mixed Sandtrap’s terrain with Warhammer 40k crates. Sparse terrain in my first game left my JSA Shinobi sniped via ARO. Tip: Pack your table with cover!
5. Tokens for Tracking
Tokens track orders, Vitality (VITA), and states (e.g., camouflaged, unconscious). N5 uses:
Order Tokens: One per trooper for actions.
VITA Tokens: Track wounds (most units have VITA 1).
State Tokens: Mark effects like prone or hacked.
Download free N5 tokens at downloads.corvusbelli.com/infinity/tokens/infinity-tokens-n5.pdf or use coins.
My Experience: I printed tokens but forgot to track VITA, losing a wounded Keisotsu. Tip: Label tokens clearly!
6. Gaming Table
Essentials Size: A 24x32-inch table (or 2x3-foot mat) for Sandtrap missions.
Full N5 Size: A 48x48-inch table for 300-point games.
Sci-fi mats from Frontline Gaming or Deep-Cut Studio enhance the vibe.
My Experience: My 2x3-foot dining table with a cloth mat worked fine for learning.
Choosing Your Infinity N5 Faction
Infinity N5 offers over a dozen factions, each with unique playstyles and aesthetics. Beginner-friendly options include:
Japanese Secessionist Army (JSA): Samurai-themed, melee-focused with strong Fireteams. My choice for their epic look.
PanOceania: High-tech firepower and heavy infantry for straightforward shooting.
Nomads: Cyberpunk hackers with versatile tactics for creative players.
Yu Jing: Balanced melee and tech with Chinese/Japanese themes.
Tip: Pick a faction whose models or lore excite you—balance is solid across the board. Avoid complex factions like Tohaa or Aleph early, as their rules (e.g., Symbionts) can be tough.
How to Choose:
Explore rosters on Infinity Army.
Read Goonhammer’s N5 faction guides (goonhammer.com) or Bromad Academy.
Watch Corvus Belli’s faction videos on YouTube for lore and models.
My Experience: JSA’s samurai aesthetic sold me, though Nomads’ hacking tempted me. I used Infinity Army to check JSA’s Keisotsu and Yamabushi, confirming they’re beginner-friendly.
My First Steps in Infinity N5
I’m starting with Operation: Sandtrap and Infinity Essentials rules, as N5’s full rules (Fireteams, vehicles) feel like a big leap. Assembling JSA minis was a mix of fun and frustration—metal models demand care. I’ve been studying the quick-start PDF and browsing r/InfinityTheGame to prep. My local store’s Warcor is setting up a demo, and I’m pumped to play my first N5 match.
Newbie Tip: Metal minis are fragile, so swap hobby knife blades often and use a cutting mat. My Shinobi’s arm learned this lesson the hard way!
Next Steps for New Players
Get the Rules: Download the N5 quick-start PDF (infinityuniverse.com/resources) and review the first mission.
Pick a Starter: Buy Operation: Sandtrap or an Action Pack for your faction.
Find Players: Join r/InfinityTheGame, Infinity’s Discord, or check infinityuniverse.com for Warcors.
Practice Setup: Set up a 24x32-inch table with terrain and 3-5 models to visualize N5.
What’s Next in the Series?
Next, we’ll explore Understanding N5 Basics: Core Mechanics, diving into Orders, AROs, Saving Rolls, and the Special Die. I’ll share my first N5 demo’s chaos and lessons learned. Until then, visit infinityuniverse.com, join the Infinity Global League Discord, or share your faction picks in the comments. Let’s conquer the Human Sphere with Infinity N5!
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