The Ultimate Guide To Warhammer's "Mini Of The Month": How To Claim Your Free Model And Win The Painting Contest

Every month, thousands of hobbyists eagerly await the announcement of the next "Miniature of the Month," a long-running, celebrated promotion by Games Workshop (GW) that gives fans a chance to snag a brand-new, single-sprue model for absolutely free. As of December 2025, this tradition continues to be one of the best ways for new players to start their collection and for veteran painters to test their skills against local rivals in the associated painting competition.

This deep-dive guide breaks down exactly what the promotion is, how you can claim your free miniature—like the current Deathwatch Space Marine—and, crucially, how to master the unspoken rules of the local store painting contests to claim victory and eternal bragging rights.

What is the Games Workshop Miniature of the Month Promotion?

The Miniature of the Month (MotM) is a monthly promotional event hosted by Games Workshop and its official retail stores worldwide. It serves a dual purpose: to introduce hobbyists to new kits and factions and to encourage foot traffic and community engagement within local Warhammer stores.

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The model chosen for the promotion is typically a single miniature, often a new or recently released sculpt, or one that ties into a current major campaign or boxed set. For December 2025, the featured model is a powerful Deathwatch Space Marine, perfectly timed to align with ongoing narrative arcs in the Warhammer 40,000 universe and the "Long Vigil" campaign.

The promotion is a cornerstone of the Warhammer Community's outreach, often running alongside other popular in-store incentives like the monthly collectible coin promotion and beginner painting sessions.

How to Claim Your Free Miniature (The MotM Checklist)

Acquiring your free "Mini of the Month" is straightforward, but it requires knowing the logistics, as stock is always limited and demand is high. The key rule to remember is that these miniatures are available only while stocks last.

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• Visit a Local Warhammer Store: The promotion is exclusive to official Games Workshop and Warhammer branded stores, not third-party retailers.
• Check the Date: The free model is typically released on the first weekend of the month, though the exact date can vary. For December 2025, the promotion began early in the month.
• Ask the Staff: Simply ask the store staff for the "Miniature of the Month." They will provide you with the single-sprue model.
• No Purchase Necessary: Crucially, no purchase is required to claim the free miniature, making it an excellent entry point for new hobbyists.
• Limited Availability: Due to the limited nature of the stock, it is highly recommended to visit the store early in the month, ideally on the day of release, to guarantee you receive the model.

The models are provided unassembled and unpainted, which is the perfect starting point for the next, more competitive step of the promotion: the painting contest.

Dominating the Mini of the Month Painting Competition

Beyond the free model, the "Mini of the Month" is synonymous with the local store painting competition it inspires. This is where hobbyists showcase their painting skills, creativity, and technical mastery. Winning the local competition—often judged by store staff or a public vote—is a significant achievement in the community.

While official rules can vary slightly from store to store, the core requirement is that the submitted miniature must be the designated MotM model for that month. Submissions are usually due by the end of the month, often via a physical drop-off or a photo submission on a platform like Discord.

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5 Expert Tips to Win the Competition

Winning requires moving beyond a simple "battle-ready" paint job. Here are five strategies to elevate your entry and impress the judges, focusing on technical skill and presentation.

1. Master the Base and Presentation

Judges look for a complete scene, not just a painted model. A stunning, detailed base can often be the deciding factor. Consider a scenic base that tells a story or complements the miniature's faction. For the Deathwatch Space Marine, a cracked, alien-world base or a ruined urban setting would provide excellent contrast and narrative depth. Focus on texture, weathering effects, and painting the base rim neatly.

2. Focus on Smooth Blending and High Contrast

Technical execution is paramount. Avoid a flat, single-color look. Use techniques like wet blending or glazing to create smooth transitions between shades. High contrast is essential for a miniature to stand out under store lighting. This means ensuring your shadows are dark and your highlights (like edge highlighting or volumetric lighting) are bright and crisp. The Deathwatch armour, with its black and silver sections, offers a perfect canvas for extreme edge highlighting.

3. Use Non-Metallic Metal (NMM) or True Metallic Metal (TMM) Techniques

The metallic parts of the model (weapons, armour trim) are a key area for judges. If you have the skill, consider Non-Metallic Metal (NMM) to paint the silver and gold parts using only matte paints, simulating a reflective surface. If you prefer True Metallic Metal (TMM), use weathering, washes, and bright spot highlights to make the metal look worn and realistic, giving it a professional finish.

4. Add Unique Conversions (Within Limits)

Creativity can set your entry apart. While the core model must be recognizable, subtle conversions are often allowed and encouraged. This could include swapping a head, adding a small piece of environmental debris, or repositioning a limb for a more dynamic pose. Check your local store's specific rules, but generally, small additions that enhance the model's story are a bonus. Ensure the model remains intact, as heavily modified or damaged minis may be disqualified.

5. Perfect the Photo Submission

If your local competition accepts photo submissions (often via Discord), the quality of your image is as important as the paint job. Use a clean, neutral background (a light gray or black works well), ensure even lighting from multiple angles to eliminate harsh shadows, and take crisp, high-resolution photos that clearly show the detail, front, back, and sides. A poor photo can hide a great paint job.

The Long-Term Value of the Miniature of the Month

The "Miniature of the Month" promotion is more than just a freebie; it’s a powerful community tool for the entire hobby. By providing an accessible, low-risk entry point, Games Workshop ensures the continuous growth of its player base and the health of its local stores.

• Hobby Progression: It gives new painters a zero-cost model to practice new techniques without fear of "ruining" an expensive kit.
• Community Building: The painting competition fosters a friendly, competitive environment, encouraging interaction and the sharing of hobby tips among local enthusiasts.
• Familiarity with New Kits: By featuring models like the Kroot Carnivore or a new Aeldari Striking Scorpion (from previous or upcoming months), GW subtly introduces players to new armies and product lines.

Whether you're visiting your local store to join the "Long Vigil" and collect your free Deathwatch Space Marine this December 2025, or you're preparing your entry for the next monthly painting showdown, the "Mini of the Month" remains a vibrant, essential part of the Warhammer hobby experience. Make sure you get to your local store early to claim your free model while stocks last!