This Weeks Top 5 Products at The Hidden Lair

1. Warhammer 40,000 Space Marines Battleforce: Crux Terminatus

This boxed set from Games Workshop is exciting for two big reasons: one, it’s 21 plastic miniatures all in one go (seven models built around Terminator Armour including a Captain, a Chaplain and an Ancient) and two, it represents one of the strongest value bundles in the 10th Edition of Warhammer 40,000. 

Why this is worth it:

• It gives you a core heavy-hitter unit: Terminators have always been iconic in the Space Marines range, and this gives the full complement. 

• Hobby value: buying the pieces individually would cost significantly more — reviews estimate real savings. 

• Collectability + play-value: It’s suitable for both painting/display and for being used straight into games.

• If you’re building or expanding a Space Marines force, this gives a strong elite backbone.

Considerations / tips:

• Because the box is packed with premium units, expect more painting time than “standard” troops.

• Magnetizing or customizing might help if you want flexibility (for example swapping weapons on assault terminators).

• Recommended: pair with good adhesives (plastic glue) and some premium paints (e.g., for heavily detailed armour).

• Because this is a bundle, if you only wanted a smaller component (say just the Captain) you might find more tailored options — however the value of the bundle often justifies it.

Bottom line: If you’re a Space Marines fan (or someone who likes painting premium kits), this is a solid pick for both hobby and tabletop.

2. Warhammer 40,000: Battlefield Trophies

For the hobbyist side of the wargaming world, this kit is a wonderful “accessory” rather than a full army or board game. The kit provides 288 plastic components designed to act as adornments for your models’ bases—helmets, broken weapons, skulls, helmets, and other grim trophies of war. 

Why this is really cool:

• Elevated basing: If you care about presentation, this adds dramatic flair to your army’s narrative (i.e., your Space Marines crushing the foes as trophies).

• It works across a range of factions — the components include nods to various factions in the 40k universe. 

• Hobby-friendly: Great for customizing and personalising your models; makes your builds stand out.

Considerations / tips:

• This isn’t a game kit or a playable unit—it’s a hobby add-on. If you’re new to 40k and just want to play, you may prioritise army models first.

• You’ll need to paint and assemble these bits; ensure you have basing supplies and perhaps some wash/highlight paints.

• Because it’s a broad kit, decide how you’ll use it: will you decorate entire units, or just create “hero” models with extra detail?

Bottom line: If you’re into the hobby and want to upgrade the look of your miniatures, pick up this kit—it’s a “finishing touch” tool.

3. Warhammer 40,000 Astra Militarum: Death Korps of Krieg Army Set

Here’s a heavyweight faction box set: the grisly, trench-warfare specialist regiment of the Imperium, the Death Korps of Krieg within the Astra Militarum. This new release brings in new plastic kits and army-starter style contents for the Krieg. 

Why this one stands out:

• Theme & aesthetic: Krieg has a distinct feel—gas-mask’d soldiers, trench style, attritional warfare. One review calls it “the most Warhammer 40K army to ever 40K”. 

• Upgrade and collect: For Krieg fans this is a major release, and even for non-Krieg players it offers unique modelling/gameplay flavour. 

• Strategic depth: Krieg combines infantry & artillery-heavy tactics aligned with the Astra Militarum ethos. 

Considerations / tips:

• Because it’s specialised, this may appeal more if you already like Krieg or heavy-theme Imperial Guard armies.

• The box is often treated as a “starter” but you’ll likely need more units for larger games. Reviews mention “two of these boxes” may be needed to round out a full-sized army. 

• Preparing/trimming the new plastic kits may take some hobby time—but that’s true with most premium sets.

Bottom line: If the gritty aesthetic of Krieg appeals to you, this is a strong pick—both for display and for tabletop use.

4. Arcs: Conflict & Collapse in The Reach

Shifting from wargaming miniatures to board games, this one from publisher Leder Games (of Root and Oath fame) offers a fresh sci-fi strategy game for 2–4 players and ages 14+. 

What makes it shine:

• Innovative mechanics: It blends trick-taking (card play) with area control and dice-based battles. The reviewer describes it as “a sharp sci-fi strategy game” where timing, card suits and dice decisions all matter. 

• Strong theme: Players lead space-faring societies in “The Reach”, declare ambitions, manage resources and battles—all in a relatively streamlined timeframe (60–120 minutes) compared to mega-epic games. 

• Production quality: Big board, wooden ships/agents, custom dice. Good for gamers who appreciate component quality.

Considerations / tips:

• Complexity: While not absurdly heavy, this is more strategic than a casual “family game”. Has moderate learning curve.

• Setup & teardown: Given the board, components, ships, dice, expect some table real-estate and time.

• Player count: Best with 3-4 players; at 2 you may need to consider how the experience shifts (check variant rules maybe).

• If you’re coming from purely wargaming miniatures, this game offers a different kind of satisfaction—less modelling, more strategy/dialogue.

Bottom line: If you’re looking for a high-quality, strategic board game experience for your game nights, this is one of the stronger recent releases.

5. Oath: Chronicles of Empire & Exile

 

Another gem from Leder Games, this one is a 1–6 player strategy board game that focuses heavily on narrative, evolving world state and asymmetric play. 

What’s compelling:

• Legacy-lite & narrative: Unlike many legacy games where you permanently alter components, Oath allows your games to influence future setups and the “state of the realm” carries forward—giving a sense of “history in a box”.

• Deep thematic design: The designer, Cole Wehrle, pushes for a game that feels like you’re shaping centuries of empire and exile, not just grinding victory points. Reviews call it “one of the year’s best board games”.

• Replayability: Because the outcomes of one session affect subsequent ones, you build an ongoing narrative with the same group.

Considerations / tips:

• Time commitment & complexity: This isn’t a quick filler game—it tends to reward a consistent group of players who are okay with unfolding systems and evolving gameplay.

• Player experience: Some players may find the meta-game or the “narrative carry-over” feature more interesting than straight-up cut-throat competition. I’d suggest playing a few sessions to get a feel for it.

• Recommendation: Good for dedicated board game groups, especially those who enjoy deep strategy + story.

Bottom line: If you want a board game that feels like you’re part of a larger saga rather than just “play & reset”, Oath delivers in spades.

Final thoughts

Whether you’re a hobby miniatures enthusiast or a board game strategist (or both!), this selection offers a little of everything:

• Two heavyweight wargaming miniatures sets + one accessory kit (Crux Terminatus, Death Korps, Battlefield Trophies)

• Two rich board games with strategic depth (Arcs, Oath)

If I were to pick just one for most people at the store (given space, budget, versatility) I might lean towards Crux Terminatus (great value, hobby + gaming) or Arcs (excellent board game experience). But if you told me your preference (miniatures vs board games, how much painting you like, how many players you usually have), I could help you narrow which of these is best for you right now.