Firestorm Games Shop Review
If you’re a Warhammer 40K enthusiast in the United Kingdom, you’ve likely heard of Firestorm Games. With multiple store locations and an extensive online presence, Firestorm Games has established itself as a go-to destination for all things Warhammer 40K.
In this in-depth review, we’ll take a closer look at what makes Firestorm Games stand out from the competition and whether it’s the right choice for your Warhammer 40K needs.
What We Like About this Warhammer 40K Shop
Extensive Selection of Warhammer 40K Products
One of the primary reasons Firestorm Games has become so popular among Warhammer 40K fans is their impressive product selection. They carry a wide range of Warhammer 40,000 miniatures, paints, and games, catering to both new and experienced players.
When it comes to miniatures, Firestorm Games offers a vast array of factions and armies, including:
- Space Marines
- Necrons
- Orks
- Aeldari (Craftworlds, Drukhari, and Harlequins)
- Tyranids
- Chaos Space Marines
- Chaos Daemons
- Adeptus Mechanicus
- Imperial Knights
- Sisters of Battle
- Tau Empire
In addition to the various factions, Firestorm Games stocks a wide range of units and models for each army, from basic troops to special characters and vehicles. This extensive selection ensures that players can find the perfect miniatures to build and expand their armies.
Firestorm Games also offers a comprehensive range of paints, tools, and accessories to help you bring your miniatures to life. They carry all the essential Citadel paints, as well as brushes, basing materials, and other hobby supplies.
For those interested in the gaming aspect of Warhammer 40K, Firestorm Games has you covered. They stock the latest edition of the Warhammer 40,000 rulebook, as well as various codexes, supplements, and campaign books. They also offer a variety of starter sets, making it easy for new players to dive into the hobby.
Knowledgeable and Friendly Staff
Another standout aspect of Firestorm Games is their knowledgeable and friendly staff. Whether you’re visiting one of their physical stores or reaching out to their online customer support, you can expect to receive helpful and enthusiastic service.
The staff at Firestorm Games are passionate about Warhammer 40K and have a deep understanding of the hobby.
They are always ready to answer questions, provide recommendations, and offer advice to help you get the most out of your Warhammer 40K experience.
If you’re new to the hobby and feeling overwhelmed by the vast array of products and options, the staff at Firestorm Games can help guide you in the right direction.
They can assist you in choosing the best starter set for your interests, provide painting tips and techniques, and offer guidance on building and playing your army.
For experienced players, the staff can offer valuable insights into the latest releases, share strategies and tactics, and help you find the perfect additions to your collection.
Multiple Store Locations and Online Presence
Firestorm Games has made it easy for customers to access their products and services by offering multiple store locations across the UK, as well as a robust online presence.
They currently operate five physical stores in the following locations:
| Store Location | Address | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|
| Cardiff | Sloper Road Cardiff CF11 8AB | 44 2920 227117 |
| Bridgend | 25 Wyndham Street, Bridgend, CF31 1EB | 44 1656 333100 |
| Newport | Unit F2 Tesco Newport Retail Park Spytty Road Newport NP19 4TX | 44 1633 272507 |
| Merthyr Tydfil | 129 High Street, Merthyr Tydfil, CF47 8DN | 44 1865 700097 |
| Swindon | 121 Victoria Road Old Town Swindon SN1 3BH | 44 1793 612080 |
Having multiple store locations makes it convenient for customers to visit Firestorm Games in person, browse the selection, and get hands-on with the products.
The stores also host regular events and tournaments, providing a great opportunity for players to connect with the local Warhammer 40K community, share their passion for the hobby, and engage in friendly competition.
In addition to their physical stores, Firestorm Games has a strong online presence, with a comprehensive website that allows customers to easily browse and purchase products from the comfort of their own homes.
The website is well-organized and user-friendly, with clear categories and search functions to help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
What We Don’t Like About It
Slightly Higher Prices Compared to Some Competitors
While Firestorm Games offers an exceptional selection of Warhammer 40K products and excellent customer service, it’s worth noting that their prices tend to be slightly higher than some other online retailers.
In our price comparison of a few popular Warhammer 40K products, we found that Firestorm Games was consistently a bit more expensive than competitors like Wayland Games and Element Games.
However, the price difference was usually not substantial, typically ranging from a few pence to a couple of pounds.
It’s important to keep in mind that while Firestorm Games may not always have the lowest prices, they offer other benefits that can justify the slightly higher cost for many customers.
These benefits include the convenience of multiple store locations, exceptional customer service, and a loyalty program that rewards frequent shoppers.
Website Performance on Mobile Devices
Another minor issue we noted during our review was that the Firestorm Games website can sometimes be a bit slow to load on mobile devices.
This can be frustrating for customers who are trying to browse products or place an order on their smartphones or tablets.
However, it’s worth mentioning that the website performs well on desktop computers, and the mobile loading speed issue doesn’t significantly detract from the overall shopping experience.
Additionally, Firestorm Games may address this issue in the future with website optimization and updates.
Our Experience with Firestorm Games
Throughout our interactions with Firestorm Games, both online and in-store, we have consistently had positive experiences.
The staff has always been friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to help, whether we were looking for specific products, seeking advice on painting techniques, or inquiring about upcoming releases.
When placing orders online, we found the process to be straightforward and efficient. The website is easy to navigate, and the checkout process is simple and secure.
Orders are processed quickly, and items are carefully packaged to ensure they arrive in good condition.
One aspect of Firestorm Games that we particularly appreciate is their loyalty program. Customers earn points on every purchase, which can be redeemed for discounts on future orders. This is a great way to save money on your Warhammer 40K hobby, especially if you find yourself making frequent purchases.
Another standout feature of Firestorm Games is their commitment to supporting the Warhammer 40K community. In addition to hosting events and tournaments at their physical stores, they also sponsor and attend various conventions and exhibitions throughout the year.
This dedication to engaging with the community and promoting the hobby is commendable and sets Firestorm Games apart from many other retailers.
Delivery Information and Free Shipping
Firestorm Games offers various delivery options to ensure that customers receive their orders in a timely and convenient manner. They provide clear information about their shipping policies, making it easy for customers to understand what to expect when placing an order.
Here’s a breakdown of their delivery options and free shipping threshold:
| Delivery Option | Delivery Option | Delivery Time |
|---|---|---|
| Standard UK | Free shipping on orders over £60, otherwise £4.99 flat rate | 1-3 days |
| Tracked UK | Priced based on order weight, provides tracking information | 1-3 days |
| Express UK | Priced based on order weight, guaranteed delivery by 1pm next working day | 1 working day |
| Standard EU | Priced based on order weight, VAT removed for EU customers | 3-7 days |
| Standard International | Priced based on order weight, VAT removed for international customers | 5-14 days |
It’s worth noting that Firestorm Games offers free shipping on orders over £60 within the UK, which is a relatively low threshold compared to many other online retailers.
This makes it easy for customers to qualify for free shipping, saving them money on their Warhammer 40K purchases.
For customers outside the UK, Firestorm Games removes VAT from the order total, helping to offset some of the additional shipping costs. However, customers are responsible for any customs or import duties that may be applicable in their country.
Conclusion
Firestorm Games is an excellent choice for Warhammer 40K enthusiasts in the United Kingdom. With their extensive product selection, knowledgeable and friendly staff, and multiple store locations, they offer a comprehensive and enjoyable shopping experience for both new and experienced players.
While their prices may be slightly higher than some competitors, the convenience, customer service, and community support provided by Firestorm Games make them a top choice for many Warhammer 40K fans. The loyalty program and free shipping threshold also help to provide additional value for customers.
Despite minor issues like occasional slow loading speeds on mobile devices, the overall experience with Firestorm Games is positive and satisfying. Whether you’re looking to start a new army, expand your collection, or connect with other Warhammer 40K enthusiasts, Firestorm Games is a retailer worth considering.