AJM Nerdcore

If you’re heading to the UK Games Expo for the first time and feeling slightly overwhelmed by the idea of 70,000 nerds descending upon the NEC armed with dice, board games, Warhammer armies and Viking reenactments… this video is for you.

https://www.ukgamesexpo.co.uk/

I break down exactly what UKGE is actually like for first timers, including the NEC halls, open gaming, Dungeons & Dragons, the Warhammer Open, miniature painting competitions, Bring & Buy, parking, crowds, ADHD survival tips and all the weird, wonderful chaos that makes UK Games Expo one of the best conventions in the UK.

Whether you love board games, Warhammer 40K, RPGs, tabletop gaming, cosplay or just want to know what to expect at UK Games Expo 2026, hopefully this guide helps you survive the weekend with your wallet and sanity mostly intact.

0:00 - UK Games Expo First Time? Here’s What To Expect
2:12 - What Is UK Games Expo & Why Is Everyone Here?
8:00 - NEC Halls Explained Without Having A Breakdown
13:04 - Open Gaming, Board Game Library & Late Night Sessions
16:58 - The Living History Village, Vikings & Pendigo Lake Chaos
19:28 - Bring & Buy, Shop & Drop & The Pin Collecting Rabbit Hole
27:07 - Dungeons & Dragons, RPGs & Games On Demand
30:07 - Sir Coates Masters & The Ridiculous Miniature Painting Talent
32:35 - The Warhammer Open, Tournaments & Competitive Chaos
36:03 - Crowds, ADHD Survival Tips, Parking & NEC Transport
42:33 - Final Advice Before Surviving UKGE

#ukge #ukgamesexpo #warhammer #dungeonsanddragons #ttrpg #boardgames

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The new Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 4 trailer is here and honestly… it might be the coolest look we’ve had at the Adeptus Mechanicus so far.

So in this video I'm breaking down the weird world of Mars, machine gods, giant robot walkers, cybernetic soldiers, and why the Mechanicus might end up being one of the most unique factions in the entire game.

If you’re completely new to Warhammer 40K, don’t worry, this is very much a beginner-friendly overview without any gatekeeping. Think of it less like a university lecture and more like chatting to a nerdy mate who’s had far too much caffeine and access to lore videos.

I cover:

What the Imperium actually is
Who the Adeptus Mechanicus are
Why they worship machines
The Noosphere Network gameplay mechanics
Skitarii, Ruststalkers, Kataphrons & Imperial Knights
Why Dawn of War 4 is looking ridiculously promising already

This trailer really does feel like classic Dawn of War energy again. Gothic sci-fi chaos. Giant war machines. Deeply unhealthy lore rabbit holes. Everything you could want from 40K.

Tell me in the comments:
What first got YOU into Warhammer?

0:00 - Dawn of War 4 Finally Looks Incredible
2:04 - Welcome To The Adeptus Mechanicus
7:38 - Machine Gods, Mars & The Omnissiah
16:48 - Dawn of War 4 Gameplay Breakdown
29:14 - Why Mechanicus Might Steal The Show

#warhammer40k #dawnofwar #adeptusmechanicus #warhammer #gaming

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In this beginner-friendly guide to Mandalorian lore, I break down the complete Canon history of the Mandalorians in simple English without needing a Star Wars degree, three Wookieepedia tabs open, or emotional support from Dave Filoni.

We cover everything from the origins of the Mando’ade and Mandalorian culture, to the Darksaber, Bo-Katan Kryze, Din Djarin, Grogu, the Clone Wars, the Great Purge of Mandalore, Death Watch, the Night of a Thousand Tears, and how all of this connects directly into The Mandalorian and Grogu movie.

If you’ve ever sat through a Star Wars conversation nodding confidently while internally buffering like a Windows XP loading screen… this video is for you.

This is a beginner’s guide focused on Canon Mandalorian lore, but we also touch on Legends, George Lucas canon, Disney canon, Tarre Vizsla, Jango Fett, Boba Fett, Mandalore, Mandalorian Space, the Jedi Order, the Galactic Republic, the Galactic Empire, the New Republic, and why Mandalorians somehow manage to turn every disagreement into a civil war.

Whether you’re completely new to Star Wars lore or a long-time fan of The Clone Wars, Rebels, The Mandalorian, Knights of the Old Republic, Warhammer, LOTR, gaming, sci-fi, or fantasy storytelling, this is a deep dive into one of the most important cultures in Star Wars history.

Timestamps:

0:00 - What Even Is a Mandalorian?
6:49 - Mandalorian Origins Explained
13:20 - The Darksaber, Tarre Vizsla & Wars Against the Jedi
17:24 - New Mandalorians, Death Watch & The Clone Wars
22:25 - Bo-Katan, The Empire & The Great Purge
28:53 - Din Djarin, Grogu & The Way of the Mandalore
31:53 - How This Connects to The Mandalorian and Grogu Movie
35:21 - Conclusion & Why Mandalorians Matter

Topics covered:

Mandalorian lore explained
Star Wars Canon vs Legends
Mandalorian history timeline
The Darksaber explained
Bo-Katan Kryze explained
Din Djarin explained
Grogu explained
Jango Fett and Boba Fett
Death Watch explained
Great Purge of Mandalore
Night of a Thousand Tears
Mandalorian Civil Wars
The Clone Wars Mandalore arc
Mandalorian and Grogu movie setup
Star Wars explained for beginners

If you enjoyed this and want a full Legends breakdown comparing Canon vs Legends Mandalorians, let me know in the comments.

This is the Way.

#starwars #mandalorian #starwarslore

AJM Nerdcore is represented by Digital Fox Talent. Brand partnerships: digitalfoxtalent.com/brands/creators/ajm-nerdcore

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In this episode of Tolkien Tours, I head out into the English countryside to explore the real-world inspiration behind one of the most overlooked but surprisingly important locations in the Shire and how it connects to one of the most meaningful moments in Tolkien’s entire story.

We’ll break down the lore, the symbolism, and the emotional weight behind the Three-Farthing Stone - before heading into the real history of the Four Shire Stone in the Cotswolds, a genuine historical boundary marker that may have inspired Tolkien himself.

If you’re into Tolkien lore, Lord of the Rings analysis, real-world inspirations for Middle-earth, or just enjoy slightly overthinking rocks… you’re in the right place.

Timestamps

0:00 - Intro, this is not just a rock
2:19 - The Three-Farthing Stone explained simply
4:43 - Why it’s called “Three” (and not four)
6:14 - Sam, Galadriel, and READ ALOUD
15:42 - Did Tolkien copy this from real life?
19:00 - The real Four Shire Stone history explained
24:33 - Why this might be Tolkien’s most meaningful moment

What this video covers

The Three-Farthing Stone explained (Shire geography and Tolkien lore)
The East Road and how it connects Hobbiton, Bywater, and Bree
The Scouring of the Shire and why it was cut from the films
Galadriel’s gift to Samwise Gamgee and its deeper meaning
How Sam heals the Shire after the fall of Sauron
The real Four Shire Stone near Moreton-in-Marsh
Historical boundary markers in England (John Leland, Samuel Rudder)
Did J. R. R. Tolkien base the Shire on real places?
The symbolic meaning of home, healing, and rebuilding in Middle-earth

Key themes

Tolkien lore explained
Lord of the Rings analysis
Real world Middle-earth locations
Three-Farthing Stone meaning
Samwise Gamgee character analysis
Galadriel gifts explained
Scouring of the Shire breakdown
Four Shire Stone history
Cotswolds Tolkien inspiration
British locations that inspired Tolkien

#lotr #tolkien #lordoftherings #middleearth #tolkienlore #filminglocations

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Struggling with a Warhammer 40K painting slump? You’re not alone.

In this video, I sit down (on a chair that’s seen better days) and attempt to get back into painting Warhammer miniatures after months of doing absolutely nothing… hobby-wise. No polished setup. No perfect lighting. No pretending I’ve got my life together. Just a very honest look at what a real hobby slump looks like and how to get out of it without spending a fortune.

If you’ve ever stared at your pile of shame, avoided your paints for weeks (or months), or convinced yourself that buying more models will somehow fix your motivation… this is for you.

We’re talking Warhammer 40K painting burnout, hobby motivation, budget hobby setups, and how to actually enjoy painting miniatures again without turning it into a chore.

This is not a Golden Demon tutorial. This is survival.

What’s in this video:

0:00 - Intro, The Honest Hobby Setup (No Filters, Just Chaos)
5:37 - Part 1, The Desk Reveal, Realistic Warhammer Hobby Setup
10:44 - Part 2, Preparing to Paint, Minimal Setup & Getting Started
15:22 - Part 3, The Hobby Slump Explained, Motivation, Burnout & Comparison
24:18 - Part 4, Budget Warhammer, Cheap Setup, Real Talk on Costs
32:14 - Part 5, How to Get Back Into Painting, Simple Practical Tips
38:58 - Conclusion, Finding the Enjoyment Again & Community Chat

Topics covered:
Warhammer 40K painting slump
How to get motivated to paint miniatures
Budget Warhammer hobby setup
Beginner-friendly miniature painting mindset
Overcoming hobby burnout
Realistic hobby expectations vs social media
Painting miniatures without expensive tools
Blood Angels painting journey
Casual Warhammer hobby discussion

If you’ve been stuck in a hobby slump, avoiding your miniatures, or just need a reminder that you don’t need a perfect setup to enjoy Warhammer… hopefully this helps.

Let me know in the comments:
Are you currently in a painting slump?
What do you do instead of painting (be honest)?
And if you’ve cracked the code… how?

#warhammer40k #paintingminiatures #warhammerpainting #miniaturepainting #hobbyslump #warhammercommunity #tabletopgaming #wargaming

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If you’ve ever wondered who Darth Revan really is, why Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is still talked about like it’s sacred text, and how one character managed to be a Jedi, Sith Lord, war hero, and walking identity crisis all at once… this is for you.

In this video, I’m diving into the full Darth Revan story, breaking down his origins, the Mandalorian Wars, his fall to the dark side, and the moment that still emotionally ruins players to this day. Along the way, I’m also showing off an incredible Darth Revan helmet, because if you’re going to talk about one of the most iconic Star Wars characters ever created, you may as well look the part.

Whether you’re completely new to Star Wars lore, a long-time fan of KOTOR, or just here to figure out why people won’t stop going on about Revan… this is a full, beginner-friendly deep dive with just enough sarcasm to keep things honest.

And yes - there’s a moment in this story that hits like stepping on a Lego in the dark. You’ve been warned.

Timestamps (because even chaos needs structure):

0:00 – Intro , Meet Darth Revan (and my questionable life choices)
0:53 – KOTOR Explained , Why This Game Still Matters
4:31 – The Rise of Revan , Jedi to War Hero to “This Seems Fine”
9:45 – The Fall , Sith Lords, Betrayal and Very Bad Decisions
13:55 – Canon vs Legends , Does Revan Actually Count?
15:37 – The Full Story , Mandalorian Wars, Malak and Identity Crisis
23:43 – The Mask, Lightsabers and Why Revan Just Looks Cooler Than Everyone Else
26:52 – Conclusion , The Most Chaotic CV in Star Wars History

This video covers:

Darth Revan explained
Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic story breakdown
Jedi vs Sith philosophy and moral choices
Mandalorian Wars and the Star Forge
Canon vs Legends timeline explained
Revan helmet, mask meaning and lightsabers

If you enjoy Star Wars lore deep dives, Old Republic storytelling, or just watching someone try to explain one of the most complicated characters in the galaxy without losing the plot… you’re in the right place.

Let me know in the comments:
Is Darth Revan one of the best Star Wars characters ever created… or are we all just emotionally attached to a 20-year-old game?

And more importantly...would you have gone back to the light side… or fully committed to the dark side and embraced the chaos?

#DarthRevan #starwars #KOTOR #oldrepublic #starwarslore

AJM Nerdcore is represented by Digital Fox Talent. Brand partnerships: digitalfoxtalent.com/brands/creators/ajm-nerdcore

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SALUTE 53 is Europe’s largest independent wargaming event, and in this video I share my honest experience attending this UK wargaming convention at the Excel Centre in London.

If you’re into Warhammer, tabletop gaming, Dungeons and Dragons, or the wider tabletop gaming community, this gives you a real look at what a major tabletop gaming convention in London is actually like - beyond the highlight reels.

I cover everything from the reality of costs (travel, parking, and budgeting), to navigating the crowds, exploring over 100 demo games, and seeing the incredible miniature painting competition that showcases the very best of the Warhammer hobby.

I also went in searching for a solo RPG, which I’ll cover in more detail in a follow-up video, along with the games I played and standout finds from the event.

More than anything, this is about the experience - the atmosphere, the people, and why events like SALUTE are such a big part of nerd culture in the UK and the tabletop gaming community.

If you’re thinking about attending a wargaming convention or any major Warhammer event in the UK, this should give you a clear idea of what to expect.

Timestamps:
0:00 – Welcome to SALUTE
0:33 – What SALUTE Is
2:54 – Costs & Entry
7:27 – Games, Crowds & Painting
15:00 – Budgeting & London Prices
18:29 – Final Thoughts

Let me know in the comments - have you been to SALUTE before, and would you go again?

You can find out more about SALUTE here: https://southlondonwarlords.co.uk/wha...

#SALUTE53 #wargaming #warhammer #tabletopgaming #miniaturepainting

AJM Nerdcore is represented by Digital Fox Talent. Brand partnerships: digitalfoxtalent.com/brands/creators/ajm-nerdcore

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In this video, I discuss the complete history of Armageddon in Warhammer 40K, from its origins as an Ork stronghold to becoming the Imperium’s unluckiest industrial hellscape. We’re talking daemon invasions, multiple WAAAGHs, legendary characters like Yarrick and Ghazghkull, and why this planet is now central to Warhammer 40K 11th Edition.

I cover all three major wars, the War of the Beast, the Chaos invasion led by Angron, and how this setting has shaped Warhammer 40,000 from 2nd Edition all the way to what’s coming next.

And yes… it somehow only gets worse for the planet as time goes on.

Timestamps:

0:00 – Welcome to the Worst Planet in the Galaxy
2:15 – What Armageddon Actually Is (And Why It Exists)
6:13 – The Origins: Ullanor, Horus, and a Terrible Decision
8:56 – The War of the Beast (When Orks Nearly Won Everything)
14:01 – The First War for Armageddon (Daemons, Angron, and a Cover-Up)
17:12 – The Second War (Yarrick vs Ghazghkull Begins)
21:38 – The Third War (A Never-Ending Meat Grinder)
24:19 – When It Somehow Gets Worse (Daemons, Rift, and Total Chaos)
27:22 – Why Armageddon Matters for 11th Edition
29:45 – Why This Planet Explains All of Warhammer 40K

If you enjoy Warhammer 40K lore explained clearly without losing the scale, hit subscribe and let me know what you want covering next.

I can also do a full breakdown of Armageddon’s geography, hive cities, and how the planet actually functions day to day—because somehow, people still live and work there.

#warhammer #warhammer40k #warhammerlore #armageddon

AJM Nerdcore is represented by Digital Fox Talent. Brand partnerships: digitalfoxtalent.com/brands/creators/ajm-nerdcore

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In this video, I am about to complain about modern gaming - from £400 entry fees just to play a single title, to £60 games that may or may not actually work when you load them up. This isn’t a polished review. It’s a proper sit-down, honest conversation about where gaming is right now, and whether it still feels worth it.

From next-gen console lockouts and rising game prices, to the gamble of buying unfinished releases and the strange shift from “fun hobby” to “financial decision”… I break down why so many of us are hesitating before hitting that buy button.

If you’ve ever looked at a game, checked the price, and quietly closed the tab - this one’s for you.

And I want this to be a conversation, not a lecture. So jump into the comments and let me know where you stand...are games still worth it, or are we being slowly priced out of something we love?

Timestamps:

0:00 – This Was Meant To Be Calm (It Was Not)
1:07 – “Just Buy It” – A Truly Revolutionary Idea
4:35 – Gaming Has Become a Financial Decision
8:01 – £60 For A Maybe? Go On Then
10:26 – Multiplayer Games and the Sound of Silence
12:07 – I Just Want It To Feel Fun Again

This video leans into real gamer frustrations - rising costs, console exclusivity, game quality concerns, and the risk of buying unfinished releases.

Whether you’re into RPGs, open-world games, or just tired of feeling like every purchase needs a risk assessment, there’s something here for you.

#gaming #rpg #crimsondesert #pokopia #gamer #gamereview

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If you’ve ever thought “I could definitely handle The One Ring better than everyone else”… this might be your game.

In this video, I break down The Lord of the Rings: Circle of Conflict, which is a brand new tabletop strategy dice game set in the Third Age of Middle-earth, where you don’t just play the heroes… you also get to play the villains. Because clearly nothing could go wrong there.

I go through how the game works, what The Free Peoples and The Shadow actually are (in simple terms), and whether this is something worth picking up if you’re into tabletop games, D&D, Warhammer, or just enjoy watching your carefully made plans collapse due to dice.

If you’re into Lord of the Rings lore, strategy games, or chaotic decision-making disguised as “tactics”, this one might be for you.

Let me know in the comments - are you playing to save Middle-earth… or absolutely ruin it?

Timestamps:

0:00 – A perfectly normal game where nothing goes wrong
1:55 – The Third Age explained (and why it’s always the Third Age)
3:44 – The Free Peoples vs The Shadow (pick your side wisely… or don’t)
5:59 – Dice, chaos, and poor life choices (game mechanics breakdown)
8:28 – Final thoughts: brilliant strategy game or friendship ender?

If you enjoy content like this - tabletop breakdowns, Lord of the Rings lore, Warhammer, gaming, and general nerd chaos — subscribe for more.

I’m also running a Tolkien Tours series, visiting real-world locations tied to Tolkien, so if that’s your thing, go have a look and let me know where I should head next.

#lordoftherings #tabletopgames #boardgames #lotr #dnd #warhammer #gaming #fantasy #tolkien #ttrpg

AJM Nerdcore is represented by Digital Fox Talent. Brand partnerships: digitalfoxtalent.com/brands/creators/ajm-nerdcore

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