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Hey, would love to try out some alternative rulesets for use with 40k models. There must be some out there?

Preferably something more complex, but not hardcore wargamer. Something aimed at reasonably bright adults, rather than the child-friendly 40k (and there's nothing wrong with that).

Maybe.

Warzone
http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/504794.page

Mantic
http://www.manticgames.com/Shop-Home/Warpath.html
Free rules but less complex than 40K.

Are you looking for a small scale game that will use a dozen or so 40k models, or a larger size game that you'll use most or all of a 40k army with?

There are loads of the first type, not so many (that I know of) of the second.

Edit: Also, this is the direct link to the current Warpath rules: http://gallery.mailchimp.com/e62f0c35454fa3ba687404d69/files/Warpath_II_Rules.pdf

Currently I'm working on something. It's in the same scale as 40k, but it's skirmish (yes, I know, yawn all you like) which focuses on rapid customizable gameplay.

I'll attach it here. I'd love to hear your thoughts, as it's still in development.

Infinity has a free ruleset. Their minis are about the same size as GWs though much more detailed. Is that what you were looking for?

Riquende wrote:Are you looking for a small scale game that will use a dozen or so 40k models, or a larger size game that you'll use most or all of a 40k army with?

There are loads of the first type, not so many (that I know of) of the second.

Edit: Also, this is the direct link to the current Warpath rules: http://gallery.mailchimp.com/e62f0c35454fa3ba687404d69/files/Warpath_II_Rules.pdf

Definitely a larger size game. Smaller scale games don't interest me.

BlapBlapBlap wrote:Currently I'm working on something. It's in the same scale as 40k, but it's skirmish (yes, I know, yawn all you like) which focuses on rapid customizable gameplay.

I'll attach it here. I'd love to hear your thoughts, as it's still in development.

Will check that out when I have time. If it looks interesting my friend and I might try it out.

http://www.freewargamesrules.co.uk/

There's also VOID 1.1, similar to scale of 40k 2nd edition.
If you look on Scotia Grendel's site, the rules + army books are available as free downloads.

WarPath 2.0 is also available free and includes 4 army lists. It's far from perfect but is leaps and bounds better than the 1.0 version.

How about Warhammer 40K Rogue trader, now those where rules!

 BryllCream wrote:
Hey, would love to try out some alternative rulesets for use with 40k models. There must be some out there?

Preferably something more complex, but not hardcore wargamer. Something aimed at reasonably bright adults, rather than the child-friendly 40k (and there's nothing wrong with that).

Tomorrow's War, realistic tactics and combat and you can directly translate almost every miniature in 40k to it.

 BlapBlapBlap wrote:
Currently I'm working on something. It's in the same scale as 40k, but it's skirmish (yes, I know, yawn all you like) which focuses on rapid customizable gameplay.

I'll attach it here. I'd love to hear your thoughts, as it's still in development.

I'll second Blap's Uprise, also he could use playtesters

Stargrunt II http://shop.groundzerogames.net/index.php?_a=viewCat&catId=130

If you are looking for something with a bit more tactics I would suggest the following games which are free and have rules for unit creation.

-No Limits.- The open source version of "VOR" similar feel to 40k, but has things like overwatch, and more detailed squad mechanics. Lots of pre-created lists available as well as the unit creator.
http://wargamesunlimited.net/nolimits/index.html

-Fast and Dirty
Not Played it yet, but the author designed it with your goals in mind.
http://www.freewebs.com/weaselfierce/

Two games that were formerly for sale, but are now free. Again both are similar to 40k, but a bit different. No unit creation mechanic, but both have enough published army lists that you can proxy in 40k figures easily.

-Warzone
http://www.mutantpedia.com/eng/Warzone.html
"ULtimate" or 2nd edition are probably your best bets, but some folks prefer 1st ed. Note that these rules are going to be different from the Warzone game that is currently in development.

-Void 1.1.- As mentioned above, the rules are free from scotia grendel

Lastly, my personal favorite is WarEngine.
It doesn't accommodate battles as big as 40k, and only handles small vehicles, but it's a really fun and extremely flexible. Unfortunately the wiki is down, so you have to join the yahoo group (free) to get the rules, but it's totally worth it. It's the rules engine that was used for Shockforce, Golgo Island, and GWAR:Rumble in Antarctica games.
http://games.groups.yahoo.com/group/WarEngine/

Other honorable Mentions
Tomorrow's War: A very hard-sci-fi ruleset, but flexible. More crunch than 40k, but more streamlined also. However you have to buy it.
Warpath: Looks fun, but far less complex than 40k.
Stargunt is a good option. Fairly crunchy, but kind of old school. I'm not a fan of the "Chit" draw system, but it's reportedly a good game.

I've got the 1st edition of a game I published some years back available for free download. The army creation is fully customizable, so you can pretty much fit any minis you'd like into the rules. I'm also sporadically working on a 2nd edition, so you're welcome to provide feedback on things that you come across while playing.