Army-based fantasy war miniature games offer a captivating mix of strategy, creativity, and storytelling, drawing in hobbyists and gamers alike.
At their core, these games involve assembling and commanding detailed models of armies, clashing on tabletops designed to represent imaginative battlefields.
From classic battles between gallant knights and fearsome dragons to futuristic clashes with alien forces, these games transport players into mesmerizing worlds where strategy and chance determine the course of epic wars.
The models themselves require a keen eye for detail as they often need assembly and painting, which becomes a cherished part of the hobby.
This aspect not only makes each piece unique but also adds a personal touch to players’ armies, allowing for endless customizations and creativity.
Brands specializing in these games have developed vast lore and intricate rule systems, enabling players to immerse themselves fully in their chosen universe.
Top Army-Based Fantasy War Miniature Games
Let’s dive into our selection of the best army-based fantasy war miniature games.
These picks promise thrilling battles and strategic fun for both newbies and seasoned veterans.
The Army Painter Paint Set
Great choice for both newcomers and experienced hobbyists looking to bring their tabletop games to life.
- Wonderful range of colors for detailed projects
- Easy to use, even for those just starting out
- Comes with everything needed to start painting immediately
- Potential quality control issues from some sellers
- Plastic miniatures may not appeal to everyone
- Not ideal for those seeking a very extensive color selection
This set offers a wonderful opportunity to dive into painting miniatures.
Whether we’re boosting our D&D table setup or simply wanting to start a collection, this kit provides a rich palette of colors that cover the essentials.
It’s especially friendly for beginners, making it an inviting choice for new hobbyists.
Two miniature figures and an acrylic brush are included, giving us the chance to practice right out of the box.
The heavy pigmentation in the paints makes them an optimal choice for achieving full coverage quickly.
Our creativity gets a nice boost from these vibrant colors and the variety of effects paints.
On the downside, we’ve heard reports of some quality control issues, particularly with third-party sellers.
This shouldn’t overshadow the fact that the product itself largely receives enthusiastic praise.
Diving into the world of acrylic paints with this all-in-one kit keeps everything simple yet effective for everyone.
War World Gaming Fantasy Battle Miniature Basing Kit
A great buy for anyone eager to enhance their wargaming terrain with diverse, easy-to-use materials.
- Wide variety of textures and colors
- Simple to apply with Modeling Glue
- High-quality materials for realistic effects
- Limited quantity may not cover large projects
- Some may find the packs smaller than expected
- Considered more of a sampler set
This kit by War World Gaming offers a fantastic assortment of basing materials perfect for those looking to add life to their miniature landscapes.
Whether you’re outfitting a few models or sprucing up a battleboard, there’s a rich mix of static grass, foliage, and more to play with.
One of the standout qualities here is the attention to detail in the selection of materials.
The components blend well into various terrains and themes, offering flexibility for creative projects.
Additionally, the ease with which we can apply these materials makes the kit accessible to both novice and seasoned hobbyists.
On the flip side, while the kit does feature a nice range, it’s crucial to note the small size of the individual packs.
They might not stretch far if you’re planning a large-scale scene.
This may lead us wanting to supplement with additional purchases for bigger, ambitious projects.
Runewars: Miniature Game Core Set
This game offers a mix of strategy and customization that will keep any fantasy miniature enthusiast engaged.
- Beautifully detailed miniatures
- Offers strategic depth with innovative mechanics
- Allows for complete customization with unpainted figures
- Requires assembly before play
- Limited ongoing support from the manufacturer
- Expansion packs needed for more variety
The Runewars Miniatures Game allows for epic battles in the realm of Terrinoth with its richly detailed miniatures.
Our favorite part? The customization options with unpainted figures, which makes it perfect for hobbyists who love painting and personalizing their armies.
The game shines with strategic complexity, thanks to its innovative command tools.
Players can choose between two unique factions, which offer different tactical approaches.
This variety keeps the gameplay fresh and exciting.
While it is unfortunate that there is limited ongoing support from the company, the core set offers a substantial amount of content to dive into.
The initial assembly does take some time, but the reward is hours of thrilling gameplay and tactical battles.
Mantic Games Empire of Dust Starter Set
If you’re ready to dive into epic battles in a mystical world, this starter set is a great choice for delving into “Kings of War.”
- A perfect entry point for those new to “Kings of War”
- Offers a variety of miniatures and components for custom battles
- Beautifully detailed miniatures enhance the gaming experience
- Miniatures require assembly and painting
- Limited to one faction without expansions
- Might be complex for complete beginners in strategy games
The Empire of Dust Starter Set brings us right into the heart of desert battles with undead armies.
The idea of leading ranks of skeletons and revenant cavalry has an undeniable allure.
Assembling and painting adds a creative layer to the game, which many of us truly enjoy.
The set provides a rich amount of detail, even in the unpainted stage.
The instructions are straightforward, which makes assembling this set manageable.
However, it does require some patience.
Strategy fans will find this game appealing for its strategic play, with options to expand into other factions available for those looking for variety.
It’s ideal for veterans of tabletop games and those beginning to explore complex war strategies.
The dedicated fan base and community events also offer us a way to engage with others sharing the same passion for the game.
Whether we’re playing casually at home or participating in larger events, this set invites us into a broader world of fantasy warfare.
Kings of War: Ratkin Ambush Starter Set
This set is perfect for those looking to dive into the world of Kings of War with a thrilling army of Ratkin on a budget.
- Comprehensive starter set with many miniatures
- Streamlined rules for quick learning
- Engaging backstory and setting
- Miniatures require assembly and painting
- Limited faction variety in this starter set
- Requires additional components for a full experience
Starting with the Kings of War: Ratkin Ambush Starter Set opens up a unique entry point into the dynamic world of fantasy wargaming.
We’re excited about the sheer number of miniatures included, which is quite a deal, especially for newcomers eager to build their first army.
Plus, the lore of the Ratkin adds a layer of excitement that makes each game feel like an epic tale.
On the flip side, we noticed that putting together and painting these miniatures can be a bit daunting for those of us not accustomed to hobby crafts.
It’s a hands-on experience, but it’s a great way to personalize your army.
Another aspect to keep in mind is the limited variety of factions in this set, which might require some additions for players seeking more options.
Diving into Kings of War is made easier thanks to the streamlined rules that accompany this set.
We love how quickly we can get into the action, strategizing our moves without getting caught in overly complex mechanics.
The Ratkin army provides an intriguing flavor, especially for those of us who enjoy role-playing crafty, underestimated forces in fantasy campaigns.
Buying Guide
When searching for the best army-based fantasy war miniature games, we should consider several key factors to make the right choice.
Game Complexity
Some games are more complex than others, offering rich narratives and detailed rules.
If we prefer a quick and simple setup, let’s look for games that are easy to learn.
For those who enjoy deep strategy, a more complex game might fit better.
Miniature Quality
We should look at the detail and material quality of the miniatures.
High-quality pieces can make our gaming experience more immersive.
Durable materials ensure the miniatures last longer, especially if we plan on painting or customizing them.
Game Duration
Understanding the typical playtime is crucial.
Some of us may prefer shorter sessions that last around an hour, while others are excited about getting lost in battles that last an entire afternoon.
Table
| Feature | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Complexity | Simple vs. Detailed |
| Miniature Quality | Material and Detail Level |
| Game Duration | Short (<1 hr) vs. Long (>3 hrs) |
Player Count
Checking the minimum and maximum number of players is important.
We should ensure the game fits the size of our usual gaming group.
Whether we want a solo experience or a lively party atmosphere, there’s a suitable game out there.
Price
Budget is always a factor.
We should compare prices to find something that offers good value.
Some games may be costly, but they might include a ton of miniatures and expansions.
Conversely, basic sets are often more affordable.
By keeping these points in mind, we’ll be well on our way to finding a game that suits our tastes and gaming needs perfectly.