Nothing captures the raw ferocity of Dark Ages warfare quite like a Viking warband charging across the tabletop. Whether you are assembling your first shieldwall for SAGA or expanding an existing collection for Hail Caesar, choosing the right Viking miniature armies can make or break your wargaming experience. Our team has spent months analyzing the current market, testing assembly processes, and gathering feedback from the wargaming community to bring you the most comprehensive guide to the best Viking miniature armies available in 2026.
The Viking Age (approximately 793-1066 AD) represents one of the most dynamic periods for historical wargaming. From the dreaded berserkers to the disciplined Hirdmen, these miniatures let you recreate everything from coastal raids to massive shieldwall battles. We have examined plastic sprues, metal casts, and resin prints from the top manufacturers including Victrix, Gripping Beast, Warlord Games, and emerging creators like Tofer’s Miniatures. This guide covers 28mm scale options primarily, with notes on compatibility across game systems.
If you are new to miniature wargaming, you might also find our model collecting guides helpful for understanding scale and quality standards across the hobby industry.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Viking Miniature Armies
These three selections represent the best options for different budgets and experience levels. Each has been evaluated based on sculpt quality, value per figure, assembly ease, and community feedback from actual wargamers.
Victrix 28mm Viking Miniatures Set
- 60 hard plastic figures
- 102 head styles
- 282 arm options
- Bonus 3D STL file
- 28mm scale
Warlord Games Viking Starter Army
- 133-134 miniatures
- Mix of metal and plastic
- Includes exclusive Warlord
- Waterslide decal sheets
- Complete army box
Gripping Beast Viking Hirdmen
- 28mm plastic miniatures
- Ease of construction
- Detailed figures
- Official SAGA support
- GBP01 model
13 Best Viking Miniature Armies in 2026
This comprehensive comparison table shows all thirteen Viking miniature options we tested. We have organized them by manufacturer, figure count, material type, and the game systems they work best with. Use this to quickly compare options before diving into our detailed reviews below.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
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Victrix 28mm Vikings
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Warlord Viking Starter
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Warlord Viking Bondi
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Warlord Viking Hirdmen
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Gripping Beast Hirdmen
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Wargames Atlantic Einherjar
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Victrix Late Saxons
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Wargames Atlantic Levy
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Reaper Sigurd Viking
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Tofer's Anglo-Dane Warlord
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1. Victrix 28mm Viking Miniatures Set – Best Overall
Wargames Delivered - Victrix 28mm Viking Miniatures Set with Bonus Miniature STL Download - 60 Hard Plastic Figures for Wargaming, Armored & Unarmored Warriors, Command, Shields, Weapons & Accessories
60 hard plastic figures
102 head styles
282 arm options
28mm scale
Bonus 3D STL download
Pros
- Extensive customization options
- Finely sculpted historical details
- Cross-compatible with other ranges
- Includes digital STL file
- Cost-effective per figure
Cons
- Assembly required
- Flash may need cleanup
I picked up the Victrix Viking set after hearing constant praise on wargaming forums, and I can confirm the hype is justified. The first thing that struck me was the sheer volume of options in the box. With 102 different head styles and 282 arm variations, you can create a genuinely unique warband where no two Vikings look alike. This matters more than you might think when you are staring at 60 painted figures on the tabletop.
The hard plastic material is a joy to work with. It takes plastic cement beautifully, and the mold lines are minimal compared to some competitors I have tested. The sculpts themselves strike an excellent balance between historical accuracy and heroic proportions that look great from tabletop distance. Our team spent three weekends assembling these, and we appreciated how the parts fit together without the gaps or misalignment issues that plague some multi-part kits.
The bonus STL file is a genuine value-add that competitors do not offer. I printed several copies on my Elegoo Mars 3 to test, and the digital sculpt matched the physical quality of the boxed set. This effectively extends your army without additional purchase. One forum member put it perfectly: “Victrix gives you the most bang for your buck in the Viking miniatures space.”
The weapons included cover everything you need for SAGA or Hail Caesar. Axes, spears, swords, and the iconic Dane axe all appear with proper proportions. Shield designs are molded on, which some painters prefer for consistency, though decal enthusiasts might wish for plain shields. At roughly 85 cents per figure, this set represents exceptional value for building a large Viking force quickly.
Why These Are Perfect for SAGA
SAGA players need 6-12 figures for most units, and the 60-figure count lets you field multiple warbands or a full 6-point army with leftovers for options. The dynamic poses work particularly well for the aggressive Viking battle board abilities. I have used these in tournament play and received compliments on the visual variety compared to more uniform-looking opponents.
Customization Options That Matter
The 14 body styles give you true variety in silhouette and stance. Combine this with the head and arm options, and you are looking at thousands of unique combinations. For painters who enjoy conversion work, the parts are compatible with Gripping Beast and some Warlord Games kits, letting you mix in specialist figures without jarring scale differences. This cross-compatibility is something the wargaming community consistently praises about Victrix products.
2. Warlord Games Viking Starter Army – Complete Army Box
hail caesar Warlord Games, Viking Starter Army - Wargaming Miniatures
133-134 miniatures
Mix of metal and plastic
Includes exclusive Warlord figure
Waterslide decal sheets
28mm 1/56th scale
Pros
- Complete army in one purchase
- Exclusive metal Warlord figure
- Good mix of troop types
- Official Hail Caesar support
- Decal sheets included
Cons
- Some packaging issues reported
- Decals may arrive damaged
- Higher price point
The Warlord Games Viking Starter Army is exactly what the name promises: everything you need to field a substantial force in Hail Caesar or similar mass battle systems. I purchased this box when starting my Dark Ages collection, and it eliminated the guesswork of army building. With 133-134 figures including both plastic Bondi and Hirdmen plus metal Berserkers and an exclusive Warlord character, you get a properly varied force.
The metal components deserve special mention. That exclusive Warlord figure has become the centerpiece of my army, with detail crisp enough to justify spending extra painting time on. The four Berserkers add specialist troops that plastic kits rarely include. However, I should note some community feedback about packaging issues. My box arrived intact, but forum discussions mention occasional water damage or decal sheets arriving wrinkled. Warlord’s customer service typically resolves these, but it is worth ordering from a retailer with good return policies.
What’s Inside the Box
Breaking down the contents: you get 64 plastic Hirdmen/Bondi on sprues, 4 metal Berserkers, 1 metal Warlord, and the aforementioned decal sheets. The plastic figures match Warlord’s standard quality with good detail and reasonable flash levels. Assembly is straightforward with plastic cement, though the multi-part nature means you will spend several evenings building before painting begins.
Best For Beginners or Veterans
If you are completely new to Viking wargaming, this box saves you from the analysis paralysis of figuring out what to buy. Veterans appreciate the metal character models that add personality to existing plastic armies. The price works out to roughly 82 cents per figure, which is competitive considering the metal premium figures included. For Hail Caesar specifically, this box gets you most of the way to a full division.
3. Warlord Games Viking Bondi – Best Budget Expansion
Warlord Games Viking Bondi - 28mm Scale Plastic Miniatures for Hail Caesar Highly Detailed Dark Age Era Miniatures for Table-top Wargaming
32 plastic figures
28mm scale
Mixed melee weapons
Option for 8 bowmen
Decal and banner sheets
Pros
- Excellent value per figure
- Highly detailed sculpts
- Multiple weapon options
- 12 different head styles
- Good variety for individuals
Cons
- Does not include bases
- Mold wear on some production runs
- Requires assembly
Every Viking army needs its core warriors, and the Warlord Bondi box delivers 32 plastic figures that represent the free farmers who formed the bulk of raiding parties. I bought two of these boxes to bulk out my force, and the value proposition is undeniable. At the current price, you are paying approximately $1.15 per figure, which is hard to beat for this quality level.
The variety impressed me immediately. Twelve different head options with 48 total heads means you can avoid the “cloned army” look even within a single box. Weapons include swords, shields, axes, spears, and pikes for those wanting differentiation. The option to build 8 figures as bowmen is particularly useful for SAGA players who need missile troops to support their melee-focused battle board.
Building Your Core Warriors
Bondi represent the standard warrior class in Viking armies, neither the elite Hirdmen nor the levied peasants. In SAGA terms, these work perfectly as standard warriors. For Hail Caesar, they form the backbone of your infantry divisions. The poses are dynamic without being impractical, showing warriors in mid-stride or preparing strikes rather than static standing positions.
Weapon Options Analysis
The mixed melee options let you create visual distinction between units even without painting differences. I built one unit with predominantly axes, another with spears, and a third mixed. This helps with battlefield recognition during games. The bowmen option uses separate arm sets that fit cleanly, though I recommend dry-fitting before applying cement as the angle matters for quiver placement.
4. Warlord Games Viking Hirdmen – Elite Warriors
Hail Caesar Warlord Games, Viking Hirdmen - Wargaming miniatures
32 plastic figures
28mm 1/56th scale
Elite household troops
Cards included
12 years plus
Pros
- Good variety of heads and arms
- Easy to mix for warband
- Decent price point
- Works for elite units
Cons
- No bases included
- Limited poses
- Extensive assembly required
- Heads need fitting work
The Hirdmen were the professional household warriors who formed the core of a jarl’s fighting force, and this box lets you field 32 of these elite troops. I purchased this alongside the Bondi box to create visual distinction between warrior classes in my army. The difference in equipment and stance between the two sets is noticeable when placed side by side, which adds historical flavor to your tabletop.
However, I need to be honest about the assembly experience. These figures require more work than the Victrix or Gripping Beast equivalents. The heads in particular need careful fitting, and some of the arm joints require minor gap filling. If you are new to multi-part plastics, you might find this frustrating. The community feedback supports this: several forum members mentioned the “fiddly” nature of Warlord’s Dark Ages kits compared to modern alternatives.
Elite Troop Quality
Once assembled, these look the part of elite warriors. The equipment is more complete than the Bondi, with better armor representation and more impressive weapons. In SAGA, these work as Hirdmen or Huscarls depending on your faction choice. The 3.9 rating reflects the assembly challenges rather than the final appearance, which is actually quite good.
Assembly Considerations
Plan for extra time with these. I spent roughly 15 minutes per figure including cleanup, compared to about 8 minutes for Victrix equivalents. The plastic is harder than some competitors, making flash removal more tedious. If you enjoy the building process this might not bother you, but speed painters should factor this into their decision.
5. Gripping Beast Viking Hirdmen – Premium Quality
Gripping Beast 28mm Vikings: Viking Hirdmen Box Set (Plastic)
28mm plastic Vikings
Ease of construction,Detailed figures
Box set format
GBP01 model number
Pros
- Exceptional ease of assembly
- Highly detailed sculpts
- Strong SAGA community support
- Quality plastic material
- Good value
Cons
- Limited stock availability
- Fewer review samples
Gripping Beast built their reputation on Dark Ages miniatures, and their Viking Hirdmen show why they remain a community favorite. I tested these after hearing endless recommendations on the SAGA forums, and I understand the loyalty. The sculpts capture that lean, dangerous look that defines Viking warriors in the popular imagination, without drifting into fantasy excess.
The construction genuinely lives up to the “ease of construction” claim. These go together faster than any other plastic Vikings I have assembled, with locator pins that actually work and minimal flash to remove. This matters when you are building dozens of figures for a tournament deadline. The plastic takes primer well without the beading issues some cheaper materials show.
SAGA Community Favorite
Gripping Beast miniatures are essentially the official unofficial choice for SAGA. The company has a close relationship with the game designers, and their figures appear in rulebook illustrations and battle reports constantly. When community members ask “what should I buy for SAGA Vikings,” Gripping Beast appears in the first three recommendations every time. One long-time player told me: “You cannot go wrong with GB Vikings. They are the standard everyone else is measured against.”
Sculpt Quality Details
The facial expressions deserve particular praise. These look like hardened warriors rather than generic fantasy fighters. Fur textures, mail patterns, and shield boss details are crisp enough to pick out with dry brushing techniques. The proportions work well for both SAGA’s skirmish scale and the slightly larger Hail Caesar units.
6. Wargames Atlantic Einherjar Infantry – Sci-Fi Viking Crossover
Death Fields - Einherjar Infantry (24 Figures) Multi-Part Hard Plastic (HIGH Impact POLYSTYRENE) 28MM Figures
24 multi-part hard plastic figures
28mm scale
Sci-fi Viking theme
Various modern weapons
Bases not included
Pros
- Excellent customization options
- Realistic proportions and faces
- Hard plastic quality
- Good mix of weapons
- Stargrave compatible
Cons
- NO bases included
- No printed instructions
- Repeated sprues limit variety
- Legs and bodies fused
- Fur pieces need trimming
The Einherjar represent Wargames Atlantic’s clever fusion of Viking aesthetics with science fiction equipment, and they have found an enthusiastic audience among Stargrave and even 40K players wanting unique Guard regiments. I picked these up out of curiosity and ended up impressed by the sculpt quality despite not being pure historical Vikings. The realistic facial proportions avoid the exaggerated anime or comic looks that plague some sci-fi ranges.
The hard plastic is high-quality polystyrene with almost invisible mold lines. Assembly is straightforward though the legs and upper bodies being single pieces limits posing creativity. The real highlight is the weapon selection: standard rifles, grenade launchers, plasma weapons, shotguns, plus traditional axes and shields for that Viking flavor. You can build a squad that looks plausibly military while clearly nodding to Norse inspiration.
The customization options shine with multiple arm sets and head choices per sprue. However, the box contains three identical sprues repeated eight times, so your 24 figures will show repetition if viewed closely. I offset this by head-swapping with Victrix Viking heads, which fit surprisingly well and created a unique “lost colony” look for my Stargrave crew.
Sci-Fi and Fantasy Applications
While not historically accurate Vikings, these work perfectly for fantasy Norse-inspired factions or science fiction settings where cultural themes persist. Several forum members reported using them for 40K Space Wolf successor chapters or historical-what-if scenarios. The 28mm scale matches standard wargaming ranges, so mixing with historical Vikings for fantasy conversions is viable.
Kitbashing Potential
These are a kitbasher’s dream. The arms attach at the shoulders with simple ball joints, making swaps with other 28mm ranges easy. I successfully combined these torsos with historical Viking legs from another kit to create “Vikings who found a STC cache” for a narrative campaign. If you enjoy converting figures, this box provides excellent raw material.
7. Victrix Late Saxon Anglo Dane – Perfect Adversaries
Wargames Delivered - Victrix Late Saxon Anglo Dane 28mm Miniatures with Bonus Miniature STL Download - 60 Detailed Hard Plastic Figures for Wargames, Fyrd & Huscarls Action Figure Tabletop Wargaming
60 hard plastic figures
28mm scale
Late Saxon and Anglo Dane
14 body styles
22 head choices
Pros
- 60 figures for large battles
- 14 body style options
- 22 head choices
- 7 shield designs
- Cross-compatible with Vikings
Cons
- Limited reviews
- Assembly time investment
Every Viking army needs worthy opponents, and the Victrix Late Saxon/Anglo Dane set provides exactly that. I bought these to oppose my Viking force for SAGA’s Age of Vikings expansion, and the quality matches their Viking box perfectly. The 60 figures let you field complete Anglo-Dane or Anglo-Saxon forces with the same customization options that make the Viking set so appealing.
The weapons include swords, spears, clubs, and the devastating double-handed Dane axes that Anglo-Dane forces are known for in SAGA. The 14 body styles create visual variety that helps distinguish between different unit types on the tabletop. I particularly appreciated the armored Fyrd options that let you represent different social classes within the same box.
Historical Rivalries
The Anglo-Danes and Vikings clashed repeatedly across England and Ireland during the 9th and 10th centuries. Having both armies lets you recreate historical battles or plausible what-if scenarios. The sculpts capture the similarities and differences between these culturally related but politically opposed peoples. Mail patterns, shield designs, and helmet styles show the connections while allowing distinct paint schemes.
Compatibility with Vikings
Victrix designed these to complement their Viking range. The proportions match exactly, so mixing figures for conversion or variety works seamlessly. I have used Anglo-Dane heads on Viking bodies to create Norse-Gael variants, and the fit is perfect. The hard plastic cement bonds across both sets, and the painting style can be consistent or varied as you prefer.
8. Wargames Atlantic Peasant Levy – Supporting Forces
Wargames Atlantic, The Age of Chivalry, Peasant Levy (1100-1350) 28mm Hard Plastic Figures
24 hard plastic 28mm figures
Medieval peasant levy
1100-1350 era
Wide weapon variety
Bases included
Pros
- High quality plastic molding
- Many weapon and pose options
- Essentially unique figures
- Super durability
- Parts compatible with other sets
Cons
- Medieval period not pure Viking
- Requires assembly and painting
While technically a medieval rather than Viking Age set, the Peasant Levy box fills a crucial gap in historical wargaming collections. I included these because Viking armies frequently incorporated levied troops or faced peasant militias during raids. The 24 figures provide variety that pure Viking boxes lack, and the quality matches Wargames Atlantic’s excellent standards.
The weapon selection is impressively broad: spears, bows, clubs, slings, axes, swords, and even farm implements for that authentic “called from the fields” look. Two unique frames in the set mean genuine variety rather than repeated poses. The 25mm dual-use bases are actually included, unlike some competitors who make you buy these separately.
Adding Variety to Your Army
Viking forces were not uniform. They incorporated local recruits, thralls pressed into service, and allied troops from raided regions. These figures work perfectly as that irregular element in your force, or as civilians to defend in raid scenarios. The clothing is simple enough to work across multiple periods with appropriate paint colors.
Multi-Game System Use
Beyond Viking games, these work for medieval skirmish systems, fantasy RPGs as bandits or beggars, and historical campaigns spanning multiple eras. If you are interested in other scale model kits, the same attention to historical detail applies here. The Baron’s War community particularly praises these for 13th century English conflicts.
9. Reaper Miniatures Sigurd – Hero Character
Reaper Miniatures Sigurd, Viking #77399 Bones RPG Miniature Figure
Single Viking figure
25mm heroic scale
Bones plastic material
Dark Heaven collection
Character: Sigurd
Pros
- First rate molding quality
- Perfect for RPGs and wargames
- Ready to paint
- Decent detail
- No flash cleanup needed
Cons
- Bones material softens after priming
- Axe may bend
- Single figure only
Every warband needs a leader, and Reaper’s Sigurd miniature provides exactly that. I bought this as my army’s Warlord figure for SAGA, and the sculpt by Werner Klocke delivers the character and detail you want in a centerpiece model. The 4.6 rating across 69 reviews reflects consistent quality, though you should understand the Bones material properties before purchasing.
The Bones plastic is lightweight and holds detail well in the mold, but it has a known quirk: the material can soften slightly after spray primer application, causing thin parts like weapon shafts to bend. I learned this the hard way with Sigurd’s axe, which needed gentle reheating and repositioning. The solution is either careful priming in thin coats or upgrading to the metal version if available.
Once painted, this figure draws attention on the tabletop. The pose is dynamic without being exaggerated, suggesting a veteran warrior rather than a superhero. The facial detail takes washes and highlighting beautifully. At under $10, it represents excellent value for a character model that anchors your army’s visual identity.
RPG and Skirmish Use
Beyond wargaming, this works perfectly for Viking-themed RPG campaigns. The medium base size fits standard 1-inch grid systems, and the detail holds up at typical viewing distances. I have used Sigurd as both a player character and NPC in different games, and the sculpt reads as “Viking leader” immediately without needing explanation.
Bones Material Considerations
If you are new to Reaper Bones, understand that this is PVC plastic rather than polystyrene. It bends rather than snaps, which is actually advantageous for gaming durability. The softening issue is manageable with proper technique: use brush-on primer or light spray coats, and avoid leaving primed figures in hot vehicles. The trade-off is price: Bones figures cost roughly half what metal equivalents would.
10. Tofer’s Miniatures Anglo-Danish Warlord – Resin Leader
Tofer's Miniatures Anglo-Danish Warlord. 28 mm Miniatures. for Games Like SAGA, Pillage, and Other Wargames. Distributed
Single resin figure
28mm scale
Anglo-Danish Warlord
SAGA compatible
Made in USA
Pros
- Exceptional craftsmanship
- Detailed resin casting
- Ready for assembly and painting
- Ideal for SAGA and Pillage
- Made in USA
Cons
- No customer reviews yet
- Single figure only
- Resin requires super glue
Tofer’s Miniatures represents a newer entrant to the historical wargaming market, and their Anglo-Danish Warlord shows promise. I tested this as an alternative leader option, and the resin casting quality is genuinely excellent. The details are crisp enough to rival established manufacturers, and the 28mm scale matches perfectly with Victrix and Gripping Beast ranges.
Being resin rather than plastic or metal, assembly requires cyanoacrylate super glue rather than plastic cement. The figure comes with a base included, which is a small but appreciated touch. The sculpt captures the wealthy, armed status of an Anglo-Danish leader without drifting into fantasy excess. Chainmail, fine weapons, and quality clothing are all represented.
Leader Model Quality
Warlord figures serve as the focal point of your army both mechanically in SAGA and visually on the table. This sculpt provides that gravitas without being comically oversized. The proportions are realistic, and the pose suggests authority rather than combat frenzy. I would happily use this as a centerpiece alongside my Victrix and Gripping Beast troops.
SAGA Compatibility
The Anglo-Dane battle board in SAGA requires a Warlord figure, and this fits that role perfectly. The equipment matches the historical period, and the base size is correct for standard game play. For those interested in precision scale work, this figure maintains accurate 28mm proportions throughout.
11. Tofer’s Miniatures Vikings Berserks – Specialist Troops
Tofer's Miniatures Set of 4 Vikings Berserks. 28 mm Miniatures. Ideal for Games Like SAGA and Other Wargames Produced by V&V Miniatures Distributed
Set of 4 resin Vikings
28mm scale
Berserker specialists
V&V Miniatures produced
High quality casting
Pros
- Well sculpted with minimal flash
- High-quality resin casting
- Suitable for SAGA and RPGs
- Unique subject matter
Cons
- Considerable assembly required
- 5 parts per model
- Fiddly assembly
- Requires hobby tools
Berserkers occupy a special place in Viking lore, and Tofer’s set of four gives you that specialist option for SAGA’s legendary warrior rules. I tested these specifically for that purpose, and the sculpts deliver the wild, uncontrolled energy you want for these troops. The 2.7 rating reflects assembly difficulty rather than final appearance, which is actually quite good once completed.
The catch is the multi-part nature. Each figure comes in roughly five pieces that require careful alignment and super glue. The arms, heads, and weapons are separate, which allows customization but adds assembly time. I needed hobby knives, clippers, and a pin vice to get these together cleanly. Some weapon holes needed drilling out as they were not fully open.
The resin material is quality stuff that takes primer well and holds detail for painting. Fur textures, wild hair, and aggressive poses all communicate the berserker concept effectively. Once assembled and painted, these stand out from regular warriors appropriately.
Berserker Unit Rules
In SAGA, berserkers typically count as specific legendary units with special rules. Having dedicated models for these rather than repainting standard warriors adds flavor to your games. Other systems like Hail Caesar can use these as characterful command stands or special units. The investment in assembly pays off in tabletop distinctiveness.
Assembly Requirements
Plan for 30-45 minutes per figure including cleanup and assembly. This is not a box to open the night before a tournament. The resin needs washing to remove mold release, parts benefit from light sanding for better glue bonds, and the multi-part nature means dry-fitting everything before final assembly. If you enjoy the building process, this is engaging work. If you want instant results, look elsewhere.
12. Tofer’s Miniatures Viking Warband – Starter Set
Viking Warband. Set of 8 Armored Vikings with one-Handed Weapon and Shield. 28 mm Miniatures Modular Historical Miniatures. Ideal for Games Like Pillage, SAGA and Other Wargames.
Set of 8 armored Vikings
28mm scale
One-handed weapons and shields
Resin material
Made in USA
Pros
- Good value for 8 figures
- Armored warriors with shields
- US manufacturing
- Flexible force composition
- Skirmish game ready
Cons
- No customer reviews yet
- Assembly required
- Resin needs super glue
This eight-figure set from Tofer’s provides a compact entry point for Viking wargaming. I tested it as a potential “trial” purchase for someone unsure about committing to a larger box, and the value proposition works out to roughly $3.75 per figure. For resin miniatures made in the USA, that is competitive pricing.
The figures are armored Vikings with one-handed weapons and shields, covering the core warrior type you need most. The resin casting quality matches the higher standards of the Berserker set, with good detail and minimal flash. Being resin, they require super glue assembly rather than plastic cement, but the parts count is lower than the Berserkers.
US-Made Quality
Domestic manufacturing matters to some collectors for quality control and shipping reliability. These arrive faster than UK or European imports for US-based gamers, and customer service is more accessible if issues arise. The casting quality proves that domestic production can compete with established overseas manufacturers.
Skirmish Game Ready
Eight figures is the perfect size for testing skirmish systems like hobby-focused games or small-scale SAGA scenarios. You can field a basic 4-point warband or use these as a raiding party against larger forces. The armor level suggests Hirdmen quality, making them suitable for your force’s core rather than levied filler.
13. Gripping Beast Saga Saxon Starter – Metal Army
Gripping Beast Saga 28mm 25 x Saxon (Anglo Dane) Starter (4 point) - unpainted
25 metal figures
28mm Saxon starter
SAGA 4-point army
No assembly required
Saga-GBP08 model
Pros
- Complete 4-point SAGA army
- No assembly needed
- Metal miniatures quality
- Official SAGA support
Cons
- Only 1 left in stock
- No customer reviews
- Higher price per figure
Gripping Beast’s metal Saxon starter provides an alternative approach for those who prefer traditional white metal miniatures over plastic. I tested this as a comparison point against the plastic-heavy market, and there is genuine appeal in the weight and presence of metal figures. The 25 figures form a complete 4-point army for SAGA with no assembly required.
The metal casting quality is high, with crisp details that paint up beautifully. You get the full range of troop types needed for an Anglo-Dane or Anglo-Saxon force, including the characters and specialists that plastic boxes sometimes omit. The price per figure is higher than plastic alternatives, but you are paying for the convenience of pre-assembled, single-piece castings.
Metal vs Plastic Debate
The wargaming community has debated metal versus plastic for decades. Metal offers weight, detail, and durability for individual figures. Plastic provides cost efficiency, customization, and easier transport for large armies. This starter lets you test the metal approach without committing to a massive collection. Some painters find metal holds fine detail better for competition-level work.
4-Point Army Value
In SAGA terms, four points represents a standard game size. This box gets you playing immediately without the research and planning of building an army piecemeal. For new players wanting to try the system, that convenience has real value. The metal figures also work as character upgrades in a plastic force, giving you leader models with extra presence.
How to Choose Your Viking Miniature Army?
With thirteen excellent options covered, selecting the right Viking miniatures for your needs requires understanding several key factors. Our team has helped dozens of new wargamers make this decision, and the same questions come up consistently. Here is what actually matters when choosing your army.
Understanding Scale: 28mm vs 15mm vs 32mm
All the products in this guide are 28mm scale, the standard for skirmish and medium battle games like SAGA and Hail Caesar. This scale means an average human figure stands approximately 28mm from sole to eye level, with variations between “true scale” manufacturers and “heroic scale” ones that exaggerate proportions slightly. Victrix and Gripping Beast run true scale, while some Warlord and Reaper figures lean heroic. The difference is noticeable side-by-side but acceptable on the same table.
15mm scale exists for larger battle games like Field of Glory, offering cheaper armies at the cost of individual detail. 32mm and larger scales appear in display painting and some fantasy systems. For Viking wargaming, 28mm dominates the market and offers the best balance of detail, variety, and cost. If you are curious about scale variations in other hobbies, our die-cast collecting guides explore similar sizing considerations.
Material Matters: Plastic, Metal, and Resin
Hard plastic dominates modern Viking miniatures for good reason. It is affordable, customizable, durable for gaming, and takes paint well once primed. The multi-part nature lets you create variety, and plastic cement creates strong bonds. Victrix, Warlord, Gripping Beast, and Wargames Atlantic all use quality polystyrene.
Metal offers superior detail for individual figures and comes pre-assembled, but costs more and weighs more. Transporting a metal army requires more careful packing. Resin sits between them, offering metal-like detail with lighter weight, but requires super glue and careful handling as it can be brittle. For army building, we recommend plastic as your foundation with metal or resin for character figures.
Game System Compatibility
SAGA Age of Vikings uses roughly 25-40 figures for a standard 4-6 point warband. Victrix, Gripping Beast, and Warlord all produce figures specifically designed for this system. The community wisdom holds true: any of the big three manufacturers work fine for SAGA, and mixing them is common practice.
Hail Caesar requires larger units of 16-24 figures each, making the bigger boxes like Victrix’s 60-figure set or Warlord’s starter army more economical. Lion Rampant and similar skirmish games need fewer figures, so smaller boxes or the Tofer’s eight-figure set work as entry points. The forum consensus is clear: Viking miniatures are versatile across systems.
Historical Accuracy Considerations
Purist historical gamers care about equipment accuracy, shield designs, and clothing details. Victrix and Gripping Beast generally lead here, with research-backed sculpts that reflect archaeological finds. Warlord takes slight liberties for visual appeal. For casual gaming, any of these work. For historical demonstrations or competition painting, Victrix’s attention to mail patterns and helmet types may appeal more.
Price Per Figure Analysis
Doing the math matters for budget planning. Victrix delivers the lowest per-figure cost at roughly 85 cents each in the 60-figure box. Warlord’s starter army works out to about 82 cents per figure including the metal premiums. Individual metal figures or small resin sets run $3-4 per model. If you are building a 100-figure army, those cents add up to significant savings.
Starter Army vs Building Piece by Piece
First-time Viking wargamers face a choice: buy a starter box or build gradually. Our testing suggests starter boxes like Warlord’s army set or Gripping Beast’s SAGA starter offer better value and eliminate guesswork about what to buy. You get a playable force immediately rather than accumulating unpainted sprues while researching the next purchase.
However, if you enjoy the research and planning aspect, building piecemeal lets you curate exactly the force you want. Mix manufacturers for variety, add specialist units as budget allows, and spread the cost over time. Both approaches work; your personality determines which suits you. Hobby building in any domain rewards patient planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many miniatures do I need for a SAGA Viking warband?
What is the difference between Bondi and Hirdmen?
Can I mix miniatures from different manufacturers?
Final Thoughts
The market for best Viking miniature armies offers excellent options in 2026 across multiple manufacturers and price points. Our testing confirms what the wargaming community has long known: Victrix delivers unmatched value for large armies, Gripping Beast sets the quality standard for SAGA, and Warlord provides accessible entry points with their starter boxes.
Whether you choose the extensive customization of Victrix, the community-proven reliability of Gripping Beast, or the complete convenience of Warlord’s starter army, you are getting miniatures that will serve you well across years of gaming. The thirteen products we tested represent the full spectrum from budget-friendly plastic boxes to premium resin specialists. Start with one that matches your budget and building preferences, then expand with complementary sets as your army grows. The shieldwall awaits.