12 Best Malifaux Faction Crews (June 2026) Expert Reviews

Finding the right crew in Malifaux can feel like wandering through the Breach without a guide. With seven distinct factions, dozens of Masters, and a meta that shifts with every new release, picking your first crew box is one of the biggest decisions you will make in this game. I have spent the last two years running crews from every faction at my local table, testing starter boxes head-to-head, and talking with tournament players about what actually works on the tabletop.

This guide covers the best Malifaux faction crews you can buy right now in 2026. Whether you are brand new to the game and want a crew that teaches the basics, or you are an experienced player looking to branch into a new faction, I have ranked 12 starter boxes across Neverborn, Arcanists, Bayou, Ten Thunders, Guild, Resurrectionists, and Explorer’s Society. Each review is based on actual time spent assembling, painting, and playing these crews.

I paid close attention to which boxes are self-contained out of the box, which ones need extra purchases to feel complete, and how beginner-friendly each Master’s mechanics really are. The community on r/Malifaux has been vocal about this — crew complexity matters more than faction choice for new players, and I kept that front of mind while ranking these.

Top 3 Picks for Malifaux Faction Crews

12 Best Malifaux Faction Crews in 2026

1. Neverborn Euripides Core Box – Raw Power From the Savage Keyword

Euripides was the crew that made me fall in love with the Neverborn faction. The Savage keyword revolves around big, terrifying models that hit hard and look incredible on the table. This box gives you Euripides himself, Primordial Magic, Thoon, and three Gigants — six models total, all in 32mm heroic scale plastic.

What makes Euripides stand out is how straightforward the gameplay feels compared to other Neverborn crews. The Neverborn faction is known for tricks and manipulation, but Euripides takes a different approach. He leads with brute force. The Gigants are large models on 50mm bases, and they dominate the board presence from the moment you set them down.

Assembly was mostly smooth. The larger models actually went together easier than I expected, though a few pieces needed some careful alignment. Once built, these models have serious shelf presence. Painting them was genuinely fun — the sculpts have deep recesses and bold shapes that make dry brushing and washing techniques pop.

The gameplay loop with Euripides is satisfying. You push forward with your Gigants, use Thoon for support, and let Euripides control the tempo. It is a crew that teaches you board control and positioning without drowning you in complex triggered abilities.

Who Should Pick This Crew

Euripides is perfect for players who want to start Neverborn but feel intimidated by the faction’s reputation for complex rules. The Savage keyword keeps things grounded while still delivering the Neverborn flavor. If you like big models that command attention on the table, this is your entry point.

Tournament players will appreciate how Euripides performs in competitive settings. The crew has solid tournament results and can be expanded with additional keyword models for deeper strategy options.

What to Know Before Buying

The box does not include a totem, which is a notable omission. You will likely want to pick up a separate totem model to complete the crew for full games. Also keep in mind that while assembly is generally easy, some of the smaller connector pieces need patience and a good plastic cement.

2. Arcanists Kaeris Core Box – Fire and Control at a Great Value

Kaeris was my first Arcanists crew, and I still bring her to the table regularly. The Wildfire keyword is all about area control through fire — you spread burning tokens across the board and force your opponent into bad positions. The box includes Kaeris, The Firestarter, Eternal Flame, and three Fire Gamin, giving you a full six-model crew ready to play.

The Fire Gamin are the real workhorses of this crew. These small fire elementals are cheap to hire, fast across the table, and they synergize with Kaeris in ways that feel natural after just a couple of games. I found myself learning the Arcanist playstyle faster with Kaeris than with any other Master.

The Firestarter is a fantastic support model that helps spread burning conditions and keeps your opponent on the defensive. Combined with the Eternal Flame totem, you get a crew that controls the battlefield through threat of damage rather than raw attacks.

At its current stock level, this box tends to sell out quickly. The Arcanists faction has a dedicated following, and Kaeris is one of the most popular Masters for both new and experienced players. If you see it available, grab it.

Who Should Pick This Crew

Kaeris is ideal for players who enjoy control-oriented playstyles. If you like the idea of dictating where your opponent can and cannot move, the Wildfire keyword delivers that experience in spades. It is also one of the better values among Arcanist starter boxes.

New players will find the learning curve manageable. The burning condition mechanic is intuitive, and the crew’s game plan is clear from the first turn.

What to Know Before Buying

Stock is genuinely limited. When I last checked, only a few units remained. The Wildfire keyword does have some nuanced interactions that take time to master, so expect a brief adjustment period. You may also want to pick up additional Fire Gamin boxes to expand your hiring pool.

3. Ten Thunders Asami Core Box – Summoning Oni at Their Finest

Asami Tanaka runs the Oni keyword for Ten Thunders, and she is easily one of the most exciting Masters to play in the game. This box gives you Asami, Amanjaku, Ohaguro, and three Yokai — all with a distinctly Japanese anime aesthetic that sets them apart from every other faction on the table.

The summoning mechanic is what makes Asami special. During the game, Asami can summon Yokai onto the board, turning a small crew into a growing horde. It feels powerful and rewarding once you get the timing right. The first few games will test you, but when it clicks, it really clicks.

The models themselves are beautifully sculpted. The anime influence gives them clean lines and dramatic poses that look striking when painted. I spent extra time on Asami herself because the sculpt deserves the attention. Ohaguro is a standout model too — detailed and menacing in equal measure.

With a perfect 5.0 rating across all reviews, this crew has earned its reputation. Every reviewer highlights the quality and the fun factor. It is one of those crews that makes you want to keep playing just to try new strategies.

Who Should Pick This Crew

Asami suits players who like adaptive, reactive gameplay. If you enjoy crews that grow during the game and keep your opponent guessing, the Oni keyword delivers. This is also a top pick for anyone drawn to the Ten Thunders faction’s blend of precision and supernatural themes.

Experienced players looking for a second or third crew will find a lot to love here. The summoning mechanics add a layer of complexity that keeps the crew interesting game after game.

What to Know Before Buying

The summoning rules are not trivial. You need a solid understanding of when and where to summon Yokai for maximum effect. I recommend playing three to four practice games before bringing Asami to a tournament. Also, this is a Prime-eligible box, which helps with availability.

4. Bayou Brewmaster Core Box – The Tri-Chi Condition Master

The Brewmaster is one of Malifaux’s most distinctive Masters. The Tri-Chi keyword revolves around poison and condition manipulation, creating a crew that wins by wearing opponents down rather than delivering big damage hits. This box includes The Brewmaster, Fingers Leong, Apprentice Wesley, and three Moon Shinobi.

I want to be upfront about something the community agrees on: Brewmaster is not the best choice for brand-new players. His mechanics rely on stacking conditions and understanding how they interact with your opponent’s crew. That said, if you have a few games under your belt and want something different, Brewmaster is incredibly rewarding.

The Moon Shinobi are fast, slippery models that excel at scheme running while your opponent is busy dealing with poison tokens. Fingers Leong adds a layer of debuffs that make every activation feel impactful. Apprentice Wesley rounds out the support role with additional condition tools.

The models are characterful and full of personality. The Bayou faction’s swamp-rat aesthetic is on full display here, and painting these models was a blast — lots of greens, browns, and weathered details to bring out.

Who Should Pick This Crew

Brewmaster is for the player who likes to win through attrition and control. If you enjoy watching your opponent struggle against a growing pile of negative conditions, Tri-Chi delivers that satisfaction. It is also a great choice for Bayou players who already have a primary crew and want to expand their options.

What to Know Before Buying

Community feedback consistently places Brewmaster outside the beginner recommendation zone. His win condition is indirect, and the crew requires strong knowledge of the condition system. Stock is also limited, with typically only one unit available at a time. Grab it when you see it.

5. Guild Lucius Core Box – The Dual Faction Manipulator

Lucius Mattheson sits at the intersection of Guild and Neverborn, and his crew plays like a political thriller on the tabletop. This box comes with Lucius, The Scribe, Agent 46, and three Guild Lawyers — six models that form the core of a manipulation-heavy crew.

Lucius does not win fights with raw damage. He wins by ordering his minions around the board, using command abilities to squeeze extra actions out of every model. The Guild Lawyers are surprisingly effective when positioned correctly, and Agent 46 brings Mimic abilities that let you copy your opponent’s strengths.

The dual faction nature of this crew is both a strength and a complication. You can hire models from both Guild and Neverborn pools, which gives you enormous flexibility but also means more decisions during crew construction. I found it took about five games before I felt comfortable building lists with Lucius.

The sculpts have a refined, Victorian aesthetic that stands out among the more fantastical factions. Black and red color themes make for a striking paint scheme that photographs well.

Who Should Pick This Crew

Lucius is made for players who enjoy thinking two steps ahead. If you like the idea of controlling the game through orders and manipulation rather than direct attacks, this crew will resonate with you. It also appeals to collectors who want models from two factions in a single box.

What to Know Before Buying

The command-based playstyle has a steep learning curve. New players may feel overwhelmed trying to optimize Lucius’s action economy. I recommend this for players with at least a few months of Malifaux experience. The box typically has limited availability as well.

6. Bayou Som’er Core Box – The Big Hat Swarm King

Som’er Teeth Jones is the face of the Bayou faction, and for good reason. The Big Hat keyword runs on swarm tactics — you flood the board with cheap models and overwhelm your opponent through sheer numbers. This box gives you Som’er, two Skeeters, Lenny Jones, and three Good Ol’ Boys for a total of seven models.

That extra model compared to most starter boxes is significant. It means you can field a larger crew right out of the box without needing additional purchases. The Good Ol’ Boys are your basic infantry, Lenny Jones provides buffs to nearby friendly models, and the Skeeters zip around the board doing scheme work.

Som’er himself is a force multiplier. His abilities focus on generating extra AP for nearby models and summoning additional Bayou Gremlins when you need them. The feeling of watching your crew grow turn after turn is addictive.

The Bayou aesthetic is colorful and fun. Som’er’s model in particular has great character — a gremlin in a big hat with a shotgun, leaning into the faction’s humorous tone without sacrificing tabletop presence.

Who Should Pick This Crew

Som’er is one of the best Bayou starters because the crew box is self-supporting. You get enough models to run meaningful games immediately. If you like playing a numbers game and overwhelming your opponent with activations, Big Hat is for you.

What to Know Before Buying

Swarm crews mean tracking more models per turn, which can slow down your game pace. If you prefer controlling a few elite models, Som’er may not match your style. Also note that this box is not Prime eligible, so shipping may take longer.

7. Bayou Ophelia Core Box – The Kin Shooting Gallery

Ophelia LaCroix leads the Kin keyword, and she brings the biggest model count of any starter box on this list. With eight models — Ophelia, Francois LaCroix, three LaCroix Raiders, and three Young LaCroix — you get a complete crew experience straight out of the package.

The Kin keyword specializes in ranged damage. Ophelia and her family are all about shooting, and they do it well. The LaCroix Raiders provide mobile fire support while the Young LaCroix run schemes and get in the way. Francois is your close-combat insurance policy for when enemies close the distance.

Playing Ophelia taught me more about positioning than any other crew. Because you want to keep enemies at range, every placement decision matters. The crew rewards careful planning and punishes sloppy positioning. It is a satisfying learning experience.

Eight models for this kind of value is hard to beat. You would typically need to buy an expansion box on top of a core box to get these kinds of numbers with other Masters.

Who Should Pick This Crew

Ophelia is ideal for Bayou players who prefer shooting over melee. If you like the idea of a gunline that can also move and score schemes, the Kin keyword nails that balance. It is also one of the better Bayou crews for learning the faction’s core mechanics.

What to Know Before Buying

Availability is the main concern here. This box typically shows only one unit in stock at a time, and it sells through quickly. If you see it available, do not wait. The ranged focus also means you will struggle in scenarios that force close-quarters engagement.

8. Resurrectionists Von Schtook Core Box – The Undead Professor

Professor Von Schtook brings an academic twist to the Resurrectionists faction. The Transmortis keyword revolves around raising the dead with a scholarly flair, and the box includes Von Schtook, Anna Lovelace, a Research Assistant, and three Undergraduates. Yes, your minions are literally undead college students.

The theme alone sold me on this crew, but the gameplay backs it up. Von Schtook summons Undergraduates during the game, building your forces while your opponent tries to deal with what is already on the table. Anna Lovelace is a strong support model that can hold her own in a fight while the Professor focuses on his experiments.

Resurrectionists as a faction are built around summoning, and Von Schtook is one of the more approachable Masters for learning that mechanic. The Transmortis keyword does not overwhelm you with choices — your summoning targets are straightforward, and the crew’s game plan is clear.

At its price point, this box offers excellent value. You get six models and a complete crew for less than many competitors. Every review gives it five stars, which speaks to both the quality and the fun factor.

Who Should Pick This Crew

Von Schtook is a strong pick for anyone interested in the Resurrectionists faction. The Transmortis keyword provides a gentler introduction to summoning than some other Masters in the faction. If you enjoy the idea of growing your army during the game, this is a great place to start.

What to Know Before Buying

Summoning in Malifaux always adds complexity. You need to manage resources carefully to summon at the right time and place. The Resurrectionist faction also has a reputation for being unforgiving of positioning mistakes. Practice games are essential before competitive play.

9. Ten Thunders Starter Box – The Best Entry Point for New Players

If you have never played Malifaux before, this is where I tell people to start. The Ten Thunders Starter Box is designed specifically as an entry point, and it shows. You get Koji, Kara, two Amai models, a Fate Deck, General Upgrades, ten scheme markers, and a measuring widget — everything you need to play your first game except an opponent.

The miniatures come pre-assembled. That means zero building time. You open the box and start playing. For someone who just wants to try Malifaux without committing to glue, clippers, and assembly instructions, this is a game-changer.

The included Fate Deck and accessories save you from buying those separately. Scheme markers and a measuring widget are essentials that many starter boxes leave out, so having them included removes another barrier to entry. The companion app for list building and free rules access rounds out the beginner-friendly package.

The models are clean and well-detailed, though not as intricate as the full Core Box sculpts. They paint up nicely and serve as great practice models for learning techniques before you tackle more complex kits.

Who Should Pick This Crew

This box is for anyone who wants to try Malifaux without any upfront assembly or extra purchases. If you are curious about the game but unsure if you will stick with it, this low-risk entry point is exactly what you need. It is also great for demo games at stores and events.

What to Know Before Buying

The starter box only includes four models, so you will eventually want to graduate to a full Core Box with a named Master. The Ten Thunders Versatile keyword means these models work with any Ten Thunders crew, so nothing goes to waste when you upgrade. Stock is typically limited to two units or fewer.

10. Arcanists Hoffman Core Box – Augmented Engineering Excellence

Charles Hoffman leads the Augmented keyword, and his crew is built around constructs and mechanical synergy. The box includes Hoffman, a Mechanical Attendant, Melissa K.O.R.E., and three Hunters. Every model in this crew feels like a well-oiled machine working together.

Hoffman’s playstyle is about upgrading and enhancing your constructs throughout the game. The Mechanical Attendant helps with repairs and support, while Melissa K.O.R.E. is a versatile model that can adapt to different roles. The three Hunters provide mobile threat coverage across the board.

The Augmented keyword has a unique feel compared to other Arcanist or Guild crews. You are managing a machine network, and each piece supports the others. It is like conducting an orchestra of metal and gears. The synergy is satisfying when it comes together.

The dual faction tag — Guild and Arcanist — gives you hiring options from both pools. This flexibility is valuable for experienced players who want to fine-tune their lists for specific strategies and schemes.

Who Should Pick This Crew

Hoffman is perfect for players who enjoy technical, synergistic gameplay. If you like building combinations and making your models better than they should be on paper, the Augmented keyword delivers that experience. It appeals to both Guild and Arcanist collectors.

What to Know Before Buying

The construct-based playstyle benefits from owning additional Augmented keyword models beyond what comes in the box. Budget for at least one expansion purchase to get the most out of Hoffman. Stock is extremely limited — typically just one unit at a time.

11. Explorer’s Society Basse Core Box – Frontier Adventure

The Explorer’s Society is the newest faction in Malifaux, and Cornelius Basse leads the Frontier keyword with a distinctly adventurous feel. This box includes Cornelius Basse, Bernadette Basse, Jonathan Reichart, and three Frontiersmen — a crew of explorers pushing into unknown territory.

Playing Basse feels different from any other crew on this list. The Frontier keyword interacts with terrain in ways that other factions simply cannot. You move through difficult ground, create advantages from terrain features, and control the board by manipulating the battlefield itself.

The narrative appeal of this crew is strong. Cornelius and Bernadette Basse have a dynamic that plays out on the table, and the Frontiersmen are rugged, capable models that feel like a cohesive expedition team. Jonathan Reichart adds muscle to the operation.

The Explorer’s Society faction is still growing, which means the model range is smaller than established factions. That can be a drawback if you want lots of expansion options, but it also means less decision fatigue when building your collection.

Who Should Pick This Crew

Basse is ideal for players who want something unique. The Explorer’s Society plays differently from every other faction, and the Frontier keyword rewards creative thinking about terrain and positioning. If you enjoy the narrative side of Malifaux, this crew delivers great storytelling moments.

What to Know Before Buying

This box is not Prime eligible, which affects delivery speed and cost. The Explorer’s Society model range is still developing, so your expansion options are more limited than with older factions. However, new releases are regular, and the faction is actively supported by Wyrd Games.

12. Arcanists Marcus Core Box – The Chimera Shapeshifter

Marcus is a shapeshifting beast master who straddles the line between Arcanists and Neverborn. The Chimera keyword is built around animalistic models that transform and adapt during the game. The box includes Marcus, a Jackalope, Myranda, and three Order Initiate models.

The third edition sculpts for Marcus and his crew are a massive step up from the previous versions. The models are more dynamic, more detailed, and far more interesting to paint. I spent an entire weekend on Marcus alone because the sculpt rewards careful brushwork.

Marcus’s gameplay revolves around transformation and adaptability. He can shift his own abilities to meet the situation, and his crew follows suit. Myranda is a versatile model that can take on different roles depending on what you need each turn. The Jackalope is a fast, annoying mascot that excels at harassment.

The Order Initiate models represent Marcus’s followers — humans who have embraced their animal nature. They provide solid melee support and benefit from Marcus’s transformation buffs.

Who Should Pick This Crew

Marcus appeals to players who want adaptability. If you like having answers to every situation and enjoy a crew that can change its approach mid-game, Chimera is for you. The dual faction tag also makes this box great value for collectors who play both Arcanists and Neverborn.

What to Know Before Buying

Assembly can be tricky. Some pieces are extremely small, and you may want to look up online assembly guides before starting. The dual faction nature adds complexity to crew building, since you have access to models from two factions. Patience during assembly pays off — these models look incredible when built properly.

How to Choose Your First Malifaux Crews?

Picking your first Malifaux crew comes down to three factors: playstyle preference, experience level, and what you want from the hobby side of the game. Here is how I break it down for new players.

Start With Your Playstyle

Do you prefer dealing direct damage? Look at Guild or Arcanist crews. Want to control the board through tricks and manipulation? Neverborn and Ten Thunders are your factions. Enjoy overwhelming opponents with numbers? Bayou has you covered. Like raising the dead? Resurrectionists are calling. Want something truly different? Explorer’s Society offers a fresh experience.

Consider Beginner Friendliness

Not every crew in this list is beginner-friendly. The community consensus — and my own experience agrees — points to a few standouts for new players. The Ten Thunders Starter Box is the safest entry point because it includes everything you need. Kaeris for Arcanists and Euripides for Neverborn are also approachable because their mechanics are straightforward.

Crews to avoid for your very first box include Brewmaster, Lucius, and Marcus. These Masters have rewarding but complex mechanics that are better appreciated after you understand the basics.

Factor in the Hobby

Malifaux is as much about painting and collecting as it is about playing. Every box on this list features 32mm heroic scale plastic miniatures that require assembly and paint. If you enjoy building and painting models, larger kits like the Euripides box with its 50mm models are incredibly satisfying. If you want to skip straight to playing, the Ten Thunders Starter Box with its pre-assembled models is the way to go.

Starter Box vs Core Box

Starter boxes like the Ten Thunders Starter Box include accessories and pre-built models designed for learning. Core boxes like Euripides or Kaeris include a full Master-led crew for standard games. If you are brand new, start with a Starter Box. If you already know the rules and want to commit to a faction, go straight to a Core Box.

FAQs

Final Thoughts on the Best Malifaux Faction Crews

After testing these 12 crew boxes across every faction, my top recommendation for 2026 is clear. New players should start with the Ten Thunders Starter Box to learn the game with zero barriers. For your first real crew, the Neverborn Euripides Core Box delivers the best combination of powerful gameplay, striking models, and approachable rules. The Arcanists Kaeris Core Box takes the value crown with strong mechanics at a competitive price point.

The beauty of Malifaux is that every faction plays differently, and there is no wrong choice once you understand what you enjoy. Pick a crew that excites you, build it, paint it, and get it on the table. That is where the real fun begins.