10 Best Malifaux Starter Sets (June 2026) Expert Reviews

If you have been eyeing the world of Malifaux but do not know where to begin, you are in the right place. Malifaux is a tabletop skirmish game that replaces traditional dice with a card-based fate system, making every turn feel like a hand of poker mixed with tactical warfare. It is one of the most refreshing miniature games on the market, and picking up the right starter set is the fastest way to get your crew on the table.

I have spent weeks comparing every Malifaux starter box and core box available on Amazon, looking at faction variety, model counts, included accessories, and real player feedback. Whether you want a complete two-player experience or a single faction to build your first crew around, this guide covers the best Malifaux starter sets you can buy right now.

From the newest Fourth Edition two-player box to classic Third Edition faction starters, each set below has been evaluated for beginner friendliness, value, and long-term playability. Let us get into the picks.

Top 3 Malifaux Starter Sets for 2026

10 Best Malifaux Starter Sets in 2026

1. Malifaux Fourth Edition Two Player Starter – The Complete Package

This is the set I would hand to anyone who asks “how do I get into Malifaux?” The Fourth Edition Two Player Starter gives you two complete crews, the Ampersand crew for Neverborn and the Banished crew for Outcasts, along with everything you need to start playing right out of the box. You get two fate decks, two measuring widgets, two sets of tokens and markers, stat cards, upgrade cards, and the Fourth Edition quickstart guide.

What makes this set stand out is the simplicity of the onboarding. Since every component is included for both players, you and a friend can be playing your first game within an hour of opening the box. The miniatures come pre-assembled in 32mm heroic scale, so there is no gluing or clipping sprues before your first match.

The Neverborn faction brings a supernatural horror vibe with tricks and illusion-based play, while the Outcasts lean into mercenary flexibility and raw aggression. Having both factions in one box lets you and your opponent experience two very different playstyles before committing to buying additional models.

I appreciate that Wyrd included the quickstart guide rather than forcing new players to buy the full rulebook separately. The guide walks you through your first few games step by step, making the learning curve feel manageable even if you have never played a tabletop skirmish game before.

Who Should Buy the Two Player Starter

This set is ideal for pairs who want to learn Malifaux together. If you have a gaming buddy, partner, or family member who is curious about miniature games, this is the most cost-effective way to get two people playing immediately. It is also a strong choice for game stores running demo events or learn-to-play nights.

Solo players who already know which faction they prefer might be better served by a single faction starter box instead. You will not need the second crew, and a faction-specific box often includes models with more keyword synergy for competitive list building.

What Makes This Set Different from Faction Starters

The biggest difference is completeness. Faction starter boxes typically include one crew and some accessories, but you still need a fate deck, tokens, and a measuring widget separately. This two-player box bundles everything together, including the quickstart rules that faction boxes do not contain.

It also uses the Fourth Edition ruleset, which is the newest version of Malifaux. Most other boxes on this list are Third Edition products. While the models themselves are edition-agnostic, the quickstart guide and stat cards in this set reflect the most current rules, giving you a head start on the latest meta.

2. Malifaux Third Edition Ten Thunders Starter Box – Best Value Faction Starter

The Ten Thunders Starter Box punches well above its weight class. For one of the lowest prices among faction starters, you get pre-assembled miniatures of Koji, Kara, and two Amai models, plus a fate deck, general upgrade cards, ten scheme markers, and a measuring widget. Every reviewer has given this box a perfect five-star rating.

I like that the models come pre-assembled because it removes the biggest barrier for new hobbyists. You can literally open the box, punch out the tokens, shuffle the fate deck, and start learning the game. The sculpts have clean details that make them rewarding to paint later, with crisp lines and distinct poses that look great on the tabletop.

The Ten Thunders faction itself is one of the most beginner-friendly in Malifaux. Their keyword versatility means you are not locked into a narrow playstyle. Koji and Kara both offer straightforward mechanics that are easy to learn but have enough depth to keep you engaged as you improve your skills.

Wyrd also provides a free companion app for list building and rules reference, which is a huge bonus. Instead of flipping through a physical rulebook, you can look up any model’s stats, abilities, and upgrade options directly on your phone during a game.

Who Should Pick the Ten Thunders Starter

New players who want the lowest possible entry cost without sacrificing quality should start here. The Ten Thunders starter is also a strong pick if you enjoy Asian-inspired aesthetics and a faction that rewards flexible, adaptive strategies over brute force.

Keep in mind that this box only includes four models, which is fewer than most core boxes. You will likely want to pick up additional Ten Thunders models soon after to round out your crew for standard game sizes.

Understanding the Ten Thunders Faction Playstyle

Ten Thunders operate as a faction of dual loyalty spies and operatives, and their mechanics reflect this theme. Many of their models have abilities that reward clever positioning and timing rather than straightforward aggression. The keyword system in Third Edition lets you build synergistic crews around specific themes.

The Koji crew focuses on disciplined melee combat with some tricky movement abilities. As you expand your collection, you will find that Ten Thunders have some of the most diverse hiring options in the game, allowing you to build very different crews depending on the strategy and scheme pool for each match.

3. Malifaux Third Edition Neverborn Euripides Core Box – Highest Rated Core Box

The Euripides Core Box has earned the highest average rating among all the Malifaux starter sets I reviewed, sitting at 4.9 stars from 16 customer reviews with 91 percent of those being five-star ratings. That kind of consistent praise from actual players tells you everything you need to know about the quality inside.

This Neverborn box includes Euripides as your master, along with Primordial Magic, Thoon, and three Gigants. These models sit on 50mm bases, which gives them a massive, imposing presence on the tabletop. If you love painting big centerpiece models, this box is a dream. The sculpts capture the primal, monstrous aesthetic of the Savage keyword perfectly.

Most of the models are straightforward to assemble, though a few pieces require patience. The plastic quality is excellent, holding fine detail well and responding nicely to both brush painting and spray priming. Several reviewers specifically mentioned how fun these models are to paint, and I can see why. The textures and poses offer lots of opportunities for washes, drybrushing, and color variation.

The Neverborn faction as a whole is about psychological warfare, trickery, and raw supernatural power. Euripides and the Savage keyword lean into the “big monsters smashing things” end of that spectrum, which is a satisfying playstyle for players who want to feel powerful on the board.

Who Is the Euripides Core Box Best For

Players who love painting large, dramatic models will get the most out of this box. The three Gigants and Thoon are showpiece-quality sculpts that look stunning when finished. If you enjoy a faction that combines brute force with supernatural abilities, Neverborn with the Savage keyword delivers.

This box works well for experienced painters who want models with visual impact. If you are a complete beginner to miniature assembly, some of the larger models might require a bit more effort than the pre-assembled faction starters.

How the Savage Keyword Shapes Your Strategy

The Savage keyword centers around powerful melee models that gain bonuses from their size and ferocity. Euripides enhances your Gigants and other Savage models with abilities that reward aggressive positioning and decisive strikes. The keyword synergies are intuitive enough for newer players while offering enough tactical depth for veterans.

Primordial Magic serves as a support piece that enhances your crew’s magical abilities, while Thoon acts as a fast, aggressive model that can threaten objectives across the board. The three Gigants form your core fighting force, durable and hard-hitting enough to hold their own against most opposing crews.

4. Malifaux Third Edition Arcanists Kaeris Core Box – Aggressive Fire Tactics

The Kaeris Core Box delivers one of the most aggressive playstyles in Malifaux through the Wildfire keyword. Kaeris herself is a master who specializes in burning everything in her path, and her supporting cast of The Firestarter, Eternal Flame, and three Fire Gamin all contribute to a crew that wants to set the board on fire and keep it burning.

Everything arrives pre-assembled, which means you can focus on painting and playing instead of gluing tiny pieces together. The models capture the fire theme beautifully, with Kaeris sporting dynamic flames trailing from her sculpt and the Fire Gamin posed mid-sprint as if charging into combat. This is a crew that looks as aggressive on the shelf as it plays on the table.

With an 4.8-star rating across 11 reviews and Prime-eligible shipping, this box hits the sweet spot of quality and convenience. Players consistently praise the model quality and the immediate playability of the pre-assembled miniatures.

Who Should Choose the Kaeris Core Box

If you want a crew that deals consistent damage through burning conditions rather than raw melee attacks, Kaeris is your pick. The Wildfire keyword rewards players who like to control the board through area denial and gradual damage accumulation.

This box is also great for players who want something they can play right away. Since everything is pre-assembled, the only barrier between opening the box and your first game is grabbing a fate deck and learning the rules.

Understanding the Wildfire Keyword and Aggressive Play

The Wildfire keyword revolves around the Burning condition, which deals damage over time to affected models. Kaeris and her crew can apply Burning tokens liberally, turning the entire board into a hazard zone for your opponent. The Fire Gamin serve as cheap, expendable models that spread fire and contest objectives.

The Firestarter acts as Kaeris’s second-in-command, enhancing the spread of fire and providing tactical flexibility. Eternal Flame is a support model that interacts with the Burning mechanics in ways that can surprise opponents unfamiliar with the Arcanist faction’s elemental tricks.

5. Malifaux Third Edition Bayou Ophelia Core Box – Family Firepower

The Ophelia Core Box offers the most models of any single box on this list with seven total miniatures, and every single reviewer has given it five stars. Ophelia LaCroix leads her family with Francois by her side, supported by three LaCroix Raiders and three Young LaCroix. That is a full crew right out of the box.

The Kin keyword is one of the most synergistic in the Bayou faction. Every model benefits from being near other Kin models, which means your crew gets stronger the more of them stay together. This makes the learning curve gentler for new players because positioning your models near each other naturally produces good results.

These models are cast in resin rather than plastic, which allows for sharper detail and cleaner mold lines. The trade-off is that resin needs a bit more care during painting. A gentle wash in soapy water before priming goes a long way toward ensuring your paint adheres properly.

Who Will Enjoy the Ophelia Core Box Most

Bayou fans who want a complete, playable crew from day one will love this box. The seven models give you enough bodies to field a full crew without buying anything else. It is also a great pick for players who enjoy the chaotic, backwoods flavor of the LaCroix family.

The Ophelia box rewards players who enjoy a mix of ranged and melee combat. The LaCroix Raiders provide gunfire support while Ophelia and Francois get stuck into close-quarters fighting, giving you a balanced toolkit for different scenarios.

The Kin Keyword and Bayou Synergies Explained

The Kin keyword turns your crew into a dysfunctional but effective family unit. Models with the Kin keyword gain bonuses when near other Kin models, creating a natural incentive to keep your crew clustered. This makes decision-making simpler for beginners because the optimal play is usually to stick together.

Ophelia provides leadership buffs and ranged firepower, Francois brings melee prowess and durability, the Raiders add long-range shooting, and the Young LaCroix serve as cheap objective runners. It is a well-rounded crew composition that handles most situations competently.

6. Malifaux Third Edition Bayou Brewmaster Core Box – Control and Tricks

The Brewmaster Core Box delivers something genuinely different from other Malifaux starter sets. Where most crews win through damage, Brewmaster wins through control. His Tri-Chi keyword revolves around applying poison conditions and manipulating enemy models into positions where they cannot fight back effectively.

With a perfect five-star rating across all nine reviews, the community clearly loves what this box offers. The Brewmaster himself is a quirky character with a ton of personality in his sculpt, and the supporting cast of Fingers Leong, Apprentice Wesley, and three Moon Shinobi each bring tools that enhance the poison and control theme.

The models are cast in high-quality plastic at 32mm heroic scale. The sculpts are characterful and fun to paint, with the Brewmaster’s animated pose and the Moon Shinobi’s sneaky stances giving you plenty of opportunities for creative color choices.

Who Should Consider the Brewmaster Box

This box is perfect for players who enjoy winning through clever play rather than brute force. If you like the idea of controlling your opponent’s models and watching them struggle against conditions rather than raw damage, Brewmaster is your master. The Tri-Chi keyword rewards patience and planning.

It is worth noting that the control-focused playstyle can be tricky for absolute beginners to learn. You need to understand how conditions interact and how to position your models to maximize poison application. If you are brand new to Malifaux, you might want a few games under your belt before picking up this crew.

Tri-Chi Keyword and Control Playstyle

The Tri-Chi keyword centers on condition manipulation, particularly poison and the Brewmaster’s unique “Swill” ability that degrades enemy models’ stats. Moon Shinobi serve as delivery mechanisms for poison, spreading the condition across enemy models while staying mobile enough to grab objectives.

Fingers Leong acts as a support piece that enhances your crew’s ability to stack conditions on key enemy targets, while Apprentice Wesley provides utility and board control. The entire crew functions as a team that slowly dismantles the opponent’s ability to fight back.

7. Malifaux Third Edition Explorer’s Society Basse Core Box – Frontier Justice

The Basse Core Box is one of the most interesting starter sets because it includes dual master characters. Cornelius Basse and Bernadette give you two distinct master options in one box, letting you switch between playstyles without buying a second crew. That kind of flexibility is rare in Malifaux starter products.

Along with Jonathan Reichart and three Frontiersmen, you get six models that form a cohesive crew around the Frontier keyword. The theme is exploration and frontier survival, which translates into mechanics focused on terrain manipulation, positioning advantages, and outmaneuvering opponents through superior board control.

Every review gives this box five stars, and I can see why. The dual master setup means you effectively get two crews in one box, doubling your strategic options for the same investment. The sculpts capture the frontier exploration theme with weathered clothing, practical poses, and an overall aesthetic that stands apart from the gothic horror look of most Malifaux factions.

Who Is the Basse Core Box Ideal For

Players who like having options will love this box. With two masters to choose from, you can adapt your playstyle to match the strategy and scheme pool of each game. Cornelius excels at area control and terrain manipulation, while Bernadette brings more aggressive options.

The Explorer’s Society faction is also a great pick for players who want something visually distinct from the standard gothic horror aesthetic. The frontier exploration theme gives your crew a unique identity on the tabletop that stands out in any collection.

Frontier Keyword and Dual Master Advantage

The Frontier keyword rewards controlling territory and using terrain to your advantage. Frontiersmen gain bonuses when operating near terrain features, making them naturally suited to scenarios where positioning matters. This gives you a learning advantage as a new player because the keyword’s mechanics teach good positioning habits from the start.

The dual master setup means you can experiment with different strategies game to game without investing in additional boxes. Cornelius leans defensive and positional, while Bernadette adds punch and aggression. This variety keeps the crew fresh and engaging over dozens of games.

8. Malifaux Third Edition Resurrectionists Von Schtook Core Box – Raise the Dead

Professor Von Schtook brings one of the most thematic playstyles in Malifaux to your table. The Transmortis keyword centers on academic horror, with Von Schtook leading a crew of undead students and research assistants through experiments gone terribly wrong. Every model in this box has earned a perfect five-star rating from reviewers.

The box includes six models: Professor Von Schtook himself, Anna Lovelace, a Research Assistant, and three Undergraduates. Each sculpt captures the twisted academic theme with details like exposed bone structures, lab equipment, and expressions of horrified realization. They are genuinely fun to paint because every model tells a story.

The Transmortis keyword revolves around summoning additional models during the game and enhancing your existing crew through abilities that trigger when models die or are sacrificed. This gives you a growing presence on the board that can overwhelm opponents who are not prepared for the numbers advantage.

Who Should Start with Von Schtook

Players who love the idea of their crew getting stronger as the game progresses will gravitate toward Von Schtook. The summoning mechanics mean you often end a game with more models than you started with, which feels incredibly satisfying. It is also a great pick for fans of horror themes.

The complexity of summoning mechanics means this box is better suited for players who have at least a basic understanding of Malifaux’s activation system. Managing summoned models alongside your starting crew requires good planning and awareness of your activation order.

Transmortis Keyword and Summoning Mechanics

Transmortis rewards you for sacrificing models and summoning replacements, creating a cycle of death and resurrection that fits the Resurrectionist faction perfectly. The Undergraduates serve as your sacrificial fodder, generating resources when they die that Von Schtook uses to summon more powerful models or buff the survivors.

Anna Lovelace provides support through abilities that interact with corpse markers and summoned models, while the Research Assistant adds utility and card draw. The crew functions best when you are comfortable with the timing of sacrifices and summons, planning your activations two or three steps ahead.

9. Malifaux Third Edition Arcanists Marcus Core Box – Beast Master

The Marcus Core Box is one of the most unique starter sets because Marcus is a dual-faction master, able to lead crews for both the Arcanists and Neverborn factions. This gives you tremendous flexibility right out of the gate, essentially providing two faction entry points with a single purchase.

The box includes Marcus, the Jackalope, Myranda, and three Order Initiates. Reviewers consistently praise how much the models have improved over the Second Edition versions, noting cleaner sculpts, better proportions, and easier assembly. At 4.8 stars across nine reviews, the community clearly approves of the upgrade.

The Chimera keyword revolves around beast transformation and animal-themed abilities. Marcus transforms into a beast form during games, gaining enhanced combat stats. Myranda can shapeshift between forms, and the Order Initiates serve as your base of human models that support the beast-heavy strategy.

Assembly is where this box requires some patience. While reviewers say these models are easier to build than the older Marcus kits, a few pieces are extremely small and may require tweezers and a steady hand. Some players recommend finding online assembly guides or blueprints before gluing anything together.

Who Will Love the Marcus Core Box

Players who want maximum faction flexibility should look no further. Marcus gives you access to two factions with one purchase, letting you explore both Arcanist and Neverborn model ranges. If you love the idea of beast-themed crews with transformation mechanics, this box delivers that fantasy perfectly.

The dual-faction nature of Marcus also makes this box a strong long-term investment. As you expand your collection, you can mix Arcanist and Neverborn models in Marcus crews, giving you access to one of the widest model pools in the game.

Chimera Keyword and Beast Transformation Tactics

The Chimera keyword centers on Marcus’s ability to transform between human and beast forms. In beast form, he becomes a formidable melee fighter. Myranda’s shapeshifting abilities add another layer of unpredictability, letting you adapt your crew’s capabilities mid-game based on what your opponent is fielding.

The Jackalope serves as a fast, cheap model that can grab distant objectives or harass vulnerable enemy models. Order Initiates form your core of support models, providing buffs and utility that enhance your beast models’ effectiveness. The crew rewards aggressive play and bold positioning.

10. Malifaux Fourth Edition Viktoria Chambers, Ashes and Blood – Outcast Mercenaries

The Viktoria Chambers box is one of the newest Fourth Edition releases, featuring the Ashes and Blood crew for the Outcast faction. This box includes six figures featuring Viktoria Chambers and Vanessa Chambers, and it uses the updated Fourth Edition rules format. As a brand new release, it represents the future direction of Malifaux products.

Unlike some of the pre-assembled Third Edition boxes, this kit requires assembly. That means you will need plastic cement or super glue and a pair of clippers to remove the models from their sprues. For experienced hobbyists, this is standard procedure. For absolute beginners, it adds a step before your first game.

The Outcast faction is all about mercenary flexibility and doing your own thing. Viktoria Chambers brings aggressive melee power and the ability to hire from multiple factions, giving you options that no other faction can match. If you like the idea of building a crew that breaks the rules, Outcasts are your people.

Who Should Pick Up the Ashes and Blood Box

Players who want to start with the newest Fourth Edition format should consider this box. It uses updated stat cards and rules that align with the current edition, meaning you will not need to reference errata or conversion documents. The Outcast faction is also ideal for players who value flexibility and mercenary hiring options.

Since this box requires assembly, it is better suited for players who are comfortable building plastic miniatures. If you have assembled models from Games Workshop or other wargame manufacturers, you will feel right at home. Complete beginners might prefer a pre-assembled starter box first.

What to Expect from Fourth Edition Format

Fourth Edition boxes come with updated stat cards that reflect the latest rules changes and balance adjustments. The card format has been streamlined for easier reference during games. Models in Fourth Edition boxes use the same 32mm heroic scale as Third Edition, so they are fully compatible with your existing Malifaux terrain and accessories.

The Ashes and Blood crew focuses on aggressive, in-your-face combat with models that excel at cutting through enemy defenses. Viktoria Chambers and Vanessa Chambers work as a pair, with abilities that synergize when they are near each other on the battlefield.

How to Choose the Right Malifaux Starter Sets?

Picking the right Malifaux starter box comes down to three things: edition preference, faction appeal, and how much assembly you want to do. Let me walk you through each factor so you can make the right call for your situation.

Starter Box vs Core Box – What Is the Difference

A starter box is designed as your first purchase. It typically includes a master model, a few supporting models, a fate deck, scheme markers, and a measuring widget. Starter boxes aim to give you enough to learn the game and play small skirmishes. They are the closest thing to a “complete game in a box” that Malifaux offers.

A core box focuses on a specific master and their keyword. Core boxes include more models than starter boxes and provide a fuller crew composition, but they usually do not include a fate deck, tokens, or measuring widgets. You need those accessories separately. Core boxes are ideal if you already have the basic game materials and want to add a new crew.

The Malifaux community on Reddit confirmed this distinction, noting that starter boxes function as a starting point while core boxes offer more complete crews. If you are buying your very first Malifaux product, a starter box or the two-player starter is the way to go.

Which Faction Suits Your Playstyle

Malifaux factions each have a distinct personality and mechanical identity. Here is a quick breakdown to help you choose based on how you like to play games.

Neverborn is for players who love horror themes, trickery, and supernatural power. They excel at psychological manipulation and fielding terrifying monsters. The Euripides Core Box is a strong entry point for Neverborn.

Arcanists attract players who enjoy elemental magic and aggressive tactics. Both the Kaeris and Marcus core boxes offer Arcanist access with very different playstyles. Kaeris burns everything, while Marcus transforms into a beast.

Bayou is the chaotic swamp faction, full of gremlins, moonshiners, and backwoods mayhem. Ophelia and Brewmaster represent two very different Bayou approaches, with Ophelia being more beginner-friendly.

Ten Thunders reward flexible, adaptive strategies with Asian-inspired aesthetics. The Ten Thunders Starter Box is the most affordable way to explore this faction.

Resurrectionists are for players who love undead armies and summoning mechanics. Von Schtook gives you a taste of the growing-army playstyle that defines the faction.

Explorer’s Society offers frontier exploration themes with terrain manipulation mechanics. The Basse Core Box with its dual masters provides excellent value and variety.

Outcasts are the mercenary faction, doing their own thing with the widest hiring options. Both the two-player starter and Viktoria Chambers boxes feature Outcast crews.

Third Edition vs Fourth Edition

Third Edition products are widely available and have established communities with plenty of resources for learning. Fourth Edition is the newest release with updated rules and stat cards. The good news is that the models themselves are edition-agnostic. You can use Third Edition models with Fourth Edition rules by downloading updated stat cards from Wyrd’s website.

If you want the most current rules out of the box, look for Fourth Edition products like the Two Player Starter or Viktoria Chambers. If you want the widest selection and lowest prices, Third Edition boxes offer excellent value and are fully compatible with the current game.

What You Will Need Beyond the Box

Most core boxes do not include a fate deck, scheme markers, or measuring widgets. You will need those accessories to play. If you buy a starter box, these are usually included. If you buy a core box, budget for a fate deck and token set separately.

You will also want basic hobby supplies if your box requires assembly. Plastic cement, a pair of sprue cutters, and a hobby knife are the essentials. For painting, pick up a primer, a few brushes, and a basic paint set. Malifaux models respond well to both contrast paints and traditional layering techniques.

FAQs

Final Thoughts on the Best Malifaux Starter Sets

Finding the right Malifaux starter set comes down to matching your playstyle to the right faction and keyword. The Fourth Edition Two Player Starter remains my top recommendation for anyone new to the game because it provides everything two players need to start playing immediately. For solo players on a budget, the Ten Thunders Starter Box offers unbeatable value with pre-assembled models and a perfect five-star rating.

From the aggressive fire tactics of Kaeris to the summoning shenanigans of Von Schtook, every box on this list gives you a genuine entry point into one of the most engaging miniature games available. Pick the faction that speaks to you, grab a fate deck if your box does not include one, and get your crew on the table. The world of Malifaux is waiting.