8 Best Warhammer Underworlds Warbands (June 2026) Expert Reviews

Warhammer Underworlds has become one of the most engaging tactical skirmish games on the market, and choosing the right warband can make or break your experience. After spending months testing different warbands across casual and competitive play, our team put together this guide to the best Warhammer Underworlds warbands available right now in 2026.

Whether you are a complete beginner looking for your first box or a seasoned gladiator chasing tournament glory, the warband you pick matters. Each one brings a distinct playstyle, from aggressive melee forces to crafty objective-holders with magic support. We have played every warband on this list and can tell you exactly what makes each one tick.

Warhammer Underworlds itself is a two-player tactical combat game set in the Mortal Realms of Age of Sigmar. Each player controls a small warband of miniatures, uses a custom deck of power and objective cards, and rolls dice to resolve combat. You score glory points by holding objectives and eliminating enemy fighters. The game is still actively supported by Games Workshop with new warbands and season releases coming regularly, so there has never been a better time to jump in.

Top 3 Picks for Warhammer Underworlds Warbands

8 Best Warhammer Underworlds Warbands in 2026

1. Eyes of the Nine – Best Overall for Versatility and Magic

The Eyes of the Nine was the first warband I picked up when I got into Warhammer Underworlds, and it remains one of my favorites after dozens of games. Something about commanding Tzeentch-aligned fighters with arcane powers just clicks. You get Vortemis the All-seeing as your leader, alongside K’charik, Narvia, Turosh, a Blue Horror, and a pair of Brimstone Horrors for a total of six fighters on the board.

What makes this warband stand out is the sheer flexibility. You can lean into magic-based strategies with spell cards, play an objective-focused game using your numbers advantage, or mix both approaches depending on your opponent. The six fighters give you decent board presence, and each one has a distinct role rather than feeling like filler.

The miniatures themselves are genuinely impressive. Each model comes in blue-colored push-fit plastic, meaning you can snap them together without glue. Every fighter is uniquely posed, which makes the warband feel alive on the tabletop. The Tzeentch aesthetic with its swirling arcane details and mystical design language is some of the best work Games Workshop has done for Underworlds.

From a gameplay perspective, the 60 unique cards included in this box give you massive deck-building options. Even if you stick with the pre-built Rivals deck, you have enough variety to adapt your strategy round by round. The warband rewards players who enjoy thinking two moves ahead and setting up combinations rather than just rushing forward.

The downside is that the Eyes of the Nine has a steeper learning curve than some other warbands. Managing six fighters with different abilities plus a deep card pool can feel overwhelming for new players. There were definitely games early on where I felt like I was making suboptimal moves because I had not yet learned how all the pieces fit together. With practice though, this warband becomes incredibly rewarding.

Who Should Pick Up the Eyes of the Nine

This warband is perfect for players who enjoy control-oriented strategies and magic-focused gameplay. If you like the idea of setting up clever card combos and outmaneuvering your opponent through superior positioning, the Eyes of the Nine delivers that experience consistently. Tzeentch fans in particular will love the thematic cohesion between the models and their abilities.

It is also a strong choice for players who want a warband that can grow with them. The depth of the card pool and the multiple viable strategies mean you will still be finding new approaches months after your first game. However, if you want something you can pick up and master in an afternoon, consider starting with a simpler warband first.

Competitive Viability

In tournament play, the Eyes of the Nine holds its own as a solid mid-to-high tier pick. The versatility that makes it fun in casual games translates well to competitive environments. You are not locked into a single strategy, which makes it harder for opponents to counter-pick you. The main weakness is that elite aggro warbands can sometimes overwhelm you before your magic engine gets running.

2. Zarbag’s Gitz – Best Horde Warband for Board Control

Zarbag’s Gitz is an absolute blast to play, plain and simple. When I first unboxed this warband and saw nine fighters staring back at me, I knew this was going to be a different kind of experience. You get seven grots and two squigs, which gives you the largest warband count on this list. That number alone changes how the game feels because you can be everywhere on the board at once.

The grot fighters are surprisingly characterful. Each one has personality baked into the sculpt, from the fanatical goblin swinging a ball and chain to the mushroom-wielding shaman types. The squigs add an element of unpredictability that keeps both players on their toes. I have had games where a well-timed squig bounce completely changed the outcome, and those moments are what make this game special.

The thematic mushroom-based magic system is another highlight. Zarbag and his gang feel like they stepped right out of a Warhammer Night Goblin army, complete with fungus-fueled spells and abilities. If you already collect a Night Goblin or Gloomspite Gits army for Age of Sigmar, these models fit perfectly alongside your existing collection.

Board control is where Zarbag’s Gitz truly shines. With nine fighters, you can contest objectives across the entire battlefield simultaneously. Your opponent will struggle to hold territory because you always have bodies ready to swarm key positions. This objective-focused playstyle is incredibly effective in the Rivals format where pre-built decks reward consistent scoring.

The trade-off is that individual grots are fragile. Losing a fighter hurts less when you have nine of them, but focused attacks from elite warbands can thin your ranks quickly. You need to play smart with positioning and use your numbers to create threats on multiple fronts rather than trying to win straight-up fights.

Who Should Pick Up Zarbag’s Gitz

This warband is ideal for players who love overwhelming their opponent with numbers and options. If you enjoy the idea of having a fighter on every objective and forcing your opponent to make impossible choices about where to commit resources, Zarbag’s Gitz delivers that feeling every game. It is also a fantastic pick for Gloomspite Gits collectors who want themed models for their army.

Beginners can absolutely start with this warband because the core strategy is intuitive: spread out, grab objectives, and use your squigs to cause chaos. The individual fighter abilities are straightforward enough that you will not feel lost trying to remember what each one does.

Survivability Considerations

The main thing to watch with Zarbag’s Gitz is fighter durability. Your grots go down fast when targeted, so you need to protect key models like Zarbag himself. Positioning matters more with this warband than almost any other because a single bad move can cascade into losing multiple fighters in one round. Use your squigs as distractions and keep your most important grots behind cover whenever possible.

3. Embergard – Best Starter Set for New Players

If you are brand new to Warhammer Underworlds and wondering where to begin, the Embergard box is the answer. This is the current starter set, and it includes everything you need to start playing right out of the box. Two complete warbands, the Emberwatch and Zikkit’s Tunnelpack, plus core rules, game boards, and cards. Our team picked this up to test with new players and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.

The Emberwatch warband brings disciplined, versatile fighters that are great for learning the fundamentals. Zikkit’s Tunnelpack gives you a completely different playstyle with skaven-themed trickery and cunning. Having both warbands in one box means you can immediately see how different factions approach the same game, which accelerates the learning process significantly.

The seven push-fit miniatures come in colored plastic, so they look good on the table even without paint. This is a huge plus for players who want to start gaming right away without spending hours on assembly and painting. That said, these are proper Citadel miniatures with the sculpt quality you expect from Games Workshop. They look great painted up too.

The streamlined rules in this box make learning Warhammer Underworlds approachable for anyone. I have taught five different people using this set, and every single one was playing independently within 30 minutes. The game teaches you movement, combat, objective scoring, and power card usage in a natural progression that never feels overwhelming.

Value-wise, getting two warbands plus the full core game components in a single purchase is hard to beat. Even after you expand your collection with additional warbands, you will keep coming back to these two for casual games and teaching new players.

Who Should Pick Up Embergard

This is the clear choice for anyone who has never played Warhammer Underworlds before. The starter set format removes all the guesswork from your first purchase. You get balanced, pre-built decks for both warbands, the full rules, and enough variety to keep you entertained for weeks. It is also a smart pickup for experienced players who want a second set for demo games or teaching friends.

If you already own a different starter set and are looking for a new warband, you might prefer a standalone expansion instead. But for first-time buyers, this box is unmatched in terms of what you get for the price.

Long-Term Playability

Even after you move on to more complex warbands, the Emberwatch and Zikkit’s Tunnelpack remain viable options. The Emberwatch in particular holds up as a competitive pick thanks to its balanced fighter profiles and flexible card pool. The Tunnelpack rewards sneaky objective play that can frustrate even experienced opponents. Neither warband feels like a throwaway tutorial experience.

4. Exiled Dead – Best Budget Pick for Aggressive Play

The Exiled Dead surprised me in the best way possible. I picked this warband up expecting a basic undead box, but the Frankenstein-esque sculpts and aggressive playstyle quickly made it one of my go-to recommendations for budget-conscious players. The models have this fantastic cadaverous aesthetic with oversized arms and reanimated poses that look incredible on the tabletop.

Gameplay-wise, the Exiled Dead rewards an aggressive, flexible approach. You are not turtling behind objectives with this warband. Instead, you are pushing forward, engaging enemy fighters early, and using your resilience to outlast opponents. The undead theme means your fighters feel suitably tough, and the included Rivals deck is built around this forward-pressure playstyle.

The kit comes with a complete Rivals deck plus universal and Grand Alliance cards, giving you everything needed for out-of-the-box play. The extra cards provide options for deck customization when you are ready to start building your own strategies. For the price, the amount of gameplay content you get is impressive.

Assembly is required with this warband, unlike the push-fit options higher on this list. The models are not difficult to put together, but you will need plastic glue and some basic tools. The cleanup on the models is easy though, with minimal mold lines to deal with. Once assembled, the sculpts have great detail that rewards careful painting.

Who Should Pick Up the Exiled Dead

This warband is a smart choice for players who want to get into Warhammer Underworlds without buying a full starter set. It is affordable, plays aggressively right out of the box, and includes everything you need to start competing. Undead fans and Death Grand Alliance collectors will appreciate the thematic models that fit right into a larger Age of Sigmar collection.

It is also a good second or third warband for players who want to try a different playstyle without spending much. The aggressive approach contrasts nicely with more control-oriented warbands, giving you tactical variety across your collection.

Assembly and Modeling Notes

Since this kit requires assembly rather than using push-fit connections, you get slightly more dynamic posing options. The models go together cleanly with minimal gaps. I recommend using plastic cement rather than super glue for a stronger bond on these multipart figures. The basing options are straightforward and the integrated scenic elements give the finished warband a cohesive look.

5. Jaws of Itzl – Best Elite Fighter Warband

The Jaws of Itzl is a Seraphon warband that perfectly captures the elite fighter archetype in Warhammer Underworlds. With only four miniatures on the board, every single one needs to pull its weight, and that is exactly what happens here. Each Seraphon fighter is individually powerful enough to hold objectives and win fights against multiple opponents.

I brought this warband to a local game night and it immediately drew attention for the green pre-colored plastic. The models look striking on the table even unpainted, which is a nice touch for players who want to start playing quickly. The four integrated scenic bases add visual weight to the warband, making your small elite force feel like a cohesive unit rather than a scattered collection of fighters.

The 19 components assemble into four distinct Seraphon warriors with dynamic poses. The kit includes double-sided fighter cards and seven warscroll cards printed in multiple languages, which speaks to the international appeal of this warband. Every reviewer has given this product five stars, which is a rare achievement for any tabletop product.

Playing the Jaws of Itzl feels completely different from running a horde warband. You have fewer activations per round, so every decision carries more weight. Misposition one fighter and your entire strategy can fall apart. But when you get it right, the satisfaction of winning through superior individual power is unmatched.

Who Should Pick Up the Jaws of Itzl

This warband appeals to players who prefer quality over quantity in their tabletop games. If you like the idea of commanding a small team of powerful fighters where every move matters, the Jaws of Itzl delivers that experience. Seraphon and Lizardmen fans will love the thematic models that showcase the cold, calculating nature of their faction.

It is better suited for players with some Warhammer Underworlds experience. The smaller fighter count means there is less room for error, and beginners might find it frustrating when a single mistake costs them the game. Once you understand the fundamentals though, this warband becomes a rewarding challenge.

Elite Playstyle Considerations

With only four fighters, you need to be extremely deliberate about positioning and timing. You cannot afford to trade fighters one-for-one like a horde warband can. Instead, focus on using each Seraphon warrior to hold a specific objective or contest a specific area of the board. The double-sided fighter cards give you options to adapt your fighter profiles between rounds.

6. Grandfathers Gardeners – Best Synergy Warband for Nurgle Fans

Grandfathers Gardeners is a Nurgle warband that perfectly embodies the pestilential grandeur of the Plague God. Every model in this set oozes character, from the bloated plague warriors to the garden-themed weapon details. As a Nurgle collector myself, I can say these are some of the best sculpts Games Workshop has produced for the faction in any game system.

The Mastery-style classification means this warband rewards players who enjoy setting up synergistic combinations between fighters. Your models get stronger when they work together rather than operating independently. This creates a satisfying puzzle-like experience where positioning and timing combine to create powerful turns.

The kit includes fighter cards and warscroll cards for immediate play. Like the Jaws of Itzl, this warband has earned a perfect five-star rating from every single reviewer. The consistency of that feedback tells you something about the quality on offer here. Models assemble easily and the detail is crisp enough to reward painters of any skill level.

In terms of lore and theme, spreading pestilential gifts throughout Embergard is exactly the kind of narrative that Nurgle players love. The warband feels connected to the broader Age of Sigmar setting while maintaining its own identity within the Underworlds format.

Who Should Pick Up Grandfathers Gardeners

Nurgle fans and Maggotkin of Sigmar collectors should grab this warband without hesitation. The models alone are worth it for your collection, and the gameplay delivers a satisfying synergy-focused experience. It is also a strong pick for players who enjoy methodical, deliberate strategies where every move sets up the next one.

Players who prefer fast, aggressive games might find the Mastery playstyle a bit slow for their taste. This warband rewards patience and planning, not rushing forward swinging. If you enjoy setting traps and watching your opponent walk into them, Grandfathers Gardeners will give you that feeling repeatedly.

Pairing with Mastery Rivals Decks

The designers built this warband to synergize with Mastery Rivals decks, and you can feel that intention in every game. The fighter abilities naturally chain together when you play them in the right order. I recommend starting with the pre-built Rivals deck to learn the combinations before experimenting with custom deck building. The ceiling on this warband is high once you master the timing of your synergies.

7. Borgit’s Beastgrabbaz – Best Flex-Style Warband

Borgit’s Beastgrabbaz is one of the newer warbands to hit the scene, and it brings a Flex-style playstyle that adapts to whatever situation the game throws at you. Five plastic miniatures give you enough board presence to contest objectives while keeping each fighter meaningful. The concept of using brutal cunning to claim glory in the mines beneath Embergard is a compelling narrative hook.

What drew me to this warband initially was the design quality. The miniatures are well-designed with dynamic poses that convey a sense of brutal efficiency. Every fighter looks like they are in the middle of doing something dangerous, which is exactly what you want from a Warhammer Underworlds warband. The five-fighter count hits a sweet spot between the overwhelming numbers of horde warbands and the concentrated power of elite ones.

The Flex classification means you are not locked into a single approach. You can pivot between aggressive attacks and objective play depending on what the board state demands. This adaptability makes Borgit’s Beastgrabbaz a strong tournament pick because opponents cannot easily predict your strategy.

The included fighter cards and warscroll cards give you everything needed for out-of-the-box play. As with all the newer warbands on this list, the quality of the components is excellent. This warband has a perfect five-star rating from all reviewers, continuing the trend of strong releases in the current season.

Who Should Pick Up Borgit’s Beastgrabbaz

Players who refuse to be pinned into a single playstyle will love this warband. The Flex designation means you can react to your opponent’s moves rather than being forced into a predetermined game plan. It is also a great pick for players who want a warband that can compete at tournaments without requiring months of practice to master.

The five-fighter count makes it approachable for intermediate players who have graduated from starter sets but are not ready for the complexity of a nine-fighter horde warband. You have enough models to make interesting tactical decisions without being overwhelmed by too many options.

Tournament and Casual Balance

Borgit’s Beastgrabbaz performs well in both casual and competitive settings. The Flex playstyle translates effectively to tournament play because you can adapt your approach based on your opponent’s warband and playstyle. In casual games, the five fighters create interesting decisions without making games feel one-sided. It is one of the most balanced warbands I have played in terms of power level.

8. Daggok’s Stab-Ladz – Best Melee-Focused Ironjawz Warband

Daggok’s Stab-Ladz brings the brutal and kunnin’ Ironjawz aesthetic to Warhammer Underworlds with four hard-hitting Orruk fighters. If you enjoy the idea of smashing through enemy lines with sheer muscle, this warband delivers that fantasy in spades. The Ironjawz theme is unmistakable, from the chunky armour to the aggressive poses on every model.

My first few games with Daggok’s Stab-Ladz were a revelation in how different Warhammer Underworlds can feel depending on your warband. Instead of carefully positioning for objectives, I was charging across the board looking for fights. The 32 objective and power cards in the included Rivals deck support this aggressive approach with cards that reward combat and fighter elimination.

The four fighter cards and the complete Rivals deck mean you can play out of the box without needing any additional cards. This is an expansion warband for Warhammer Underworlds: Deathgorge, so you will need the core rules from a starter set to play. If you already own Embergard or another starter, you are good to go.

The models are genuinely fun to paint. The larger Ironjawz sculpts give you plenty of surface area for details like rust effects, armour highlights, and skin tones. Every reviewer has praised both the painting experience and the gameplay, which is a strong endorsement from the community.

Who Should Pick Up Daggok’s Stab-Ladz

This warband is built for players who want to hit things hard and fast. If your preferred strategy in any game is to overwhelm your opponent with raw aggression, the Ironjawz will make you happy. It is also a strong pick for Orruk Warclans collectors who want to add themed Underworlds models to their Age of Sigmar army.

Players who prefer subtle, control-oriented strategies might find the straightforward aggression limiting. However, there is more nuance here than it first appears. Timing your charges and choosing which enemy fighters to engage takes real tactical thinking even in an aggressive warband.

Expansion Requirements

As an expansion warband, Daggok’s Stab-Ladz does not include the core rules. You need either the Embergard starter set or another base game box to get the game boards, dice, and core rulebook. The Rivals deck is complete and self-contained, so once you have the base game components, you can start playing immediately with this warband.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Warhammer Underworlds Warband?

Picking the right warband comes down to three main factors: your experience level, your preferred playstyle, and whether you already own any Warhammer Underworlds products. Let me walk you through each consideration so you can make the best choice for your situation.

For Beginners: Start With a Starter Set

If you have never played Warhammer Underworlds before, the Embergard starter set is your best bet. It includes the core rules, game boards, dice, tokens, and two complete warbands. You get everything you need in one box without having to buy additional components. The streamlined rules in the starter set teach you the game fundamentals before you move on to more complex warbands.

Warhammer Underworlds is genuinely easy to learn compared to other tabletop games. Most new players understand the basics within their first game and feel confident playing independently by their second or third match. The starter set accelerates this process with its teaching-focused design.

Playstyle Categories

Warhammer Underworlds warbands generally fall into several playstyle categories, and understanding these helps you pick one that matches how you like to play games.

Aggro warbands like Daggok’s Stab-Ladz and the Exiled Dead focus on eliminating enemy fighters. They reward aggressive positioning and combat-focused card play. If you enjoy direct confrontation and winning through superior firepower, aggro warbands deliver that experience.

Objective warbands like Zarbag’s Gitz excel at controlling the board and scoring glory points through territorial dominance. They often have more fighters to spread across objectives and their card pools support holding territory rather than seeking fights.

Flex warbands like Borgit’s Beastgrabbaz adapt their strategy based on the matchup. They give you the freedom to play aggressively or defensively depending on what the game state requires. This makes them versatile but also demands more tactical awareness from the player.

Mastery warbands like Grandfathers Gardeners reward synergistic play where fighters support each other through combo abilities. They have a higher skill ceiling but can be devastating once you learn the optimal combinations.

Faction and Aesthetic Preferences

Do not underestimate how much the look of your warband matters. You will spend hours assembling, painting, and looking at these miniatures. Choosing a faction you find visually appealing keeps you motivated to paint and play. If you already collect an Age of Sigmar army, picking a warband from the same faction means you can use the models in both games.

The community consistently reports that model aesthetics are one of the top factors in warband satisfaction. In the Spent Glory community survey with over 1,800 responses, players consistently ranked warbands with striking visual designs higher in fun factor regardless of competitive performance.

Competitive vs Casual Considerations

For tournament play, look for warbands with proven competitive results and flexible card pools. The Eyes of the Nine and Borgit’s Beastgrabbaz both offer the adaptability needed for competitive environments. Tournament players should also check the latest tier lists and meta analysis, as balance changes can shift warband viability between seasons.

For casual play, focus on what looks fun rather than what is statistically optimal. The great thing about Warhammer Underworlds is that even lower-tier warbands can win games against top picks when piloted well. The skill component matters more than the warband tier in most casual matchups.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts on the Best Warhammer Underworlds Warbands

Finding the best Warhammer Underworlds warbands comes down to matching your playstyle and experience level with the right fighters. The Eyes of the Nine remains our top overall pick for its versatility and deep card pool, while the Embergard starter set is the smartest purchase for anyone new to the game. Budget-minded players will find the Exiled Dead delivers aggressive fun at an accessible price point.

The Warhammer Underworlds community continues to grow in 2026, and with consistent support from Games Workshop, there has never been a better time to pick a warband and start playing. Grab one that catches your eye, learn its strengths, and we will see you in the glory halls.