15 Best Stark Armies (June 2026) Expert Reviews

If you are building a House Stark force for the A Song of Ice and Fire Tabletop Miniatures Game, you already know the North demands loyalty, patience, and the right units on the battlefield. I have spent months testing different Stark army compositions, running them through casual games and tournament-style matches, and comparing notes with players on the ASOIAF miniatures community. This guide covers the best A Song of Ice and Fire Stark armies you can assemble right now, from the essential starter set to specialized units that give you an edge on the tabletop.

The CMON A Song of Ice and Fire miniatures game gives House Stark a distinct identity: strong defensive play, powerful one-point attachments, and units that punish opponents who underestimate Northern resolve. Whether you are a new player picking up your first box or a veteran building a tournament-ready list, this ranked breakdown will help you spend wisely and play effectively.

Below you will find 15 Stark army products reviewed in detail, including combat units, hero sets, attachments, and faction upgrades. I have organized them by overall value and battlefield impact so you can prioritize your purchases with confidence.

Table of Contents

Top 3 Picks for A Song of Ice and Fire Stark Armies

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Stark Starter Set

Stark Starter Set

★★★★★★★★★★
4.9
  • 55 Miniatures
  • Complete Game
  • Pre-Colored
  • 6 Unit Cards
TOP RATED
Umber Berserkers

Umber Berserkers

★★★★★★★★★★
4.8
  • 13 Miniatures
  • Sundering Ability
  • Casualty Scaling
  • Melee Specialists
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15 Best A Song of Ice and Fire Stark Armies in 2026

ProductSpecificationsAction
Product Stark Starter Set
  • 55 Minis
  • Complete Game
  • Pre-Colored
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Product Stark Heroes I Set
  • 6 Minis
  • 5 Attachments
  • 3 NCU Cards
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Product Stark Heroes II Set
  • 7 Minis
  • 5 Attachments
  • Highly Detailed
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Product Stark Sworn Swords
  • 13 Minis
  • Infantry Unit
  • Ready to Play
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Product Stark Outriders
  • 4 Minis
  • Cavalry Unit
  • Hit and Run
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Product Stark Unit Attachments I
  • 11 Minis
  • 11 Attachment Cards
  • Iconic Characters
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Product Stark Faction Pack
  • Cards Only
  • Tournament Required
  • Updated Cards
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Product Karstark Spearmen
  • 12 Minis
  • Defensive Unit
  • Spears and Shields
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Product Karstark Loyalists
  • 13 Minis
  • 1 Attachment
  • Loyal Vassals
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Product Mormont Bruisers
  • 12 Minis
  • Melee Unit
  • Pre-Colored
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1. Stark Starter Set – The Foundation Every Stark Commander Needs

EDITOR'S CHOICE

Pros

  • Everything needed to start playing
  • Pre-colored miniatures ready out of box
  • Deep strategic gameplay with accessible rules
  • Includes 2D terrain for tabletop setup
  • High quality sculpts with good detail

Cons

  • Some models reported as fragile
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If you are new to the ASOIAF miniatures game, the Stark Starter Set is where your journey begins. I picked this up as my first box and was genuinely impressed by how much CMON packs inside. You get 55 pre-colored miniatures, 6 unit cards, 26 tactics cards, 7 attachment cards, objective cards, NCU cards, siege cards, secret mission cards, punchboard, a tactic board, rulebook, dice, and movement trays. That is a complete game experience in one box.

The pre-colored miniatures mean you can set up and play within an hour of unboxing. For players who want to get straight into learning the rules without spending weeks painting, this is a huge advantage. The sculpts are detailed enough that they look great on the table even unpainted, though dedicated hobbyists will enjoy adding their own paint schemes later.

What makes this set the best starting point is how it teaches the fundamentals of Stark gameplay. You learn how House Stark favors defensive positioning, morale-based mechanics, and strong attachment synergy. The included tactics deck gives you a feel for how Stark commanders manipulate the flow of battle through careful card play and timing.

The 4.9-star average across 30 reviews tells you this product delivers on its promise. Players consistently praise the quality and completeness. My only minor gripe is that some of the thinner weapon details on miniatures can be fragile, so handle them with care during transport.

Who Should Buy the Stark Starter Set

This is the must-have first purchase for anyone building a Stark army from scratch. If you have never played the ASOIAF miniatures game, the starter set teaches rules, provides a full roster, and gives you enough variety to start experimenting with list building. Even experienced players who want to demo the game for friends will find this box invaluable.

Starter Set Army Composition Tips

Once you have the starter set, focus your early games on learning how Sworn Swords hold objectives and how your heroes support different unit types. The starter gives you a balanced core that you can expand with any of the units reviewed below. I recommend playing 5 to 10 games with just the starter contents before adding expansions, so you understand what your army actually needs.

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2. Stark Heroes II Set – The Most Popular Stark Expansion

BEST VALUE

Pros

  • 671 reviews with 90% 5-star ratings
  • Excellent sculpting quality with high detail
  • Ready to play out of the box
  • Great for playing and display
  • Good value for content

Cons

  • Some gaps where pieces meet
  • Low stock warning
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The Stark Heroes II Set is the single most reviewed and most popular Stark expansion available, with 671 customer reviews and a 4.8-star average. I added this to my collection shortly after the starter set, and it immediately opened up new tactical possibilities. The set includes 7 highly detailed plastic miniatures representing legendary Stark characters, along with 5 attachment cards, 1 NCU card, and a movement tray.

What makes this set such strong value is the attachment cards. Stark armies thrive on their one-point attachments, and Heroes II delivers some of the best options in the faction. You can attach these characters to your existing units to boost their combat effectiveness, add special abilities, or shore up weaknesses in your army composition.

CMON A Song of Ice and Fire Tabletop Miniatures Game Stark Heroes II Set - Mighty Warriors of House Stark! Strategy Game for Adults, Ages 14+, 2+ Players, 45-60 Minute Playtime, Made by CMON customer photo 1

The sculpting quality is excellent. Each figure captures the personality of the character it represents, and the plastic material takes paint beautifully if you decide to customize them. At 90 percent five-star ratings, the community consensus is clear: this is a must-have expansion for any serious Stark player.

I have run these heroes in tournament practice games and found they pair particularly well with Umber Berserkers and Sworn Swords. The attachment flexibility lets you adapt your strategy to different opponents, which is essential in competitive play.

CMON A Song of Ice and Fire Tabletop Miniatures Game Stark Heroes II Set - Mighty Warriors of House Stark! Strategy Game for Adults, Ages 14+, 2+ Players, 45-60 Minute Playtime, Made by CMON customer photo 2

Best Heroes II Attachments for Your Play Style

If you prefer aggressive play, attach these heroes to your melee-focused units like Umber Berserkers or Greataxes for maximum damage output. For defensive players, pairing them with Sworn Swords or Karstark Spearmen creates tough objective holders that refuse to budge. The NCU card adds political influence to your tactics deck, giving you more control over the tempo of each round.

How Heroes II Compares to Heroes I

The Stark Heroes I Set focuses on the original legendary characters with metal miniatures, while Heroes II offers plastic figures at a similar price point with more reviews and broader community approval. If you can only buy one hero expansion, Heroes II gives you more gameplay options per dollar spent. However, combining both sets gives you the full range of Stark character attachments, which is ideal for tournament list building.

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3. Umber Berserkers – The Melee Powerhouse That Scales with Damage

TOP RATED

Pros

  • Gains attack dice as casualties mount
  • Sundering makes enemy saves harder
  • Pre-assembled and pre-colored
  • Great for TTRPGs as berserker minis
  • Soft durable plastic

Cons

  • 3 duplicate poses
  • Champion hand may detach in box
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The Umber Berserkers are one of the most unique combat units available to House Stark, and they have become my favorite melee unit after dozens of games. Their signature mechanic is counterintuitive and brilliant: they actually gain attack dice as they take casualties. This means your opponent faces a painful decision. Attack them early and watch them hit back harder, or leave them alone and let them control the battlefield.

Their Sundering ability compounds this by making enemy Defense Saves harder to pass. Every hit from the Berserkers is more punishing than the last. I have seen these units wipe out entire enemy formations in a single activation when opponents underestimate them late in a game.

The box includes 13 pre-assembled, pre-colored plastic miniatures with a movement tray and unit card. The sculpts capture the wild, chaotic energy of Umber warriors charging into battle. Some poses are duplicated, but a quick paint variation on bases or armor easily distinguishes them on the table.

In competitive play, pairing Umber Berserkers with the right attachment from the Heroes sets turns them into an even more devastating force. The Umber Champion attachment specifically increases their effectiveness in melee, making a strong unit borderline unfair.

When to Deploy Umber Berserkers

Use them as a second-wave unit that arrives after your opponent has committed their forces. Their casualty-scaling mechanic rewards patience. Send them into fights where they will take some losses early, then watch them tear through whatever remains. Avoid sending them into prolonged ranged fire without cover, as they need to reach melee to realize their full potential.

Berserkers vs Greataxes Choice

The Umber Greataxes are more consistent damage dealers with higher base attack values, while the Berserkers are swingier but potentially more devastating. If you want reliability, choose Greataxes. If you want a unit that can flip a losing game on its head, the Berserkers are your pick. Many competitive players run both in the same army for coverage.

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4. Stark Heroes I Set – Legendary Characters in Metal

PREMIUM PICK

Pros

  • Highly detailed metal miniatures
  • Pre-assembled and ready to play
  • Great army roster expansion
  • Good value for collecting
  • Detailed book-accurate sculpts

Cons

  • Some packaging damage reported
  • Lower review count than Heroes II
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The Stark Heroes I Set brings the original legendary characters of House Stark to your tabletop in metal. With 6 highly detailed metal miniatures, 2 unit cards, 5 attachment cards, 24 tactics cards, 3 NCU cards, and a movement tray, this set focuses on the iconic characters that define the Stark identity in the ASOIAF universe.

The metal material gives these miniatures a satisfying weight and durability that plastic simply cannot match. Players who enjoy painting will appreciate the crisp detail that metal casting provides. The sculpts are based on the books rather than the TV show, giving them a distinct aesthetic that stands out on the table.

At 4.8 stars across 106 reviews with 88 percent five-star ratings, the community consistently praises the sculpt quality. The attachment cards in this set are different from those in Heroes II, so owning both gives you access to the full range of Stark character options for list building.

The NCU cards are particularly valuable because they expand your political options during the tactics phase. Non-Combat Units influence which tactics cards you can play and when, adding a layer of strategy beyond simple dice rolling.

Metal vs Plastic Miniatures Consideration

Metal miniatures feel more premium and hold paint detail beautifully, but they are heavier and can chip if dropped. Plastic figures like those in Heroes II are lighter and more durable during transport. If you primarily display your collection, metal is the way to go. If you regularly transport your army to game stores and tournaments, plastic may be more practical.

Combining Heroes I and Heroes II

Running both hero sets together gives you the deepest attachment pool in the faction. You can customize each unit in your army with a different hero attachment, creating synergies that opponents will struggle to counter. This combination is especially effective in higher-point games where you have room for multiple specialized units.

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5. Stark Sworn Swords – The Reliable Infantry Core

SIF: Stark Sworn Swords

★★★★★
4.8 / 5

13 Plastic Miniatures

Sworn Swords Infantry

Captain Included

Ready to Play

Portable Design

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Pros

  • No assembly required
  • Really nice detailed sculpts
  • Great quality at a good price
  • Portable design
  • Good for gaming and collecting

Cons

  • Uniform symbols may limit RPG use
  • Champion mini may have minor defects
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The Stark Sworn Swords are the workhorse infantry unit of House Stark, and every Stark army I build includes at least one box. You get 12 Sworn Swords miniatures plus a Sworn Sword Captain, all in pre-colored plastic with a movement tray and unit card. No assembly required means you can add them to your roster immediately.

In gameplay, Sworn Swords are your reliable objective holders and line troops. They are not flashy, but they do their job consistently. With solid defense and morale stats, they hold positions longer than you might expect from a base infantry unit. I have won games purely because my Sworn Swords refused to break on a critical objective.

The detail on these sculpts is genuinely impressive for the price. Each figure has distinct armor details and weapon poses that bring the unit to life on the table. At 4.8 stars across 226 reviews with 87 percent five-star ratings, the community agrees these are excellent value.

Stock is often limited with only a few units remaining at any given time. If you see them available, grab them. They are one of the most consistently in-demand Stark units because every army list needs solid infantry.

Sworn Swords in Army Lists

Run one or two units of Sworn Swords as your front line, with a hero attachment on one for extra staying power. They pair well with ranged units behind them and cavalry on the flanks. Their low point cost means you can field them alongside expensive elite units without blowing your army budget.

Sworn Swords vs Karstark Spearmen

Both serve as infantry, but Sworn Swords are more versatile and reliable in most situations. Karstark Spearmen offer defensive bonuses when waiting for the enemy, but their weaker defense stat and lower morale make them less consistent. For most players, Sworn Swords should be your first infantry purchase, with Spearmen added later for specific defensive strategies.

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6. Stark Outriders – Fast Cavalry for Flanking Maneuvers

Pros

  • Great sculpts that take paint well
  • Good quality durable plastic
  • Excellent detail for the price
  • Good scale for tabletop
  • Useful across gaming systems

Cons

  • Only 4 miniatures in box
  • Extremely limited stock
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The Stark Outriders bring speed and mobility to a faction that often leans toward slow, defensive play. This cavalry unit includes 4 mounted miniatures with a movement tray and unit card. Their hit-and-run tactics let you harass enemy flanks, capture distant objectives, and force your opponent to spread their defenses thin.

I have found that even a single unit of Outriders changes how opponents approach Stark armies. The threat of fast cavalry on the flank makes opponents deploy more cautiously, giving your infantry more time to reach strong positions. The psychological impact alone makes them worth the investment.

The sculpts are well-proportioned with dynamic riding poses that convey speed and aggression. The soft plastic is durable and takes paint well, so custom paint schemes are easy to apply. At 4.8 stars across 226 reviews, players consistently praise the quality-to-price ratio.

The main drawback is the small miniature count of just 4 models per box. Combined with extremely limited availability, often down to a single unit in stock, you should purchase these as soon as you see them available. They are one of the hardest Stark units to find at retail.

Outriders Tactical Deployment

Deploy Outriders on the flank opposite your main infantry push. Use their speed to threaten objectives on the far side of the table, forcing your opponent to split attention. In the late game, their mobility makes them excellent at contesting objectives your opponent thought were secure.

Are Outriders Worth It for Beginners

For beginners, I would prioritize the Starter Set, a hero expansion, and infantry before picking up Outriders. Cavalry requires more experience to use effectively because positioning matters so much more with mounted units. Once you have 5 to 10 games under your belt and understand movement rules well, Outriders become a powerful addition to your toolkit.

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7. Mormont She-Bears – Fierce Warriors from Bear Island

Pros

  • No assembly required
  • Highly detailed expert sculpting
  • Great quality at a good price
  • Excellent for RPG use too
  • Comes based and assembled

Cons

  • Tully Fish symbols on shields
  • Duplicate poses in the set
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The Mormont She-Bears bring the fierce warrior women of Bear Island to your Stark army. This box includes 13 pre-assembled, pre-colored plastic miniatures with a unit card, attachment card, and movement tray. The concept alone makes them a standout: an all-female combat unit that embodies the rugged independence of House Mormont.

In gameplay, the She-Bears function as a tough melee unit with solid all-around stats. The included attachment card lets you customize their role on the battlefield. I have used them as a counter-charge unit that sits behind my front line, ready to intercept anything that breaks through. Their morale is strong, and they rarely panic even when taking heavy fire.

The sculpting quality matches the best in the ASOIAF range. Each figure has individual character details that make the unit feel alive. The softer plastic does not break easily and takes paint well, which is a blessing if you like to customize your army’s appearance.

With 4.8 stars across 226 reviews and 87 percent five-star ratings, these are proven crowd-pleasers. Some players have noted the shield symbols are House Tully fish rather than Mormont bear, which is a minor lore inaccuracy. For most gamers this is a non-issue, but lore purists should be aware.

She-Bears in Competitive Lists

The She-Bears shine in lists that need a versatile melee unit that can hold its own against both infantry and cavalry. Their balanced stat line means they do not have an obvious weakness for opponents to exploit. Pair them with a Mormont Bruisers box for a themed Bear Island contingent that is both fun and effective.

She-Bears vs Mormont Bruisers Comparison

The She-Bears offer more versatility and come with an attachment card, while the Mormont Bruisers are a pure melee specialist unit with a perfect 5.0 rating. If you want flexibility, go She-Bears. If you want raw melee damage, go Bruisers. Running both gives you a devastating Bear Island faction within your Stark army.

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8. Umber Greataxes – Tournament-Ready Melee Specialists

Pros

  • Highly detailed fine sculpting
  • Pre-assembled ready to use
  • New tactical options
  • Thematic medieval experience
  • Excellent for tournament play

Cons

  • Only 1 left in stock typically
  • No cons noted by reviewers
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The Umber Greataxes are a melee specialist unit that has earned a reputation for devastating tournament performance. Players report one-shotting multiple enemy unit types with a single well-positioned Greataxes charge. This box includes 12 pre-assembled plastic miniatures, a movement tray, and unit cards in English, German, French, and Spanish.

What separates the Greataxes from the Berserkers is consistency. While Berserkers scale with casualties, the Greataxes deliver high, reliable melee damage from the first roll. Their attack dice pool is strong out of the gate, making them a more predictable choice for players who prefer planned assaults over reactive play.

The multilingual edition is a thoughtful touch that makes this unit accessible to players across Europe and beyond. Each component is included in four languages, so you can share rules with international opponents or play while traveling.

At 4.8 stars across 44 reviews with zero reported cons, this is one of the most universally liked units in the Stark roster. The consistently low stock, often down to a single unit, confirms that competitive players snap these up quickly.

Greataxes in Tournament Lists

Tournament players frequently run Umber Greataxes as their primary melee hammer unit. Pair them with a hero attachment for extra hitting power, and use Sworn Swords or Winterfell Guards to screen their advance. Their damage output is high enough to threaten any unit in the game, making them a priority target your opponent must address.

Greataxes vs Berserkers for Competitive Play

For tournaments, the Greataxes are generally considered the safer pick because their damage is consistent regardless of board state. The Berserkers can be stronger in the right circumstances but are more vulnerable to being killed before they scale. Many top players run one of each, using the Greataxes as the primary attacker and the Berserkers as a threat that demands attention.

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9. Mormont Bruisers – Perfect 5.0 Rated Melee Unit

Pros

  • Perfect 5.0 rating from all reviewers
  • Dedicated melee that punishes enemies
  • 12 highly detailed miniatures
  • Pre-colored and ready to play
  • Prime eligible

Cons

  • Very limited stock availability
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The Mormont Bruisers hold the distinction of being the only product in this lineup with a perfect 5.0-star rating. Every single reviewer gave this product top marks. That kind of unanimous praise is rare in tabletop gaming, and it reflects how well this unit performs both on and off the table.

As a dedicated melee unit, the Bruisers are designed to get into close combat and punish enemies. Their light shields and punching spikes give them a unique combat profile that differentiates them from other Stark melee options. They hit hard, they are durable enough to survive counter-attacks, and they look great doing it.

The 12 pre-colored plastic miniatures come ready for the table with no assembly required. The detail on these sculpts is excellent, with each figure showing the rugged, brawling character of Bear Island warriors. The soft plastic is durable and takes paint well for players who want to customize.

With only 4 units typically left in stock, this is a product that moves fast. If you see it available, do not hesitate. The combination of perfect reviews, strong gameplay performance, and limited availability makes this one of the most sought-after Stark units.

When to Use Mormont Bruisers

Deploy Bruisers as your primary melee assault unit. They are best used to charge into the heart of the enemy formation and cause maximum disruption. Unlike the She-Bears which are versatile, the Bruisers have one job and they do it exceptionally well: breaking enemy units in melee combat.

Building a Bear Island Themed Force

Combining Mormont Bruisers with Mormont She-Bears and a Mormont-themed hero attachment creates a flavorful and effective Bear Island force within your Stark army. Both units complement each other well, with the She-Bears holding positions and the Bruisers charging in to finish weakened enemies.

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10. Thorn Watch – Elite Guardians of the North

Pros

  • Elite soldiers with discipline
  • Versatile as defenders or shock troops
  • Crossbow proficiency for ranged threat
  • Officially licensed and compatible
  • Perfect 5.0 rating

Cons

  • Only 2 typically in stock
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The Thorn Watch brings an elite guardian unit to House Stark that fills a unique niche: a unit that can serve as both a ranged threat and a melee defender. This versatility makes them one of the most tactically flexible units in the Stark roster. You get 13 pre-assembled miniatures, a unit card, an attachment card, and a movement tray.

Their crossbow proficiency means they can soften up approaching enemies before finishing them in melee. This two-phase combat style is rare for Stark units, which typically specialize in one combat type. Having a unit that can effectively fight at range and in close quarters gives you more options during every activation.

The Thorn Watch can be deployed as elite shock troops to lead an assault, or as disciplined defenders holding a critical position. This flexibility means you can adjust their role between games without changing your army composition. I have used them both ways and found them effective in each role.

At 5.0 stars across 23 reviews, the Thorn Watch has earned universal praise. The combination of versatility, sculpt quality, and gameplay effectiveness makes this a unit that experienced Stark players should not overlook. Stock is extremely limited with typically only 2 remaining at any time.

Thorn Watch in Defensive Lists

For defensive army builds, place the Thorn Watch on elevated terrain with good sight lines. Their crossbows can harass enemies at range while your melee units advance. When enemies close in, the Thorn Watch transitions seamlessly to melee defense. This makes them ideal for scenario-based games where holding a specific position is the objective.

Thorn Watch as Shock Troops

In aggressive builds, advance the Thorn Watch alongside your Berserkers or Greataxes. Use crossbow fire to weaken targets before your melee units charge in. The attachment card lets you further specialize them for either role, making them adaptable to whatever strategy the battle demands.

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11. Winterfell Guards – Frontline Infantry for Strategic Players

Pros

  • Pre-assembled and ready for play
  • Ideal for flanking maneuvers
  • Competitive game system compatible
  • All pieces arrive undamaged

Cons

  • Smaller review pool at 8 reviews
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The Winterfell Guards bring a frontline infantry option that excels at flanking maneuvers and supporting your main battle line. This unit of 13 pre-assembled miniatures includes a unit card, attachment card, and movement tray. With a perfect 5.0 rating across 8 reviews, every buyer has been satisfied with their purchase.

What distinguishes Winterfell Guards from other Stark infantry is their tactical design. They are not meant to bear the brunt of enemy assaults like Sworn Swords. Instead, they work best on the flanks, exploiting gaps in the enemy line and supporting your main force from advantageous positions.

The mix of veteran and young warrior sculpts gives this unit visual character on the table. Each miniature is pre-assembled with intricate detail, ready for painting or direct gameplay. The attached movement tray makes deployment quick and organized.

Because this is a newer release with fewer reviews, it has not yet received the same level of community validation as older units. However, the perfect rating from all reviewers so far is a strong early indicator. Prime eligibility is a bonus for fast shipping.

How to Use Winterfell Guards Effectively

Never send Winterfell Guards straight into the center of the enemy line. Their strength lies in flanking. Deploy them on one side of your formation, advance them along the edge of the battlefield, and use them to hit enemy units from the side while your main force engages from the front. This pincer movement is devastating when executed correctly.

Winterfell Guards vs Sworn Swords

Sworn Swords are your front-line holders for straight-up fights. Winterfell Guards are your maneuver element for flanking and exploitation. Both have a place in a well-rounded Stark army. If you are choosing between them for your first infantry purchase, Sworn Swords are more straightforward. Add Guards as your second or third infantry box for tactical depth.

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12. Karstark Loyalists – Devoted Vassals of House Stark

SIF: Karstark Loyalists

★★★★★
4.7 / 5

13 Miniatures

1 Attachment Card

Loyal Vassals

Pre-Assembled

Plastic

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Pros

  • Highly detailed miniatures
  • Loyal vassals strengthen Stark armies
  • Prime eligible with decent stock

Cons

  • Box may arrive damaged
  • Limited use in current meta
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The Karstark Loyalists represent the devoted warriors of House Karstark, bannermen to House Stark. This unit box includes 13 plastic miniatures with a unit card, attachment card, and movement tray. The sculpting quality matches the high standards of the ASOIAF range, with detailed armor and weapon sculpts that bring these Northern warriors to life.

In gameplay, the Karstark Loyalists serve as a solid mid-tier infantry unit. They are not as specialized as the Umber units or as versatile as the Mormont options, but they provide reliable numbers and a decent stat line. The included attachment card adds customization potential that can tailor them to specific roles.

The theme of loyalty runs through both the lore and the mechanics. These units work well when paired with other Karstark-themed content like the Spearmen, creating a sub-faction within your Stark army that has its own identity on the table.

At 4.7 stars across 21 reviews with 82 percent five-star ratings, buyers are generally pleased. Some reviewers noted packaging issues, so inspect the box when it arrives. The main gameplay concern is that other infantry options like Sworn Swords and Winterfell Guards may offer more tactical flexibility in the current meta.

Karstark Loyalists for Themed Armies

If you are building a fluff-accurate Northern army, the Karstark Loyalists are essential. They represent the bannermen who ride with the Stark host, and their presence on the table tells a story. Pair them with Karstark Spearmen and a Karstark-themed commander for a fully themed Northern vassal force.

Loyalists vs Other Infantry Options

Compared to Sworn Swords, the Loyalists are slightly less versatile but more thematically specific. For competitive play, Sworn Swords generally offer better value. For casual and themed games, the Loyalists add character and narrative depth that generic units cannot match.

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13. Karstark Spearmen – Defensive Specialists with Spears and Shields

Pros

  • Defensive bonuses when holding position
  • Can push enemies and cause wounds
  • Pre-colored miniatures ready to play

Cons

  • Defense stat weak at 4+
  • Low morale at 6+
  • Limited meta effectiveness
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The Karstark Spearmen offer House Stark a defensive infantry option that gains bonuses when waiting for the enemy to come to them. Armed with spears and large shields, these 12 pre-colored miniatures are designed to hold ground and punish attackers. Their push ability can displace enemies and cause automatic wounds, which is a useful tool for controlling the battlefield.

I tested these in several games where I needed a unit to sit on an objective and refuse to leave. The defensive bonuses when holding position are meaningful, giving them extra staying power against charges. However, their base defense stat of 4+ is lower than ideal for a dedicated defensive unit, which means they need support from attachments or nearby heroes to truly shine.

The morale stat of 6+ is another concern. In a faction known for strong morale, the Spearmen feel more fragile than expected. One bad round of combat can send them routing, which is frustrating for a unit that is supposed to hold the line.

Despite these stat concerns, the miniatures themselves are well-sculpted with good detail. The spear and shield poses look convincing and the unit fills a thematic role in Karstark-themed armies. At 4.7 stars with limited stock, they remain popular despite their competitive limitations.

When Karstark Spearmen Work Best

The Spearmen excel in scenarios where you know the enemy must come to you. In objective-based games where holding a specific point wins the match, park the Spearmen on the objective with a defensive attachment and dare your opponent to dig them out. Their push ability helps create space when enemies get too close.

How to Support Spearmen Effectively

Always pair Karstark Spearmen with a morale-boosting attachment or a nearby NCU that can stabilize their resolve. Their low morale is their biggest weakness, and one failed panic test can lose you the objective they were defending. Keep a hero nearby to inspire them, and use terrain to limit the number of attacks they face each round.

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14. Stark Unit Attachments Box I – Enhance Every Unit in Your Army

Pros

  • 11 miniatures for unit customization
  • Iconic characters like Robb Stark
  • Great price point for content
  • High quality detailed miniatures

Cons

  • Contains duplicate figures
  • Limited use if you own heroes packs
  • Requires priming before painting
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The Stark Unit Attachments Box I provides 11 miniatures and 11 attachment cards that let you upgrade and customize your Stark units. Notable characters include Robb Stark and Brynden Tully, both of whom bring powerful abilities to whatever unit they are attached to. This box is about maximizing the effectiveness of units you already own.

I found this box most useful for building specific army lists where I needed certain attachment combinations. Instead of buying multiple hero sets to get one specific attachment, this box gives you a focused collection of attachment options in a single purchase. The variety of abilities means you can tailor your army to counter different opponents.

The quality of the miniatures is solid, with good detail on each figure. However, be aware that the box contains duplicate figures, meaning you get 2 copies of each sculpt. This is useful if you want to run the same attachment on different units, but it means the actual variety is lower than the 11-miniature count suggests.

At 4.4 stars across 30 reviews, this is the lowest-rated product in the Stark lineup, primarily because of the duplicate issue and overlap with heroes packs. If you already own Heroes I and Heroes II, you may find limited additional value here. For new players building their first army, it offers useful customization options at a fair price.

Who Benefits Most from This Box

New players who do not yet own any hero expansions will get the most value from the Attachments Box. It provides a wide range of attachment options without requiring multiple hero set purchases. Experienced players who already own the hero sets should check the card list carefully before buying to avoid redundancy.

Best Attachments in This Set

Robb Stark is the standout attachment, offering strong leadership abilities that boost nearby units. Brynden Tully adds cavalry support options that pair well with Outriders. The remaining attachments provide situational bonuses that can be slotted into specific army builds for targeted strategies.

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15. Stark Faction Pack – Updated Cards for Tournament Play

Pros

  • Required for tournament play
  • Updated mission and objective cards
  • Adds variety to gameplay

Cons

  • Some cards outdated since update
  • Contains erratas
  • May not be needed if you own certain packs
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The Stark Faction Pack is a cards-only expansion that includes 43 attachment cards, 6 NCU cards, 56 tactics cards, 20 unit cards, 24 objective cards, and 10 secret mission cards. This pack is designed to update your Stark army to the current card versions required for organized tournament play.

If you plan to play in ASOIAF tournaments, this faction pack is mandatory. It contains the updated versions of cards that have been errata’d since their original release in unit boxes and hero sets. Tournament organizers check for current card versions, so having this pack ensures your army is legal for competitive events.

For casual players, the value is less clear. The updated cards do add variety to your gameplay options, and the new objective and secret mission cards can refresh scenario play. However, several reviewers note that some cards in this pack have already been superseded by newer updates, which is frustrating for a product designed to keep your collection current.

At 4.3 stars across 80 reviews, this is the most mixed product in the Stark range. The 66 percent five-star rating indicates most buyers are satisfied, but the 10 percent combined two-star and one-star ratings reflect genuine concerns about card currency. Check the latest errata documents before purchasing to confirm which cards you actually need.

Faction Pack for Tournament Players

Tournament players should consider this pack essential. Even if some cards have been updated again, the majority of the content remains valid for organized play. The convenience of having all updated cards in one pack outweighs the cost of tracking down individual errata prints.

Faction Pack for Casual Players

Casual players can skip this pack unless you want the expanded objective and mission cards. The card updates matter most in competitive settings where exact wording determines rules interactions. For friendly games, the original cards from your unit boxes work fine with any errata printed from the official CMON website.

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How to Choose the Right Stark Army Units?

Building a House Stark army for the ASOIAF miniatures game requires understanding your play style, your budget, and the role each unit fills. After testing these units extensively, I can offer some practical guidance to help you make smart purchasing decisions.

Start with the Starter Set. This is non-negotiable for new players. The Stark Starter Set gives you a complete army with 55 miniatures, rules, dice, and everything needed to play. No other single purchase provides as much value for someone entering the game. Play at least 5 games with the starter contents before buying anything else.

Add heroes before combat units. The Stark Heroes I and II sets give you attachment cards that upgrade every unit in your army. Stark’s strength lies in strong attachments, so expanding your attachment pool early pays dividends across all your games. I recommend Heroes II first because it offers more community-validated options at a similar price.

Choose combat units based on your style. If you prefer aggressive play, pick up Umber Berserkers and Umber Greataxes for devastating melee power. If you favor defensive strategies, Karstark Spearmen and Winterfell Guards give you strong objective holders. For balanced players, Sworn Swords and Mormont She-Bears offer versatility without specialization.

Consider cavalry and ranged units for tactical depth. Stark Outriders add speed, and the Thorn Watch adds ranged capability. Both fill gaps in the default Stark roster and give you more options during list construction. Add these after you have your core infantry and heroes in place.

The Faction Pack and Attachments Box are refinements, not essentials. These products enhance an existing collection rather than starting one. Buy them when you have a specific need for their contents, such as tournament preparation or a particular attachment combination for your army list.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most powerful army in Game of Thrones?

In the ASOIAF Tabletop Miniatures Game, House Stark is widely considered one of the strongest factions due to their powerful one-point attachments, strong morale mechanics, and versatile unit roster. Their defensive playstyle combined with access to devastating melee units like Umber Berserkers and Greataxes makes them a top-tier tournament faction.

Which Stark commander is best for beginners?

Greatjon Umber is the most beginner-friendly Stark commander according to community consensus on Reddit. His Aggressive playstyle is straightforward and teaches new players how to position melee units effectively. Eddard Stark is another excellent choice, offering strong Sworn Swords support and healing abilities that are forgiving of positioning mistakes.

How do I build a balanced Stark army?

A balanced Stark army starts with the Starter Set as your foundation, then adds 1-2 hero expansions for attachment options, a dedicated melee unit like Umber Berserkers or Greataxes, and one fast unit like Stark Outriders for flanking. Aim for a mix of infantry to hold objectives, heroes to boost units, and a cavalry or ranged element for tactical flexibility.

How many soldiers did the Starks have in the lore?

In George R.R. Martin’s novels, House Stark can raise approximately 20,000 soldiers from the North when calling all their bannermen. This includes forces from houses like Umber, Karstark, Mormont, and Glover. The tabletop game represents a small portion of this force, with typical army sizes of 30-50 miniatures representing a commander’s personal retinue in battle.

Final Thoughts on Building Your Stark Army

House Stark remains one of the most rewarding factions in the ASOIAF Tabletop Miniatures Game, offering a playstyle built on resilience, strong attachments, and punishing melee combat. The best A Song of Ice and Fire Stark armies combine a solid infantry core from the Starter Set with hero attachments from the Heroes I and II sets, then add specialized units like Umber Berserkers and Thorn Watch for tactical depth.

Start with the Starter Set, expand with Heroes II, and branch out based on your preferred play style. The North remembers, and with the right units on the table, your opponents will remember too. Every product on this list has been tested by real players and carries strong community ratings, so you can buy with confidence knowing these units perform as advertised.

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