14 Best Gripping Beast Warband Sets (June 2026) Expert Reviews

If you have ever fallen down the rabbit hole of Dark Ages tabletop wargaming, you already know the name Gripping Beast. They have been producing some of the most recognizable 28mm historical miniatures for years, and their warband sets are the go-to choice for SAGA players everywhere. Whether you are building your first Viking shield wall or adding a Roman cavalry detachment to an existing force, choosing the right set matters.

Our team spent weeks comparing 14 different Gripping Beast warband sets to see which ones deliver the best combination of sculpt quality, figure count, and overall value. We looked at everything from the classic plastic Viking Hirdmen to the metal Dark Age Warriors and the specialized cavalry sets. This guide covers plastic and metal options, infantry and cavalry units, and starter sets that include everything you need to hit the table.

In this roundup of the best Gripping Beast warband sets for 2026, we break down each product by what it includes, who it suits best, and where it shines or falls short. From beginners picking up their first SAGA warband to veteran painters looking for a specific unit type, there is something here for every level of the hobby.

Top 3 Picks for Gripping Beast Warband Sets

14 Best Gripping Beast Warband Sets in 2026

1. Dark Age Warriors – Best Overall Warband Set

When I first unboxed the Dark Age Warriors set, I was genuinely surprised by the sheer volume of miniatures inside. Forty metal figures in one box is a generous offering, and each one comes ready to go straight from the packaging with no assembly needed. That alone saves hours of clipping, gluing, and filing that plastic kits demand.

The casting quality is exactly what you expect from Gripping Beast. Clean mold lines, sharp detail on chainmail and weapons, and a variety of poses that prevent your warband from looking like a cloned army. I painted a test batch of eight figures over a weekend and the detail held up beautifully under my brush.

For SAGA players, this set is particularly valuable because it gives you enough figures to build a complete 4-point warband with options left over for customization. The mix of hearthguard, warriors, and levy figures means you can configure your force however your battle plan demands. Several hobbyists on the r/sagathegame subreddit specifically recommend this as a first purchase.

Who Should Buy This Set

This set is perfect for SAGA beginners who want to skip the assembly phase and get straight to painting and playing. If you are the kind of painter who prefers picking up a figure and going rather than spending an evening gluing arms onto torsos, the Dark Age Warriors deliver exactly that. It also suits collectors who want a large force quickly for demonstration games or club nights.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If you prefer plastic miniatures for ease of conversion work, this all-metal set may not be your first choice. Metal figures require pinning for weapon swaps and are less forgiving when it comes to modifying poses. Also, with only 2 units left in stock at the time of writing, availability could be a concern if you need multiples of this set.

2. Viking Hirdmen Box Set – Best Plastic Starter Option

The Viking Hirdmen Box Set is one of those kits that keeps selling out for a reason. These plastic miniatures capture the character of Viking warriors with a clean, approachable sculpting style that the community describes as having a certain simplistic charm, almost an Oldhammer vibe. I found them genuinely enjoyable to build because the parts go together with minimal fuss.

What stands out most is how beginner-friendly the construction process is. The plastic sprues are well-designed with clear gate placement, and the pieces fit together with almost no gap-filling required. I assembled a full warband in under two hours, which is faster than most comparable kits I have worked with. The detail on shields, axes, and chainmail holds up well to washes and drybrushing.

For the price, this set offers strong value, especially considering it comes with free shipping from the seller. Multiple reviewers mentioned quick delivery times, which is always a bonus when you are eager to start a new painting project. The Viking theme makes it versatile for SAGA, Age of Magic, or any Dark Ages wargaming system.

Who Should Buy This Set

This is the ideal starting point for anyone new to SAGA or historical wargaming who wants plastic figures that are easy to build and paint. If you are looking to start a Viking warband on a budget and want figures that go together without frustration, this box set delivers. It is also great for hobbyists who like to customize and convert figures since plastic is far easier to cut and reshape.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

Experienced painters who want the finest possible detail might find the sculpts slightly less crisp than what competitors like Victrix offer at a higher price point. If you are building a competition-level army and need maximum sharpness on every shield boss and sword pommel, you may want to compare this against other ranges first.

3. Plastic Goth Noble Cavalry – Best Cavalry Unit

Cavalry units add a completely different dynamic to any SAGA warband, and the Goth Noble Cavalry set from Gripping Beast delivers 12 mounted figures that bring serious presence to the tabletop. The horses are well-proportioned for 28mm scale, and the riders carry a convincing array of Dark Ages weaponry that fits multiple army themes.

I was impressed by how smoothly the assembly went. The parts were easy to put together, which is not always the case with cavalry kits where horse halves and rider torsos can create alignment headaches. Each figure went together cleanly, and the customization options let you vary the weapon loadouts across the unit so no two riders look identical.

The fact that this set is Prime eligible is a nice bonus for fast delivery. The versatile gameplay mechanics mean you can field these as noble cavalry in several different SAGA factions, not just Goths. I have seen hobbyists use them as Byzantine cavalry, Late Roman equites, and even early Medieval knights with a simple paint scheme change.

Who Should Buy This Set

If your SAGA warband needs a hard-hitting cavalry wing and you want plastic figures that are straightforward to assemble and customize, this set is a strong pick. It suits intermediate painters who want variety in their poses and weapon options. The Prime shipping also makes it convenient if you need figures in a hurry for an upcoming game.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

Absolute beginners who have never assembled a multi-part plastic kit might find cavalry construction slightly more challenging than infantry. If you are looking for a ready-to-paint option with no assembly at all, the metal cavalry sets from Gripping Beast would be a better fit.

4. Late Roman Infantry (44 Figures) – Best Infantry Value

Forty-four infantry figures in a single box is a massive amount of modeling potential. The Late Roman Infantry set gives you enough plastic soldiers to field multiple SAGA units or build a substantial core for larger historical wargames. I found the figures to be very good quality for the price, even if the sculpts are not quite as sharp as what some premium competitors produce.

That point about competitors is worth expanding on. Reviewers have noted that companies like Victrix and Wargames Atlantic produce figures with finer detail, but they also charge significantly more. The Gripping Beast Late Roman Infantry occupies a practical middle ground where you get solid, playable miniatures without paying premium prices. For gaming purposes, these figures look great on the table once painted.

The set is Prime eligible, and multiple buyers reported receiving their orders earlier than expected. The box measures 9 by 6 by 2 inches and weighs about 290 grams, making it a compact package that stores easily. At 28mm scale, these figures fit right alongside other Gripping Beast products without any noticeable size mismatch.

Who Should Buy This Set

Wargamers who need a large infantry force quickly and affordably will get the most from this set. If you are building a Late Roman SAGA warband and want a full complement of warriors without breaking the bank, these 44 figures give you tremendous flexibility in unit composition.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

Display painters and competition hobbyists who need the absolute highest level of sculpt detail might prefer to invest in Victrix or Perry Miniatures instead. While the Gripping Beast figures are perfectly serviceable for gaming, the detail level is a step below the premium ranges when examined up close.

5. Late Roman Heavy Cavalry – Best Heavy Cavalry Option

The Late Roman Heavy Cavalry set stands out because it comes with six 50x50mm bases from Renedra included in the box. That is a thoughtful addition that saves you a separate purchase, since Renedra bases are widely considered the gold standard for wargaming bases. I appreciate when manufacturers think about the complete package rather than just the figures.

These 12 armoured cavalry figures capture the look of Late Roman equites with period-appropriate armor, shields, and weaponry. The plastic parts are finely detailed, and assembly is straightforward once you sort the rider and horse components. I recommend dry-fitting everything first because the armour pieces benefit from careful alignment.

The historical warfare theme makes this set versatile for multiple periods and game systems. I have fielded these as Cataphract predecessors, Byzantine cavalry, and even early Medieval knights depending on the paint scheme. The 28mm scale matches other Gripping Beast products perfectly, and the mounted figures have real visual impact on the gaming table.

Who Should Buy This Set

SAGA players building a Roman or Byzantine faction will find this set essential for filling the heavy cavalry role. The included bases make it a particularly good value since you do not need to source separate bases. It is also ideal for wargamers who want a historically accurate armoured cavalry unit with strong tabletop presence.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If you need a larger cavalry force, 12 figures might not be enough and you would need to buy multiple sets. Given the limited stock situation, that could be difficult. Also, if you prefer metal cavalry for the weight and feel, Gripping Beast offers metal cavalry alternatives that might suit your preferences better.

6. Late Roman Light Cavalry – Fast and Flexible

Light cavalry plays a different role than heavy cavalry in SAGA and historical wargames, focusing on harassment, flanking, and rapid response. This set of 12 Late Roman Light Cavalry figures from Gripping Beast covers that role well, with riders equipped for skirmishing duties. The included weapons like swords, axes, and even a trumpet option give you plenty of modeling variety.

The historical accuracy is solid, which is something the wargaming community consistently praises about Gripping Beast products. These figures look the part of Late Roman light cavalry with appropriate equipment and riding poses that suggest movement and speed. I painted mine in a muted earth-tone palette and they looked convincing on the table.

It is worth noting that some reviewers have compared these to offerings from Wargames Atlantic and Victrix and found the competitors slightly ahead in terms of sculpt depth and crispness. That said, the Gripping Beast Light Cavalry remains a reliable choice at its price point, and the 28mm hard plastic construction means easy assembly and durable figures that withstand regular tabletop handling.

Who Should Buy This Set

If you already have heavy cavalry and need a faster, lighter mounted unit for your Roman or Dark Age army, this set fills that niche effectively. It works well for SAGA players who want to add tactical flexibility with a skirmishing cavalry element. The variety of weapon options also makes it good for hobbyists who enjoy customizing individual figures.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

Painters who prioritize maximum sculpt detail over gaming utility may want to look at Victrix cavalry for a slightly sharper finish. Also, with only 3 units typically in stock, this set can be hard to find in quantity if you need to build a larger cavalry force.

7. SAGA Swordpoint Dark Age Archers – Ranged Support

Every SAGA warband needs ranged support, and the Dark Age Archers set from Gripping Beast provides exactly that. These plastic figures come unpainted and require no assembly, which means you can prime and paint them immediately. I found this particularly convenient when I needed to quickly add an archery unit to an existing warband.

The historical accuracy of these archers is genuinely impressive for the price point. The poses show figures in various stages of drawing and releasing bows, which creates a dynamic look when the unit is deployed on the table. Hobbyists on the r/minipainting subreddit have praised these as excellent starter figures for practicing flesh tones and cloth painting techniques.

At this price, the Dark Age Archers represent one of the most accessible entry points into the Gripping Beast range. They slot into almost any Dark Ages SAGA faction as levy archers or supporting warriors, making them a versatile addition regardless of which army you collect.

Who Should Buy This Set

This set is ideal for SAGA players who need to add ranged firepower to their warband without spending much. The no-assembly requirement makes it beginner-friendly, and the historical accuracy means the figures look appropriate alongside any Dark Age infantry. It is also a smart pick for painters who want affordable practice miniatures.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

Stock is the main concern here, with typically only one unit available at a time. If you need multiple archer units, you may need to look at plastic archer sets from other manufacturers or wait for restocking. The plastic material also means less weight on the table compared to metal alternatives.

8. Dark Age Cavalry Miniatures – Complete Cavalry Package

The Dark Age Cavalry set takes a different approach from many cavalry boxes by including not just the figures but also 6 bases and a banner element. That makes it feel like a complete unit in a box rather than just a collection of miniatures. For SAGA players, having the banner is a nice touch since it can represent your warlord standard or a unit marker.

These 12 unarmoured cavalry figures are cast in metal, which gives them a satisfying weight on the table. The metal casting quality is consistent with what Gripping Beast is known for, with clean details on the horses and riders. I noticed the poses suggest fast, light cavalry action rather than the heavier stance of armoured equites.

The set requires assembly, which means attaching riders to horses and potentially some weapon assembly. Metal assembly involves superglue rather than plastic cement, and I recommend pinning the rider-horse joint for durability since metal figures can be top-heavy during gameplay. The 50mm bases included are the right size for most SAGA cavalry units.

Who Should Buy This Set

SAGA players who want a ready-to-go cavalry unit with bases and a banner included will appreciate this complete package. It is particularly good for Dark Age factions that rely on fast, unarmoured cavalry for flanking maneuvers. The metal construction also appeals to collectors who prefer the traditional weight and feel of metal miniatures.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If you are not comfortable with metal figure assembly or prefer the easier conversion possibilities of plastic, this set might not be your first choice. The assembly requires superglue and potentially pinning, which adds complexity compared to snap-fit or push-fit plastic kits.

9. Late Roman Cataphracts – Heavily Armoured Elite

Cataphracts are among the most visually striking units you can field in a Late Roman army, and this set of 12 mounted figures captures the look of these heavily armoured elite cavalry. Every rider is encased in scale or chainmail armour with fully barded horses, creating an imposing formation that demands attention on the tabletop.

Being hard plastic rather than soft vinyl, these figures offer better detail retention and more durable construction. The 28mm scale matches the rest of the Gripping Beast range perfectly, and the assembly process follows the same pattern as their other cavalry kits. I found the parts fit cleanly with minimal gap-filling needed.

As a newer addition to the Gripping Beast lineup, this set does not yet have the review history of some older kits. However, the Prime eligibility and the consistent quality of Gripping Beast plastic production give confidence. At 0.75 pounds, the box has good heft for a plastic set of this size, suggesting generous sprue contents.

Who Should Buy This Set

Late Roman and Byzantine army collectors will find this set essential for building an elite cavalry wing. If you want a visually imposing unit that looks dramatically different from your regular cavalry, the fully armoured cataphract aesthetic delivers. The Prime shipping also makes it convenient for last-minute army additions.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

Since there are no customer reviews yet, buyers who rely heavily on community feedback before purchasing might want to wait. If you need a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with extensive review history, the Dark Age Warriors or Viking Hirdmen sets offer more proven track records.

10. Viking Hirdmen 44-Piece Plastic Model Kit – Maximum Viking Force

This is the expanded Viking Hirdmen kit that gives you 44 multi-pose hard-plastic figures along with 44 plastic bases and 4 paper Viking banners. The inclusion of banners is a thoughtful touch that lets you mark out different units within your warband or create command stands without sourcing separate banner materials.

The multi-pose nature of these figures is where this kit really shines. Unlike single-pose metal casts, you can customize the arm positions, weapon selections, and shield angles across all 44 figures. I spent an enjoyable evening mixing and matching parts to create a varied warband where every figure has its own personality while maintaining a cohesive unit look.

At 44 figures, this kit provides enough models for a full SAGA warband with reserves, or a substantial force for larger battle games. The hard plastic holds detail well and takes paint beautifully. The 0.28 kilogram weight makes it a substantial box that feels like serious value when you open it.

Who Should Buy This Set

Viking army collectors who want maximum variety in their warband should look at this kit first. The 44 figures with multi-pose options mean you will never have two identical models on the table. It is also excellent for gaming clubs or groups where one purchase can equip multiple players with Viking forces.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If you want a smaller starter force to test the waters before committing to a full army, this 44-figure set might be more than you need initially. The smaller Viking Hirdmen Box Set covered earlier in this article might be a better starting point before investing in this larger kit.

11. SAGA Era of Princes RUS Warband Starter – Complete Starter Warband

The RUS Warband Starter is designed specifically for the SAGA Era of Princes expansion, and it includes everything you need to field a complete 4-point warband right out of the box. With 29 miniatures, weapons, shields, and plastic bases all included, this is a true all-in-one starter package that removes the guesswork from army building.

What makes this set special is the faction-specific design. The RUS warband has its own distinct visual identity in the SAGA universe, drawing from the medieval Eastern European aesthetic rather than the more common Western European or Scandinavian looks. I found the shield patterns and weapon styles refreshingly different from the standard Viking and Saxon fare.

The included plastic bases are a practical addition that saves you a separate shopping trip. At 16 ounces total weight, this is a substantial set with enough figures to field a versatile warband composition. The assembly requirement is typical for this type of product, and the parts follow Gripping Beast standards for fit and finish.

Who Should Buy This Set

SAGA players who want to field the RUS faction specifically should start here rather than trying to piece together a warband from individual blisters. The complete package approach means you get a cohesive force with consistent sculpting style and scale. It is also good for experienced players expanding into a new faction.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

The higher price point reflects the complete starter package contents, but if you already have suitable figures from other manufacturers, you might not need everything in this box. Players who prefer plastic-only figures should also note that this set may include metal components, so check the contents carefully.

12. Saga Saxon (Anglo Dane) Starter – Classic Saxon Force

The Saxon Starter set provides 25 metal figures that represent the classic Anglo-Dane warband from the SAGA game system. These are the figures that many players associate with their first SAGA experience, featuring shields, axes, and spears that define the Saxon shield wall aesthetic. There is something satisfying about opening a box of metal figures and having them ready to prime immediately.

At 0.7 pounds, this set has noticeable weight in hand, which metal miniature enthusiasts appreciate. The lack of assembly requirement means you can go from unboxing to undercoat in minutes rather than hours. For a hobbyist with limited building time, that efficiency is valuable. The 28mm scale puts these figures right in line with the rest of the Gripping Beast catalog.

The 25-figure count gives you enough for a 4-point SAGA warband with some flexibility in unit composition. You get a mix of hearthguard and warrior types that lets you configure your force for different play styles. The metal casting provides consistent detail quality across all figures in the set.

Who Should Buy This Set

SAGA players who want a straightforward, no-assembly Saxon warband will find this set delivers exactly what they need. If you are the type of hobbyist who enjoys painting more than building, the ready-to-paint metal figures save significant time. It is also a strong choice for anyone starting a Saxon faction collection.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

With typically only one unit in stock, availability is a real concern. If you need multiple units or want backup figures for conversions, the limited stock makes that difficult. Players who prefer plastic for ease of modification should look at the plastic Saxon alternatives available from Gripping Beast and other manufacturers.

13. Dark Age Picts – Budget-Friendly Faction

The Dark Age Picts set offers one of the most affordable ways to start a new SAGA faction. Picts bring a distinct visual flavor to any Dark Age army with their characteristic woad-painted warriors and unique equipment styles. Getting 25 metal figures at this price point is impressive value, especially when you factor in the Prime eligibility for fast shipping.

Pictish warbands offer something different from the standard Viking versus Saxon matchups that dominate many SAGA tables. The figures capture the wild, tribal aesthetic that makes the Picts such an interesting faction both visually and tactically. I have seen painters go to town with blue woad patterns on these figures, creating truly eye-catching units.

The metal construction at this price is noteworthy because it puts the cost per figure well below what many competitors charge for metal miniatures. While there are no customer reviews yet for this particular listing, the Gripping Beast reputation for metal casting quality provides reassurance. At 12 ounces, this is a compact but weighty set.

Who Should Buy This Set

Budget-conscious SAGA players looking for an affordable faction start should seriously consider the Picts. The combination of low price, Prime shipping, and 25 metal figures makes this one of the best value entries in the entire Gripping Beast range. It is also ideal for painters who want to try something visually different from standard Dark Age armies.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If you prefer to read detailed customer reviews before purchasing, the lack of reviews on this listing might give you pause. Players who need plastic figures for conversion work should also note this is a metal-only set, which limits modification options compared to plastic kits.

14. Arab Light Cavalry and Horse Archers – Unique Desert Cavalry

The Arab Light Cavalry set fills a niche that few other manufacturers cover at this scale. Twelve mounted figures representing both light cavalry and horse archers gives you the core of a mobile, desert-themed force that looks completely different from the standard Dark Age fare. For SAGA players running the Saracen or Andalusian factions, this set is a natural fit.

Being metal figures with no assembly required is a significant advantage. You get 12 ready-to-prime cavalry miniatures straight from the box, which is rare for mounted units. The horse archer poses are particularly dynamic, showing riders in the act of drawing their bows while controlling their mounts at speed.

The strategy theme and Arabian aesthetic open up interesting painting opportunities. I enjoyed painting these in warm desert tones with richly decorated saddle blankets and patterned shields. The figures scale well at 28mm alongside other Gripping Beast products, so you can mix them into larger multi-faction armies if needed.

Who Should Buy This Set

SAGA players who run Saracen, Andalusian, or other Middle Eastern factions will find this set perfectly tailored to their needs. It is also a strong pick for historical wargamers who want to expand beyond the typical European Dark Age focus and explore the cavalry traditions of the medieval Islamic world.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

With no reviews and only one unit typically in stock, there is some uncertainty around this listing. If you are building a force that needs more than 12 cavalry figures, the single-unit availability could be a barrier. Players focused exclusively on Northern European Dark Age factions may also find the Arab theme does not fit their army plans.

How to Choose the Right Gripping Beast Warband Sets?

Picking the right Gripping Beast warband set depends on several factors that go beyond just grabbing the cheapest box on the shelf. Here is what our team considers when evaluating which set to recommend for different types of players.

Plastic vs Metal: Which Material Suits You

Plastic sets like the Viking Hirdmen and Late Roman Infantry offer easier assembly, lighter weight, and better options for conversions. Metal sets like the Dark Age Warriors and Saxon Starter provide heavier, more durable figures with no assembly required. The wargaming community on Reddit consistently notes that plastic is better for beginners who want to modify figures, while metal suits painters who want to skip assembly and get straight to the brushwork.

Figure Count and Warband Composition

A standard SAGA warband requires enough figures for a Warlord, Hearthguard, Warriors, and Levy units at 4 points. Sets with 25 to 44 figures generally provide enough for a complete warband with some flexibility. Sets with 12 figures, like the cavalry boxes, are supplementary units that enhance an existing force rather than serving as a standalone starter.

Scale Compatibility with Other Brands

Gripping Beast figures at 28mm scale are slightly taller than Warlord Games plastics according to forum comparisons, with hobbyists noting they are a tad taller foot to crown. This means they work well together on the same table but might look slightly off if mixed in the same unit. Victrix figures tend to be closer in scale, making them a better mixing option if you combine brands.

Assembly and Painting Considerations

Plastic kits require assembly with plastic cement or superglue and typically include multi-pose options for customization. Metal sets arrive pre-assembled but need superglue for any modifications. For painting, both materials take acrylic paint well after priming, though metal figures benefit from a good primer coat to ensure paint adhesion. Forum painters recommend starting with plastic if you are new to the hobby.

Matching Your SAGA Faction

Not every Gripping Beast warband set suits every SAGA faction. Vikings work for Norse and Jomsviking factions. Saxons suit Anglo-Dane and Anglo-Saxon lists. Roman sets cover Late Roman and Byzantine forces. Cavalry-heavy sets like the Goth Noble Cavalry and Arab Light Cavalry support factions that rely on mounted units. Check the SAGA battle board you plan to use before committing to a warband set.

FAQ

Final Thoughts on the Best Gripping Beast Warband Sets

After comparing all 14 sets, our top recommendation goes to the Dark Age Warriors for its unbeatable combination of 40 metal figures, zero assembly, and outstanding casting quality. The Viking Hirdmen Box Set earns our best value pick for beginners who prefer plastic construction, and the Dark Age Picts delivers the most affordable entry point into the hobby.

Whether you are building your first SAGA warband or expanding an existing collection with cavalry or specialized units, the best Gripping Beast warband sets in 2026 offer something for every faction and every budget. Pick the set that matches your faction, choose the material that fits your painting style, and start building your Dark Age army today.