12 Best Black Powder Regiment Sets (June 2026) Expert Reviews

If you are building a Napoleonic or historical wargaming army, finding the best Black Powder regiment sets makes all the difference between a tabletop force you are proud of and a pile of plastic that never sees paint. Our team has spent months assembling, painting, and fielding dozens of regiment sets from the Warlord Games Black Powder range to figure out which ones deserve your time and money.

Black Powder covers nearly 300 years of warfare, from the War of Spanish Succession through the Napoleonic Wars and into the American Civil War. That breadth means there are dozens of regiment sets available, and not all of them offer the same quality or value. In this guide, we ranked and reviewed 12 of the top Black Powder regiment sets you can buy right now, from massive starter boxes to specialized character miniatures.

Whether you are a newcomer looking for your first box or a veteran wargamer filling out an existing collection, we have tested and compared these sets side by side. We cover everything from sculpt quality and parts variety to assembly difficulty and value per miniature. Let us get into it.

Top 3 Picks for Black Powder Regiment Sets

12 Best Black Powder Regiment Sets in 2026

1. Wellington’s British Army Starter Set – Best Overall Starter

When I first unboxed the Wellington’s British Army Starter Set, I was genuinely surprised by the sheer volume of plastic inside. This set packs 240 miniatures into a single box, which is enough to field a substantial British Napoleonic army right out of the gate. The A5 softback Black Powder Epic Battles rulebook is included, along with game cards, tokens, and even a La Belle Alliance MDF scenery piece that adds immediate tabletop atmosphere.

The figures are 15mm scale (part of the Epic Battles range), which means you can fight genuinely large battles on a reasonable tabletop. I assembled a full infantry brigade in a single evening, and the snap-fit design keeps build time minimal. The detail on these smaller figures impressed me more than I expected, with clear uniform distinctions and recognizable equipment.

One thing worth noting is that the box has a reputation for arriving with dented corners or crushed edges, and my copy was no exception. The miniatures inside were fine, but if you are a collector who values pristine packaging, be aware of this. A few reviewers also reported broken gewehre (musket parts), though I did not experience this personally.

With 84% of reviewers giving this set 5 stars, the community consensus is clear. This is the set I recommend to anyone starting Black Powder Epic Battles. You get enough troops for full-scale engagements, a complete rulebook, and terrain, all in one purchase.

Who should buy this set

This is the ideal first purchase for anyone getting into Black Powder Epic Battles who wants to command British forces at Waterloo. The massive miniature count and included rulebook mean you can start playing immediately without buying anything else. If you want to field large-scale Napoleonic battles without spending a fortune on multiple boxes, this starter set delivers that experience in a single package.

Things to watch out for

The 15mm Epic Battles scale is different from the standard 28mm Black Powder range, so these figures will not mix with your existing 28mm collections. Also, the rulebook is English-only, which may be a consideration for non-English-speaking players. Check the box carefully on arrival for any damage to the contents.

2. American Civil War Guts and Glory Starter Set – Best Civil War Starter

The Guts and Glory starter set brings the American Civil War to your tabletop with a well-rounded force that includes 6 infantry regiments, 1 Zouave regiment, 1 cavalry regiment, 1 dismounted cavalry regiment, 1 skirmisher regiment, and 6 cannons with 6 mounted commanders. That is a genuinely complete army in a single box, and I appreciated having both horse and foot options right from the start.

Warlord Games includes a 36-page American Civil War background booklet with scenarios and supplemental rules, which adds real flavor to games set in this period. The laser-cut MDF Dutch-style barn and snake fences are nice terrain additions that give your battlefield an authentic 1860s feel. Flag sheets for both Union and Confederate forces let you customize your regiments historically.

My main complaint is that every single miniature comes molded in gray plastic. If you want to field both Union and Confederate forces from this box, you need to paint them in different colors yourself. Some reviewers expected blue and gray out of the box, which is not what you get. The included dice are also on the cheap side, so I would recommend picking up a proper set of wargaming dice separately.

Who should buy this set

This set is perfect for wargamers who want to explore the American Civil War period of Black Powder. The variety of unit types, from infantry and cavalry to artillery and skirmishers, gives you tactical flexibility from day one. If you enjoy painting and want a project that covers a full army with both sides represented, this box provides excellent raw material.

Things to watch out for

All figures are the same gray color, so there is no visual distinction between Union and Confederate troops until you paint them. The scale is 15mm Epic Battles, not 28mm. Some reviewers found the included dice and game pieces to be lower quality than expected for the price point.

3. Napoleonic French Line Infantry 1789-1815 – Best French Infantry

Building a French Grande Armee for Black Powder starts with line infantry, and this set gives you a solid foundation. The box contains 20 plastic French infantry figures with options for adding Grenadiers and Voltigeurs, plus a metal command group with 2 officers, a drummer, and a standard bearer. The full-color background leaflet includes several flags, which is a thoughtful inclusion that saves you from sourcing your own.

I assembled this regiment in about 30 minutes, which is remarkably fast for a multi-pose kit. The plastic parts fit together cleanly with minimal filing needed. The metal command figures add real weight and presence to the unit, and the officers in particular have fine facial detail that rewards careful painting.

One thing I noticed immediately is that these figures run slightly smaller than other 28mm ranges on the market. If you are mixing these with Perry Miniatures or Games Workshop historical figures, there will be a noticeable size difference. For a standalone French army, this is not a problem at all, but for mixed forces it is worth knowing about upfront.

With 98 reviews and a 4.3 average, this set has proven itself to the wargaming community. The consensus is that you get good quality for the price, even if the figures are not the largest 28mm sculpts available. I found them enjoyable to paint and they look great ranked up on the tabletop.

Who should buy this set

Anyone building a French Napoleonic army for standard 28mm Black Powder games should start here. The combination of plastic rank-and-file with metal command figures gives you a complete regiment that looks great once painted. If you want an affordable way to add a French line infantry regiment to your collection, this is the go-to option.

Scale compatibility considerations

These figures are slightly smaller and thinner than 28mm miniatures from some other manufacturers. If you plan to mix them with Perry Miniatures or Victrix figures in the same units, the height difference may be noticeable. For a pure Warlord Games French army, they look perfectly consistent together. Pair them with the Late French Line Infantry set for variety within your force.

4. Woodland Indians Tribe – Best Skirmisher Force

The Woodland Indians Tribe set brings something different to a Black Powder collection. These 24 multi-pose plastic figures represent Native American warriors from the American War of Independence period, and they add an irregular, skirmishing element that can really change how your battles play out on the tabletop. The variety of armaments, from muskets to tomahawks, gives you options for how to equip each figure.

I found the detail on these miniatures to be impressive for the price point. The facial features are expressive, the clothing folds look natural, and the weapons have fine detailing. Multiple reviewers compare the quality to Games Workshop products, which is high praise at this price level. The interchangeable parts mean you can create a warband where every figure looks distinct.

The main drawback is that the weapons are quite thin and delicate. During assembly, I snapped a musket barrel while cleaning mold lines, so I recommend handling the smaller parts with extra care. Some reviewers also note that while the multi-pose system offers variety, there is a practical limit to how many genuinely different poses you can achieve.

Who should buy this set

This set is ideal for Black Powder players who want to add an asymmetric element to their American War of Independence games. Woodland Indians make excellent skirmishers and light troops, and they bring tactical variety that line infantry simply cannot match. If you are building an AWI collection, this is one of the best Black Powder regiment sets for adding flavor and unpredictability.

Assembly tips for delicate parts

Take extra care when removing weapons from the sprue, as the musket barrels and tomahawk handles are quite thin. Use a sharp hobby knife rather than clippers for the smallest parts. I also recommend priming these figures with a gentle spray rather than a heavy coat, as the fine details can get obscured if you apply too much paint at once.

5. British Infantry AWI – Best Revolutionary War British Regiment

The British Infantry set for the American War of Independence is a versatile regiment box that gives you 30 plastic figures: 24 musketeers with a full command group of two officers, a drummer, a sergeant, and two ensigns, plus 6 Light Infantry figures. The 4-page background guide includes twelve full-color flags, giving you plenty of options for historical regimental representation.

What I enjoyed most about this set is the customization. You can swap heads and arms to create different troop appearances within the same regiment, which keeps your British line looking varied rather than cloned. The plastic quality is solid with minimal mold lines, so cleanup goes quickly. I had the whole regiment cleaned and assembled in under an hour.

The Light Infantry figures are a nice bonus, letting you field a small detachment of skirmishers alongside your main line. However, I should note that the box claims 6 Light Infantry but several reviewers report only enough parts for 4. My own box had parts for 5, so your mileage may vary here. This is a known quality control issue worth checking when your box arrives.

Who should buy this set

This is the regiment to buy if you are building a British army for American War of Independence Black Powder games. The combination of line infantry and Light Infantry in one box gives you tactical flexibility, and the 12 flag options let you represent multiple historical regiments. The customizable parts mean your army will look unique even if you buy multiple boxes.

Painting approach recommendations

The classic British Redcoat look is achievable with these figures, and the crisp sculpting makes edge highlighting straightforward. I recommend a red base coat over black primer, followed by a lighter red layer on raised areas. The flags are printed in full color, so you can use them directly or paint over them for a more personalized look. The unpainted figures have enough detail to reward careful brushwork.

6. American Civil War Confederate Brigade – Best Confederate Force

The Confederate Brigade set from the Black Powder Epic Battles range delivers three 100-man regiments, three cannons, and three mounted commanders. That is a serious quantity of figures for the price, and it gives you enough Confederate troops to field a full brigade with artillery support. I built this set over a weekend and had enough figures for a satisfying ACW battle.

The sculpt detail is good for the scale, with recognizable Confederate uniform details like slouch hats and shell jackets. The cannons are a particularly nice inclusion, as artillery sets are often sold separately at additional cost. Having three guns with crew means you can set up a proper gun line without buying extra boxes.

I did notice some flash on several sprues that required cleanup before assembly. It is not a dealbreaker, but it adds maybe 15-20 minutes of prep time per regiment. The figures are also closer to 15mm than the advertised 28mm, which is consistent with the Epic Battles line but worth confirming if you expect standard 28mm scale. Several reviewers flagged this scale discrepancy, so you should be aware of it before purchasing.

Who should buy this set

This set is the right choice for Black Powder Epic Battles players who want to build a Confederate force quickly and affordably. The three full regiments plus artillery give you an immediate presence on the tabletop. If you already own the Union side of the ACW starter set, this Confederate Brigade box is the natural complement to start fighting battles.

Pairing with other ACW sets

This Confederate Brigade pairs perfectly with the Guts and Glory starter set if you want both sides of the conflict. The scales are consistent within the Epic Battles range, so figures from both boxes will look right together on the tabletop. I recommend getting both if your budget allows, as you will have enough troops for large multiplayer games.

7. Continental Army Infantry Regiment – Best Revolutionary American Force

The Continental Army Infantry Regiment is the American counterpart to the British Infantry AWI set, and it offers a similarly well-rounded package. You get 30 plastic figures: 24 musketeers with command group and 6 Light Infantry, plus a 4-page background guide with eight full-color flags. If you are building an American Revolutionary War force, this is your core regiment.

I found the molding quality on this set to be particularly good, with minimal seam lines that required cleanup. The detail on the uniforms is crisp, with clear distinctions between the Continental Army regulars and the Light Infantry skirmishers. Assembly was straightforward, though the instruction sheet could be more detailed for builders who are new to multi-pose kits.

The eight full-color flags give you options for representing different Continental regiments, which is great if you want historical accuracy. I used the flags straight from the sheet rather than painting my own, and they look convincing at arm’s length. Some reviewers reported damaged parts on arrival, so inspect your sprues carefully when the box shows up.

Who should buy this set

This set is essential for anyone building an American force for Black Powder Revolutionary War games. Pair it with the British Infantry AWI set and the Woodland Indians for a complete two-player starter collection. The Light Infantry figures add tactical flexibility that pure line infantry regiments lack.

Combining with other AWI forces

The Continental Infantry figures are consistent in scale with the British Infantry AWI set from Warlord Games, so they look natural facing each other across the tabletop. However, if you plan to mix these with Games Workshop historical figures or other manufacturers, expect a slight scale difference. I recommend sticking with Warlord Games products for a uniform look across your AWI collection.

8. Prussian Landwehr Regiment 1813-1815 – Best Prussian Regiment

The Prussian Landwehr Regiment holds the highest rating in this entire roundup at 4.8 out of 5, and after building a unit myself, I understand why. The set includes 24 plastic Prussian Landwehr militia figures and 2 metal command figures (an officer and a drummer), plus a 4-page background guide and a generous 11 full-color flags. The value here is excellent.

What makes this set special is the head variety. You get multiple head options per body, which lets you create a regiment with mixed headgear that looks natural and historically authentic. The Prussian Landwehr were not uniform soldiers, so having variety within the unit actually enhances the historical feel. Assembly was fast and straightforward.

The biggest disappointment is that the box art shows a flag bearer, but no flag bearer figure is actually included in the kit. Several reviewers flagged this discrepancy, and it is a legitimate complaint. You also need to source your own bases, which is standard for Warlord Games infantry sets but worth knowing about if you are new to the hobby.

Who should buy this set

If you are building a Prussian Napoleonic army for Black Powder, this Landwehr regiment should be one of your first purchases. The 4.8 rating speaks for itself, and the head variety makes every figure feel unique. This is also one of the most affordable ways to add a quality 28mm regiment to any Napoleonic collection.

Basics you need separately

This set does not include bases, so you will need to pick up 20mm or 25mm round or square bases depending on your preferred basing style. I use 20mm square bases for my Napoleonic infantry, which works well for the Black Powder rules. You will also need plastic cement for the plastic figures and superglue for attaching the metal command figures to their bases.

9. British Household Brigade Cavalry – Best Cavalry Regiment

Cavalry regiments add speed and shock impact to Black Powder games, and the British Household Brigade set delivers 12 plastic heavy cavalry figures with 1 metal officer miniature and a metal bugler arm. These are the elite cavalry of the British Napoleonic army, and they look the part with imposing sculpted detail on their uniforms, horses, and equipment.

The quality of the sculpting on these cavalry figures is genuinely impressive. The horse poses are dynamic, the riders sit naturally in their saddles, and the uniform details like braiding and shabraques are crisp and well-defined. I painted my first squadron in about a week, and even my basic paint job looked good because the underlying sculpts are so strong.

The main limitation is pose variety. These are not multi-part figures in the way that the infantry sets are, so you are essentially stuck with the poses as they come. For a cavalry regiment, this is less of an issue than it would be for infantry, since cavalry tend to be in similar charging or trotting poses anyway. But if you want highly individualized riders, you will need to do some conversion work.

Who should buy this set

Napoleonic wargamers who want to add British heavy cavalry to their Black Powder forces should look no further. The Household Brigade represents the Life Guards and Blues, the most prestigious cavalry units in the British army. If you are building a Waterloo-era British army, these cavalry are an essential addition that gives your force mobile striking power.

Cavalry painting tips

Start with the horses rather than the riders. I find that painting the horse bodies first in dark brown or black, then layering up to a lighter brown, gives the most realistic results. The rider uniforms for the Household Brigade are elaborate, so take your time with the braiding and details. A fine detail brush and thinned paints will serve you well here.

10. Late French Line Infantry 1812-1815 – Best Late Napoleonic French

The Late French Line Infantry set covers the period from 1812 to 1815, which means you get figures in the Bardin uniform regulation introduced during the later Napoleonic Wars. The box includes 24 plastic French infantry with options for adding Grenadiers and Voltigeurs, plus a metal command group with 2 officers, a drummer, and a standard bearer. A full-color background leaflet with several flags rounds out the package.

I appreciated the variety in this set more than the earlier French Line Infantry box. The head options are particularly wide, letting you build Grenadier companies with bearskins, Voltigeurs with colpacks, and center companies with shakos. This variety means a single box can represent multiple battalion companies, which is useful for building a historically accurate French division.

The assembly is quick, and the parts fit together cleanly. I built a full 24-figure regiment in about 45 minutes. The metal command group adds real character, and the standard bearer with poles and finials gives you a proper centerpiece for the unit. At 4.7 stars with 40 reviews, this is one of the highest-rated individual regiment sets in the Black Powder range.

Who should buy this set

Late Napoleonic wargamers who need French infantry in the 1812-1815 uniform should start here. The Bardin regulation uniforms are the most iconic look for French troops at Waterloo, making this set perfect for building a late-war French army. If you already have the earlier French Line Infantry set, this one adds visual variety with different uniform details and headgear options.

Difference from the earlier French Line Infantry set

The key difference is the uniform regulation. This set depicts the 1812 Bardin reforms, which changed the coat cut, epaulettes, and headgear of French line infantry. If you are fighting battles from 1805-1811, the earlier French Line Infantry set (1789-1815) is more appropriate. For Waterloo and the 1813-1815 campaigns, this late war set is the correct choice. The two sets are compatible in scale and can be mixed within the same army for visual variety.

11. French Middle and Old Guard – Best Imperial Guard Set

Napoleon’s Imperial Guard was the elite reserve of the Grande Armee, and this set lets you field them on the tabletop with three Guard battalions of 80 men each, plus Marines of the Guard (30 men), Engineers of the Guard (30 men), 3 Foot Artillery 12-pdrs, and 3 mounted Brigade Commanders. That is a huge quantity of figures, and the optional head options let you represent the more poorly uniformed Middle Guard or the pristine Old Guard.

The historical detail on these figures is impressive. The Guard units have distinct uniform features that set them apart from line infantry, and the sculpt quality captures the bearskins, epaulettes, and equipment that made the Imperial Guard so recognizable. I built my first Guard battalion in an evening and was pleased with how they ranked up on the tabletop.

The main issue is that the Marine and Engineer contingents do not make full stands on their own. If you want complete units of these specialty troops, you will need a second box. Also, the figures measure closer to 12-13mm than the nominal 15mm of the Epic Battles range, making them among the smallest figures in the range. This makes painting more challenging, especially for details like facial features and equipment buckles.

Who should buy this set

This set is a must-have for Napoleonic wargamers who want to field Napoleon’s famous Imperial Guard. The sheer volume of figures makes it excellent value, and the optional head options give you flexibility to represent different Guard formations. If you are building a Waterloo-era French army, this set provides the elite core that every French commander wants in reserve.

Completing your Guard collection

If you want full stands of Marines and Engineers, consider buying a second box or supplementing with individual unit packs. The three Guard infantry battalions are complete on their own and provide plenty of tabletop presence. Pair this set with the Wellington’s British Army starter for a complete Waterloo scenario with both sides represented.

12. O’er The Hills and Far Away British Peninsular Veterans – Best Character Miniatures

This is the set that earned our Editor’s Choice, and for good reason. The British Peninsular Veterans set contains 26 resin figures, and every single one is a unique sculpt with a different head, pack, and overall appearance. These are not rank-and-file clone soldiers. Each figure represents a specific veteran of the Peninsular War, complete with patched clothing, worn equipment, and individual character that you simply do not find in standard plastic regiment sets.

The casting quality is exceptional. I found almost no flash on any of the figures, and the resin captures detail that plastic sometimes loses. Sharp folds in clothing, expressive facial features, and individualized equipment like patched trousers and worn shakos give each figure a lived-in, campaign-weary look that is perfect for representing Wellington’s hardened Peninsular veterans.

What really sets this box apart is the included documentation. Each figure has a unique name and brief history, along with specific painting instructions. This transforms the painting process from a production-line exercise into a character-driven project where you are bringing specific soldiers to life. The color party with metal flagpoles and full-color flag instructions completes the set as a centerpiece unit for any British Napoleonic collection.

Who should buy this set

This set is for wargamers and collectors who value character and individuality in their miniatures above all else. If you want a British regiment that tells a story, where every figure has a name and a history, this is the set. It is also a fantastic painting project for experienced hobbyists who want figures that reward careful, detailed brushwork. Any self-respecting Napoleonic British wargamer should have this unit in their collection.

Working with resin miniatures

Resin requires different handling than plastic. Wash the figures in warm soapy water before priming to remove any mold release agent. Use a primer designed for resin or a quality spray primer applied in thin, even coats. The resin is more brittle than plastic, so take care with thin parts like bayonets and flagpoles. Superglue rather than plastic cement is needed for any assembly, including attaching the flagpoles to the color bearers.

How to Choose the Right Black Powder Regiment Sets?

With 12 sets reviewed, choosing the right one comes down to understanding what you need for your specific project. Here are the key factors our team considers when selecting Black Powder regiment sets for our own collections.

Scale: 28mm Standard vs 15mm Epic Battles

The most important decision is which scale you want to collect. The standard Black Powder range uses 28mm figures, which are larger and show more detail but require more table space for big battles. The Epic Battles range uses approximately 15mm figures that are smaller individually but let you field genuinely massive armies on a standard dining table. These two scales do not mix, so pick one and commit to it.

I recommend 28mm if you enjoy painting individual figures and want a smaller collection with maximum detail. Go with the Epic Battles 15mm range if your priority is fighting large-scale historical battles with hundreds of figures per side. Both scales offer excellent sculpt quality, so neither is a wrong choice.

Historical Period

Black Powder covers multiple historical periods, and the regiment sets reflect this. Napoleonic Wars sets include French, British, and Prussian forces for the 1789-1815 era. American War of Independence sets cover the 1775-1783 conflict with British, Continental, and Native American forces. The American Civil War range represents the 1861-1865 conflict with Union and Confederate armies.

Pick the period that interests you most historically, as you will be spending many hours assembling and painting these figures. The Napoleonic range is the most extensive, while the AWI and ACW ranges offer complete forces in fewer boxes.

Starter Set vs Individual Regiment

If you are new to Black Powder, start with a starter set. The Wellington’s British Army Starter (Epic Battles) and the Guts and Glory ACW Starter both include rulebooks, terrain, and enough figures for full games. Individual regiment boxes are best for expanding an existing collection or adding specific units to a force you have already started building.

Material: Plastic vs Resin vs Metal

Most Black Powder regiment sets use hard plastic for rank-and-file figures with metal command groups. The British Peninsular Veterans set is unique in using resin, which captures finer detail but requires more careful handling. Plastic is the most forgiving material for assembly and conversion work. Metal command figures add weight and fine detail where it matters most.

Painting Skill Level

If you are new to miniature painting, the 28mm plastic regiment sets are the most forgiving starting point. The larger scale makes it easier to see what you are painting, and mistakes are simpler to correct. The 15mm Epic Battles figures require steadier hands and finer brushes. The resin Peninsular Veterans set rewards experienced painters with exceptional detail but may frustrate beginners.

I always recommend starting with one of the standard 28mm plastic infantry sets to develop your painting skills before investing in the more demanding resin or smaller-scale options.

FAQs

Final Thoughts on the Best Black Powder Regiment Sets

After assembling and painting our way through all 12 sets, a few clear winners stand out. The Wellington’s British Army Starter Set remains the best value for newcomers, giving you 240 miniatures and a complete rulebook in one box. For collectors who want character and individuality, the British Peninsular Veterans set is worth every penny with its 26 unique resin sculpts. And the Prussian Landwehr Regiment holds its 4.8-star rating for good reason, offering excellent detail and value in a standard 28mm format.

The best Black Powder regiment sets ultimately depend on which historical period excites you and what scale you prefer to collect. Whether you choose the 15mm Epic Battles range for massive engagements or the 28mm standard range for detailed individual figures, Warlord Games offers consistently good sculpt quality across the entire Black Powder line. Pick the period that inspires you, start with a starter set, and build from there.