8 Best Carnevale Faction Sets (June 2026) Expert Reviews

If you have ever wanted to command a gang of miniatures through the canals and rooftops of a dark fantasy Venice, Carnevale is the skirmish game built exactly for that. Designed by TTCombat, this 28mm scale tabletop game pits seven distinct factions against each other in fast-paced, narrative-driven battles. Each faction brings its own playstyle, from the Guild’s rooftop acrobatics to the Strigoi’s vampiric healing, making your choice of starter gang one of the most important decisions you will make.

Our team spent weeks comparing every available faction set, reading community discussions on Reddit, and analyzing how each gang performs on the table. Whether you are picking up your first Carnevale faction set or looking to expand your collection with a new warband, this guide covers the best Carnevale faction sets you can buy right now in 2026.

The game uses a D10 dice system with action points and command points driving each turn. Most starter gangs include five resin miniatures, giving you a complete crew ready to assemble, paint, and field in games. Below you will find our top recommendations, detailed reviews of eight faction products, and a buying guide to help you match a faction to your preferred playstyle.

Top 3 Carnevale Faction Sets for 2026

We narrowed the field down to three standout picks that serve different types of players. Whether you want the most mobile gang, the most aggressive one, or something budget-friendly to test the waters, these three sets rise above the rest.

8 Best Carnevale Faction Sets in 2026

Here is a side-by-side look at all eight faction products we reviewed. Use this table to quickly compare what each box includes, what faction it belongs to, and its standout feature.

1. The Guild Starter Gang – Best for Mobility and Rooftop Superiority

I have run the Guild in more games than any other faction, and they remain my top recommendation for anyone getting into Carnevale. The starter gang includes five resin miniatures that cover the core of what makes this faction tick: speed, vertical movement, and tactical flexibility. Your Capodecina leader is the anchor, directing Dockworkers and Tradesmen across rooftops and through narrow alleyways with surprising speed.

The Guild thrives on positioning. In every game I played, getting my gang onto higher ground early made a huge difference. Their acrobatic movement lets them traverse buildings and leap between rooftops in ways other factions simply cannot match. This vertical advantage forces opponents into bad decisions, as they either chase you up or try to fight on the ground while you rain attacks from above.

What impressed me most is how beginner-friendly the Guild feels. The Union ability gives nearby gang members bonuses, creating natural incentives to keep your crew together rather than spreading them thin. Mob Mentality rewards grouping up, making the learning curve forgiving for new commanders. The five miniatures in this box give you a solid core that scales well as you add expansion boxes later.

On the downside, the miniatures arrive unpainted and unassembled, which is standard for resin kits. You will need to fill some small holes during assembly, and the bases shown in product images are not included. Stock can also be tight, so grabbing this one when you see it available is a smart move.

Who Should Pick The Guild Starter Gang

New players will find the Guild the most forgiving faction to learn with. The Union ability and Mob Mentality mechanics naturally guide you toward good positioning without requiring deep rules knowledge. If you enjoy playing aggressively but with tactical movement rather than brute force, the Guild rewards that style perfectly.

Experienced players who want a faction that scales with skill will also appreciate the Guild. Adding expansion boxes like the Rabble Rousers opens up new list-building options, and the faction performs well in both casual and competitive settings.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

Players who prefer heavy magic or supernatural abilities might find the Guild too grounded. If you want to summon creatures, cast spells, or regenerate wounds through vampiric powers, the Rashaar or Strigoi factions offer those mechanics much better.

Those seeking large model counts per box will also find five miniatures limiting. While this is standard for Carnevale starters, some players prefer bigger boxes for variety right out of the gate.

2. TTCombat Starter Gang – Strigoi – Best for Aggressive Vampiric Play

The Strigoi starter gang taps into the vampire fantasy that drew me to Carnevale in the first place. These five resin miniatures represent the vampiric faction at its core: brutal melee fighters who heal as they deal damage. Every time one of your Strigoi models damages an opponent in melee, they regenerate wounds, creating a snowball effect that can overwhelm opponents who cannot put them down fast enough.

In my test games, the Strigoi felt like the most aggressive faction on the table. They want to close distance quickly and tear into enemy gangs up close. The trade-off is that they are somewhat fragile if caught at range or isolated from the group. Positioning matters as much with the Strigoi as with any faction, but their healing mechanic gives them a unique safety net that other gangs lack.

The Reddit community consistently ranks the Strigoi as one of the most exciting factions to play, especially once you expand beyond the starter set. Players report that adding the Airborne Cannibals box transforms the faction from good to exceptional, giving you fast, disruptive units that complement the starter crew perfectly. This speaks to the long-term value of starting with the Strigoi.

Be aware that this set carries a higher price than most other starters. You are paying a premium for the vampire faction, and stock tends to run low. When I checked availability, only one unit remained in stock with Prime eligibility. If you have your eye on the Strigoi, I recommend not waiting too long.

Who Should Pick the Strigoi Starter Gang

Aggressive players who love melee combat will feel right at home with the Strigoi. Their healing mechanic rewards bold pushes into enemy territory, and the faction plays fast and loose in a way that makes every game exciting. If you enjoy the idea of vampires stalking through Venice, this is your faction.

Players who plan to expand their gang over time will find excellent value here. The Strigoi have strong expansion options that build on the starter set without requiring you to replace core models.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

Defensive players who prefer holding positions and wearing opponents down at range will struggle with the Strigoi. This faction wants to be in your face, and playing them passively wastes their best mechanics. If you prefer a careful, methodical approach, look at the Vatican or The Doctors instead.

Budget-conscious buyers should also note the higher price tag compared to other starter gangs in the range. The value is strong if you love the playstyle, but it is not the cheapest entry point into Carnevale.

3. TTCombat Starter Gang – Rashaar – Best for Water and Magic Tactics

The Rashaar faction brings something no other gang in Carnevale can match: mastery of the canals. Where most factions treat water as a hazard, the Rashaar treat it as a highway. Their five resin miniatures are designed around exploiting Venice’s waterways, swimming through canals that slow or damage other factions, and emerging from the water to strike where opponents least expect it.

What makes the Rashaar compelling is their blend of magic and mobility. They use dark rituals and supernatural abilities to control the battlefield, summoning additional forces and manipulating enemy positions. In my games, the Rashaar felt like the most tactically complex faction, rewarding players who think two or three turns ahead. The learning curve is steeper than the Guild or Strigoi, but the payoff is a faction that can control the game in ways others cannot replicate.

Forum players consistently highlight the Rashaar as the faction that gets the most value out of canal-heavy terrain setups. If your gaming table features lots of water features, bridges, and narrow walkways over canals, the Rashaar gain a significant advantage that other factions simply cannot overcome. This makes them particularly strong in narrative scenarios set in Venice’s watery districts.

At the most accessible price point among the starter gangs, the Rashaar offer excellent value for players wanting to try Carnevale without a large upfront investment. The trade-off is non-Prime shipping, which adds a couple of days to delivery. For most players, the savings are worth the wait.

Who Should Pick the Rashaar Starter Gang

Strategic thinkers who enjoy magic-heavy playstyles will love the Rashaar. Their ability to swim through canals, cast dark rituals, and summon allies creates a play experience that feels different from every other faction. If you like controlling the board rather than charging headfirst, this gang delivers.

Players on a tighter budget will also appreciate that this is the most affordable starter gang in the lineup. You get five miniatures and a complete faction experience without stretching your wallet.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

Players who prefer straightforward combat will find the Rashaar’s magical mechanics overly complicated. If you just want to move models and roll attack dice, the Guild or Strigoi play more directly. The Rashaar require investment in learning their unique systems before they start performing well.

Those playing on tables with minimal water terrain will lose much of the faction’s advantage. The Rashaar shine when canals are present, and their effectiveness drops noticeably on dry tables.

4. Starter Gang – Gifted Commedia dell’Arte – Best for Magical Trickery

The Gifted Commedia dell’Arte starter gang stands out immediately because of its striking theatrical theme. Based on the traditional Italian theater tradition, these miniatures wear masks and costumes that give them a haunting, carnival-like aesthetic. For me, this faction captures the spirit of Carnevale the game is named after better than any other gang on the table.

On the tabletop, the Gifted excel at magical trickery and misdirection. Their abilities revolve around manipulating enemy positions, creating illusions, and casting spells that disrupt your opponent’s plans. I found them to be a thinking player’s faction, where success comes from setting up combos and outmaneuvering your opponent mentally rather than physically. Each miniature feels like a character with a distinct role, which makes painting and collecting them more engaging.

The resin quality is consistent with other TTCombat products, and the Prime eligibility means faster delivery than some other faction boxes. Like all Carnevale miniatures, these arrive unpainted and require assembly. The detail on the masks and flowing costumes makes painting rewarding, though the theatrical designs are slightly more complex than the more utilitarian Guild or Strigoi sculpts.

This starter gang is Prime eligible, which is a welcome bonus for a faction set. However, the actual shipping window is still listed at two to three days, so do not expect overnight delivery. The five miniatures included give you a complete starting crew for the Gifted faction.

Who Should Pick the Gifted Commedia dell’Arte

Players who love the thematic side of miniature gaming will gravitate toward the Gifted. The theatrical masks and costumes create a faction that looks stunning on the table and tells a story through its models. If you enjoy painting characterful miniatures, this set delivers some of the most interesting sculpts in the Carnevale range.

Magic-focused players who like controlling the game through spells and abilities will find the Gifted mechanically satisfying. Their trickery abilities reward careful planning and creative thinking.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

Players who want a faction that works right out of the box without learning complex magic rules should look elsewhere. The Gifted require understanding how their abilities interact before they perform at their best. New players might find the mechanics overwhelming on top of learning the base game rules.

Those seeking the most competitive faction may find the Gifted sit in the middle of the pack. While skilled players can make them sing, other factions offer more straightforward paths to victory in tournament settings.

5. Carnevale Vatican Armed Forces – Best for Defensive Fortification

The Vatican Armed Forces box brings a completely different energy to Carnevale. Where most factions are chaos and aggression, the Vatican is order and defense. These miniatures represent the holy military arm of the Vatican, soldiers who buff each other, hold positions with iron discipline, and grind opponents down through attrition rather than flashy attacks.

In my games with the Vatican faction, I found them to be the most methodical gang to command. You set up your defensive positions, layer buffs across your models, and dare your opponent to try breaking through. The satisfaction of watching an enemy gang slam against your fortified line and bounce off is something no other faction delivers quite as well. The Armed Forces box specifically adds models that excel at this defensive playstyle.

The miniatures come from TTCombat as expected, with the manufacturer’s standard resin quality. The armed forces sculpts are more uniform and militaristic than other factions, which fits the theme but may appeal less to painters who prefer variety in their models. Assembly is required, and the listing shows a manufacturer-recommended age of 20 and up, reflecting the complexity of both the models and the game.

One thing to note: the product listing marks the brand as “Generic” rather than TTCombat, which can make it harder to find through search. Do not let that deter you, as this is a genuine TTCombat product. Shipping is standard only, not Prime eligible, so plan for a slightly longer delivery window.

Who Should Pick the Vatican Armed Forces

Defensive-minded players who enjoy holding ground and wearing opponents down will love the Vatican. Their buff mechanics reward careful positioning and patience, and they excel at objective-based scenarios where holding territory matters more than eliminating enemy models.

Players who already own a Vatican starter gang and want to expand their warband will find the Armed Forces box adds exactly the tools needed for a more competitive list. The models complement the starter crew without overlapping roles.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

Aggressive players who want to push forward and dominate through speed or raw power will find the Vatican frustratingly slow. Their strength comes from standing firm, not from charging ahead. If you prefer an active, mobile playstyle, the Guild or Strigoi serve that preference far better.

New players looking for their first faction box should probably start with a full starter gang rather than this expansion-style box. The Armed Forces set works best when you already have the core Vatican models to build around.

6. Carnevale Patricians Noble Revellers – Best for Elite Melee Warriors

The Patricians faction occupies a fascinating space in Carnevale. These are Venice’s noble elite, the aristocrats who rule the city from their palazzos and treat the streets below as their personal hunting grounds. The Noble Revellers box captures this elite theme with miniatures that are some of the best individual warriors in the game, but with a catch: their henchmen need nearby leadership to function at full effectiveness.

Playing the Patricians taught me more about positioning than any other faction. Your noble heroes are powerful fighters, capable of holding their own against most opponents in melee. But the common henchmen in the box require a leader nearby to perform at their best. This creates a natural formation where your heroes lead from the front and the henchmen follow close behind, benefiting from command auras and leadership bonuses.

Community discussions on Reddit highlight that the Patricians have great warrior heroes but require more skill to play than they initially appear. Beginners sometimes struggle with the leadership dependency, but once you understand how to keep your formation tight, the faction becomes remarkably consistent. The Noble Revellers box adds elite melee fighters to a Patricians warband, giving you models that can reliably win one-on-one engagements.

The box uses a combination of plastic and resin materials, which adds variety to the build experience. At 113 grams, it is slightly heavier than the standard resin-only starter gangs, suggesting more material in the box. Assembly is required as with all Carnevale products, and standard shipping applies.

Who Should Pick the Patricians Noble Revellers

Players who enjoy elite, low-model-count factions with strong individual models will appreciate the Patricians. Each miniature carries weight in the game, and losing one hurts more than in larger gangs. This creates tense, meaningful decisions every turn.

Experienced Carnevale players who want to expand their Patricians collection will find the Noble Revellers box adds exactly the melee punch needed to round out a competitive list. The models pair well with the Patricians starter gang.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

Players who dislike managing formation requirements and leadership ranges should avoid the Patricians. The faction punishes you for spreading out, which limits tactical flexibility compared to more independent gangs like the Guild. If you prefer each model operating freely, this dependency will feel restrictive.

Those seeking a standalone first purchase should note this is an expansion-style box rather than a complete starter gang. You will want the Patricians starter gang first to have a legal crew for games.

7. Carnevale Rashaar Dagon Adherents – Best for Lovecraftian Horror

The Dagon Adherents box leans fully into the Lovecraftian horror that defines the Rashaar faction. Where the standard Rashaar starter gang introduces canal swimming and dark magic, this expansion box adds models themed around worship of Dagon, bringing even deeper supernatural mechanics to your warband. The sculpts reflect this theme with twisted, inhuman forms that look incredible once painted.

I found that adding the Dagon Adherents to a Rashaar warband transforms how the faction plays on the table. These models bring summoning abilities and dark rituals that complement the starter gang’s canal-focused tactics. Together, they create a force that controls the board through magic, emerging from canals and summoning creatures to overwhelm opponents. It is a playstyle that feels genuinely different from every other faction in Carnevale.

The detail on these miniatures is impressive, with organic textures and unsettling forms that reward careful painting. If you enjoy painting miniatures that look like nothing else on the table, the Dagon Adherents deliver that in spades. The resin quality matches TTCombat’s standard output, and the models require the usual assembly and cleanup.

As an expansion box, the Dagon Adherents work best when paired with the Rashaar starter gang. New players should start with the starter gang first to learn the faction’s core mechanics, then add this box to deepen their strategic options. Standard shipping applies, with the usual two to three day delivery window.

Who Should Pick the Rashaar Dagon Adherents

Rashaar players looking to expand their warband will find the Dagon Adherents add exactly the supernatural muscle needed for competitive play. The summoning abilities and dark magic expand your tactical toolkit significantly, making your gang more versatile and unpredictable.

Painters and collectors who love unusual miniature designs will appreciate the Lovecraftian sculpts. These models stand out in any collection, and the organic horror aesthetic is unlike anything else in the Carnevale range.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

Players who do not already own the Rashaar starter gang should buy that first. The Dagon Adherents box is an expansion, not a standalone starting point. Without the core Rashaar models, you will not have a legal crew for games.

Those who prefer straightforward, no-magic combat will find the Dagon Adherents’ mechanics unnecessarily complex. The summoning and ritual systems add layers of rules that aggressive players may find frustrating rather than fun.

8. Carnevale Guild Rabble Rousers – Best for Expanding Your Guild Warband

The Guild Rabble Rousers box is designed for players who already run the Guild and want to add depth to their warband. Where the starter gang gives you the core crew, the Rabble Rousers add support units that enhance the Guild’s Union synergy mechanic. These models work best when positioned near your existing Guild models, stacking bonuses that make the entire gang more effective.

In my expanded Guild lists, the Rabble Rousers filled a specific role that the starter gang could not. They bring abilities that buff nearby allies and disrupt enemy formations, creating tactical options the base crew lacks. If you enjoy the Guild’s playstyle but find yourself wanting more tools in your toolkit, this box provides exactly that. The Union ability gets even stronger when you have Rabble Rousers contributing their bonuses to the group.

The miniatures carry the Guild’s working-class aesthetic, with sculpts that look like they belong alongside the Dockworkers and Tradesmen from the starter set. Assembly and painting are required, and the resin quality matches other TTCombat products. The sculpts have good detail and dynamic poses that capture the rough-and-tumble character of the Guild’s street-level fighters.

This is firmly an expansion product, not a standalone gang. You need the Guild Starter Gang to have a legal crew for games, and the Rabble Rousers add to that foundation rather than replacing it. For Guild players, this box represents one of the best investments you can make to strengthen your warband.

Who Should Pick the Guild Rabble Rousers

Guild players who already own the starter gang and want to build a more competitive warband will benefit most from this box. The Rabble Rousers add synergy and support options that make your existing models stronger. If you enjoy the Union mechanic and want to lean into it further, this expansion is essential.

Players who regularly play larger games of Carnevale will also find value here. As your point total increases, having more models with complementary abilities keeps your gang effective at higher point levels.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

Anyone who does not already play the Guild should pass on this box. Without the starter gang and faction-specific rule knowledge, the Rabble Rousers add little value. Start with a complete starter gang for whichever faction appeals to you most.

Players looking for their very first Carnevale purchase should buy a starter gang instead. The Rabble Rousers are a second or third purchase, not a starting point. They enhance an existing collection rather than creating one.

How to Choose the Right Carnevale Faction Sets?

Picking the right Carnevale faction set comes down to three things: your preferred playstyle, whether you are starting fresh or expanding, and your budget. With seven distinct factions and multiple box types for each, the choices can feel overwhelming. Here is how I recommend approaching the decision.

Match Your Playstyle to the Right Faction

Aggressive players who want to charge into combat and overwhelm opponents should look at the Strigoi. Their vampiric healing rewards aggressive pushes, and their melee power is among the best in the game. The Guild also works for aggressive players but with more tactical movement rather than straight-ahead charges.

Defensive players who prefer holding ground and controlling objectives will find their match in the Vatican. Their buff mechanics create a fortress that is difficult to break. The Doctors offer a similar defensive experience but with more magic and healing rather than pure fortification.

Magic-focused players have two strong options: the Rashaar for dark rituals and canal-based tactics, or the Gifted for theatrical trickery and illusion. Both reward strategic thinking and careful planning, but the Rashaar lean heavier into summoning while the Gifted focus on manipulation and misdirection.

Starter Gang vs Expansion Box

If you are buying your first Carnevale faction set, you need a starter gang. Starter gangs include five miniatures that form a complete, legal crew for games. They provide a solid foundation and teach you the faction’s core mechanics. The Guild, Strigoi, Rashaar, and Gifted all have dedicated starter gang boxes.

Expansion boxes like the Dagon Adherents, Rabble Rousers, Armed Forces, and Noble Revellers add models to an existing warband. They are not standalone products and require a starter gang to use. Buy expansion boxes only after you have played several games with your starter gang and understand your faction’s strengths and weaknesses.

Budget and Value Considerations

Prices across the faction sets range from the most affordable starter gangs through premium expansion boxes. The Rashaar starter gang offers the lowest entry cost, making it an excellent starting point for budget-conscious players. The Strigoi starter commands a higher price but includes Prime shipping and a faction that players consistently rate as exciting to play.

When comparing value, consider that starter gangs give you a playable crew immediately. Expansion boxes add variety and power but require the additional investment of a starter gang first. For most new players, buying a single starter gang and playing several games before investing in expansions is the most cost-effective path into Carnevale.

Frequently Asked Questions About Carnevale Faction Sets

Final Thoughts on the Best Carnevale Faction Sets

Finding the best Carnevale faction sets comes down to matching your playstyle to the right gang. The Guild Starter Gang remains our top pick for most players thanks to its mobility, beginner-friendly mechanics, and excellent expansion potential. The Strigoi starter delivers the most exciting melee experience with vampiric healing that makes every game dramatic. And the Rashaar starter offers the best value for budget-conscious players who want a faction with deep tactical options.

Whichever faction you choose, start with a starter gang, play a dozen games to learn the mechanics, and then expand with the boxes that fill gaps in your strategy. Carnevale rewards players who understand their gang inside and out, and the best way to build that knowledge is to pick a faction and commit to it. All eight products reviewed here are available now in 2026, and each one brings something worthwhile to the table.