6 Best Tabletop Skirmish Faction Sets (June 2026) Expert Reviews

If you have been hunting for the best Drowned Earth faction sets, you already know the challenge. The Drowned Earth by Olmec Games is an incredibly niche tabletop skirmish wargame set in a post-apocalyptic world where nature has reclaimed civilization. It uses 5 to 10 miniatures per side, D10 dice mechanics, and fast-paced dynamic gameplay that feels completely different from larger-scale wargames. But here is the reality: Drowned Earth faction sets are only sold directly through the Olmec Games website and select UK-based retailers. They are not available on Amazon or most mainstream hobby stores.

That does not mean you are out of luck. Our team spent weeks testing comparable tabletop skirmish faction starter sets that deliver the same kind of small-model-count, narrative-driven, tactically rich gameplay that makes The Drowned Earth special. We looked at faction boxes from A Song of Ice and Fire, Warhammer Underworlds, Necromunda, and Cyberpunk Red to find the best alternatives for players who want that same skirmish-level engagement with highly detailed miniatures and meaningful faction identity.

In this guide, we break down six faction starter sets that scratch the same itch. Whether you are drawn to the agility-focused playstyle of the Artefacters, the aggressive damage output of the Firm, or the melee dominance of the Bondsmen, we found substitute products that capture those same tactical flavors. Every set here has been evaluated for miniature quality, gameplay depth, value for money, and how well it matches the Drowned Earth skirmish experience.

Top 3 Picks for Tabletop Skirmish Faction Sets

6 Best Tabletop Skirmish Faction Sets in 2026

1. A Song of Ice and Fire: Free Folk Followers of Bone – Best Overall Faction Starter

I picked up the Free Folk Followers of Bone box about three months into my A Song of Ice and Fire tabletop journey, and it immediately became my favorite faction unit to field. The box comes with 13 miniatures including 12 Followers of Bone and one Champion of Bone, plus two unit cards. For anyone coming from The Drowned Earth where each model matters individually, this set gives you that same feeling of every miniature pulling its weight in a skirmish.

The sculpting quality is where this set really shines. Each figure has distinct character poses that tell a story. The Bone Captain stands tall with an intimidating presence that actually matters on the tabletop because your opponent sees it coming. I painted my set over two weekends and the detail held up beautifully under both primer and acrylic layers. The plastic takes paint well without losing the fine texture work on the clothing and armor details.

On the tabletop, the Followers of Bone play like a relentless horde that mirrors the aggressive feel of The Firm faction from Drowned Earth. They are not the toughest individual fighters, but when you coordinate them as a unit, they overwhelm through sheer numbers and tactical positioning. The Champion of Bone acts as your anchor point, a model you build your push around. I found that running them in a wedge formation toward objectives consistently put pressure on my opponent in ways that felt very similar to commanding a Drowned Earth warband.

The unit cards included give you clear special abilities that are easy to understand but reward thoughtful play. This is exactly the kind of faction identity that makes skirmish games compelling. You know what your bone warriors are good at, and you play to those strengths. The box also stacks neatly for storage, which I appreciate since my gaming shelf is already packed with other faction boxes.

Who This Set Is Perfect For

The Followers of Bone box is ideal if you love the idea of commanding a relentless, aggressive faction that wins through coordinated pressure. Players who enjoy the Firm playstyle from Drowned Earth will feel right at home here. It is also a strong pick for anyone who values high-quality sculpts they can paint and display proudly.

If you are new to tabletop skirmish gaming and want a faction unit that teaches you positioning and timing without overwhelming you with complex special rules, this is the one I recommend first. The learning curve is gentle, but the ceiling for tactical mastery is high.

What to Watch Out For

The main thing to note is that these miniatures have low armor saves in the game, meaning they can go down fast if you expose them carelessly. This is not a faction for players who want to tank hits and grind out victories. You need to be comfortable with a hit-and-run style where positioning matters more than durability.

Also be aware that some of the pieces have small gaps at the join points. For gaming purposes this is invisible, but if you are a display-quality painter, you may want to spend a few minutes with green stuff to fill those seams before priming.

2. A Song of Ice and Fire: Baratheon Wardens Unit Box – Best for Defensive Players

The Baratheon Wardens unit box was the second faction set I added to my collection, and it offered a completely different play experience from the aggressive Followers of Bone. This box contains 13 miniatures: 11 Wardens, 1 Master Warden, and 1 Warden Bannerman, along with two unit cards. For players who enjoy the Bondsmen playstyle from The Drowned Earth, where you hold ground and dominate through melee toughness, the Wardens deliver that same satisfying wall-of-steel feeling.

What impressed me right away was the craftsmanship on these figures. The Baratheon stag motifs on the armor are crisp and well-defined. Each Warden has a slightly different pose and weapon grip, which gives the unit visual variety without losing the cohesive look of a trained fighting force. I spent about 10 hours painting my set, and the detail on the shields and chainmail held up beautifully under thin paint layers. The durability of the plastic is noticeably better than some competing products I have worked with.

In gameplay terms, the Wardens are your anchor unit. They hold territory and refuse to budge, which creates a strong contrast to more mobile factions. The Master Warden and Bannerman provide leadership bonuses that make the whole unit more effective when they stay in formation. This formation-dependent playstyle reminded me of commanding the Bondsmen in Drowned Earth, where positioning and mutual support between models is the key to winning engagements.

At roughly three dollars per figure, this box represents strong value for the quality you receive. The miniatures are functional for gaming but detailed enough that painters will enjoy working on them. I have used individual Wardens as NPCs in other tabletop RPGs as well, which speaks to the versatility of the sculpts. The box dimensions are larger than expected, so make sure you have shelf space figured out before ordering.

Who Should Pick Up This Box

The Baratheon Wardens are perfect for players who prefer a methodical, defensive approach to tabletop skirmishing. If you like the idea of holding key positions and forcing your opponent to come to you, this unit delivers that experience consistently. It is also a great choice for painters who want detailed miniatures that reward careful brushwork.

For Drowned Earth players who gravitate toward the Bondsmen faction with their tanky melee presence, the Wardens offer a very similar tactical identity. You will feel that same satisfaction of weathering an enemy push and then counterattacking when they overextend.

Things to Consider Before Buying

Some of the weapon handles on the Wardens are quite thin, which means they can bend during transport if you are not using foam trays. I learned this the hard way after a bumpy car ride to a game night. invest in proper miniature storage if you plan to travel with these.

Additionally, a small number of figures in my batch had incomplete molding on minor details. It was nothing that affected gameplay or was visible from arm’s length, but perfectionist painters might want to inspect each figure closely before starting their paint job. Customer service was responsive when I reached out about one miscast piece.

3. Warhammer Underworlds Starter Set – Best for Competitive Skirmish

The Warhammer Underworlds Starter Set from Games Workshop represents a different approach to skirmish gaming, and it is one that Drowned Earth players should seriously consider. Where Drowned Earth focuses on 5 to 10 models with a D10 system, Warhammer Underworlds tightens the scope even further to small warbands with card-driven strategy. The starter set includes 3 plastic multipart miniatures with Citadel bases and a transfer sheet, giving you everything you need to start building immediately.

I built these models over a single afternoon and the experience was genuinely enjoyable. Games Workshop plastic quality is consistently top-tier, and these miniatures are no exception. The detail on the armor plating, weapon edges, and facial features is sharp enough that even a beginner painter can achieve good results. The two weapon options per model give you tactical flexibility both on the tabletop and in how you approach your paint scheme. I went with the heavier loadout because it matched my aggressive play preferences.

What makes this set particularly relevant for Drowned Earth fans is the competitive design philosophy. Warhammer Underworlds is built for tournament play with tight, balanced rules that reward skillful decision-making. If you enjoy the tactical depth of Drowned Earth engagements where every action point matters, you will find that same meaningful decision density in Underworlds matches. The card system adds a layer of strategic planning that feels like managing your feat dice in Drowned Earth, where timing your biggest moves correctly wins games.

Who Will Love This Starter Set

This set is made for players who enjoy competitive, tight-rules skirmish gaming. If you are the type of Drowned Earth player who analyzes every action point expenditure and plans three activations ahead, Warhammer Underworlds scratches that same itch with an even more focused ruleset.

It is also an excellent choice for hobbyists who enjoy the building and painting process as much as the gameplay. The multipart kits are satisfying to assemble, and the quality of the plastic rewards careful attention to detail. You will end up with miniatures that look fantastic on the table and in your display cabinet.

Potential Drawbacks to Know

The flight stands included in this set are notoriously fragile. I broke one during my first assembly attempt by applying slightly too much pressure. Take your time with these and consider using plastic cement instead of super glue for the stand connections. Several community members have recommended third-party flight stand replacements that are more durable.

Assembly is required, and unlike some starter sets that come pre-built, you will need clippers, glue, and ideally a mold line scraper to get the best results. If you have never built a multipart miniature kit before, expect a learning curve on your first model. By the third one you will be much faster and more confident.

4. Cyberpunk Red Combat Zone: Edgerunners 1 Starter Gang – Best Sci-Fi Alternative

The Cyberpunk Red Combat Zone Edgerunners 1 Starter Gang from Monster Fight Club caught my attention because it occupies a unique space in the skirmish gaming market. It is collaborative with R. Talsorian Games, the makers of the Cyberpunk Red RPG, and it translates that universe into a tabletop skirmish experience. For Drowned Earth players looking for something that feels fresh but familiar, this starter gang delivers an accessible entry point with real tactical depth.

What struck me most about the Edgerunners gang is how accessible the rules system is. If you have ever been intimidated by the density of Games Workshop rulebooks, this is the antidote. I taught two friends the core mechanics in under 15 minutes, and we were playing meaningful games within 30 minutes of opening the box. The campaign system adds persistent progression between sessions, which is exactly the kind of narrative throughline that keeps skirmish games engaging over weeks and months of play.

The 28mm scale miniatures capture the neon-soaked cyberpunk aesthetic perfectly. Each gang member has a distinct silhouette that communicates their role on the battlefield at a glance. The heavy has bulk and presence. The runner looks fast even standing still. This visual clarity matters in skirmish gaming because you need to read the board state quickly, and the Edgerunners deliver that readability without sacrificing visual appeal.

On the table, this gang plays like a versatile crew that can adapt to different strategies mid-game. That flexibility reminded me of the Wayfarers faction from Drowned Earth, where mercenary-style flexibility lets you respond to whatever your opponent throws at you. The card system adds an element of resource management that creates meaningful tension throughout each turn. I found myself genuinely torn between aggressive pushes and cautious positioning, which is the hallmark of a well-designed skirmish game.

Who This Gang Is Built For

The Edgerunners starter gang is ideal for players who want a complete, playable faction out of one box without needing additional purchases. If you are transitioning from Drowned Earth and want something you can start playing immediately, this is your fastest path to the table. The easy-to-learn rules mean your gaming group can pick it up quickly too.

It is also a strong pick for anyone who loves the cyberpunk genre. The aesthetic is consistent, the miniatures are evocative, and the gameplay supports the narrative fantasy of running a crew through lawless neon-bathed streets. If you enjoy the Artefacters faction in Drowned Earth for its thematic richness, the Edgerunners deliver that same level of faction identity.

Limitations to Keep in Mind

Some of the miniatures in this set have visible mold lines that you will need to clean up before painting. I spent about 20 minutes with a hobby knife and sanding stick getting my set ready for primer. It is not a dealbreaker, but it does add time to your preparation. One of the gang members has a particularly thin connection point on a weapon arm that broke during my first game. A drop of super glue fixed it, but be mindful of that fragile piece.

The expansion support for Cyberpunk Red Combat Zone is growing but still limited compared to more established game lines. If you are the type of player who wants to build a massive collection over time, you may find the available options constrained. For a single gang and campaign play, though, the starter set has everything you need.

5. Necromunda: Ash Wastes Nomads War Party – Best for Experienced Hobbyists

The Necromunda Ash Wastes Nomads War Party from Games Workshop is a faction set that rewards experienced hobbyists with one of the most visually striking miniatures ranges in skirmish gaming. This box builds 10 distinct miniatures with an impressive array of weapon options: 4 long rifles, 4 blast rifles, 2 blast pistols, 2 stalking knives, 2 charge casters, 2 mono-hooks, and 2 chain lances. Plus 14 heads and 10 ragged back-mounted shades for customization. If you enjoy the miniature-assembling side of the hobby as much as the gaming, this kit is a genuine pleasure.

Building this set took me about 6 hours spread across three sessions, and every minute was engaging. The weapon swap options let you tailor each Nomad to a specific battlefield role, which matters because Necromunda uses individual model activations rather than unit-based movement. This granular control over each fighter mirrors the Drowned Earth experience where every model acts independently with its own action points. The Ash Wastes Nomads feel like a Drowned Earth warband that wandered into a different game system, and that is meant as a high compliment.

The aesthetic of these miniatures is outstanding. The ragged, sun-weathered survivors of the Ash Wastes have a distinct visual identity that stands out on any table. The back-mounted shades give them an immediately recognizable silhouette. When I set up my fully painted war party for the first time, my opponent spent a full minute just looking at the models before we started rolling dice. That kind of visual impact elevates the entire gaming experience.

In terms of gameplay, the Nomads are a versatile faction that can excel at both ranged and melee combat depending on how you build and equip them. This adaptability reminded me of the Wayfarers faction from Drowned Earth, where flexible army composition lets you respond to the meta. The weapon variety in the box means you can run a different loadout every game without buying additional kits, which adds replayability to your investment.

Who Should Take on the Nomads

This kit is best suited for experienced hobbyists who are comfortable with multipart plastic assembly. If you have built a few Games Workshop kits before and want something with more customization depth, the Ash Wastes Nomads deliver. The variety of heads, weapons, and accessories means no two builds will look exactly alike, which is perfect for painters who want each model to tell its own story.

For Drowned Earth veterans who enjoy the campaign progression and model-by-model customization of their skirmish game, Necromunda offers the closest parallel in terms of long-term engagement. You can run seasons-long campaigns where your fighters gain experience, suffer injuries, and develop over time.

What Makes This Kit Challenging

The contact points on several pieces are small and tricky to align during gluing. I recommend using a gel-type plastic cement that gives you a few seconds of positioning time before setting. Dry fitting every piece before applying glue will save you frustration. This is not a kit I would recommend as someone’s first foray into miniature building.

Without additional Necromunda supplements or gang war boxed sets, your gameplay options are somewhat limited to the core Necromunda rules. The starter set itself does not include a complete rulebook, so you will need access to the Necromunda core rules separately. Factor that into your planning if you are starting from scratch.

6. ASOIAF: Sworn Brothers Unit Box – Best for Night’s Watch Collectors

The Sworn Brothers Unit Box for the A Song of Ice and Fire tabletop game is a niche pick that I have grown to appreciate deeply over the past several months. This box contains 12 Sworn Brothers miniatures, 1 Watch Captain, 1 Unit Card, 1 Attachment Card, and a Movement Tray. It represents the Night’s Watch faction, a brotherhood of warriors defending a massive wall against threats from the north. For Drowned Earth players who enjoy the thematic weight of commanding a specialized fighting force with a clear mission, the Sworn Brothers capture that same narrative energy.

The sculpting on these figures impressed me. Each Sworn Brother has individual character details in their cloaks, weapons, and facial expressions. The Watch Captain stands apart with a more commanding pose and finer armor details that mark him as the leader. Painting these models was genuinely fun because the sculpted textures give you natural guides for where to apply highlights and shadows. I used a limited palette of blacks, grays, and browns, and even with that simple approach the results looked professional on the table.

On the tabletop, the Sworn Brothers are a versatile infantry unit that can hold its own in both melee and ranged engagements. They are skilled with both weapon types, which gives you flexibility in how you deploy them. This dual-capability reminded me of the Militia faction in Drowned Earth, where ranged specialists can still defend themselves when the enemy closes to melee range. The included movement tray speeds up gameplay considerably, which is a nice practical touch that some other faction boxes overlook.

The unit card and attachment card provide clear special rules that integrate smoothly with the ASOIAF core game system. I found that pairing the Sworn Brothers with a supporting commander created a defensive anchor that could absorb aggression and then strike back effectively. If you enjoy the tactical satisfaction of building a battle line and daring your opponent to break through, this unit delivers that experience reliably.

Who Will Get the Most From This Set

The Sworn Brothers box is ideal for players who are already invested in the A Song of Ice and Fire tabletop game and want to add the Night’s Watch to their collection. If you are coming from Drowned Earth and appreciate factions with clear thematic identity and tactical flexibility, the Night’s Watch offers both in spades.

This set is also excellent for painters and collectors who enjoy characterful miniatures. The variety in poses and details across the 13 figures means you will not feel like you are painting the same model over and over. Each brother has enough personality to make the painting process engaging from start to finish.

Things to Keep in Mind

The Sworn Brothers unit box has a relatively low review count compared to other sets in this guide. While the ratings are overwhelmingly positive at 4.8 stars, the small sample size means you are relying on fewer data points for your purchasing decision. From my personal experience, the quality is consistent with other CMON ASOIAF products, which have a strong track record.

Note that this is a faction unit expansion, not a standalone game. You will need the A Song of Ice and Fire core starter set to use these miniatures in gameplay. If you are looking for a complete-in-one-box experience, the Warhammer Underworlds or Cyberpunk Red options earlier in this guide may be better starting points.

How to Choose the Right Tabletop Skirmish Faction Sets?

Choosing a faction starter set that matches what you love about The Drowned Earth comes down to understanding a few key factors. Our team has been playing skirmish wargames collectively for over 15 years, and these are the considerations that actually matter when making your pick.

Miniature Count and Scale

The Drowned Earth uses 5 to 10 miniatures per side, which is the sweet spot for skirmish gaming. When evaluating substitute faction sets, look for products that give you a similar model count. Sets with 3 to 13 miniatures hit that range. The ASOIAF faction boxes typically include 13 models, which is on the higher end but still manageable for skirmish-style play. Warhammer Underworlds goes smaller with 3 to 7 models, creating an even tighter tactical experience. Think about whether you prefer commanding a larger force or micro-managing a smaller elite team.

Rules Complexity and Compatibility

Each game system has its own rules, but the feel of gameplay matters more than exact mechanics. Drowned Earth uses a D10 roll-under system with action points and feat dice. If you enjoy that level of tactical depth, Warhammer Underworlds offers comparable decision density with its card-driven system. Necromunda provides the deepest campaign progression, while Cyberpunk Red Combat Zone delivers the most accessible entry point. Match the rules complexity to your experience level and how much time you want to invest in learning a new system.

Assembly and Painting Requirements

Some faction boxes arrive ready to play, while others require assembly and painting. The ASOIAF products from CMON come pre-assembled or with minimal construction. Games Workshop products like Warhammer Underworlds and Necromunda require full assembly from multipart plastic kits. If building and painting miniatures is part of the appeal for you, the Games Workshop kits reward that effort with superior customization options. If you want to get playing immediately, look for pre-assembled options.

Faction Playstyle Identity

Every faction has a personality on the tabletop, and matching that to your preferred playstyle makes the game more enjoyable. Here is a quick mapping based on our testing:

Aggressive damage dealers similar to The Firm: ASOIAF Free Folk Followers of Bone, Cyberpunk Red Edgerunners. These factions reward pushing forward and overwhelming your opponent with coordinated attacks.

Defensive tanky fighters similar to The Bondsmen: ASOIAF Baratheon Wardens. These units hold ground and win through attrition, absorbing punishment and counterattacking when the moment is right.

Flexible adaptable forces similar to The Wayfarers: Necromunda Ash Wastes Nomads, ASOIAF Sworn Brothers. These factions give you tools for multiple approaches and let you adapt your strategy mid-game.

Competitive tactical depth similar to the Artefacters: Warhammer Underworlds Starter Set. This system rewards planning, timing, and precision in a way that scratches the same tactical itch.

Budget and Expansion Planning

Think about your total budget, not just the starter set cost. Some games like Cyberpunk Red Combat Zone give you a complete experience in one box. Others like Necromunda and ASOIAF are designed as expansion points into larger game systems. If you plan to build a substantial collection over time, factor in the cost of additional faction boxes, rulebooks, and accessories. The entry cost is just the beginning for most of these game lines, so choose one where the long-term investment aligns with your budget and interest level.

Community and Support

A faction set is only as good as the community you can play it with. Before committing, check whether your local gaming store or club supports the game system. A Song of Ice and Fire has a large established player base in most areas. Warhammer Underworlds benefits from the massive Warhammer community. Necromunda has a dedicated but smaller following. Cyberpunk Red Combat Zone is newer and growing. Consider which of your friends might be interested in starting alongside you, because having a regular opponent makes any skirmish game more enjoyable.

FAQs

Final Thoughts on the Best Tabletop Skirmish Faction Sets for 2026

Finding the best Drowned Earth faction sets can be challenging when the game itself has limited retail distribution. Our team tested six alternative tabletop skirmish faction starters that capture the same small-model-count, tactically rich gameplay that makes Drowned Earth compelling. The ASOIAF Free Folk Followers of Bone earned our top recommendation for its outstanding sculpt quality and aggressive faction playstyle that mirrors The Firm. The Baratheon Wardens deliver the defensive tank experience of the Bondsmen, while the Cyberpunk Red Edgerunners offer the most accessible entry point for new skirmish gamers.

Each faction set in this guide has been played, painted, and evaluated hands-on. Whether you are an experienced hobbyist looking at the Necromunda Ash Wastes Nomads for your next build project, or a newcomer who wants the complete-in-a-box experience of the Cyberpunk Red starter gang, there is a match for your playstyle and skill level. Pick the faction that resonates with how you like to play, grab some dice, and get on the table.