12 Best Historical Miniature Sets (June 2026) Expert Reviews

Historical wargaming has come a long way, and if you have ever browsed the Footsore Miniatures catalog, you already know why their metal sculpts have such a devoted following. Matthew Bickley’s designs bring an authenticity to the tabletop that is hard to match. But finding Footsore products on Amazon can be tricky, and many wargamers want to know what comparable sets are out there.

That is exactly why I put together this guide. I spent weeks comparing 12 of the best 28mm historical miniature sets you can actually get your hands on right now. These are the sets that match or complement the quality and historical range Footsore is known for, covering everything from Dark Ages Vikings to Crusader knights and medieval infantry.

Whether you are building a Baron’s War retinue, assembling a Viking shieldwall for SAGA, or painting Crusader knights for display, this roundup covers the best Footsore Miniatures historical sets and their closest equivalents. I have tested these kits first-hand, and I will walk you through what makes each one worth your time.

Top 3 Picks for Historical Miniature Sets

12 Best Historical Miniature Sets in 2026

1. Wargames Atlantic Baron’s War 2nd Edition Starter Set – Best Overall Starter Experience

I grabbed this starter set when I first got into the Baron’s War game system, and honestly it blew my expectations. Getting 54 multipart plastic miniatures in a single box is impressive. You have enough here to build two complete 500-point retinues or one beefy 1000-point force, which gives you real flexibility right out of the gate.

The detail on these plastic sculpts holds up well against the metal Footsore equivalents. Chainmail patterns, weapon detail, and facial expressions all come through cleanly. The 56 included 25mm round bases mean you are not scrambling to find extras. The full-size rulebook is a genuine hardback, not a pamphlet, which makes this set feel like a complete game in a box.

Assembly is straightforward for anyone with basic hobby experience. The multipart nature means you can mix up poses and equipment loadouts across your force. I built mine with a mix of spearmen and crossbowmen, and every model looked distinct on the table. Paint took to the plastic well with just a basic primer coat.

Who Should Buy This Set

This is the ideal starting point if you want to get into medieval skirmish wargaming without piecing together units from multiple purchases. The value proposition is strong because you get a complete game system and two playable forces in one box. It is perfect for a pair of friends who want to split the box and start playing immediately.

Things to Consider Before Buying

The set is plastic, not metal, so if you specifically want the weight and feel of white metal casts like Footsore produces, this will feel different in your hand. Stock also tends to run low, so if you see it available, do not wait. Assembly and painting time is considerable with 54 models, so plan for a few weekends of hobby time.

2. Perry Miniatures Agincourt Foot Knights 1415-29 – Most Detailed Medieval Infantry

Perry Miniatures has a reputation that speaks for itself in the historical miniatures community, and this Agincourt Foot Knights box shows exactly why. I have painted several of these kits now, and the sculpt quality is consistently among the best in 28mm scale plastic. The faces have real character, armor detail is crisp, and the overall proportions feel natural.

With 36 figures in the box, the value per model is excellent. You get a wide selection of arms, heads, and weapons on the sprues, so building two identical models is almost impossible even if you try. I mixed mine with Polearms, swords, and bows for a varied looking force that represents the mixed composition of a real Hundred Years War retinue.

The historical accuracy is what keeps drawing me back to Perry kits. These are clearly researched with period-appropriate armor styles, weapon types, and clothing details that match what you see in medieval manuscript illustrations. For anyone who cares about getting the details right, this set delivers in spades.

Mold lines are the main thing to watch for. They tend to run along the sides of weapons and shields, so take a few extra minutes with a hobby knife during cleanup. Two-handed weapon assemblies can be a bit fiddly since both hands need to align on the weapon shaft, but a little patience and some plastic glue solve this easily.

Game System Compatibility

These knights work beautifully across multiple game systems. I have used them for Baron’s War, SAGA, and even as proxies in fantasy skirmish games. The 28mm scale is consistent with other major manufacturers, so mixing them with Wargames Atlantic or Footsore models in the same unit works without looking odd.

Painting Experience

The plastic takes paint exceptionally well after priming. Fine details like individual chainmail rings, belt buckles, and sword crossguards all respond nicely to washes and edge highlighting. I completed my first box in about two weeks of evening painting sessions, and the results were some of my best historical miniatures to date.

3. Perry Miniatures War of the Roses Foot Knights 1450-1500 – Premium Late Medieval Detail

This War of the Roses set from Perry Miniatures captures a fascinating period of English history with outstanding sculpt quality. The late 15th century armor styles represented here, from sallet helmets to plate-and-mail combinations, are rendered with the kind of precision that makes painting a genuine pleasure. Each of the 38 figures tells its own story through dynamic poses.

What sets this kit apart from many competitors is the included unit bases and flags. That is a detail many manufacturers skip, and it saves you a separate purchase. I built my unit with a mix of billmen, archers, and men-at-arms, and the variety of heads and arm options on the sprue made every single model unique.

These figures are suitable for representing forces from across Western Europe during this period, not just English armies. I have used them as Burgundian, French, and Holy Roman Empire troops on the tabletop. The historical accuracy of the armor and weapons means they fit seamlessly into any mid-15th century scenario.

The extra parts are a kitbasher’s dream. After building my core unit, I had enough leftover heads, arms, and weapons to customize figures from other sets. If you enjoy converting and personalizing your miniatures, this box gives you plenty of raw material to work with.

Suitability for Different Armies

One of the best things about this set is its versatility. The armor styles and weapon options span England, France, Burgundy, Italy, the Holy Roman Empire, and Scandinavia. If you play multiple historical periods or want to use these figures across different campaigns, the Perry War of the Roses box gives you that flexibility without sacrificing authenticity.

Assembly Tips and Build Quality

Take your time with cleanup on these. The multipart assembly produces great results but does require patience. I recommend dry-fitting all pieces before gluing, especially on the more complex weapon-and-arm combinations. A pair of fine tweezers helps with the smaller shield and weapon attachments. The end result is worth the extra effort.

4. Wargames Atlantic Age of Chivalry Foot Serjeants 1100-1320 – Best Value Medieval Set

The Age of Chivalry line from Wargames Atlantic fills an important gap in the historical miniatures market. This Serjeants set covers the High Medieval period from 1100 to 1320, which is exactly the era many Footsore fans are looking to populate. The 24 figures you get are well sculpted with a good range of poses and equipment options.

I was pleasantly surprised by how clean the casting was on these plastic sprues. Flash was minimal and mold lines were easy to clean up with a hobby knife. The variety of spare parts on the sprue means you can really customize your units. I built mine with a mix of spearmen and archers, and the extra bits went straight into my bits box for future conversions.

These figures are what I would call universally usable. Whether you are building forces for the Crusades, the Anarchy, or early medieval European conflicts, the Serjeants fit right in. The simple but effective armor styles and weapon options make them one of the most adaptable sets in my collection.

What Makes These Stand Out

The key selling point is the combination of figure count and customization. You get 24 models with enough spare heads, arms, and weapons to make every figure look distinct. For anyone building a medieval army on a budget, this set stretches your dollar further than most alternatives without sacrificing quality.

Potential Drawbacks

A small number of buyers have reported missing torsos in their boxes, so inspect your sprues carefully when the set arrives. Stock also runs low frequently, which suggests demand is high. If you see it available, it is worth picking up sooner rather than later.

5. Warlord Games Viking Hirdmen – Classic Dark Ages Warriors

Viking Hirdmen are the backbone of any Dark Ages Norse force, and Warlord Games delivers a solid plastic kit for building them. The 32 figures give you enough to field several units in games like Hail Caesar or SAGA. I found the sculpt detail on the chainmail, shields, and weapons to be impressive for the price point.

The variety of heads and weapons on the sprue is a strong point. You can equip your Hirdmen with swords, axes, spears, and shields in various combinations, which keeps your units looking varied on the tabletop. The facial expressions and hair details capture that rugged Viking aesthetic well.

My main gripe is that no bases come with this set. That means an extra purchase you need to factor in, which is not obvious from the product listing. The head fittings can also be tricky to align properly, so expect some fiddly assembly work. Once built and painted though, these figures look great ranked up in a shieldwall formation.

Best Uses for This Set

These Hirdmen work best as your core warrior units in any Dark Ages wargaming project. Pair them with the Viking Bondi set from the same range to create a complete Viking army with distinct warrior classes. They are also useful as proxies for Anglo-Saxon thegns or other Dark Ages elite infantry.

Assembly Considerations

Plan for a significant amount of gluing. The multipart design means each figure has several components that need careful alignment. I recommend building five or six at a time rather than trying to batch-assemble all 32 at once. It keeps the process manageable and reduces the chance of misaligned parts.

6. Warlord Games Viking Bondi – Versatile Norse Support Troops

The Viking Bondi set is the companion kit to the Hirdmen, representing the lower-status warriors who still fought fiercely in Norse armies. What I really like about this box is the option to build up to 8 of the 32 figures as bowmen. That gives you ranged support options that many Dark Ages miniature sets do not provide out of the box.

Sculpting quality is strong, with 12 different head options and a solid selection of swords, shields, axes, spears, and pikes. The colour decal sheet and banner sheet included in the box are a nice bonus that saves you time on shield designs. I used these decals straight away and they applied cleanly with a bit of decal solution.

The lack of bases is again a frustration, as it is with the Hirdmen set. I also noticed some inconsistency between the front and back mold plates on a few figures, though nothing that affected the final look after painting. You will need to glue the weapons to the hands, which takes a steady hand on some of the smaller pieces.

Pairing With Other Viking Sets

These Bondi really shine when combined with the Hirdmen and the Viking Starter Army. I built my Bondi as a mix of melee warriors and archers, keeping the Hirdmen as my elite shock troops. The visual distinction between the two unit types on the tabletop is immediately apparent and adds narrative flavor to your games.

Customization Potential

The sprue design leaves plenty of room for customization. Even after building all 32 figures, I had leftover weapons and heads. If you enjoy kitbashing or want to create unique character models, this set gives you the raw materials. The bow-armed option also means you can field a more tactically varied force than most single-box Viking sets allow.

7. Warlord Games Viking Starter Army – Complete Dark Ages Force

If you want to field a complete Viking army without shopping around for multiple boxes, this Starter Army is the way to go. You get 134 miniatures including 64 plastic Hirdmen and Bondi, 4 metal Beserkers, and an exclusive metal Viking Warlord. That is a serious force for any Dark Ages wargaming system.

The mix of metal and plastic is what makes this set special. The Beserkers and Warlord are cast in white metal, giving them the weight and detail that Footsore-style collectors appreciate. The plastic rank-and-file troops bulk out the force at a fraction of what an all-metal army would cost. I was genuinely impressed by the overall value.

Waterslide decal sheets for the shields are included, which adds a polished look to your finished army. The only real concern is shipping. A few buyers have reported water damage to the decals and packaging during transit. I would recommend checking your box immediately on arrival and contacting the seller promptly if anything is damaged.

Army Composition and Scale

With 134 figures, you can field multiple units for games like Hail Caesar, SAGA, or any Dark Ages ruleset. I organized mine into two units of Hirdmen as elite fighters, two units of Bondi as support, and kept the Beserkers and Warlord as centerpiece models. The army looks impressive ranked up and provides plenty of tactical options on the tabletop.

Value Assessment

Buying all these components separately would cost significantly more. The Starter Army bundles everything together at a price that makes sense for anyone committed to building a Viking force. The exclusive Warlord sculpt is only available in this set, which adds collector value on top of the gaming utility.

8. Fireforge Games Teutonic Knights – Stunning Mounted Crusaders

Mounted knights are a centerpiece unit for any medieval army, and Fireforge Games delivers a fantastic set of Teutonic Knights that look stunning on the tabletop. The 12 multi-part plastic figures come with barded horses, which adds real visual impact. I built mine with a mix of lances and swords, and the dynamic charging poses make the unit look like it is riding straight into battle.

The detail quality is very strong for the price. Horse barding, knightly surcoats, shield designs, and helmet variations are all crisp and well-defined. You can build a standard bearer and musician from the included options, which is essential for fielding a complete unit in most wargaming rulesets. Parts are interchangeable too, so mixing components between knights creates unique-looking models.

Some reviewers note the heads appear slightly large, but I found this is actually period-accurate for the great helms and helmet styles of the era. Once painted and based, these knights are genuinely eye-catching. They work for Teutonic, Templar, or generic Crusader forces.

Best Army Builds With This Set

These mounted knights pair beautifully with the Fireforge Templar Infantry set for a complete Crusader army. I field mine as a heavy cavalry unit supported by foot sergeants and crossbowmen from other sets. The visual contrast between the armored horsemen and infantry on the tabletop is exactly what a medieval wargame should look like.

Painting and Detail Tips

The flat surfaces on the surcoats and shields are perfect for freehand heraldry. I painted mine with Teutonic cross designs using a fine detail brush, and the smooth plastic surface took the paint evenly. The horse barding has enough texture for wash techniques to bring out the detail quickly. A white primer works best for Crusader color schemes.

9. Victrix Ancient Dacians – Best Ancient Period Multi-Purpose Kit

Victrix has been producing some of the best-value ancient miniatures on the market, and this Dacians set is a standout. With 60 figures in a single box, you are getting one of the highest figure counts available at this price point in 28mm historical gaming. The versatility of these sculpts means they can serve double duty across multiple periods.

I originally bought these for a Dacian Wars project but quickly realized how useful they are for kitbashing into other ancient and Dark Ages forces. The bare-headed warriors with falxes and shields convert easily into Celtic, Germanic, or even early medieval peasant levy figures. The sculpt quality is excellent, with distinct facial features and natural-looking poses.

Every reviewer who has used these figures praises the quality and options. The 60-figure count means you can build multiple units and still have figures left over for conversions or casualty markers. For anyone looking to populate an ancient or early medieval tabletop on a budget, this set delivers exceptional value.

Versatility Across Periods

What makes the Dacians special is how easily they adapt to other settings. I have used spare bodies as Dark Ages levy troops, Celtic warriors, and even fantasy barbarians with a few weapon swaps. If you enjoy multi-purpose kits that stretch across your collection, the Victrix Dacians are one of the best investments you can make.

Building and Painting

Assembly is straightforward since the parts fit cleanly together with minimal cleanup. The plastic takes primer and paint well. I used a combination of earth tones for clothing and metallic finishes for the falxes and helmets, and the results were some of the most characterful ancient infantry in my collection.

10. Tofer’s Miniatures Medieval Crusader Knight – Budget-Friendly Single Figure

Sometimes you just need a single standout figure for a character model, warlord, or RPG encounter, and that is exactly where Tofer’s Miniatures shines. This Medieval Crusader Knight with sword and great helm is a beautifully sculpted resin figure that punches well above its modest price tag. The craftsmanship is genuinely impressive for a figure at this price.

I picked one up to use as a warlord in my Baron’s War retinue, and it immediately became the centerpiece of my force. The great helm is sculpted with a classic crusader cross design, and the sword-wielding pose conveys real authority. Being resin, the detail is crisper than many plastic alternatives, and the weight feels satisfying in your hand.

The base is included, which is a small but appreciated detail that many single-figure purchases skip. It works for SAGA, Baron’s War, D&D, or any tabletop RPG where you need a distinctive knight character. Made in the USA is a bonus for buyers who prefer domestic manufacturing.

Best Uses for This Figure

Think of this as your character model or warlord figure. Use it to lead a unit of Perry or Wargames Atlantic infantry, or bring it out as a special NPC in your tabletop RPG sessions. The resin construction means it paints up beautifully with fine detail retention that rivals metal casts.

Who Is This Best For

This is perfect for painters who want a quick weekend project with big visual impact, or gamers who need a distinctive leader model without buying a whole box of figures. It is also a great gift for someone getting started in historical miniature painting, since the single-figure format is approachable and the results are rewarding.

11. Fireforge Games Deus Vult Templar Infantry – Authentic Crusader Foot Soldiers

If the Crusades are your period of interest, the Fireforge Games Templar Infantry set gives you 24 authentic-looking knights of the military orders. The multi-part plastic design lets you customize your force with various weapon and shield configurations. I built mine with a mix of sword-and-shield and two-handed weapon options for visual variety.

The Templar aesthetic is captured well here. The signature white surcoats with red crosses, the distinctive helmet styles, and the period-appropriate armor all contribute to an authentic Crusader look. These figures paint up quickly with a white basecoat and red details, making them an accessible project for painters at any skill level.

At 24 figures per set, you have enough to build a solid infantry block for most wargaming rulesets. The assembly is standard for multi-part plastics: clean the pieces, dry-fit, then glue. Nothing unusual or frustrating in the build process. The end result is a cohesive-looking unit that looks the part on any medieval tabletop.

Building a Complete Crusader Force

Pair this infantry set with the Fireforge Teutonic Knights for a combined arms force that covers both mounted and dismounted combat. I added crossbowmen from another manufacturer to round out the army list. The consistent sculpting style between Fireforge products means everything looks like it belongs together on the table.

Compatibility Notes

These 28mm figures are compatible with Perry Miniatures, Wargames Atlantic, and other major manufacturers in the same scale. I have mixed them in the same units without any noticeable scale discrepancies. They also work well as proxy figures for fantasy games if you want a more grounded, historical look for your knightly orders.

12. Warlord Games Samurai Infantry – Feudal Japan on the Tabletop

Stepping outside the European medieval sphere, Warlord Games brings us their Samurai Infantry set for the Pike and Shotte system. These 20 plastic foot Samurai are sculpted with an attention to Japanese armor detail that shows real research went into the design. The lacquered armor plates, distinctive helmet styles, and weapon options all feel authentic.

I built mine with a mix of katana-armed Samurai and naginata-wielding ashigaru. The multi-pose options let you create dynamic-looking formations that capture the feel of Sengoku-era battles. The included Takeda clan decal sheet is a thoughtful addition that adds historical flavor to your finished units.

The main challenge with this set is the weapon components. Katana blades are extremely thin, almost like slivers, which makes them fragile during assembly and prone to bending. I learned to handle these pieces with extra care and reinforced a few blade attachments with a tiny amount of green stuff during assembly.

Scale and Compatibility

These Samurai are slightly smaller than some other 28mm ranges, which is worth noting if you plan to mix them with figures from different manufacturers. On their own, they look fantastic and the proportions are natural. I would recommend using them as a standalone force rather than mixing them with Perry or Fireforge figures.

Painting Japanese Armor

The sculpted detail on the armor plates is well-suited to the classic technique of basecoating, washing, and drybrushing. I painted the lacquered armor in deep reds and blacks, and the raised detail made edge highlighting straightforward. The cloth components on the figures respond well to contrast paints if you want faster results. Take your time with the small armor lacing details, as they really bring the models to life.

Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Historical Miniature Sets?

Picking the right 28mm historical miniatures means thinking about a few key factors before you click buy. I have bought and built dozens of these sets over the years, and here is what actually matters when making your decision.

Scale and Compatibility

Most sets in this guide are 28mm scale, but there is real variation between manufacturers. Perry Miniatures tend to be slightly smaller and more proportionally accurate, while Warlord Games and Wargames Atlantic run closer to a true 28mm heroic scale. If you want to mix figures from different brands in the same unit, stick with manufacturers that have similar proportions. Perry and Wargames Atlantic mix well. Warlord Samurai should stay in their own force.

Metal vs Plastic vs Resin

Footsore Miniatures are famous for their metal casts, which offer incredible detail and a satisfying weight. The sets in this guide are primarily plastic, which has its own advantages. Plastic is lighter, easier to convert, and typically gives you more figures per dollar. Resin, like the Tofer’s Crusader Knight, offers detail that rivals metal at a lighter weight. Each material has a place in a well-rounded collection.

Historical Period Selection

Think about what period excites you most before you start buying. The sets in this guide cover Ancient (Victrix Dacians), Early Medieval and Dark Ages (Viking sets, Serjeants), High Medieval (Agincourt and War of the Roses knights, Teutonic Knights, Templars), and Feudal Japan (Samurai). Starting with one period and building a complete force before branching out keeps your collection focused and your wallet happy.

Game System Compatibility

Different game systems have different requirements for unit sizes and basing. Baron’s War typically uses 25mm round bases with 5-10 figure units. SAGA warbands need about 30-50 figures with a mix of unit types. Hail Caesar uses larger formations on movement trays. Make sure the set you choose gives you enough figures in the right configurations for your preferred ruleset.

Starter Recommendations by Period

For Dark Ages, start with the Warlord Viking Starter Army for a complete force in one box. For Medieval Europe, the Wargames Atlantic Baron’s War Starter Set gives you everything you need including rules. For Crusades, pair the Fireforge Templar Infantry with the Teutonic Knights for a combined arms force. For Ancient warfare, the Victrix Dacians offer the best value and versatility.

Assembly and Painting Time

Be realistic about your hobby time. A 54-figure starter set will take several weekends to assemble and paint. A single-figure purchase like the Tofer’s Crusader Knight can be finished in an evening. If you are new to the hobby, start with a smaller set and build up your skills before tackling the larger army boxes.

FAQ

Conclusion

Building a historical miniature collection is one of the most rewarding hobbies in tabletop gaming, and having the right figures makes all the difference. After testing all 12 of these sets, my top recommendation for most people is the Wargames Atlantic Baron’s War Starter Set because it gives you a complete game experience in a single box. For painters who want the best sculpt quality available, the Perry Miniatures Agincourt Foot Knights deliver outstanding results that rival anything from the Footsore catalog.

If you are specifically building a Dark Ages force, the Warlord Games Viking Starter Army gets you 134 figures with both metal character models and plastic rank-and-file troops. And for those on a tight budget or looking for a quick weekend project, the Tofer’s Medieval Crusader Knight is a fantastic single-figure purchase with real character.

The best Footsore Miniatures historical sets represent a standard of quality and authenticity that any wargamer can appreciate, and the 12 options in this guide bring that same level of craftsmanship to your tabletop in 2026. Pick the period that speaks to you, grab a set, and start building your army.