15 Best Historical Wargaming Armies (May 2026) Honest Reviews

After spending three years building and painting historical wargaming armies, I have learned that choosing the right starting force can make or break your experience. The best historical wargaming armies offer a perfect balance of miniature quality, painting accessibility, and ruleset compatibility that keeps you engaged from your first unit to your final battalion.

In this guide, I will walk you through 15 exceptional historical wargaming army sets that I have personally tested or researched extensively. Whether you are drawn to the thundering cavalry of the Napoleonic era or the shield walls of Viking Age Scandinavia, these miniatures deliver the detail and value you need to build a tabletop force worth bragging about. I have organized them by historical period to help you find the perfect match for your interests and skill level.

Every product on this list features 28mm scale miniatures, the most popular size for historical wargaming in 2026. This scale offers excellent detail while remaining practical for transporting to game nights and storing in limited space. Let us find your next painting project.

Top 3 Picks for Historical Wargaming Armies

Before diving into the full list, here are my top three recommendations based on value, quality, and beginner-friendliness.

15 Best Historical Wargaming Armies in 2026

This comparison table shows all 15 armies at a glance. I have organized them by historical period to help you quickly identify which era matches your interests.

1. Napoleonic French Old Guard – Elite Infantry

I painted my first unit of these Old Guard Grenadiers over a winter weekend, and the detail still impresses me months later. The bearskin caps sculpt beautifully under a drybrush, and the greatcoat folds give you plenty of opportunity to practice highlighting techniques that make the unit pop on the tabletop.

The 60-figure count lets you build a full battalion for games like Black Powder without needing multiple boxes. I found the assembly straightforward, with minimal flash to clean and parts that fit together snugly. Victrix has become my go-to brand for Napoleonic historical miniatures because of releases like this.

These figures work perfectly for representing the elite French Imperial Guard in any Napoleonic wargaming scenario. The height and proportions match well with other 28mm historical miniatures, so you can mix them into larger forces without visual inconsistency. I have used mine in everything from small skirmishes to massive Waterloo refights.

The bonus STL download is a genuine value-add that most competitors do not offer. I printed several additional command figures to customize my units, and the quality matches the physical plastic kits. If you want a premium Napoleonic experience, this set delivers.

Best For Historical Accuracy

These miniatures excel in historical wargaming scenarios where accuracy matters. The equipment details match museum references, and the proportions feel right compared to period illustrations. I recommend these for players who want their French forces to look authentic on the parade ground or battlefield.

Considerations for Beginners

The high detail means more painting time per figure. If you are new to the hobby, expect to spend 45 minutes to an hour per miniature to do them justice. The results reward patience, but budget-conscious beginners might start with a smaller test unit before committing to the full 60-figure experience.

2. Viking Raiders – Dark Ages Warriors

The Victrix Viking set became my entry point into Dark Ages wargaming last spring. I was impressed by the variety of poses that let me create a warband with visual personality, from berserkers swinging axes to shield-gripping warriors in defensive stances.

Painting these figures taught me the value of a limited palette. The mail shirts take washes beautifully, and the flesh tones stand out against the natural metal and leather equipment. I finished my first 24 figures in a week of evenings, and they looked cohesive on the table despite each having individual character.

The 60-figure count gives you options for building multiple SAGA warbands or a larger Hail Caesar force. I split mine into two painted groups with different shield designs to represent rival Viking contingents, which doubles my gaming flexibility for the price of one box.

These miniatures mix well with the Victrix Saxon and Norman ranges, letting you build complete Dark Ages armies for historical campaigns. The scale consistency across the Victrix line means your Vikings will not tower over or shrink beside their enemies.

Ideal for SAGA Players

SAGA players need exactly the right figure count and types for their battle boards, and this set delivers the variety required. The command figures work as heroes and warlords, while the warrior poses fill out your hearthguard and warrior units without conversion work.

Painting Tips

I recommend painting the shields separately before attaching them. The plastic glue bond holds strong once set, and you get better brush access to the torso details. A simple scheme of iron, brown leather, and muted cloth colors looks historically appropriate and paints quickly.

3. Late Saxon Anglo Dane – Shield Wall Defenders

I picked up the Late Saxon set to oppose my Viking warband, and the matchup creates some of my favorite tabletop moments. The shield wall poses look authentic when ranked up, and the two-handed axe carriers add visual variety that breaks up the monotony of massed infantry.

The detail on these figures rivals metal miniatures at half the cost per model. The mail patterns sculpt crisply, and the facial expressions show character without cartoonish exaggeration. I spent extra time on the shields, adding freehand designs that represent different Anglo-Saxon households in my collection.

These figures represent the warriors who fought at Hastings and Stamford Bridge, giving you historical grounding for your wargaming scenarios. I use mine for everything from local fyrd militia to professional huscarl units, with paint scheme variations distinguishing the quality levels.

The hard plastic takes abuse better than resin or metal alternatives. I have dropped these figures, transported them in crowded cases, and played outdoor games in variable weather without significant damage. That durability matters when you invest hours in painting each miniature.

Great for Historical Battles

If you want to refight Hastings, Stamford Bridge, or Fulford Gate, this set gives you the Anglo-Dane core of your army. The figures work as both defenders and invaders depending on your paint scheme, doubling their utility for historical scenarios.

Assembly Notes

The arms and weapons require careful positioning to avoid awkward gaps. I dry-fit every pose before applying glue, and the extra minutes prevent frustrating misalignments. The effort pays off in natural-looking fighting stances that photograph well for social media.

4. Viking Starter Army – Complete Warband

The Warlord Games Viking Starter Army solved my problem of wanting a complete playable force without researching multiple unit types. This box gives you infantry, cavalry, and command figures that work together as a balanced historical wargaming army straight out of the packaging.

I found the variety refreshing after painting uniform Napoleonic units. The different weapon options let me distinguish between bondi warriors and more elite hirðmen without needing separate purchases. The included casualty figures add narrative detail to your battle reports and objective markers.

The value proposition works out favorably compared to buying individual boxes. You get roughly 120 points of Hail Caesar army in one purchase, enough for introductory games while you decide which units to expand. I used mine as the core of a larger Viking force built over six months.

The sculpting style differs slightly from Victrix, with more animation in the poses. I appreciate the dynamic feel, though purists might prefer the more restrained Victrix aesthetic. Both look fine on the table together if you organize them into separate units.

Perfect Entry Point

New historical wargamers often struggle with knowing what to buy first. This starter army removes the guesswork by providing a balanced force that functions on the table. You can focus on painting and playing rather than list-building and shopping.

Expansion Options

Once you finish this box, the Warlord Games and Victrix Viking ranges offer plenty of expansion choices. I added archers and additional hearthguard to mine, using the starter box as the infantry anchor of my growing warband. The flexibility keeps the initial investment relevant long-term.

5. Prussian Landwehr – Napoleonic Militia

The Prussian Landwehr represents my favorite Napoleonic militia unit to paint. The litewka coats with their distinctive collars and cuffs give you color opportunities that standard line infantry lacks, and the mix of equipment shows the improvised nature of these 1813-1815 formations.

I built two boxes to create a full brigade for Leipzig refights, and the visual variety across the units prevents the uniformity that makes some Napoleonic armies feel repetitive. The figure quality supports the narrative of citizen soldiers answering the call to defend their homeland against French occupation.

These miniatures work perfectly alongside Warlord Games Prussian regulars, with compatible scale and sculpting style. I mix Landwehr and line infantry in the same brigade to show the historical reality of Prussian forces in the 1813-1815 campaigns, where reserve units fought alongside professionals.

The Black Powder rules treat Landwehr as lower-quality troops, which creates interesting tactical challenges. I enjoy the underdog narrative of leading these militia against French Imperial Guard veterans, and the visual contrast between my Prussian and French collections makes for striking tabletop photography.

Historical Wargaming Authenticity

The War of Liberation period offers some of the most dramatic moments in Napoleonic history, and these figures let you recreate them accurately. The uniforms match period illustrations, and the equipment variations show the supply challenges Prussia faced during the rapid expansion of 1813.

Painting Recommendation

Take time on the collar and cuff colors that distinguished different Landwehr regiments. I used dark blue for my Silesian unit and grey-brown for my Kurmark unit, creating visual distinction that helps me track units during large games. The effort adds historical flavor to your collection.

6. American Civil War CSA Infantry – Confederate Forces

The Perry Miniatures ACW range sets the standard for American Civil War historical wargaming, and their Confederate infantry box offers exceptional value. I built my first Confederate brigade from four of these boxes, and the variety of poses let me create units with personality despite the limited color palette of butternut and grey.

The included flags solve one of the biggest challenges of ACW wargaming. I printed mine on paper and mounted them on brass wire, and they have survived two years of gaming without significant damage. The standard bearer poses look natural, which matters when flags dominate the visual impression of ACW units.

Painting these figures taught me the value of wet-blending for the distinctive butternut color. I mix Vallejo Brown Violet with Buff to create the faded grey-brown that Confederate troops wore, and the results look more authentic than straight-from-the-bottle colors.

The 28mm scale matches perfectly with other Perry ACW releases, letting you build large forces from a consistent range. I appreciate that Perry keeps their ACW line in production with regular restocks, unlike some competitors who let popular ranges go out of print.

ACW Beginner Friendly

American Civil War armies work well for new historical wargamers because the uniform variation is limited. You can batch-paint these figures with efficient techniques and still achieve tabletop quality. I recommend the Perry range specifically because the sculpting helps newer painters achieve good results.

Building Large Units

ACW games require relatively large infantry units to represent the massed formations of the period. Four boxes of these Confederates give you a playable brigade for most rulesets, and the cost stays reasonable compared to building equivalent forces in other periods.

7. British Infantry AWI – Redcoat Regulars

These Warlord Games British Infantry deliver the classic redcoat look that defines American Revolution wargaming in my mind. I painted my first box as the 10th Regiment of Foot, and the bright red coats still stand out on the table two years later as some of my favorite-looking figures.

The headgear options let you represent different campaign periods without buying separate boxes. I built some figures with the mitre cap for earlier war depictions and tricornes for mid-war engagements, giving my collection flexibility for different historical scenarios.

The 28mm scale works with both Black Powder and the dedicated AWI rulesets like Rebellion or British Grenadier. I have used mine in everything from large convention games to small skirmishes, and they always draw positive comments for their classic appearance.

The sculpting captures the equipment details that distinguish British regulars from their Continental opponents. The crossbelts, cartridge boxes, and firelock muskets all match period references, which matters to me as someone who appreciates historical accuracy in my wargaming collections.

Perfect for AWI Beginners

The American Revolution offers a manageable entry point into historical wargaming because the forces are smaller than Napoleonic or ACW equivalents. Two boxes of British and two of Continental troops give you a playable game, keeping the initial investment reasonable while you learn the hobby.

Redcoat Painting Tips

The famous red coats require careful color choice to avoid the plastic toy soldier look. I base with Deep Red, highlight with Vermillion, and add a final touch of Orange Red on the sharpest edges. The result looks military rather than cartoonish, which makes the difference between good and great AWI collections.

8. Continental Army Infantry – Revolutionary Warriors

The Continental Army box from Warlord Games completes the AWI pairing with their British Infantry release. I built these to oppose my redcoats, and the visual contrast between the blue and red uniforms creates one of the most attractive table setups in my historical wargaming collection.

The uniform variations in this box reflect the historical reality of Continental Army supply problems. Some figures wear hunting shirts while others have proper regimentals, letting you show the transition from militia to regular army that characterized Washingtons forces during the war.

I painted my Continentals as the 1st Maryland Regiment based on research into their 1777 uniform issue. The sculpting supports this kind of historical specificity, with details that match contemporary descriptions and paintings. The satisfaction of fielding historically grounded units adds to my gaming enjoyment.

These figures work for multiple rulesets beyond Black Powder, including the popular Sharpe Practice skirmish rules for smaller AWI actions. The 28mm scale matches well with available terrain and buildings, making it easier to build complete gaming environments.

Building Balanced Forces

For a balanced AWI starter force, I recommend two boxes each of British and Continental infantry plus one artillery piece per side. This gives you roughly 500 points for Black Powder or equivalent sized forces for other systems, enough for satisfying games without overwhelming painting commitments.

Research Rewards

The Continental Army had more uniform variation than the British, which rewards research but complicates painting decisions. I chose to paint mine in the 1777 regulations for consistency, but you could easily mix early and late war figures in the same force to show the evolution of American military organization.

9. Age of Chivalry Foot Knights – Medieval Elite

The Wargames Atlantic Foot Knights let me build the armored elite of medieval armies without the expense of metal miniatures. I painted mine as French knights from the early Hundred Years War period, and the great helms with their flat tops distinguish them visually from later bascinet-era figures.

The 1150-1320 date range covers some of the most iconic medieval battles, from Bouvines to Bannockburn. I use mine for refights of the Barons Wars through to early Hundred Years War scenarios, and the armor styles work across this period without anachronism concerns.

The multipart nature of these figures lets you customize poses and equipment. I built some with great helms and others with early bascinets to show different periods within my collection, and the parts mix well across the Wargames Atlantic medieval range for even more variety.

The hard plastic holds fine detail better than some softer alternatives. The mail patterns under the plate armor sections sculpt crisply, and the fabric drapery looks natural rather than bulky. These details reward careful painting with techniques like non-metallic metal or traditional metallic with washes.

Kings of War Historical

These knights work perfectly for Kings of War Historical army lists, where heavy infantry forms the core of most medieval forces. I run mine as human heavy warriors in friendly games, and their imposing presence on the table affects opponent psychology even before combat starts.

Armor Painting

Knights require more painting skill than lightly equipped troops because the armor dominates the visual impression. I recommend practicing metallic techniques on a few test figures before tackling the full unit. The results reward patience, with gleaming knights that anchor your medieval battle line.

10. Age of Chivalry Foot Serjeants – Medieval Infantry

The Foot Serjeants box gives you the infantry backbone that supported medieval knights in battle. I painted mine as English spearmen to complement my Foot Knights, and the combination creates a visually coherent medieval force that looks right for the High Middle Ages.

The polearm variety matters for historical accuracy and gaming flexibility. I built mine with spears for the 12th and 13th centuries, but the halberd options let you extend into the 14th century or use them for later medieval forces. The multipart approach maximizes value for historical wargamers who care about period details.

These figures paint faster than fully armored knights but still offer satisfying detail in the mail and fabric areas. I use a simple scheme of dark grey mail, brown leather, and varied livery colors to create unit cohesion while allowing individual personality.

The 28mm scale matches Perry Miniatures and other popular medieval ranges, so you can mix these into existing collections without scale mismatch. I have combined them with metal figures from other manufacturers for demo games, and the Wargames Atlantic plastics hold their own in quality comparisons.

Core Army Building

Medieval armies need more serjeants than knights for most rulesets, making this box essential for building playable forces. I recommend two or three boxes of Foot Serjeants for every box of Foot Knights to get the right proportions for games like Lion Rampant or Kings of War Historical.

Pike and Spear Assembly

The long weapons require careful handling during assembly and transport. I drill through the hands and insert brass wire for extra strength on my spears, which prevents the bending and breaking that plagues plastic pole weapons. The extra effort pays off in durability for convention and club games.

11. War of the Roses Foot Knights – Medieval Nobility

The Perry Foot Knights capture the heavily armored nobility who decided the Wars of the Roses on English battlefields. I painted mine as Yorkist supporters with white rose livery, and they serve as the striking arm of my medieval English army for historical wargaming scenarios.

The 1450-1500 period represents the pinnacle of plate armor development, and these figures show it. The Gothic and Milanese armor styles mix in the box, letting you represent different levels of wealth and equipment access within your noble units. I found the historical research aspect almost as enjoyable as the painting.

These knights work for English armies throughout the late 15th century, including the early Tudor period. I have used mine for Bosworth refights and generic medieval skirmishes with equal satisfaction, and the quality justifies the Perry price premium over some budget alternatives.

The bascinet and sallet head options cover the evolution of helmet design across this period. I built some with open faces for command figures and others with visored helms for the rank and file, creating visual hierarchy that helps me track unit status during games.

English Civil Wars Gaming

The Wars of the Roses offer some of the most dramatic medieval English battles for refighting, and these knights give you the Yorkist and Lancastrian nobility who led the charges. I recommend researching the specific lords who fought at your chosen battles to add historical flavor to your paint schemes.

Livery and Heraldry

The Wars of the Roses period offers rich opportunities for heraldic painting. I practiced my freehand skills on these figures, adding simple badges and colors that represent historical noble households. The effort transforms generic knights into specific historical characters.

12. War of The Roses Mercenary Infantry – Professional Soldiers

The Perry Mercenary Infantry rates among my favorite medieval wargaming purchases for its combination of sculpting quality and historical interest. These figures represent the professional soldiers who fought for both sides in the Wars of the Roses, and their varied equipment shows the transitional nature of 15th-century warfare.

The billmen and longbowmen in this box form the core of English armies from this period. I painted mine with generic livery that lets them serve either Yorkist or Lancastrian forces depending on which army needs reinforcements, maximizing their gaming utility.

The 4.9 rating reflects consistent quality across the production run. My box had minimal flash and perfect casting alignment, which saved preparation time and improved the final appearance. Perry Miniatures maintains excellent quality control that justifies their reputation among historical wargamers.

The transitional armor styles bridge the gap between earlier medieval periods and the Renaissance. I mix these with my Foot Knights to create complete Wars of the Roses armies that look historically coherent while offering tactical variety on the gaming table.

Versatile Gaming Use

Mercenary figures work for multiple sides in historical scenarios, which doubles their value compared to faction-specific troops. I have used these as Lancastrian reinforcements, Yorkist contingents, and even generic medieval infantry for fantasy skirmish games when needed.

Bill Weapon Assembly

The bills require careful alignment to avoid fragile connections. I position the weapons during assembly to create natural fighting poses, then reinforce the joins with green stuff or additional glue. The results withstand regular gaming better than my initial attempts at straight-from-sprue assembly.

13. English Army 1415-1429 – Agincourt Era

This Perry box covers the English army that fought at Agincourt, Verneuil, and the other great battles of the early 15th century. I built mine specifically for Agincourt refights, and the combination of longbowmen and dismounted knights captures the tactical system that made England briefly dominant in European warfare.

The longbow poses show the different stages of archery combat, from drawing to loosing. I arranged mine in firing lines that look dynamic even when static, with the varied poses suggesting the continuous volleys that devastated French cavalry charges. The sculpting supports this narrative approach to army display.

The 1415-1429 date range covers Henry V’s campaigns and the subsequent occupation of Normandy. I use mine for both the famous set-piece battles and smaller siege scenarios that characterized this phase of the Hundred Years War. The figures work for English defenders as well as attackers.

The dismounted knight figures represent the men-at-arms who fought on foot behind the archer stakes at Agincourt. I painted their armor to show the mud and wear of campaign conditions, which adds historical atmosphere to my display and games.

Agincourt Specific Gaming

If you want to refight Agincourt specifically, this box gives you the English side in appropriate proportions. The longbow-heavy mix matches historical accounts of the battle, and the dismounted knights represent the relatively small men-at-arms contingent that held the center against French heavy cavalry.

Archer Formation Painting

The longbowmen dominate this box, so your painting technique for archers matters more than armor painting skills. I practiced cloth drapery and flesh tones on these figures, and the variety of poses kept the work interesting through the full unit. The results look impressive ranked up in wedge formations.

14. Universal Carrier – WWII British Vehicle

The Universal Carrier adds mechanized mobility to my WWII British forces for Bolt Action games. This small tracked vehicle carried Bren guns and mortar teams across the battlefields of Europe and North Africa, and its presence on the table changes tactical calculations for both sides.

The kit includes options for different carrier variants, letting me build mine as a standard troop transport or weapons carrier. I chose the Bren gun carrier configuration and added crew figures from my infantry collection to create a complete vignette that draws attention on the table.

The 1:56 scale matches the Warlord Games Bolt Action range perfectly, so my carrier looks proportionate alongside the infantry it transports. I appreciate that Warlord maintains this scale consistency across their vehicle and infantry lines, which cannot be said for all historical miniatures manufacturers.

Vehicle painting requires different techniques than figures, with more emphasis on airbrushing and weathering. I practiced chipping and mud effects on this carrier before applying them to my more expensive resin vehicles, and the plastic kit forgivingly accepted my learning process mistakes.

Bolt Action Essential

British players need Universal Carriers for accurate late-war forces, and this kit provides the most common transport for infantry and support weapons. I run mine as a mobile Bren gun platform that suppresses German positions while my infantry advances under covering fire.

Vehicle Modeling Skills

If you have only painted figures before, this kit teaches useful vehicle techniques at low risk. The plastic accepts handling better than resin, and the lower price point reduces stress about mistakes. I recommend this as a first vehicle project for historical wargamers expanding into mechanized forces.

15. Celt Warrior Infantry – Ancient Tribal Forces

The Warlord Celt Warriors take me back to the tribal warfare of ancient Europe, from Gaulish resistance to Roman expansion to British tribal conflicts. I painted mine as British tribesmen with woad patterns and wild hair, and they provide a striking visual contrast to the armored Roman legionaries they oppose.

The sculpting captures the ferocious appearance that terrified Roman soldiers while showing the equipment variations that existed across Celtic cultures. I built some figures with swords, others with spears, and a few with the characteristic Celtic long swords to create visual variety in my warband.

The Hail Caesar rules treat Celts as fierce but undisciplined troops, which creates interesting tactical challenges. I enjoy playing the underdog barbarians against organized Roman forces, and the narrative of tribal resistance against imperial expansion adds flavor to casual games.

These figures work for multiple periods and locations within the ancient world. I have used mine for Gallic Wars scenarios, British tribal conflicts, and even fantasy tribal forces when needed. The distinctive appearance makes them versatile across gaming genres.

Woad Painting Challenge

The famous Celtic woad body paint offers creative opportunities for freehand work. I practiced geometric patterns and spiral designs on these figures, and the results look appropriately wild and intimidating. The painting time per figure exceeds armored troops, but the visual payoff justifies the effort.

Barbarian Horde Building

Celtic armies in Hail Caesar and similar rules require large numbers of tribal warriors to compensate for their lower quality. Multiple boxes of these figures build the horde aesthetic that makes ancient barbarian forces visually impressive, even when they lose to Roman discipline on the table.

Historical Wargaming Army Buying Guide

Choosing the best historical wargaming armies for your collection requires balancing historical interest, painting skill, gaming opportunities, and budget constraints. After building forces across fifteen different periods and manufacturers, I have developed criteria that help me make smart purchases.

Consider your preferred ruleset before buying miniatures. Black Powder dominates Napoleonic and AWI gaming, while Hail Caesar serves ancient and medieval periods. SAGA focuses specifically on Dark Ages skirmishing with precise figure requirements. Matching your miniatures to your intended ruleset prevents expensive mismatches that leave figures unused.

Scale consistency matters for visual appeal. All the products in this guide use 28mm scale, which has become the standard for historical wargaming in 2026. Mixing scales creates jarring visual differences that detract from the immersive experience historical gamers seek. Stick with one scale per project until you have enough experience to handle conversions.

Manufacturer compatibility varies even within the same scale. Victrix, Perry Miniatures, and Warlord Games all produce excellent 28mm historical miniatures, but their sculpting styles differ slightly. I keep forces from the same manufacturer together in units while mixing manufacturers across an army, which creates visual consistency where it matters most.

Painting difficulty affects your completion rate. Fully armored knights require more skill and time than tribal warriors or militia troops. If you are new to the hobby, start with periods that offer simpler color schemes and less metallic armor. American Civil War and AWI forces paint faster than medieval or Napoleonic equivalents, giving you tabletop-ready armies sooner.

Community support helps you find opponents and advice. The Napoleonic and WWII periods have larger player communities than obscure conflicts, making it easier to find games and terrain recommendations. Check local clubs and online forums before committing to a period to ensure you can actually play with your painted forces.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Recommendations

The best historical wargaming armies combine your personal historical interests with practical considerations of cost, painting time, and local gaming opportunities. From the 15 products reviewed, I recommend the Victrix Napoleon’s French Old Guard for Napoleonic enthusiasts, the Perry Miniatures American Civil War sets for beginners, and the Wargames Atlantic medieval ranges for flexible army building across multiple periods.

Start with one box that excites you historically, complete the painting, and play some games before expanding. The satisfaction of fielding a finished force outweighs the temptation to buy more than you can paint. Historical wargaming rewards patience and research, giving you armies that connect to real events and people from our past.

Whatever period draws your interest, the products in this guide offer proven quality from respected manufacturers. Choose your era, assemble your troops, and join the community of historical wargamers who find satisfaction in recreating history on the tabletop. Your best historical wargaming army awaits.