6 Best Hordes Trollbloods Armies (June 2026) Expert Reviews

If you are looking to build the best Hordes Trollbloods armies, you have come to the right place. Trollbloods are one of the most recognizable factions in Privateer Press’s Hordes tabletop wargame, known for their tough-as-nails Trollkin warriors, massive Dire Troll warbeasts, and a play style that rewards aggressive melee combat backed by powerful defensive buffs.

Our team has spent months assembling, painting, and field-testing Trollbloods units to figure out which kits and army boxes give you the strongest foundation. Whether you are a complete beginner picking up your first battlegroup or a seasoned player adding support pieces to an existing force, this guide covers the products that matter most.

We reviewed 6 products ranging from starter battleboxes to essential support units like the Krielstone Bearer. Each product was evaluated on build quality, tabletop performance, value for money, and how well it fits into popular Trollbloods theme forces like the Kriel Company, Band of Heroes, and Power of Dhunia.

Top 3 Picks for Hordes Trollbloods Armies

6 Best Hordes Trollbloods Armies in 2026

1. Hordes Trollbloods Battlegroup Starter Box (Mk III) – Best Starter Kit for New Players

I picked up this Battlegroup Starter Box as my first foray into the Trollbloods faction, and it immediately clicked. The box comes with everything you need to play your first game: an exclusive warcaster, a set of warbeasts, a core rules digest, and an in-depth tutorial that walks you through your opening moves. For anyone wondering how to start a Trollblood army, this is the answer.

The models are plastic and require assembly, which is standard for Privateer Press kits. I found the detail on the Trollblood warbeasts to be sharp and well-defined, even at this entry-level price point. After a weekend of cleaning mold lines and assembling, I had a fully playable battlegroup ready for the table.

One thing I want to mention is the lack of assembly instructions. Several reviewers flagged this, and I ran into the same issue. If you are new to miniature assembly, have some plastic cement and a reference image handy. The slotted bases also needed filling, but that is a minor gripe for what you get at this price.

Who Should Buy This Starter Box

This box is built for beginners. If you have never played Hordes before and want to experience the Trollbloods faction without committing to a full army, this kit gives you a warlock, core rules, and enough models to play learning games. It is also a solid pickup for someone who wants to teach a friend the basics of the game.

Veteran players will likely pass on this since the warcaster is exclusive to this box and not typically used in competitive lists. But for learning the Fury mechanic, understanding warbeast bonding, and getting a feel for Trollbloods melee play style, there is no better starting point.

What Theme Forces Work With This Box

The included models slot naturally into the Band of Heroes theme force, which focuses on Trollkin warrior models. Since the starter box is designed around learning the game, the models are versatile enough to fit into several Trollbloods theme forces as you expand your collection. Think of this box as the seed from which your entire army grows.

If you plan to build toward a Kriel Company or Power of Dhunia list, the warbeasts in this box will still serve you well as you add infantry units and support solos to round out your force.

2. Hordes Two Player Battle Box (MKIII) – Best Value for Duo Gaming

Our team picked up the Two Player Battle Box specifically to test head-to-head Trollbloods gameplay, and the value proposition is hard to ignore. The included models would cost more than $250 if purchased individually, making this one of the most cost-effective ways to build out a Trollbloods army alongside a second faction.

The box includes miniatures for two players with Hordes and Skorne factions, so you can immediately start playing full games against an opponent. I found the models to be durable and well-suited for regular tabletop play. They survived a few accidental drops during our test games without chipping or breaking, which speaks to the quality of the plastic used.

The big caveat here is to do a complete parts inventory when you open the box. Multiple reviewers reported missing pieces in factory-sealed boxes. In our case, everything was accounted for, but it is worth checking before you start assembling. When we did encounter an issue with a different batch, the seller and developer shipped replacement parts within a week.

Once assembled, the Trollbloods portion of this set gives you a substantial core for your army. You can field these models right away and expand from there with unit blisters and solo models. The Skorne half is a nice bonus if you want a second faction or a loaner army for teaching friends.

How This Box Fits Your Army Building Plans

For players building a competitive Trollbloods army list, the Two Player Battle Box provides a strong foundation of warbeasts and support models. You can integrate these pieces directly into theme forces like Storm of the North or Band of Heroes without any problem. The Fury management mechanics you learn with these models carry over to every Trollbloods list you build.

I recommend this box to anyone who has a regular gaming partner. Splitting the cost makes it even more affordable, and having two factions means you can practice matchups and learn the game from both sides of the table. It is also a smart buy if your local game store runs demo events and you want to contribute a teaching set.

Assembly and Hobby Considerations

Assembly takes some patience. The mold lines on certain models are more pronounced than others, but they clean up easily with a hobby knife and some filing. I spent roughly 6 hours total assembling both factions, which is reasonable for a box of this size. Have some plastic glue and a set of files ready, and the process goes smoothly.

For painting, the large surface areas on Trollbloods models make them beginner-friendly. The faction’s signature blue skin tones are easy to achieve with a base coat, wash, and highlight. I painted my Trollbloods half in a weekend and they looked table-ready, which is great for new painters who want results fast.

3. Earthborn Dire Troll Model Kit – Heavy Hitting Warbeast

The Earthborn Dire Troll is one of those models that demands attention on the tabletop. Standing on a 50mm base, this heavy warbeast brings serious melee power and a fantastic animus that makes it a staple in many Trollbloods army lists. I added one to my growing force after seeing how often it appeared in competitive lists online.

Despite being an older kit, the sculpt still holds up remarkably well. The Earthborn Dire Troll has a primal, hulking look that fits perfectly with the Trollbloods aesthetic. The detail on the rocky texture of its skin and the environmental base elements give painters plenty to work with. I had a great time painting this model, layering earth tones and washes to bring out the depth.

Assembly is where this kit shows its age. The torso-to-leg connection is not smooth, and the shoulder seams are obvious when you dry-fit the pieces. I recommend having green stuff on hand for gap filling. It took me about 30 minutes of extra work beyond normal assembly to get clean joins, which is something to plan for.

How the Earthborn Dire Troll Performs in Game

In gameplay, the Earthborn Dire Troll is a workhorse. Its animus provides strong defensive tech that synergizes well with the Krielstone Bearer aura, creating layers of buff stacking that make your army incredibly durable. I have run this model in Power of Dhunia theme forces where regeneration keeps it on the table far longer than opponents expect.

The Earthborn also benefits from terrain features, gaining bonuses that reward smart positioning. If you play on boards with lots of terrain, which most Hordes games encourage, this warbeast becomes even more effective. Pair it with a warlock like Madrak Ironhide or Doomy for maximum Fury efficiency.

Build Quality and Long-Term Durability

The plastic components are sturdy once assembled and glued. I have transported my Earthborn in a foam-lined case for months without any issues. The 50mm base gives it good stability, and the model’s low center of gravity means it rarely tips over during gameplay. Just be prepared to spend extra time on assembly compared to newer plastic kits.

If you are building a Trollbloods collection and can only pick up a few warbeasts, make the Earthborn Dire Troll one of them. It fits into virtually every theme force and provides reliable melee damage output round after round.

4. Trollblood Scattergunners Model Kit – Ranged Infantry Powerhouse

The Trollblood Scattergunners fill a critical role in any Trollbloods army: ranged firepower. Most Trollbloods lists lean heavily into melee combat, but the Scattergunners give you a credible ranged threat that can thin out enemy infantry before your melee units crash in. I added a unit of these to my army specifically to deal with swarm opponents.

Once assembled, this unit looks fantastic on the table. The scattergun sculpts are detailed and dynamic, with poses that convey the aggressive Trollkin combat style. Every model in the unit has character, and the overall unit cohesion when ranked up is impressive. This is one of the best-looking infantry kits in the Trollbloods range.

I want to be upfront about the assembly difficulty. This is one of the more challenging Trollbloods sets to put together due to the number of small and finicky parts. If you are a beginner to miniature assembly, set aside extra time and work slowly. The results are worth the effort, but the process can be frustrating if you rush it.

Army List Integration for Scattergunners

The Scattergunners pair exceptionally well with warlocks like Captain Gunnbjorn and Madrak Ironhide, both of whom can buff ranged attacks or provide movement tricks to get the Scattergunners into optimal firing position. In my testing, running a full unit with the Sergeant and Standard Bearer upgrades turned them into one of the best infantry-clearing units in my collection.

For theme force compatibility, Scattergunners fit naturally into the Kriel Company and Band of Heroes lists. They give you board control in the early game while your warbeasts and melee infantry advance. I have found that even one round of scattergun fire can soften a target enough for your Champions or Fennblades to finish the job.

Painting Tips for Scattergunners

The leather armor details on the Scattergunners are a nice touch for painters who want to add variety to the standard Trollbloods blue skin tones. I used a warm leather brown for the armor panels, which creates a great visual contrast with the blue-grey skin. The scatterguns themselves have enough mechanical detail to reward careful metallic painting. Take your time on the Sergeant model since it will be the visual focal point of the unit.

If you want to get them table-ready quickly, use a base coat, strong tone wash, and a single highlight pass. The models have enough natural texture that even a simple paint job looks good from arm’s length during gameplay.

5. Krielstone Bearer and Scribe Model Kit – Essential Support Unit

If there is one unit that every Trollbloods player agrees on, it is the Krielstone Bearer and Scribe. This support unit is considered an auto-include in most Trollbloods army lists because of the powerful army-wide buff it provides through the Krielstone aura. I added one to my collection early, and it has been in every list I have built since.

The Krielstone Bearer works by generating an aura that boosts the Tough ability of nearby Trollbloods models. In a faction where Tough rolls are a core mechanic, having a reliable way to extend that aura across your army is invaluable. I have watched my infantry survive shots that should have removed them purely because the Krielstone aura was active.

Assembly was surprisingly easy compared to other kits in this list. The metal components fit together cleanly, and I had the full unit assembled in under an hour. The sculpted runes on the Krielstone itself are a painting highlight. I spent extra time painting the runes in a contrasting color, and the result is one of the best-looking models in my Trollbloods collection.

Why the Krielstone Is Non-Negotiable for Trollbloods

The Krielstone Bearer is not optional for competitive Trollbloods armies. Its aura provides a bonus to Tough rolls that stacks with other defensive buffs like the Krielstone Bearer’s own abilities and warlock spells. This buff stacking is what makes Trollbloods so durable and forgiving, especially for new players who are still learning positioning.

In my games, I position the Krielstone Bearer centrally behind my frontline infantry, keeping as many models within the aura range as possible. Combined with a warlock who provides armor buffs, your Trollkin become incredibly difficult to remove from scenario zones. This is the foundation of most winning Trollbloods strategies.

Theme Force Synergy With the Krielstone

The Krielstone Bearer fits into every Trollbloods theme force, which makes it the single most versatile purchase you can make for this faction. Whether you are running Power of Dhunia with beast-heavy lists, Band of Heroes with infantry focus, or Storm of the North with Northkin models, the Krielstone Bearer has a place. It is the first model I recommend to anyone starting Trollbloods after their initial battlegroup box.

For beginners building their first Trollbloods army list, I suggest picking up the Battlegroup Starter Box and a Krielstone Bearer as your opening purchases. Those two items give you a playable force with strong defensive synergy right out of the gate.

6. Trollkin Runeshapers Model Kit – Budget Support With Big Impact

The Trollkin Runeshapers are the budget-friendly entry point for adding magical support to your Trollbloods army. At this price, they are the most affordable kit in our roundup, and they bring meaningful utility to the table. I picked up a box to fill out a list and was pleasantly surprised by how much impact three Runeshapers can have on a game.

The Runeshapers provide magical attack capability and rune-based support abilities that complement the Krielstone Bearer and other support elements in your army. In my testing, they worked best when positioned near the Krielstone where their abilities could benefit from the aura effects. Three models on 40mm bases give you decent board presence for a support unit.

The sculpt quality is genuinely fantastic. Each Runeshaper has a distinct pose and the rune details carved into their equipment are sharp and well-defined. From a painting perspective, these models reward careful work. I used a glowing effect on the runes that made them pop on the tabletop, and the overall unit looks great alongside the rest of my Trollbloods force.

Who Benefits Most From Runeshapers

Runeshapers work best in lists that already have solid melee and defensive foundations and need a little extra magical utility. If you are running a Kriel Company list with strong infantry and want some rune-themed support to round out the theme, Runeshapers are a natural fit. They also work well in Power of Dhunia forces where magical synergy is emphasized.

For players on a tight budget, the Runeshapers offer the best value per point in your army. You get three functional models with useful abilities at a fraction of the cost of larger units. I recommend adding them after you have your core battlegroup, Krielstone Bearer, and at least one infantry unit assembled and painted.

Mold Line Issues and Assembly Tips

The main drawback is the plastic mold lines, which are excessive on at least one of the three models in my box. This is a common complaint with Privateer Press plastic kits from this era. I spent about 20 minutes per model cleaning up mold lines with a hobby knife and sanding stick. Once cleaned and assembled, the models look great, but the prep work is more involved than it should be.

Some veteran players prefer the older metal versions of the Runeshapers for this reason. If you can find metal casts through the secondary market, they may have cleaner detail. However, the plastic kit is widely available and affordable, which counts for a lot when you are building an army on a budget.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Trollbloods Army Products?

Building a Trollbloods army is not just about buying random models. You need a plan. The products in this guide cover different roles in a Trollbloods force, and understanding how they fit together will help you make smarter purchases and build stronger lists. Here is what our team learned after months of assembling and playing Trollbloods.

Start With a Battlebox

If you are new to Hordes or Trollbloods specifically, start with either the Battlegroup Starter Box or the Two Player Battle Box. Both include a warlock and warbeasts, which are the core of every Trollbloods army. The starter box is cheaper and gives you a focused learning experience, while the Two Player Box delivers incredible value and lets you play against a friend immediately.

Do not skip this step. Learning how Fury management works with a simple battlegroup teaches you fundamentals that carry over to every army list you build. Jumping straight into a 75-point tournament list without understanding Fury will lead to frustrating games and wasted models.

Add the Krielstone Bearer Early

The Krielstone Bearer and Scribe should be your second or third purchase after your battlebox. It is an auto-include in virtually every Trollbloods army list because the Tough aura it provides is fundamental to how the faction plays. Without it, you are leaving one of the strongest defensive tools in the game on the shelf.

I have played games with and without the Krielstone Bearer, and the difference in army durability is immediately noticeable. Models that would die to a single attack instead survive on Tough rolls, giving you an extra round of attacks or scenario presence. Over the course of a game, those saved models add up to wins.

Choose Your Theme Force Direction

Trollbloods have several theme forces that shape how you build your army. The main options include Kriel Company for combined arms, Band of Heroes for warrior-focused infantry lists, Power of Dhunia for beast-heavy regeneration builds, and Storm of the North for Northkin-themed forces. Each theme force grants specific benefits and free models that reward focused list building.

Before buying additional units, decide which theme force appeals to your play style. If you love melee infantry swarms, Band of Heroes will guide your purchases toward Champions, Fennblades, and Warders. If you prefer running massive warbeasts, Power of Dhunia steers you toward Dire Trolls like the Earthborn. Having a theme in mind prevents impulse buying models that do not fit your list.

Budget Planning for a Trollbloods Army

Building a complete Trollbloods army for standard point levels requires several purchases over time. The battlebox gives you your warlock and initial warbeasts. From there, budget for one support unit like the Krielstone Bearer, one or two infantry units like Scattergunners or Runeshapers, and at least one more heavy warbeast like the Earthborn Dire Troll. Spreading purchases across a few months keeps the hobby affordable and gives you time to paint each batch before the next arrives.

The Trollkin Runeshapers are an excellent value pick for filling gaps in your army. At their price point, you can add magical support without a major investment. Combine that with the Scattergunners for ranged presence and the Earthborn for melee muscle, and you have the foundation of a well-rounded Trollbloods force.

Assembly and Painting Expectations

Every product in this guide requires some level of assembly and all come unpainted. Privateer Press plastic kits generally need mold line cleanup, gap filling with green stuff on older sculpts, and plastic cement for assembly. The metal Krielstone Bearer kit requires super glue instead of plastic cement. Plan on spending 30 to 90 minutes per kit on assembly, and factor in painting time on top of that.

Trollbloods are one of the most beginner-friendly factions to paint. Their signature blue skin tones use a simple base coat, wash, and highlight technique that produces great results. The large surfaces on Dire Trolls and the textured armor on infantry units make drybrushing effective. Even a basic paint job looks solid on the tabletop.

Frequently Asked Questions About Trollbloods Armies

Final Thoughts on the Best Hordes Trollbloods Armies

Building the best Hordes Trollbloods armies comes down to starting with the right foundation and expanding with purpose. The Battlegroup Starter Box gives new players an affordable entry point with rules and tutorials. The Two Player Battle Box offers unmatched value for anyone who wants to split the cost with a gaming partner. From there, the Krielstone Bearer and Scribe is the single most important support unit you can add to your Trollbloods collection.

For warbeast power, the Earthborn Dire Troll delivers reliable melee damage and strong animus synergy. The Scattergunners give your army much-needed ranged capability, and the Runeshapers provide affordable magical support that rounds out any Trollbloods list. Together, these 6 products give you everything you need to field a competitive, fun-to-play Trollbloods army in 2026.

Pick up the starter box that fits your situation, add the Krielstone Bearer, choose a theme force that matches your play style, and start rolling dice. The Trollbloods community is active and welcoming, and there has never been a better time to join the kriels.