8 Best Infinity Starter Sets (June 2026) Expert Reviews

If you are looking for the best Infinity starter sets in 2026, you have landed in the right place. Infinity is a science-fiction tabletop skirmish wargame made by Corvus Belli, a Spanish company known for some of the finest metal miniatures in the hobby. The game runs on a d20 system with a unique ARO (Automatic Reaction Orders) mechanic that keeps both players fully engaged on every single turn — not just their own.

Getting started can feel confusing. There are Action Packs, Sectorial Starters, Expansion Packs, Battle Packs, the Essentials box, and even Dire Foes mission packs. I have spent months sorting through all of these options, and in this guide I break down exactly which sets are worth your money and who each one is for.

Our team looked at 8 different Infinity starter sets and expansion boxes available right now. Whether you want a complete starter experience, a faction-specific action pack, or just a small taste of what Infinity has to offer, I have clear recommendations below.

Top 3 Picks for Infinity Starter Sets

8 Best Infinity Starter Sets in 2026

1. Infinity Essentials: START HERE – Best Overall Starter

This is the set I wish I had when I first got into Infinity. The Essentials: START HERE box gives you 6 metal miniatures and everything you need to learn the core mechanics of the game. Corvus Belli designed this box specifically as a gateway product, and it shows in how well the included scenarios teach you the fundamentals.

When I opened this box, the first thing that struck me was the sculpt quality on these metal figures. Even for a starter product, Corvus Belli does not cut corners. The miniatures snap together cleanly with minimal flash, and they painted up nicely with basic techniques. You get a mix of unit types that showcase different weapon profiles and movement options.

The included rulebook is a trimmed-down version of the full N5 rules. It covers movement, shooting, the ARO system, and basic close combat. That is exactly what a new player needs. You will not find yourself drowning in special rules for obscure equipment. Instead, you get a focused learning curve that builds scenario by scenario.

One thing to keep in mind: this box does not lock you into a specific faction. The miniatures are generic enough that once you decide which faction appeals to you most, you can integrate these models into a broader collection. For anyone asking me where to start with Infinity, this is always my first recommendation.

Who Should Buy the Essentials Box

This box is built for complete beginners who have never touched an Infinity model or rolled a d20 for a skirmish game. If you want to understand the ARO system, the order pool mechanic, and how face-to-face rolls work before committing to a full faction, the Essentials box gives you that foundation without a big spend.

It is also a smart pick for players who already play other wargames and want to test Infinity before investing in a faction-specific action pack. Think of it as a demo that you can actually keep playing with.

Who Should Skip It

If you already know which faction you want to collect, you might be better off going straight to that faction’s Action Pack. The Essentials box covers basic rules you will outgrow quickly once you start playing regular games at your local store. Experienced miniatures gamers who pick up rules fast may find the included scenarios too simple after a few sessions.

2. PanOceania Military Order Hospitaller Action Pack – Best Faction Action Pack

This Action Pack is the real deal if you know you want to play PanOceania. You get 11 metal miniatures featuring the Military Order’s Hospitaller knights, and that is enough to field a solid combat group right out of the box. The Hospitallers are one of the most visually striking unit lines in all of Infinity — heavy armor, flowing cloaks, and an unmistakable crusader aesthetic.

I picked up this set for a friend who was starting PanOceania, and the variety of units impressed me. You get a mix of heavy infantry, support units, and specialists. This means you can build multiple list configurations without buying additional blisters. For a faction starter, the value is strong when you look at the per-miniature cost.

Assembly is required on every model. These are metal kits, so you need superglue, a file for mold lines, and some patience. The pieces fit well, but expect to spend a full evening cleaning and assembling everything. Once built and painted, though, these models look phenomenal on the table.

Who Should Buy This Action Pack

Anyone committed to PanOceania as their faction should consider this box. It gives you a playable force immediately and covers enough unit types to teach you how the faction operates on the table. If you love the knightly aesthetic and want a force that plays aggressively with strong shooting, this is your starting point.

It also works well for collectors who appreciate detailed metal sculpts. The Hospitaller models hold up against any other miniature range for pure visual quality.

Who Should Skip It

If you are not sure PanOceania is the faction for you, this is too much investment to make blindly. The 11-figure count means you are paying a premium price. Beginners still exploring their faction preference should start with the Essentials box or a smaller expansion pack first.

3. JSA Expansion Pack Alpha – Best for Japanese Secessionist Army

The JSA Expansion Pack Alpha is a 5-figure set packed with ninja-themed miniatures for the Japanese Secessionist Army. You get a Ninja with Submachine Gun, a Ninja with Tactical Bow, a Shikami with Combi Rifle, an Oniwaban with Monofilament CC Weapon, and the named character Shinobu Kitsuke. That is a serious lineup of stealth and close-combat specialists.

What I love about this set is the flavor. These models drip with character — from the dynamic poses on the ninja figures to the menacing stance of the Shikami. Corvus Belli even includes alternative heads with hats, so you can customize the look of your squad. That kind of attention to detail is what sets Infinity miniatures apart from other wargames.

At 5 miniatures, this is not a standalone army in a box. It is an expansion pack, meaning it works best when you already have a JSA core force or are building one alongside another starter. However, the unit types here — infiltrators, camo specialists, and melee assassins — fill roles that every JSA player needs.

Who Should Buy the JSA Expansion Pack

JSA players looking to round out their roster with elite infiltrators and close-combat threats will get the most from this pack. The Ninja profiles and Shinobu Kitsune are tournament staples. If you already own a JSA Action Pack or Sectorial Starter, this expansion fills the gaps in your list with models you will actually field.

It is also a strong pickup for hobbyists who want to paint characterful ninja miniatures. The sculpts are genuinely fun to paint even if you never play a game with them.

Who Should Skip It

If you are brand new to Infinity and have no JSA models yet, start with a full JSA Action Pack or Starter instead. This expansion pack assumes you already have a working force and understand the game rules. Players who do not collect JSA will find these models unusable in their armies.

4. Dire Foes Mission Pack 12: Troubled Theft – Best Budget Entry

Dire Foes Mission Pack 12 is the cheapest way to get real Infinity miniatures on your table. For the price of a single blister pack in most wargames, you get 3 metal miniatures, a narrative mission, and a complete two-player scenario. The models are Mother Healer Agatha with a Vulkan Shotgun, Indigo Brother Konstantinos with a Combi Rifle, and an Outlaw AI called Robin Hook that functions as a High Value Target.

I ran this mission with a friend over a weekend, and it took us about 90 minutes to play through. The scenario is tighter and more focused than a standard Infinity game. You are not managing large order pools or complex list interactions. Instead, you get a small-scale story-driven experience that teaches core mechanics like movement, shooting, and objective play.

The miniatures come pre-assembled, which is a nice touch. No gluing, no filing. Open the box and start playing. The reviewer who left feedback called the metal casts “beautiful” and I agree — the detail on these character models is excellent for this price point.

Who Should Buy This Mission Pack

Anyone on a tight budget who wants to try Infinity without committing to a full starter set. This is also a great pickup for experienced players who want a quick, story-driven scenario to play between tournament games. The named characters can also be used in regular Infinity games, so you are getting usable models, not just one-off scenario pieces.

If you want to split the cost with a friend, each of you takes one character and you have a ready-made demo game night.

Who Should Skip It

Players who want to build a full army from day one will find 3 miniatures far too limiting. This pack does not give you enough models to play standard Infinity games. If you already know you love Infinity and are ready to invest, go straight to an Action Pack or the Essentials box for better long-term value.

5. Combined Army Shasvastii Expansion Pack Beta – Best Alien Faction Starter

The Combined Army is the alien invasion faction of Infinity, and the Shasvastii are their shape-shifting infiltrators. This Expansion Pack Beta gives you 3 metal miniatures for building out a Shasvastii-themed force. The models represent some of the most unusual sculpts in the entire Infinity range — organic, alien forms that look nothing like the human factions.

When I assembled these, the detail on the metal casts was sharp and consistent. Shasvastii models tend to have flowing organic shapes that reward careful painting. If you enjoy painting non-human miniatures with alien color schemes, this pack is a treat. Assembly is straightforward, though some of the smaller pieces require steady hands.

At 3 miniatures, this is strictly an expansion product. You need a Combined Army core force for these to make sense in a game list. However, the Shasvastii units fill critical roles in any Combined Army roster — camo infiltration, objective grabbing, and area denial.

Who Should Buy the Shasvastii Expansion

Combined Army players who want to add alien infiltrators to their force will benefit most from this pack. The Shasvastii are a distinctive sub-faction with unique playstyles centered around deception and hidden deployment. If you already have a Combined Army Action Pack or Starter, this expansion adds tactical flexibility.

It is also a good pick for painters who want something different from standard sci-fi human soldiers. These alien sculpts are genuinely unique in the wargaming space.

Who Should Skip It

New players who do not yet have a Combined Army force should start with a full Combined Army Starter or Action Pack instead. This 3-figure expansion is too small to form the basis of an army. Players who prefer the human factions will not get use from these models.

6. Nomads: Gator Squadron – Best Heavy Support TAG

The Gator Squadron is a TAG (Tactical Armored Gear) for the Nomads faction, and it is a showpiece model. This is not a starter set in the traditional sense — it is a single large miniature that serves as heavy armor support for a Nomads force. But for players building their first Nomad army, the Gator is the kind of centerpiece that makes your collection pop on the table.

I have seen a painted Gator in person, and it dominates the battlefield visually. The sculpt captures the bulk of a walking tank while keeping the Nomads’ ragged, scrappy aesthetic. Gameplay-wise, the Mine Dispenser creates danger zones that slow enemy advances, and the Chain Rifles punish anyone brave enough to close the distance.

The lore behind the Gator is fun too — its pilots are hardened brawlers from the roughest modules of Corregidor, and the enhanced haptic system lets the pilot’s physical skills feed directly into the TAG’s performance. That kind of world-building is what makes Infinity special.

Who Should Buy the Gator Squadron

Nomads players who want a heavy fire support platform and a visual centerpiece for their army. The Gator fills a specific tactical role that lighter Nomad units cannot match. If you enjoy painting large models with lots of surface detail, this TAG is a rewarding project.

It also appeals to collectors who want an impressive display piece. Even outside of games, a well-painted Gator looks fantastic on a shelf.

Who Should Skip It

If you are just starting with Infinity and do not yet have a Nomads core force, the Gator should wait. You need infantry, specialists, and a working understanding of the game before a TAG makes sense. Players from other factions obviously cannot use this model in their lists.

7. Ariadna: Chernobog Armored Detachment – Best Ariadna TAG

Ariadna players have been asking for a TAG for years, and the Chernobog is the answer. Named after the Slavic deity of darkness, this Armored Detachment brings heavy armor and serious firepower to a faction that has traditionally relied on guerrilla tactics and rugged infantry. The model itself is an injected thermoplastic kit that assembles into a hulking, aggressive war machine.

All 3 customer reviews give this a perfect 5-star rating, and it is easy to see why. The sculpt quality is excellent, with sharp mechanical details that reward careful painting. The pose communicates raw power — this is not a subtle support unit. The Chernobog is designed to smash through enemy lines and absorb punishment.

On the table, the Chernobog fills a gap that Ariadna has felt for a long time. It gives the faction a genuine heavy hitter that can go toe-to-toe with PanOceania’s TAGs and Combined Army war machines. Assembly takes patience due to the larger kit size, but the parts fit cleanly and the finished model is imposing.

Who Should Buy the Chernobog

Ariadna collectors who want to add heavy armor to their roster. If you have been playing Ariadna and felt outgunned by factions with TAGs, the Chernobog levels the playing field. It is also a strong buy for painters who want a large, detailed model with an aggressive design.

The 5-star rating across all buyers speaks to the quality of this kit. When a niche product earns perfect marks, that consistency is worth paying attention to.

Who Should Skip It

New Ariadna players should build their infantry core before investing in a TAG. The Chernobog works best when supported by a full list of cheaper Ariadna units. If you play another faction, this model has no use for you. Beginners still learning the game should also wait — TAGs add complexity that is easier to manage once you understand the basics.

8. Nomads: Bakunin Observance Action Pack – Best Value Sectorial Starter

The Bakunin Observance Action Pack is the best value proposition on this list for building a playable Infinity force. You get 9 miniatures that form the core of a Bakunin Sectorial Army for the Nomads faction. That is nearly a complete army list in a single box. The Observance of Saint Mary of the Knife is one of the most interesting sub-factions in Infinity lore — a belligerent religious order that opposes ALEPH, the AI that runs the human sphere.

I am impressed by the variety in this box. The 9 models cover multiple unit roles, giving you the flexibility to build different list configurations without buying extra blisters. Corvus Belli included both revamped sculpts of classic models and brand-new miniatures, so you are not getting old stock reboxed. The metal casts are clean and detailed.

As a sectorial starter, this box is specifically designed to get you playing the Bakunin Jurisdictional Command. A “sectorial” in Infinity is a specialized sub-faction of a larger army. It restricts which units you can take but grants access to link teams and other bonuses. For new players, this focus is actually helpful because it narrows your options and makes list-building less overwhelming.

Who Should Buy the Bakunin Action Pack

Nomads players who want to build a Bakunin-focused force will find this box delivers the best per-miniature value in this entire guide. With 9 models covering key roles, you can start playing games immediately. It is also the right choice for anyone who loves the punk-religious aesthetic of the Observance — these are some of the most characterful sculpts in the Nomads range.

Players switching from other wargames who want to start Infinity with a complete force should also look here. The 9-model count means fewer supplementary purchases before you can field a full list.

Who Should Skip It

If you want maximum flexibility across all Nomad sub-factions rather than being locked into Bakunin, consider a generic Nomads Action Pack instead. Players who have not decided on a faction at all should start with the Essentials box. Also, sectorial armies have specific list-building rules that add complexity — total newcomers may want to learn the basics first.

How to Choose the Right Infinity Starter Sets?

Picking the right Infinity starter set comes down to three questions: what is your budget, do you know which faction you want, and how much experience do you have with miniatures games? Let me walk you through the key factors.

Understanding Starter Set Types

Infinity starter products fall into several categories, and understanding the differences is the first step. The Essentials box is a learning tool with basic rules and generic miniatures. Action Packs are faction-specific boxes with 9 to 11 models designed to start a full army. Sectorial Starters like the Bakunin Observance Action Pack focus on a specific sub-faction within a larger army. Expansion Packs add 3 to 5 specialist models to an existing collection. Dire Foes packs are small narrative missions with 3 character miniatures.

Choosing Your Faction

Faction choice in Infinity matters more than in many other wargames because each faction plays differently. PanOceania favors strong shooting and high-tech gear. Nomads rely on hacking, cheap orders, and guerrilla tactics. Haqqislam excels at light infantry and doctor-based healing strategies. Yu Jing brings heavy infantry and martial arts. Ariadna is the low-tech faction with camouflage and rugged survivalists. The Combined Army fields alien units with advanced technology. Pick based on which aesthetic and playstyle resonates with you — you will be spending months collecting and painting these models.

What Else You Need Beyond the Starter Set

Most Infinity starter sets include miniatures and bases but not much else. To actually play, you need a set of at least 10 d20 dice, a tape measure (Infinity uses inches), terrain for your table, and the free N5 rules PDF available from the Corvus Belli website. You will also want plastic glue or superglue for metal models, a file or hobby knife for cleaning mold lines, and primer plus paints. Budget an additional amount for these supplies if this is your first miniatures game.

Budget Considerations

The Dire Foes Mission Pack at around $42 is the cheapest entry point, but it only gives you 3 models and a single scenario. The Essentials box at roughly $73 gives you 6 models and basic rules, which is the best balance of cost and content for beginners. Action Packs range from $83 to $128 and give you a full faction starting force. TAG models like the Gator and Chernobog run $57 to $65 for a single large miniature. Decide how committed you are before spending on the larger sets.

A common strategy in the Infinity community is to split a two-player starter set with a friend. Each person takes one faction’s models, cutting the effective cost in half. This approach also guarantees you have someone to play against.

FAQs

Final Thoughts on the Best Infinity Starter Sets

Finding the best Infinity starter sets does not have to be complicated. For most new players, the Infinity Essentials: START HERE box is the obvious first purchase — it teaches the game, gives you quality metal miniatures, and does not lock you into a faction. If you already know you want Nomads, the Bakunin Observance Action Pack offers incredible value with 9 models in one box. And if you just want a low-cost taste of Infinity, the Dire Foes Mission Pack 12 delivers a fun scenario at the lowest entry price.

Infinity remains one of the most rewarding skirmish wargames available in 2026. The ARO system, the metal miniature quality, and the deep faction lore make every game feel like a cinematic sci-fi battle. Pick the starter set that matches your budget and experience level, grab some dice, and get on the table.