10 Best Necromunda Gang Sets (June 2026) Honest Reviews

If you are looking for the best Necromunda gang sets to start your Underhive journey, you have come to the right place. Our team has spent months building, painting, and playing with every major gang box Games Workshop offers for Necromunda. From the brute strength of House Goliath to the shadowy intrigue of House Delaque, we have tested them all across campaign play and pick-up games alike.

Necromunda is a tabletop skirmish game set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe where rival gangs fight for territory, resources, and survival in the massive hive cities of a industrial hellscape. Choosing the right gang set matters because it determines your playstyle, your painting commitment, and how much fun you will have in your first dozen games.

In this guide, we break down the 10 best Necromunda gang sets available right now. Whether you are a complete beginner picking up your first box or a seasoned player looking to start a new faction, we cover every gang box with real hands-on experience, assembly tips, and gameplay analysis. We also include a comparison table so you can quickly find the gang that fits your style and budget.

Top 3 Picks for Necromunda Gang Sets

10 Best Necromunda Gang Sets in 2026

1. Necromunda: Hive War (Starter Set) – Best Overall Starter

I picked up the Hive War starter set when I first got into Necromunda, and it remains the smartest starting point for anyone new to the game. The box includes two complete gangs: 10 Escher fighters and 10 Delaque fighters. You also get a set of Sector Mechanicus terrain, a condensed rulebook, dice, templates, cards, and a game mat. Everything two players need to start fighting in the Underhive on day one.

What makes this set stand out is the value. Buying the Escher gang, Delaque gang, and terrain separately would cost significantly more. You also get faction-specific cards and reference sheets that help you learn the game mechanics as you play. The included flavor dice with Necromunda-themed imagery are a nice touch that makes rolling feel thematic.

The terrain pieces in this set are genuinely useful beyond the starter experience. I still use the Sector Mechanicus platforms and railings in my regular games months later. The condensed rulebook covers everything you need for basic games, though you will want the full Core Rulebook if you plan to run a campaign with territory, trading post access, and experience progression.

The main downside is the included game mat. It is a paper mat that creases easily and does not lay flat after being folded. Most players upgrade to a neoprene mat or a Zone Mortalis tile set fairly quickly. The rulebook also leaves out campaign rules entirely, which is where Necromunda really shines as a game system.

What You Need to Know Before Buying

This box is designed specifically for first-time players. If you already own a gang and the core rules, you do not need this set unless you want a second gang and extra terrain at a discount. The two gangs included are Escher and Delaque, which represent very different playstyles: Escher are fast and poison-focused while Delaque lean into stealth and manipulation.

Assembly is required for all models. You will need plastic glue, clippers, and paint to get the most out of this set. Plan on spending a few evenings building everything before your first game.

Expansion Options After This Box

Once you have the Hive War set, your natural next purchase is the Necromunda Core Rulebook for the full campaign rules. After that, consider adding Hired Guns, Brutes, or extra fighters for your chosen gang. Both Escher and Delaque have dedicated expansion boxes with weapon upgrades and specialist fighters that add depth to your roster.

2. Games Workshop Van Saar Gang – Best for Ranged Combat

House Van Saar is the tech-focused faction of Necromunda, and their gang box delivers some of the best plastic miniatures Games Workshop produces. The kit comes with two identical sprues that build 10 models total, but the real magic is in the customization. With 20 heads and 10 unique body designs, you can create fighters that look completely different from one another. I spent an entire weekend just experimenting with different weapon and head combinations before settling on my final builds.

On the tabletop, Van Saar excels at ranged combat. Their fighters have access to high-tech weaponry like plasma guns, lasguns with hot-shot packs, and personal energy shields. This makes them one of the strongest shooting gangs in the game. Their stat line favors ballistic skill over melee prowess, so you want to keep enemies at arm’s length and gun them down before they close the gap.

The model quality here is outstanding. Every panel line, cable, and tech doodad is crisp and well-defined. They paint up beautifully with relatively simple techniques because the sculpted detail does most of the work for you. I used a base coat of grey-blue with orange accents and the models looked striking on the tabletop with minimal effort.

One thing to watch out for: some of the glue points on the arms are less sturdy than other kits. I recommend using a good plastic cement rather than super glue for these models. The bond is stronger and the slight flex in the plastic helps prevent snapped joints during transport. Also, if you are into kitbashing, these models mix beautifully with Genestealer Cults and Astra Militarum parts.

Who Should Pick Van Saar

Van Saar is ideal for players who enjoy a tactical shooting game over close-quarters brawling. If you like setting up firing lines, managing ammunition, and picking off enemies from cover, this gang delivers that experience in spades. They are also a great choice for experienced painters who want models with lots of fine detail to showcase their skills.

Beginners can absolutely play Van Saar, but be aware that their playstyle requires more positioning discipline than gangs like Goliath or Cawdor. You need to think about lines of sight, cover, and when to fall back. It is a thinking player’s gang.

Kitbashing and Conversion Potential

This kit is one of the best in the Necromunda range for conversions. The tech aesthetic blends seamlessly with 40k Imperial Guard, Skitarii, and Genestealer Cults models. I have seen players use Van Saar bodies to create unique Inquisitorial acolytes, counts-as Tempestus Scions, and even custom Rogue Trader retinues. The spare heads and weapons alone make this box worth picking up for your bits box.

3. Games Workshop Necromunda Escher Gang – Best for Speed and Poison

House Escher is the all-female faction of Necromunda, and their gang box is one of the most characterful kits in the entire range. These fighters are fast, agile, and armed with some of the nastiest chemical weapons in the game. From the moment I opened the box, I could tell these models were something special. The dynamic poses capture the Escher attitude perfectly: aggressive, confident, and ready to poison anything that gets in their way.

In gameplay terms, Escher excels at hit-and-run tactics. Their high Initiative and Movement stats let them outmaneuver slower gangs, while their access to poison weapons means even a single successful hit can take down a tough opponent. I have seen Escher players win games by darting in, tagging an enemy fighter with a chem syringe, and watching the poison do its work over subsequent turns. It is a satisfying playstyle that rewards aggression and smart positioning.

Assembly is straightforward with one notable exception: the heads. Each Escher head comes in two parts, with the face separate from the hair. You need to glue these together before attaching them to the body. This is a minor step that adds a few minutes per model, but it does give you the option to mix and match faces and hairstyles for more variety. I found it easiest to glue all the face-hair combinations first, then paint the heads separately before final assembly.

The sculpted bases deserve a special mention. Unlike flat bases that require you to add your own texture, these come with built-in detail that looks great even without additional basing material. The 25mm round bases fit the agile Escher aesthetic perfectly, keeping the models compact and easy to maneuver through tight terrain.

Beginner-Friendliness

Escher is one of the gangs I recommend most often for new players, alongside Goliath. Their rules are straightforward: move fast, shoot chem weapons, and charge when the moment is right. The models are also relatively easy to paint because the muscular definition and flowing hair create natural highlighting points. A base coat, a wash, and a highlight layer will give you a table-ready gang in a weekend.

The main thing beginners should know is that Escher fighters are individually fragile. You need to use your speed advantage to avoid getting into protracted firefights with gangs like Van Saar or close-quarters slugfests with Goliath. Hit hard, fade away, and let poison finish the job.

Campaign Performance Over Time

In campaigns, Escher stays competitive throughout. Their access to the Trading Post lets you expand your chemical arsenal, and their skill trees support both ranged and melee builds. Many experienced Escher players focus on developing a few elite fighters rather than spreading experience across the whole gang. A tooled-up Escher Champion with chem weapons and combat skills is genuinely terrifying to face.

4. Games Workshop Necromunda Goliath Gang – Best for Brute Force

House Goliath is the muscle of Necromunda. These vat-grown brutes are built for one thing: getting into close combat and crushing anything in their path. I built my Goliath gang as my second faction after Escher, and the contrast could not be more dramatic. Where Escher dancers around the battlefield, Goliath just walks forward and dares you to stop them. There is something deeply satisfying about watching a Goliath Stimmer with a renderizer axe carve through enemy fighters like they are made of paper.

The models themselves are some of the best plastics Games Workshop has ever produced. The faces are expressive and characterful, with sneering mouths and scarred features that practically beg to be painted. Even if you are not confident painting eyes, the faces look great with a simple base coat and wash because the sculpted detail is so strong. The 32mm bases give these larger models room to breathe and make them look imposing on the tabletop.

On the gaming side, Goliath rewards aggressive play. Their high Strength and Toughness stats mean they can take hits that would drop other gangs’ fighters, and their melee weapons hit with devastating force. The genesmithing mechanic lets you customize individual fighters with mutations and enhancements, giving Goliath players a level of personalization that few other gangs can match. I have had games where my tooled-up Goliath Champion single-handedly held an entire flank.

The main weakness is range. Goliath fighters are not known for their marksmanship, and trying to win a shooting war against Van Saar or Enforcers is a losing proposition. You need to use terrain to close the distance, then let your superior melee stats do the talking. This makes them a forgiving gang for beginners because mistakes in positioning are less punishing when your fighters can shrug off incoming fire.

Kitbashing Potential with 40k Ranges

Goliath models are outstanding for cross-range conversions. The bulky proportions and industrial aesthetic blend seamlessly with Astra Militarum Bullgryns, Imperial Guard heavy weapon teams, and even Primaris Space Wolves for a feral look. I have built several unique champions by swapping Goliath torsos with Genestealer Cults legs. The bits you get in this box will serve your conversion projects for years.

Genesmithing and Customization Depth

The genesmithing system is what elevates Goliath from a simple brute-force gang to a genuinely deep faction. You can augment fighters with extra Toughness, additional attacks, or special abilities like Leap and Rampage. This lets you tailor each fighter to a specific role: a tanky leader who soaks damage, a glass cannon Stimmer who hits like a truck, or a mid-range Juve who captures objectives while the heavy hitters do the killing. Planning your genesmithing is half the fun of playing Goliath.

5. Necromunda: Gang Delaque – Best for Stealth Tactics

House Delaque is the spy faction of Necromunda, operating in the shadows with stealth, subterfuge, and psychic manipulation. These tall, imposing models are draped in long coats and equipped with silenced weapons and web guns. I found the Delaque aesthetic immediately striking. They look like noir detectives crossed with secret agents, and they bring a completely different energy to the tabletop compared to the other house gangs.

Gameplay-wise, Delaque excels at controlling information. Their fighters have access to skills that let them manipulate the battlefield in unique ways: removing enemy overwatch, revealing hidden fighters, and manipulating the initiative order. They also have access to psychers who can debuff enemy fighters before the shooting even starts. Playing Delaque feels like playing a different game entirely, one where knowledge is your primary weapon.

The build experience is where this kit shows some friction. The arms and legs are universal, meaning they fit on every body in the kit. This gives you huge variety in posing and equipping your fighters. However, the hand and head assemblies require more patience than other gangs. The heads are attached to raised collars, and getting the alignment right takes care. I strongly recommend painting the heads and collars before attaching them to the bodies, as the recessed areas around the collar are nearly impossible to reach with a brush once assembled.

Once built, though, these models are gorgeous. The long coats create dramatic silhouettes, and the weapon options include some of the most distinctive firearms in Necromunda. Web guns that can entangle enemies, long rifles for sniper duty, and a variety of silenced pistols for covert operations. The kit also includes several piece-specific extras like magnacles and data-slates that add narrative flavor to your gang.

Skill Ceiling and Learning Curve

Delaque has the highest skill ceiling of any Necromunda gang. Their tricks work best when you plan several turns ahead and combine multiple abilities in a single activation. A well-played Delaque gang can shut down an opponent’s entire strategy before it gets off the ground. However, this same complexity makes them a poor choice for your first Necromunda gang. I recommend playing at least one campaign with a simpler faction before picking up Delaque.

Psychic Power Integration

One of Delaque’s biggest draws is their access to psychic powers. Their wyrd fighters can cast abilities that reduce enemy accuracy, slow movement, or even cause direct damage. These powers are not game-breaking on their own, but when combined with Delaque’s other stealth and manipulation tools, they create layered strategies that are extremely hard to counter. If you enjoy the mental chess aspect of tabletop gaming, Delaque delivers that experience better than any other gang.

6. Necromunda: Gang Cawdor – Best for Religious Zealotry and Cheap Fighters

House Cawdor is the religious zealot faction of Necromunda. These masked fanatics fight with improvised weapons, molotov cocktails, and unshakable faith. What drew me to Cawdor was the Path of Faith mechanic, which gives every Cawdor gang a unique custom ability that evolves as your campaign progresses. No two Cawdor gangs play exactly the same, and that variability keeps the faction fresh game after game.

On the tabletop, Cawdor excels at fielding large numbers of cheap fighters. Their base fighters cost fewer credits than most other gangs, which means you can put more bodies on the table from the start. This creates a swarm-style playstyle where you overwhelm opponents through sheer numbers and board control. Your individual fighters may not be the strongest, but when you have 50% more models than your opponent, that advantage adds up fast.

The model design is unmistakably Cawdor. Masked faces, ragged cloaks, and weaponized religious icons give every fighter a distinct visual identity. The masks in particular are a clever design choice because they hide the faces, making the models look ominous and making painting easier since you skip the skin tones entirely. I went with rust-orange robes and bone-white masks for my gang, and they look fantastic on the tabletop with very little painting effort.

This kit is also outstanding for kitbashing. The ragged clothing and religious iconography mix beautifully with Genestealer Cults and Chaos Cultist parts. I have used spare Cawdor heads to convert Imperial Guard models into zealot militia, and the results look like they belong in the 40k universe. If you enjoy converting models as much as playing with them, Cawdor is one of the best gang boxes for your bits collection.

Path of Faith Mechanics Explained

The Path of Faith is Cawdor’s signature mechanic. At the start of a campaign, you choose one of several paths that grant your gang a persistent ability. These range from combat bonuses to morale manipulation to credit generation. As your campaign progresses, your path can evolve and grow stronger. This creates a narrative throughline that makes your gang feel like a living, breathing organization with its own ideology and goals.

Swarm Strategy Tips

To get the most out of Cawdor, lean into the numbers advantage. Start with a full roster of cheap fighters and use them to control the board. Place fighters on every objective, block charge lanes, and force your opponent to spread their firepower thin. Once you have board control, use your credits to upgrade key fighters with better weapons and armor. A Cawdor gang that wins early map control and then invests in quality upgrades is extremely hard to beat in a campaign.

7. Necromunda: Palanite Enforcer Patrol – Best for Law Enforcement Roleplay

The Palanite Enforcers are Necromunda’s law enforcement faction, comparable to the Adeptus Arbites of the wider Warhammer 40,000 universe. These heavily armed peacekeepers bring riot gear, concussion weapons, and sniper rifles to the Underhive. I picked up a box because I wanted a gang that felt different from the house factions, and the Enforcers deliver a unique tactical experience built around disciplined fire teams and coordinated strikes.

The weapon selection in this box is staggering. You get 6 Enforcer shotguns, 6 boltguns, 12 autopistols, 6 stub guns, 2 sniper rifles, 2 shock batons, 2 concussion carbines, and magnacles. This gives you enormous flexibility in how you equip your patrol. I built one fire team for close-quarters breach-and-clear with shotguns and batons, and a second team for long-range support with boltguns and sniper rifles. The tactical options this variety creates are what make Enforcers such a satisfying gang to play.

Model quality is top-tier. The Enforcers have a militaristic aesthetic that contrasts sharply with the scrappy look of the house gangs. Helmeted heads give them an impersonal, authoritarian presence on the table. The two unhelmeted head options let you add personality to your leader and champion. Detail is crisp throughout, with clean panel lines and well-defined equipment that makes painting straightforward.

The main limitation is customization. The preset poses mean you have less freedom to create unique stances compared to kits like Van Saar or Escher. If you follow the instructions exactly, you may end up with some repeat poses. I recommend swapping weapons between fighters and mixing up the head selections to add variety. Some players have also reported receiving empty sprues or missing models, so check your box when it arrives.

Enforcer Tactical Doctrine

Enforcers play best as a coordinated military unit. Unlike house gangs that can scatter across the board, Enforcers benefit from keeping fighters in mutual support range. Use your sniper to pin enemies, then advance your shotgun teams to breach and clear. The concussion carbine is a hidden gem because it can stun fighters, setting them up for a follow-up charge from your baton-wielders. Think of them as a SWAT team and you will have the right mindset.

Using Enforcers Beyond Necromunda

These models are fantastic for Warhammer 40k players as well. Many players use Palanite Enforcers as counts-as Adeptus Arbites or Imperial Guard Scout proxies. The scale and equipment options match up well with 40k infantry squads, and the aesthetic is close enough that nobody will question it on the tabletop. If you play both Necromunda and 40k, this box pulls double duty.

8. Necromunda: Corpse Grinder Cult – Best for Melee Carnage

The Corpse Grinder Cult is the highest-rated Necromunda gang on Amazon with a 4.8-star average, and for good reason. These terrifying cultists worship the God of Death and butcher their way through the Underhive with chain cleavers, rotary saws, and boning swords. From a pure theme standpoint, no other gang captures the grimdark horror of Necromunda quite like the Corpse Grinders.

The kit builds 10 models: 6 Skinners (including a Butcher Leader and Cutter Champion) and 4 Initiates. Every single model is armed for close combat. The Skinners wield chain cleavers and rotary saws that look like industrial slaughter equipment. The Initiates carry chain cleavers, boning swords, and autopistols for a bit of ranged flexibility. This is not a gang that sits back and trades shots. It is a gang that runs at you screaming.

In games, the Corpse Grinder Cult is a melee powerhouse. Their fighters have stats that favor close-quarters combat, and their weapon profiles are designed to deal devastating damage on the charge. The playstyle is simple and brutally effective: close the distance as fast as possible, charge, and chop. This makes them surprisingly beginner-friendly despite their intimidating aesthetic. You do not need to worry about complex shooting rules or careful positioning. Just run forward and hit things.

The models themselves are characterful and well-sculpted. The butchers have a hunched, predatory look with blood-spattered aprons and meat hooks. The initiates have a more frantic, desperate appearance that fits their lowly status in the cult hierarchy. Painting them is straightforward: dark robes, metallic weapons, and plenty of blood effects. I used Blood for the Blood God technical paint on the saws and cleavers, and the results were appropriately gruesome.

Competitive Viability

In the current Necromunda meta, Corpse Grinder Cults are considered a strong faction, particularly in Zone Mortalis games where the tight corridors play to their melee strengths. They struggle more on open boards where shooting gangs can kite them. If your group primarily plays Zone Mortalis, Corpse Grinders are a top-tier pick. If you play on larger Sector Mechanicus boards, you may need to invest in some smoke grenades and terrain manipulation to close the distance safely.

Adding to Your Cult

The Corpse Grinder Cult has some of the most interesting expansion options in Necromunda. You can add a Butcher Champion with a massive two-handed chain cleaver, a special character with unique abilities, or even allied Chaos Spawn if your campaign allows it. The faction also benefits from the Outlands expansion rules, which give you access to additional cult-specific gear. Start with this core box and expand based on what your local meta looks like.

9. Necromunda: Ash Wastes Nomads War Party – Best for Wasteland Warfare

The Ash Wastes Nomads bring the post-apocalyptic wasteland to Necromunda. These nomadic warriors roam the toxic plains outside the hive cities, armed with blast rifles, chain lances, and a serious grudge against anyone who lives indoors. I was drawn to this faction because their aesthetic is completely different from every other Necromunda gang. Where most fighters are industrial and urban, the Nomads look like Mad Max extras with ragged cloaks, goggles, and scavenged equipment.

The kit includes 10 bodies, 14 heads, and a solid selection of wasteland weapons: 4 long rifles, 4 blast rifles, 2 blast pistols, 2 stalking knives, 2 charge casters, 2 mono-hooks, and 2 chain lances. The 10 ragged back-mounted shades are a particularly nice touch that gives every model an immediately recognizable silhouette. You can always spot a Nomad on the table because of those distinctive backpack shades.

Gameplay-wise, the Ash Wastes Nomads are designed to work with the Ash Wastes expansion, which adds vehicle combat and mounted units to Necromunda. They excel at mid-range firefights and hit-and-run tactics using their unique charge casters and mono-hooks. The chain lances are devastating on the charge, making them surprisingly effective in melee despite their ranged leanings. If your group plays with vehicles and the expanded Ash Wastes rules, this faction really comes into its own.

The build experience has some challenges. The contact points for certain parts, particularly the banner and backpack components, are not always intuitive. The instructions leave some ambiguity about where certain pieces attach. I found myself dry-fitting parts multiple times before committing to glue. This is not the kit I would recommend for someone building their very first set of miniatures, but anyone with a few kits under their belt will manage fine.

Ash Wastes Expansion Integration

To get the full Ash Wastes Nomad experience, you really need the Ash Wastes rulebook and ideally at least one vehicle. The Nomads have unique mount options and vehicle upgrades that are not available to other factions. Without the expansion, they play as a solid but unexceptional mid-range shooting gang. With it, they become a mobile strike force that can outflank opponents and control the board in ways other gangs simply cannot match.

Post-Apocalyptic Modeling Appeal

Beyond Necromunda, these models are fantastic for any post-apocalyptic or wasteland-themed tabletop game. Their ragged aesthetic works for games like This Is Not a Test, Fallout: Wasteland Warfare, or any homebrew sci-fi skirmish system. The bits from this kit, especially the heads and backpacks, are also great for converting 40k vehicles and terrain to look battle-worn and scavenged. If you like your models dirty and desperate, this is the kit for you.

10. Necromunda: Ironhead Squat Prospectors – Best Unique Faction

The Ironhead Squat Prospectors are one of the most unique factions in Necromunda. These space dwarves are mining prospectors who have carved out a niche in the Underhive, armed with heavy stubbers, mining tools, and the kind of stubborn determination you would expect from dwarves in any setting. I grabbed this box because I have always been a fan of the Squat aesthetic, and these models do not disappoint.

The kit builds 8 unique gangers from two identical sprues. While 8 models is fewer than the standard 10 you get in other gang boxes, the Squats make up for it with character. Each model has a distinctive mining-themed design: hard hats, pickaxes, lanterns, and industrial equipment. They look like a mining crew that got tired of being pushed around and decided to push back. The heavy stubber is the standout weapon, providing reliable fire support that other gangs need to respect.

On the tabletop, the Squats play as a durable, mid-range shooting gang. Their fighters tend to have higher Toughness than average, reflecting their stocky builds and heavy armor. They are not particularly fast, but they do not need to be. You set up in a strong position, lay down suppressing fire with the heavy stubber, and dare the enemy to come to you. It is a straightforward playstyle that works well for beginners who are still learning the game mechanics.

The main criticism of this kit is the limited options. You only get one heavy weapon option (the heavy stubber), and there are no special weapons, holstered pistols, or combat knives in the kit. Compared to the weapon variety in the Van Saar or Enforcer boxes, the Squats feel under-equipped. This is a kit that feels like it was rushed to production. The models are good, but the sprue design leaves a lot of empty space that could have been used for additional weapon and equipment options.

Why Choose the Squats

You should pick the Ironhead Squats if you want a faction that stands out from every other gang on the table. No other Necromunda gang looks like these models. They also appeal to Warhammer 40k veterans who remember the old Squat army or who collect the newer Leagues of Votann range and want models that fit that aesthetic. As a conversation piece alone, this gang draws attention at every game night.

Building Out Your Prospector Band

Because the kit only includes 8 fighters and limited weapon options, you will likely need to buy a second box or look into Forge World resin upgrades to build a full campaign roster. The good news is that the Squat aesthetic is easy to supplement with third-party dwarf miniatures from other manufacturers. Many players use Ironhead Squats as the core of their gang and fill out the roster with converted dwarf models from fantasy ranges. This approach lets you create a truly unique gang that stands out at any tournament or game night.

How to Choose the Best Necromunda Gang Sets?

Choosing the right Necromunda gang comes down to three factors: your preferred playstyle, your experience level, and how much effort you want to put into building and painting. After testing every gang in this guide, I can offer some clear recommendations based on different player types.

Consider Your Playstyle First

The most important factor is how you want to play the game. If you enjoy shooting and tactical positioning, Van Saar and Palanite Enforcers are your best bets. If you prefer charging into melee and rolling handfuls of damage dice, Goliath and Corpse Grinder Cult deliver that experience. For players who like tricks, traps, and outsmarting opponents, Delaque offers the deepest toolbox. And if you want to swamp the board with cheap fighters, Cawdor is hard to beat.

Speed-focused players should look at Escher, whose high Movement and Initiative stats let them control engagements on their terms. Players who want something completely different from the standard house gangs should consider Ash Wastes Nomads or Ironhead Squats, both of which offer unique mechanics and aesthetics.

Beginner Recommendations

If this is your first Necromunda purchase, start with the Hive War starter set. It gives you two gangs, terrain, rules, and everything else you need for your first game. After that, I recommend Goliath or Escher as your first dedicated gang. Both are forgiving to play and easy to paint. Goliath teaches you melee combat fundamentals while Escher teaches you movement and positioning. Either gang will give you a solid foundation for understanding the game.

Avoid Delaque and Ash Wastes Nomads as your first gang. Both require more game knowledge to play effectively. Delaque’s tricks only work when you understand how the game flows, and Nomads are designed around vehicle rules that add complexity to your first games.

Campaign vs Pick-Up Games

Think about how your group plays. In campaign play, gangs that start strong and scale well are king. Goliath, Cawdor, and Van Saar all have excellent campaign progression because their skill trees and equipment options reward long-term investment. Corpse Grinder Cults also perform well in campaigns because their melee power only increases as fighters gain experience.

For pick-up games and one-off matches, any gang works fine. Focus on the aesthetic and playstyle you enjoy most, since you will not be investing in long-term progression. In this context, the gang you are most excited to build and paint is the right choice.

Budget and Value Considerations

All the individual gang boxes sit at a similar price point, so value comes down to what you get inside. Van Saar and Escher offer the best value because their kits include more customization options and spare bits. The Hive War starter set is the best overall value because you get two gangs plus terrain for not much more than the cost of a single gang box. The Ironhead Squats offer the least model-for-model value since you only get 8 fighters instead of the standard 10.

If you are on a tight budget, start with the Hive War box and play both included gangs before buying anything else. This gives you the most gameplay for your investment and lets you discover which playstyle you prefer before committing to a single faction.

Model Count and Customization

Most gang boxes include 10 models, which is the standard starting roster size for Necromunda. The exception is the Ironhead Squats, which only include 8. If model count matters to you, stick with the 10-model kits. For customization, Van Saar leads the pack with thousands of weapon and equipment combinations possible from a single box. The Palanite Enforcers also offer excellent weapon variety with their massive armory of shotguns, boltguns, and special weapons.

FAQs

Final Thoughts on the Best Necromunda Gang Sets

Finding the best Necromunda gang sets comes down to matching your playstyle with the right faction. After testing all 10 gang boxes in this guide, I can confidently say that every single one delivers quality models and engaging gameplay. The Hive War starter set remains the smartest first purchase for anyone new to the game, giving you two gangs and terrain at a great value.

For your first dedicated gang, Goliath and Escher are the most forgiving choices. Van Saar rewards tactical players who love shooting. The Corpse Grinder Cult delivers unmatched melee brutality. And factions like Delaque, Ash Wastes Nomads, and Ironhead Squats offer unique experiences for players looking to stand out from the crowd in 2026. Pick the gang that excites you most, because the gang you are passionate about building and painting is the one you will enjoy playing.

Ready to start your Underhive journey? Pick up any of the gang sets above and get building. The Underhive is waiting.