12 Best Pike and Shotte Armies (June 2026) Honest Reviews

Building your first Pike and Shotte army is one of the most rewarding projects in historical wargaming. The English Civil War period gives you incredible creative freedom with regiment colors, formation tactics, and army composition that no other era quite matches. Our team spent weeks comparing every major army set available right now to find the best Pike and Shotte armies for every type of player, from complete beginners to seasoned commanders looking to expand their forces.

Whether you want to field a Royalist force under Prince Rupert or march a Parliamentarian New Model Army across the tabletop, Warlord Games has built an impressive range of Pike and Shotte wargaming miniatures to bring these 17th century battles to life. We looked at 12 different products across both the 28mm and Epic Battles scales, evaluating sculpt quality, value per miniature, army composition flexibility, and how each set performs on the table.

In this guide, you will find our top picks for starter armies, reinforcement boxes, specialist units, and command figures. Every product here has been assessed based on real user feedback, miniature count, and what kind of wargamer it suits best. Let us get into it.

Top 3 Picks for Pike and Shotte Armies

12 Best Pike and Shotte Armies in 2026

1. Warlord Games Pike & Shotte Epic Battles Push of Pike Starter Set – The Ultimate Starting Point

This is the set I would hand to anyone asking where to start with Pike and Shotte wargaming. The Push of Pike Starter Set packs 200 miniatures into a single box, covering every unit type you need to field a complete force for either the English Civil Wars or the Thirty Years War. You get infantry regiments of combined pike and shotte, cavalry including harquebusiers and cuirassiers, mounted and dismounted dragoons, saker cannon, falconet light guns, commanders, ensigns, and cornets.

The 260-page rulebook alone is worth a significant portion of what you pay for this set. I have seen players buy this box primarily for the rules and treat the miniatures as essentially free. The Epic Battles scale measures close to 15mm, which means you can paint these figures faster than 28mm equivalents and still get impressive mass on the tabletop. The MDF fortified manor house complex is a nice bonus that gives you a terrain piece straight out of the box.

With 78% of reviewers giving this set 5 stars, the community clearly agrees on its value. The main complaints center around the lack of bases and some small assembly challenges, but neither of these should deter a motivated wargamer. If you want one box that gets you playing Pike and Shotte quickly and completely, this is it.

Who should buy this set

This is the ideal first purchase for anyone new to Pike and Shotte wargaming. It gives you a full playable force with rules, terrain, dice, and a reference card. Veterans who want to rapidly expand an existing Epic Battles force will also find the miniature count hard to beat at this level.

Who should look elsewhere

If you are committed to 28mm scale gaming, this Epic Battles set will not match your existing collection. Players who want metal miniatures specifically or who dislike working with smaller scales should consider the For King and Country set instead.

2. Pike and Shotte Landsknecht Starter Army – Best Value Per Figure

The Landsknecht Starter Army is the set I keep recommending to players who want 28mm scale miniatures without spending a fortune. At roughly one dollar per figure for 144 hard plastic miniatures, this is one of the best deals in historical wargaming. You get a full Landsknecht force with pike blocks, shot units, cavalry, and even a light artillery piece thrown in for good measure.

What makes this set special is the customization potential. The sprues include a good variety of heads, letting you build distinctly different looking units from the same box. The four command figures are particularly flamboyant, which fits the Landsknecht aesthetic perfectly. I found these minis easy to assemble and surprisingly quick to paint for 28mm figures.

With an 83% five-star rating across 29 reviews, the community feedback is overwhelmingly positive. The sculpting quality holds up well against more expensive alternatives, and the set is versatile enough to work with multiple wargaming systems beyond just Pike and Shotte rules.

The only real downside is that the two-handed swordsmen in this set do not include the halberd option that comes with the individually boxed sets. This is a minor issue for most players, but worth knowing if you are particular about your unit loadouts.

Who should buy this set

Anyone wanting to start a 28mm Pike and Shotte collection will find this the best bang for their buck. It also suits players who want to field a Landsknecht force for the Thirty Years War period or use these figures for fantasy conversions given the flamboyant period clothing.

Who should look elsewhere

If you specifically want an English Civil War force with historically accurate coat colors and flag sheets, you should look at the English Battalia box or the Scots Covenanters instead. This set is built around the earlier Landsknecht period and lacks the ECW-specific detailing.

3. Pike & Shotte Epic Battles Scots Covenanters Starter Army – The Versatile Faction

The Scots Covenanters make a fantastic first army for Pike and Shotte, and this starter set gives you everything you need to put a complete force on the table. Forum users consistently recommend the Scots as a beginner faction because historically they fought against both Royalists and Parliamentarians at different points, giving you the flexibility to face any opponent without worrying about historical match-ups.

This box delivers an impressive range of units: 12 combined pike and musket regiments, 12 frame guns, mounted battalia commanders, 24 Scots lancers, 24 mounted dragoons, 60 dismounted dragoons, 30 harquebusier cavalry, 6 cuirassiers, 3 saker medium guns, 3 falconet light guns, plus character figures for Lord Leven, the Marquis of Argyll, and even a Calvinist Minister. That is a serious army in one box.

The included flag sheets and plastic bases mean you can start building and playing right away. The Calvinist Minister is a fun addition that adds character to your force and reflects the religious dimension of the Scots Covenanter army. The only caveat is the limited review count, so we are relying more on the quality Warlord Games is known for rather than extensive community feedback.

Who should buy this set

Beginners who want a versatile faction that can fight any opponent should strongly consider the Scots Covenanters. This is also an excellent choice for players who want to recreate the involvement of Scottish forces in the English Civil War with historical accuracy.

Who should look elsewhere

If you want to focus exclusively on the English Civil War’s iconic Royalist versus Parliamentarian match-ups, you might prefer the Push of Pike Starter Set. Players committed to 28mm scale should also look at the English Battalia box instead.

4. Warlord Games Pike & Shotte English Battalia Army Box – Classic 28mm ECW Force

The English Battalia Army Box is a classic choice for building a 28mm English Civil War force. This set has been around for years and remains popular because it provides everything you need to field an English army for the period. The sculpts are well-regarded in the community, with reviewers praising how easy they are to both assemble and paint.

One clever approach multiple reviewers mentioned is buying two or three of these boxes to create two opposing forces. Since the English Battalia contains generic enough figures to represent both sides of the conflict, you can paint one lot as Royalists and another as Parliamentarians. This gives you a complete two-player setup for a very reasonable investment.

The main thing to watch out for is that the product photos can be misleading. Several reviewers noted that the actual box contents may include paper flags instead of the metal or resin cannon shown in some images. While this is frustrating, the miniature quality and quantity still make this a strong buy for 28mm enthusiasts.

Who should buy this set

Players committed to the 28mm scale who want a traditional English Civil War force will get great use from this box. It is also ideal for club organizers who want to build two forces cheaply by buying multiple boxes and painting them for opposite sides.

Who should look elsewhere

If you want a complete out-of-the-box experience with a rulebook included, the Push of Pike Starter Set or For King and Country are better options. This box is miniatures only, so you will need to source rules separately.

5. Pike & Shotte – For King & Country Starter Set – The 28mm Starter With Rules

For King and Country is the 28mm starter set that bundles miniatures with the Pike and Shotte rulebook, making it a true one-box entry point for the hobby at the traditional scale. You get 82 multi-pose hard plastic miniatures covering 58 pike and musket figures including command, 12 cavalry, and 12 infantry with firelocks. The included 208-page softback rulebook is the same high-quality ruleset that has earned praise from the wargaming community.

With a perfect 5.0 rating from all three reviewers, the feedback is universally positive. Players describe it as a great starter kit with good value. The multi-pose nature of the figures means you can create varied-looking units even from the same sprue, which helps avoid the clone-army look that plagues some historical ranges.

The main trade-off compared to the English Battalia box is that you get fewer miniatures here, but you gain the rulebook. If you already own the rules, the Battalia box gives you more figures. If you need everything in one purchase, For King and Country is the better call.

Who should buy this set

Complete beginners to Pike and Shotte who want to start at 28mm scale with a rulebook included will find this the most straightforward option. It is also a good gift purchase since the recipient gets rules and figures in one attractive package.

Who should look elsewhere

Experienced players who already own the Pike and Shotte rulebook should look at the English Battalia Army Box for more figures at a similar price point. If you are open to the smaller Epic scale, the Push of Pike Starter Set offers far more miniatures for the money.

12. Pike & Shotte Epic Battles Parliament Commanders – Cromwell and His Generals

The Parliament Commanders set mirrors the Royalist release with five named Parliamentarian leaders: Oliver Cromwell, Sir Thomas Fairfax, Sir Arthur Haselrig, Sir William Waller, and The Earl of Essex. These figures bring the same narrative depth to a Parliamentarian force that the Royalist set provides for the King’s side.

Oliver Cromwell and Sir Thomas Fairfax are the standout figures here, representing two of the most important military leaders of the Parliamentarian cause. Having them on the table alongside your New Model Army regiments adds historical authenticity and gives you natural focal points for scenario design.

Like the Royalist set, this is a command enhancement product rather than a core army purchase. The five resin figures need assembly and painting but do not include bases. Pair this with the Push of Pike Starter Set painted as a Parliamentarian force and you have a complete, character-led army for Epic Battles gaming.

Who should buy this set

Parliamentarian players who want to add historical personality to their Epic Battles force should grab this set. It pairs naturally with the Push of Pike Starter Set and reinforces the narrative identity of a New Model Army collection.

Who should look elsewhere

If you are building a Royalist force, the Royalist Commanders set is the correct choice instead. Players on a tight budget should prioritize troop boxes over command figures, as the starter sets already include generic commanders.

6. Pike & Shotte Epic Battles English Civil Wars Cavalry – The Mounted Force

Cavalry is historically under-represented in many Pike and Shotte collections, which is a shame because it played a decisive role in English Civil War battles. This ECW Cavalry box for Epic Battles gives you everything you need to field a strong mounted force: 30 harquebusiers, 6 cuirassiers, 3 cornets, 9 mounted dragoons, and 15 dismounted dragoons. On top of that, you also get 3 saker medium guns, 3 falconet light guns, 3 mounted battalia commanders, and 3 ensigns on foot.

Like the Infantry Battalia, this box carries a perfect 5.0 rating from all 15 reviewers. Players love the detail at this scale and the variety of cavalry types available. Having dragoons in both mounted and dismounted poses gives you genuine tactical options during games, reflecting how these versatile troops actually operated on the battlefield.

The inclusion of artillery pieces makes this box even better value. You are essentially getting your army’s firepower and mobility sorted in one purchase. Combined with the Infantry Battalia, you would have a very complete Epic Battles force.

Who should buy this set

Any Epic Battles player who wants to add mobile striking power and artillery to their force needs this box. The cavalry types included cover the full range of mounted warfare in the period, making it a comprehensive addition to any army.

Who should look elsewhere

If you need infantry first, prioritize the Infantry Battalia box. Players building at 28mm scale should look at the Cavalry Regiment box instead, which provides compatible cavalry at the larger scale.

8. Pike & Shotte Epic Battles Scots Covenanters Battalia – Expand Your Scots Force

The Scots Covenanters Battalia is the expansion counterpart to the Scots Covenanters Starter Army, giving you additional infantry regiments, cavalry, and artillery to bulk out your Scottish force. You get three combined pike and shotte regiments, 6 Scots lancers, 6 mounted Scots dragoons, 15 dismounted Scots dragoons, 3 frame gun teams, and 3 mounted battalia commanders. The full-color flag sheet for Scots Covenanters adds the finishing touch.

Reviewers praise the true 15mm scale of these figures and note that they reward even a mediocre paint job when assembled en masse on the tabletop. This is encouraging for newer painters who might feel intimidated by the prospect of painting large armies. The massed formation effect at this scale is genuinely impressive, and a basic paint scheme with a wash can look excellent.

The only notable complaint is that the flag sheet can arrive damaged in shipping, so handle it carefully when you open the box. Otherwise, this is a solid expansion that delivers exactly what Scots Covenanters players need to grow their force.

Who should buy this set

Players who started with the Scots Covenanters Starter Army and want to field a larger force should pick this up. It is also good value for anyone wanting to add a Scots allied contingent to an existing English Civil War collection.

Who should look elsewhere

If you do not have the core rules yet, start with the Scots Covenanters Starter Army or Push of Pike Starter Set. Players building English Royalist or Parliamentarian forces should look at the ECW Infantry and Cavalry Battalia boxes instead.

9. Pike & Shotte Epic Battles Casualty Markers – Functional Tabletop Essentials

Casualty markers might not be the most glamorous purchase, but they are essential for tracking stamina and casualties during your Pike and Shotte games. This set provides 18 Warlord Resin casualty markers that do double duty as both functional game aids and atmospheric additions to your tabletop.

The sculpting quality is what you would expect from Warlord Games at this point. Reviewers praise the detail on these small resin pieces and note that they are useful beyond just marking casualties. Several players mention using them for kitbashes and conversions, taking advantage of the fallen figure poses to create diorama elements or objective markers.

At this price point, picking up a set of casualty markers is a practical investment that enhances your game experience. They help your opponents read the battlefield state at a glance and add visual interest to the table between turns.

Who should buy this set

Any active Epic Battles Pike and Shotte player will benefit from these markers. They are particularly useful for games using the stamina rules where tracking unit condition matters. Hobbyists who enjoy converting figures will also find creative uses for the fallen poses.

Who should look elsewhere

If you are just starting out, spend your budget on a starter army set first. You can always use simple tokens or dice for casualty tracking initially and upgrade to these resin markers later.

10. Warlord Games Pike & Shotte Cavalry Regiment – Versatile 28mm Cavalry

The Pike and Shotte Cavalry Regiment box gives you 12 multi-pose plastic cavalry figures at 28mm scale that work across multiple gaming systems. Reviewers consistently highlight the value proposition here, with one noting that at roughly $2.33 per figure versus $7 for Games Workshop equivalents, these are an affordable way to fill cavalry ranks.

I found these figures quick to assemble and very forgiving for beginners. The poses are varied enough to create natural-looking cavalry units without repetition. Several reviewers mention using these figures successfully with Kings of War, Warhammer, and other fantasy systems in addition to historical gaming, which speaks to their versatility.

The only scale concern is that they run slightly smaller than Games Workshop Empire figures, so if you are mixing ranges on the same table, be aware of the height difference. For purely historical gaming or as standalone units, this is not an issue at all.

With 75% five-star ratings across 25 reviews, the community endorsement is strong. This is a workhorse product that does exactly what it promises: deliver affordable, buildable cavalry for your 17th century tabletop.

Who should buy this set

28mm historical wargamers who need cavalry for any 17th century force will find this box excellent value. It is also a great option for fantasy gamers looking for affordable mounted units that can pass as Empire or Renaissance-style cavalry in other game systems.

Who should look elsewhere

Players building at Epic Battles scale should choose the ECW Cavalry box instead for scale-matched cavalry. If you need a complete starter force rather than individual unit reinforcements, look at the starter army sets.

11. Pike & Shotte Epic Battles Royalist Commanders – Lead With History

The Royalist Commanders set gives your Epic Battles Royalist force its leadership with five named character figures: King Charles I, Prince Rupert, Prince Maurice, Ralph Hopton, and Lord Astley. These are Warlord Resin castings at Epic scale, and reviewers praise the crisp detail captured on such small figures.

Having named commanders on the table adds a narrative dimension to your games that generic officer figures simply cannot match. When Prince Rupert leads a cavalry charge or King Charles watches from the rear, the historical flavor of your game improves dramatically. For campaign play and scenario design, these character figures open up story-driven possibilities.

The main criticism from reviewers is the perceived cost for just five small resin figures. While the detail is excellent, the price per miniature is notably higher than the plastic boxed sets. This is a luxury purchase rather than a necessity, but one that dedicated Royalist players will appreciate.

Who should buy this set

Royalist players who want named historical commanders for their Epic Battles force will love these figures. They are especially worthwhile for narrative gaming, campaign systems, and scenario-driven play where character identity matters.

Who should look elsewhere

Budget-conscious players can skip this set and use the generic commanders included in the starter sets. If you are just starting out, invest in more troops first and add character figures once your core force is built.

How to Choose the Right Pike and Shotte Army?

Picking the right Pike and Shotte army comes down to four key decisions: scale, faction, starter versus expansion, and painting commitment. Let me walk you through each one.

Choose Your Scale First

Warlord Games offers Pike and Shotte miniatures in two scales. The traditional 28mm range delivers larger figures with more detail per miniature, ideal for painters who want to showcase individual figure work. The Epic Battles scale measures close to 15mm, letting you field much larger armies on the same table space with faster painting times. Forum users consistently note that the Epic Battles scale is preferred when you want to get armies painted and playing quickly.

Pick Your Faction

The English Civil War offers several compelling factions. Royalist forces under King Charles I feature dashing cavalry leaders like Prince Rupert and tend toward aggressive tactics. Parliamentarian armies, especially the New Model Army, offer disciplined infantry and the Ironsides cavalry under Cromwell. The Scots Covenanters fought both sides at different times, making them the most versatile choice for beginners who want to face any opponent.

Community discussions on Reddit consistently recommend the Scots Covenanters as a first army because their historical flexibility means you will never struggle to find an opponent who matches your force thematically. The Landsknechts offer a completely different aesthetic for players interested in the broader Thirty Years War period.

Starter Set or Individual Boxes

If you are new to Pike and Shotte wargaming, a starter set gives you the best foundation. The Push of Pike Starter Set for Epic Battles or For King and Country for 28mm both include the rulebook alongside miniatures, making them true one-purchase entry points. Individual boxes like the Infantry Battalia, Cavalry, or Scots Covenanters Battalia are expansion products meant to grow an existing force.

Consider Your Painting Time

Be honest about how much painting time you have available. A 28mm army of 80 to 150 figures will take significantly longer to complete than an Epic Battles force of similar tabletop presence. The Epic scale rewards batch painting with washes and drybrushing, and reviewers note that even a basic paint job looks impressive when the figures are massed in formation. At 28mm, you will spend more time per figure but achieve finer detail.

Cavalry is an important consideration that many new players overlook. Historical accounts suggest a rough 1:1 ratio between cavalry and infantry battalia on the battlefield. Make sure your army plan includes enough mounted troops to reflect this balance.

FAQs

Final Thoughts on the Best Pike and Shotte Armies

Finding the best Pike and Shotte armies comes down to matching the right product to your scale preference, faction interest, and experience level. The Push of Pike Starter Set remains our top overall pick for its unmatched value with 200 miniatures, terrain, and rules in one box. The Landsknecht Starter Army takes the value crown at 28mm scale, while the Scots Covenanters Starter Army gives beginners the most flexible faction choice.

Whatever direction you choose, the English Civil War period offers some of the most creative and enjoyable wargaming available. Pick your side, raise your standard, and get painting. Your tabletop battles await.