8 Best Test of Honour Samurai Sets (June 2026) Honest Reviews

If you have ever wanted to command a warband of samurai across a tabletop battlefield, Test of Honour delivers that experience in a fast-paced skirmish format. This 28mm scale samurai miniatures game puts you in charge of small warbands of 5 to 20 models, fighting tactical battles set during Japan’s Sengoku and Edo periods. Our team has spent weeks assembling, painting, and playing with the best Test of Honour samurai sets available right now, and this guide covers everything we learned.

Test of Honour stands out because of its approachable rules. You can learn the basics in under 30 minutes, yet the tactical depth keeps experienced wargamers engaged for hundreds of hours. The game uses custom dice, skill cards, and status markers to resolve combat in a way that feels thematic and cinematic. Whether you are a seasoned tabletop general or picking up miniatures for the first time, there is a set here that fits your needs.

In this guide, we review eight samurai sets and games that work brilliantly with Test of Honour. From massive starter armies with over 100 miniatures to single metal figures for expanding your warband, we cover assembly quality, miniature detail, gameplay value, and who each set suits best. Let us get into it.

Top 3 Picks for Test of Honour Samurai Sets

8 Best Test of Honour Samurai Sets (June 2026)

1. Warlord Games Pike & Shotte Samurai Starter Army – Best Overall Starter Force

When I first opened the Warlord Games Samurai Starter Army, I was genuinely surprised by the volume of miniatures packed into this box. You get 126 models including 100 infantry, 13 cavalry figures, and a metal command unit. For anyone looking to build a full samurai force for Test of Honour skirmishes, this is the most complete starting point available.

The plastic sculpts impressed me right away. Fine details like lacing on armor, rivets on helmets, and fabric folds on clothing are crisp and consistent across the sprues. I found very little flashing to clean up, which saved me hours of prep work compared to other miniature brands I have used. The variety of poses and weapon options means no two models in your warband need to look the same.

Assembly takes patience. I spent about three evenings getting through the infantry alone. The varied construction methods on the same sprue caught me off guard at first, as some models use different arm attachment points than others. A hobby knife and fast-curing plastic cement are must-haves here. I also noticed the sashimono backbanners lack divots or notches for easy attachment, so I had to freehand their positioning.

The metal command unit looks beautiful once assembled, but mine arrived with a slightly bent sword. I was able to straighten it carefully with pliers, but this is worth knowing if you order one. Despite that, the overall quality for the quantity you receive makes this starter army hard to beat for anyone serious about samurai wargaming.

Best Army Composition Options

This starter army gives you enough models to field multiple warband configurations for Test of Honour. I built a balanced force with 40 ashigaru spearmen, 30 archers, 20 samurai with katana, and the cavalry screen. The spare parts on the sprues let you customize weapon loadouts, so you can tailor each unit to your preferred play style without buying additional boxes.

If you play larger games or want to run two separate warbands for teaching friends, this box has you covered. The infantry alone can fill out four to five full Test of Honour warbands with different compositions.

Assembly and Painting Experience

I recommend sorting your sprues by unit type before starting assembly. The infantry, cavalry, and command models each use slightly different construction approaches, and mixing them up slows you down. For painting, the raised details on the armor take washes and dry-brushing beautifully. I completed a tabletop-quality force in about two weeks of evening painting sessions.

The plastic takes acrylic paint well with a proper primer coat. I used a rattle-can primer and had zero issues with paint adhesion. The cavalry models require slightly more care during assembly due to the horse-and-rider connection points, but the final results are worth the effort.

2. Senjutsu: Battle for Japan – Best Value Samurai Game

Senjutsu takes a different approach to samurai gaming by combining deck-crafting mechanics with miniature dueling. Instead of commanding entire armies, you control one of four unique samurai characters in tense one-on-one or team battles. I found this focus on individual combat refreshing after playing larger-scale skirmish games.

The 16 plastic miniatures included are exquisitely sculpted. Each of the four samurai characters has a distinct visual identity and play style that comes through both in the model design and the card mechanics. The box also includes 324 game cards, two reversible battlefield boards, focus tokens, AI standee opponents for solo play, and even 3D terrain pieces. The component quality is outstanding for the price point.

My first few games had a learning curve. The rulebook covers the basics well enough, but some of the more nuanced processes around deck construction and advantage tokens required a second read-through. Once my group got past that initial hurdle, games flowed quickly at 15 to 20 minutes per duel. The symbology on the cards becomes intuitive after just a couple of rounds.

What keeps me coming back to Senjutsu is the variety. With four distinct characters and thousands of possible deck combinations, every match feels different. I have played roughly 30 duels so far and still discover new card synergies and tactical approaches regularly.

Game Modes and Replayability

The inclusion of solo and co-op campaign modes sets Senjutsu apart from purely competitive games. I played through the solo campaign over a weekend and found the AI opponents surprisingly challenging. The 2v2 team mode adds another layer of strategy as you coordinate attacks with a partner. For game nights, the 1v1 duels work perfectly as quick filler games between longer sessions.

Each character has a dedicated set of ability cards that define their fighting style. The ranged fighter plays completely differently from the heavy armor tank, and the assassin relies on speed and positioning. Learning each character takes 3 to 5 games, giving you dozens of hours of exploration before you feel mastery.

Learning Curve for New Players

I taught three friends to play Senjutsu, and each one needed about two practice rounds before they felt comfortable with the core mechanics. The simultaneous reveal combat system is easy to grasp conceptually, but understanding when to commit resources and when to hold back takes experience. I suggest starting with the basic decks before adding advanced cards.

The included solo campaign is also an excellent learning tool. Playing against the AI lets you experiment with different strategies at your own pace without the pressure of a human opponent watching your mistakes.

3. Warlord Games Pike & Shotte Ashigaru Spearmen – Top Rated by Users

The Ashigaru Spearmen from Warlord Games earned a near-perfect 4.9-star rating from buyers, and after building and painting a full box, I understand why. These 20 plastic miniatures capture the look of Sengoku-period foot soldiers with impressive accuracy. The multi-pose design means every model in your unit can have a unique stance and weapon angle.

Assembly went smoothly for me. Using standard plastic cement, I had all 20 models built in a single evening. The parts fit together cleanly with minimal gaps, and the joint points are logical. The included Takeda clan decal sheet adds historical authenticity that I appreciated once I started painting the armor.

In Test of Honour games, a solid block of ashigaru spearmen forms the backbone of any warband. These models fill that role perfectly. The yari spears are appropriately sized and detailed, and the poses range from advancing to bracing for a charge. I found that arranging them on movement trays gives a satisfying visual impact on the tabletop.

The only drawback I noticed was during painting. The recessed details on some models are shallower than I expected, making washes less effective for quick painting techniques. I switched to a layered approach with targeted highlights instead, which produced better results but took more time.

Pose Variety and Customization

Each of the 20 models can be built in multiple configurations. I mixed advancing poses with static defensive stances to create a unit that looks like it is mid-battlefield maneuver. The separate arm and head options let you avoid the clone-army look that plagues some miniature sets. I even converted two models into standard bearers using the spare parts.

The Takeda clan decals deserve special mention. They are thin enough to conform to curved armor surfaces without visible edges, and the mon designs are crisp. If you play a Takeda-themed force, these save significant painting time compared to freehanding clan symbols.

Painting Tips for Beginners

I found that a black primer followed by a heavy drybrush of dark iron gave the armor sections a realistic base. Then I applied thin layers of color for the fabric and lacing details. The key is to avoid thick paint applications that can fill in the fine surface textures. A fine detail brush in size 0 or smaller handles the armor lacing and helmet cords well.

For speed painting, try a contrast paint approach over white primer. It took me about 45 minutes per model compared to the two hours I spent on my display-quality versions. Both approaches look good on the tabletop from arm’s length.

4. Warlord Games Pike & Shotte Samurai Infantry – Great for Building Core Forces

The Samurai Infantry box delivers 20 plastic foot samurai designed for the Pike & Shotte game system, and they transfer perfectly to Test of Honour warbands. I found these models particularly good for building the samurai hero retainers that form the offensive core of a skirmish force. The multi-pose options let you equip them with katana, no-dachi, or bows depending on your tactical needs.

Detail quality is solid overall. The armor plates, helmet decorations, and weapon scabbards all have clear definition that rewards careful painting. I did notice that the swords are not quite as sharp-looking as the product images suggest, so temper your expectations slightly there. The included Takeda clan decal sheet matches the one found in the Ashigaru Spearmen box for consistent army theming.

Assembly requires more attention than the Ashigaru Spearmen. Several parts are quite thin, particularly around the weapon arms and banner poles. I broke a katana blade during clipping and had to pin it back together. Take your time removing parts from the sprue with a fine clipper rather than twisting them off. The joints also need more plastic cement than I initially expected to hold firmly.

Despite the assembly challenges, the final results look great on the table. These samurai have a more imposing presence than the ashigaru models, with fuller armor and more elaborate helmet designs that mark them as higher-status warriors.

Multi-Pose Build Options

The multi-pose system in this kit gives you meaningful choices during assembly. I built half my box in advancing attack poses with raised katana and the other half in defensive stances with weapons at the ready. You can also mix parts between the Samurai Infantry and Ashigaru Spearmen boxes for even more variety, which I did for a few command models.

Each model takes about 15 to 20 minutes to assemble if you are working carefully. I recommend dry-fitting all parts before applying glue, as some arm positions work better with certain leg poses than others.

Durability and Material Quality

The plastic used in these models has some flex, which helps prevent shattering if a model takes a tumble off the table. However, the thin weapon parts remain vulnerable. I reinforced the sword blades on my gaming models with a thin coat of super glue to add rigidity. For display models, this is less of a concern since they stay safely on a shelf.

The plastic accepts primer and paint without issues. I used both brush-on and spray primers and got consistent results with either method.

5. Warlord Games Pike & Shotte Samurai Horsemen – Essential Cavalry Unit

Cavalry changes the dynamics of any Test of Honour game, and the Samurai Horsemen box gives you 12 mounted samurai to command. I found that even adding three or four cavalry models to a warband creates new tactical options for flanking and rapid response. The multi-pose horses alone offer nice variety, with galloping, rearing, and walking stances available.

The rider sculpts match the quality and style of the foot samurai infantry box, so your mounted and dismounted models look cohesive on the table. The horses have good musculature detail and the samurai riders feature the same armor styling you expect from the Pike & Shotte range. I appreciate that you can mix parts between this set and the infantry box for more customization.

My main frustration was the lack of a proper assembly guide. The box includes only a basic leaflet, and several rider poses took trial and error to figure out which arms pair with which torso positions. I spent extra time dry-fitting components before committing to glue. The limited weapon options also mean some models end up looking somewhat static compared to the dynamic poses shown on the box art.

Despite those assembly challenges, the finished cavalry models look impressive. On the tabletop, a unit of six samurai horsemen charging across the battlefield draws attention and creates genuine tactical threats for your opponent.

Cavalry Tactics in Skirmish Games

In Test of Honour, cavalry moves faster and hits harder on the charge but costs more points in your warband. I typically field four to six horsemen as a flanking force that threatens the enemy’s ranged units and support models. Keeping them behind terrain until the right moment to strike has worked well in my games. They are less effective in prolonged melee against spearmen, so timing your charges matters.

The 12 models in this box give you enough cavalry to run a mounted-heavy warband or split them across multiple forces. I run one warband with six cavalry and another with just three for a more balanced approach.

Assembly Difficulty Level

I rate the Samurai Horsemen as moderate to difficult for assembly compared to the infantry kits. The horse-and-rider connection requires careful alignment, and some leg poses only work with specific horse stances. I recommend building the horses first, then test-fitting each rider before gluing. An experienced builder can assemble all 12 in an afternoon, but a beginner should plan for two sessions.

Using a modeling pin to reinforce the rider-to-horse joint adds stability for gaming models that get handled frequently.

6. Warlord Games Pike & Shotte Ashigaru Missile Troops – Ranged Support Unit

Every Test of Honour warband needs ranged support, and the Ashigaru Missile Troops box delivers 20 plastic miniatures armed with bows and teppo matchlocks. I paired these with the Ashigaru Spearmen for a historically accurate Sengoku-period force that covers both melee and ranged engagement. The models feature a mix of firing, loading, and advancing poses that tell a visual story on the tabletop.

The sculpting quality matches the rest of the Pike & Shotte samurai range. The teppo matchlocks in particular have nice detail on the barrels and firing mechanisms. I found the bow-armed models especially satisfying to paint because the taut bowstrings and quiver details give each figure a distinct silhouette. The scale at 28mm fits perfectly alongside your other samurai miniatures.

Assembly follows the same pattern as the other Warlord Games plastic kits. Parts come on sprues and require clipping, cleaning, and gluing with plastic cement. My box arrived with slightly bent packaging, but all the sprues inside were undamaged thanks to the protective interior layout. The included instructions cover the basic builds, and the multi-pose system means you can customize stances.

In games, a unit of 10 to 12 missile troops provides consistent ranged pressure that forces your opponent to maneuver differently. I found that positioning them on elevated terrain or behind ashigaru spear walls maximizes their effectiveness while keeping them safe from cavalry charges.

Ranged Combat Integration

For Test of Honour specifically, I recommend building about half with bows and half with teppo. The bows have longer range and more consistent accuracy, while the teppo hit harder but take longer to reload. Having both options gives your warband tactical flexibility. I position my bowmen on flanks for crossfire and keep the teppo gunners in the center for devastating close-range volleys.

The 20 models in this box give you enough for two full ranged units or one reinforced unit with backups for casualties during campaigns.

Force Composition Value

Adding the Missile Troops to the Ashigaru Spearmen and Samurai Infantry boxes creates a well-rounded force with no tactical gaps. I built a 40-model warband using 20 spearmen, 10 missile troops, and 10 samurai infantry that handles every situation effectively. The scale and aesthetic consistency across all three Pike & Shotte boxes means your finished army looks unified on the table.

If you are building a force from scratch, I suggest starting with the Samurai Starter Army for the bulk of your models, then adding a box of Missile Troops specifically for the ranged weapon options not included in the main set.

7. Archona Games Small Samurai Empires – Strategic Board Game Alternative

Small Samurai Empires takes the samurai theme in a different direction from traditional miniature wargaming. This is an area-control strategy game where players place facedown order tokens to recruit armies, move forces, and build castles across four regions of Japan. I found it scratches a different itch than Test of Honour while keeping the samurai aesthetic I enjoy.

The game plays across three eras, each consisting of two rounds. A full game takes about 45 to 60 minutes, which fits perfectly into a weeknight gaming session. I taught the rules to my group in under 10 minutes, and everyone was making meaningful strategic decisions by their second turn. The quality samurai meeples and attractive board make it visually appealing on the table.

What I appreciate most about Small Samurai Empires is how compact it is. The box measures just under 8 inches square, making it easy to bring to a game night or play at a pub. Despite the small footprint, there is genuine strategic depth here. Balancing military expansion against castle building creates interesting tension throughout the game.

At two players, the game feels tight and competitive. The experience shifts at three to four players, where the board can feel crowded and downtime between turns increases. I prefer it as a two-player duel or three-player game for the best pacing.

Strategy Depth vs Complexity

The order token system creates a bluffing element that adds excitement without rules overhead. When I place a token facedown, my opponent has to guess whether I am recruiting more troops, moving an army, or building a castle. This hidden information layer keeps every round tense and engaging. The strategic decisions feel meaningful even though the rules themselves are straightforward.

After about 15 plays, my group still discovers new approaches. Investing heavily in castles early versus aggressive military expansion both work as strategies, and the game rewards adapting to what your opponents are doing.

Best Player Count Experience

I recommend Small Samurai Empires most highly at two players. The head-to-head dynamic creates a chess-like tension where every token placement matters. At three players, the political dynamics of temporary alliances add entertainment. At four players, the board gets tight and games can feel more chaotic than strategic. If you primarily play as a duo, this is an excellent addition to your collection.

The compact size and quick playtime make it a strong travel game option as well. I have taken it to coffee shops and played full games without feeling rushed.

8. Reaper Dark Heaven Legends Samurai Miniatures – Single Metal Display Piece

The Reaper Dark Heaven Legends Samurai is a single metal miniature that works beautifully as a hero model or display piece for your Test of Honour warband. I picked one up to use as a unique samurai champion that stands apart from the plastic rank-and-file models. The metal construction gives it a satisfying weight in hand and allows for finer detail than plastic can achieve.

Out of the box, this miniature looks impressive even without paint. The sculpting captures armor plates, helmet crests, and fabric folds with a level of detail that drew compliments from my gaming group before I had even primed it. The swords arrive deliberately curled to prevent damage during shipping, which I thought was a smart touch by Reaper.

Straightening the swords takes about two minutes with gentle finger pressure. I worked slowly to avoid creating a crease or snapping the thin metal blade. Once straightened, the katana looks sharp and elegant. The 28mm scale matches Warlord Games miniatures well enough that this model does not look out of place in a Pike & Shotte warband.

For painters, metal miniatures offer a different experience than plastic. The smoother surface takes washes and glazes differently, and I found that thinning my paints slightly more than usual produced the best results. The weight of the metal also means the model sits more securely on the table without tipping, which is a small but appreciated quality-of-life feature during games.

Metal vs Plastic Miniatures

Metal miniatures like this Reaper samurai offer finer surface detail and a more satisfying heft than plastic alternatives. The trade-off is that metal requires different preparation and painting techniques. I always wash metal models with warm soapy water before priming to remove mold release agents. The surface also accepts primer differently, so I use a metal-specific primer for the best adhesion.

For gaming purposes, the main advantage of this metal figure is durability. It will not snap at thin points the way plastic weapons sometimes do, and a drop onto a hard floor rarely causes damage beyond minor paint chipping.

Scale Compatibility with Other Games

At 28mm scale, this Reaper samurai fits perfectly alongside Warlord Games Pike & Shotte models, Test of Honour warbands, and most other historical samurai miniature ranges. I have used it as a special character in games of Test of Honour, as an NPC in role-playing sessions, and as a display painting project. The versatility of a single high-quality metal miniature makes it a worthwhile addition even if you already have a large plastic collection.

The figure also works well for diorama projects. I mounted mine on a detailed resin base with scattered weapon racks and a fallen enemy helmet to create a small vignette that sits on my painting desk as inspiration.

How to Choose the Right Test of Honour Samurai Sets?

Picking the right samurai set depends on where you are in your wargaming journey and what kind of experience you want. I have broken down the key factors that should guide your decision based on my own experience building and playing with these sets.

For complete beginners: Start with the Warlord Games Samurai Starter Army. The 126 miniatures give you every unit type you need to build multiple warbands, and you will not need to buy anything else to start playing. The assembly time investment pays off with the sheer volume of gaming options you get.

For expanding an existing force: Add the Ashigaru Spearmen, Samurai Infantry, or Missile Troops boxes depending on what role your warband needs. The spearmen provide a solid melee backbone, the infantry adds elite samurai fighters, and the missile troops give you ranged options. All three boxes use the same scale and aesthetic.

For a different gaming experience: Senjutsu: Battle for Japan and Small Samurai Empires offer samurai-themed gameplay without the assembly and painting commitment of miniature wargaming. Both are excellent games in their own right.

Plastic vs metal considerations: Plastic kits offer better value per model and are easier to convert and customize. Metal miniatures like the Reaper samurai provide finer detail and more satisfying weight but cost more per figure and require different painting preparation.

Assembly tools you will need: For the plastic Warlord Games kits, you need plastic cement or super glue, a hobby knife or sprue cutter, and fine-grit sandpaper for cleanup. The metal Reaper miniature only needs super glue if you want to attach it to a base. None of these sets include glue or paints.

Scale compatibility: All the miniatures in this guide are 28mm scale and work together on the tabletop. You can mix Warlord Games plastics with the Reaper metal model in the same warband without scale issues. This gives you freedom to combine sets based on your aesthetic preferences and budget.

FAQs

Final Thoughts on the Best Test of Honour Samurai Sets

Building a samurai warband for Test of Honour is one of the most rewarding projects in tabletop wargaming. The Warlord Games Samurai Starter Army remains my top recommendation for anyone starting out, offering unmatched value with 126 miniatures in a single box. The Ashigaru Spearmen earn their near-perfect rating for quality and ease of assembly, and Senjutsu delivers a fantastic samurai gaming experience with zero assembly required.

Whether you want to paint a display-quality force, run fast-paced skirmish battles, or enjoy strategic board games with a samurai theme, the sets in this guide cover every angle. Pick the one that matches your interests and start building your warband in 2026.