10 Best Warcry Starter Sets (June 2026) Expert Reviews

If you have been eyeing Warcry but feel lost in the maze of starter sets, expansion boxes, and individual warbands, you are in the right place. Our team has spent weeks comparing every Warcry starter set currently available to figure out which ones actually deliver good value and which ones leave you wanting more. Warcry is a fast-paced skirmish game set in the Warhammer Age of Sigmar universe, where two players command small warbands in quick 30-to-60-minute battles. It is one of the most accessible entry points into Warhammer gaming, but picking the wrong starter set can make that first experience frustrating instead of fun.

After digging through community forums, real player reviews, and unboxing every major box ourselves, we found that the best Warcry starter sets balance miniatures quality, included rules, terrain, and overall completeness. Some boxes give you everything you need to start playing on day one. Others assume you already own a core rulebook or terrain, which catches a lot of beginners off guard. This guide cuts through the confusion and ranks all 10 current options so you can pick with confidence.

We cover complete starter sets for absolute beginners, expansion sets for players looking to grow their collection, and individual warbands for those who want to handpick their factions. Whether you are building your first warband or your tenth, we have a recommendation that fits.

Top 3 Picks for Warcry Starter Sets for 2026

10 Best Warcry Starter Sets in 2026

1. Warcry: Heart of Ghur – The Most Complete Starter Set

Heart of Ghur is the set I point every single new player toward. When I opened this box for the first time, I was struck by how much Games Workshop packed inside. You get a 160-page softcover Core Book that covers every rule you need, a 64-page Warband Tome dedicated to the Rot and Ruin campaign, two complete warbands (the Horns of Hashut and Rotmire Creed), a full set of Gnarlwood terrain, a double-sided folding gaming board measuring 22 by 30 inches, plus all the tokens, dice, cards, and range rulers you need to play. Nothing else to buy. No hidden requirements.

The two warbands could not be more different in playstyle, which makes this set fantastic for learning. The Horns of Hashut bring brute Chaos dwarf firepower while the Rotmire Creed offers swamp-dwelling Nurgle fighters who excel at attrition. Both are fun to paint and each has distinct tactical depth. My group found that games between these two factions felt balanced and exciting every time.

The Gnarlwood terrain is a real highlight. You get a solid collection of plastic scenery pieces that create a dense, thematic battlefield straight out of the box. The double-sided board features two different environments, giving you visual variety without buying anything extra. After playing dozens of games on this setup, I can say the terrain layout alone makes this set worth it over piecemeal purchases.

Community forums consistently rank Heart of Ghur as the gold standard for Warcry starters. Reddit users on r/WarCry specifically call it out as the best value when you factor in the core rules, terrain, and two warbands together. With 31 reviews averaging 4.8 stars and 86% giving it 5 stars, the player consensus backs up what we found at the table.

Who Should Buy Heart of Ghur

Absolute beginners who want zero friction getting into Warcry. This is the only box where you open it, assemble some models, and start playing immediately without buying a single extra item. If you have never played a Warhammer skirmish game before, this is your starting line.

Players who want the most complete terrain collection in a single purchase. The Gnarlwood scenery pieces blend seamlessly with other Warcry terrain sets, so this box becomes the foundation of a growing collection.

Who Should Skip Heart of Ghur

Players who already own the Warcry Core Book. If you have the rules and terrain from another purchase, you would be paying for duplicates. Consider buying individual warbands instead.

Collectors focused on specific factions. If you only care about Seraphon or Stormcast models, the included warbands will not match your army theme. A faction-specific warband box would serve you better.

2. Warcry: Crypt of Blood – Best Value Starter Set

Crypt of Blood is the starter set I recommend when someone asks about the cheapest way to try Warcry without sacrificing quality. You get eight plastic push-fit miniatures forming two complete warbands: Xandire’s Truthseekers (a band of investigators) and the Crimson Court (vampiric aristocrats). The push-fit design means you can snap them together without glue, which is a real advantage if you are just testing the waters and do not want to invest in hobby tools yet.

The starter rulebook included covers everything you need for your first several games. It has lore, artwork, and the core rules laid out in a beginner-friendly format. You also get a paper battlefield mat, six dice, tokens, and a range ruler. I set this up on my kitchen table in about 20 minutes and was rolling dice with a friend the same evening.

Where Crypt of Blood falls short compared to Heart of Ghur is scale. The warbands here are small, with only four fighters per side. Experienced players on Reddit note that these small teams feel limiting once you understand the game and want to experiment with different builds. The starter rulebook also covers fewer rules than the full 160-page Core Book, so you will eventually outgrow it if you get hooked.

Who Should Buy Crypt of Blood

Curious gamers who want to try Warcry with the lowest possible investment. If you are not sure whether skirmish gaming is for you, this box lets you find out without committing to a larger purchase.

Parents buying for teens who are interested in Warhammer but have never played. The push-fit models are easy to assemble and the simplified rules make the first session smooth.

Who Should Skip Crypt of Blood

Players who know they want to play Warcry long-term. You will outgrow the small warbands and abbreviated rules quickly. Heart of Ghur gives you more runway for a higher initial investment.

Experienced Warhammer hobbyists who already own terrain and a gaming surface. You would be paying for components you already have.

3. Warcry: Red Harvest – Top Rated Expansion Box

Red Harvest sits at the top of our ratings for good reason. With 74 reviews and an 87% five-star rate, this is the most battle-tested set on the list. It includes two visually striking warbands: the Dark Oath Savagers (chaos-worshipping barbarians) and the Tarantulos Brood (spider-obsessed mutants). Both factions bring something unique to the tabletop that you cannot get from any other Warcry box.

The Dark Oath Savagers are some of the most characterful miniatures Games Workshop has produced for Warcry. Each fighter has a distinct pose and loads of detail that make painting them genuinely enjoyable. The Tarantulos Brood leans into horror aesthetics with spider-themed warriors that look unsettling on the battlefield. I found that games between these two factions have a gritty, desperate feel that differs from the more heroic matchups in other starter sets.

The main thing to understand about Red Harvest is that it functions more like an expansion than a standalone starter. You will want to have a gaming board, terrain, and the core rules from another source to get the full experience. Some Amazon reviewers noted missing parts in their shipments, so inspect your sprues carefully when it arrives.

Who Should Buy Red Harvest

Players who already own a core starter set and want two fantastic new warbands to expand their roster. These factions add real variety to campaign play.

Collectors who prioritize miniature quality and unique sculpts. Both warbands here are among the most detailed in the entire Warcry range.

Who Should Skip Red Harvest

Complete beginners who do not yet own terrain, a board, or the core rules. Start with Heart of Ghur or Crypt of Blood instead to get the full package.

Players who dislike assembly-heavy projects. Every miniature here requires clipping from sprues and gluing together, which takes several hours per warband.

4. Warcry: Bloodhunt – Premium Expansion with Terrain

Bloodhunt occupies a sweet spot between a standalone starter and a pure expansion box. You get the vampiric warrior-monks of the Askurgan Trueblades and the blood-hungry Claws of Karanak (Khorne daemon hunters), plus a set of Gnarlwood terrain and a double-sided game board. The terrain is the same quality as what comes with Heart of Ghur, which means it integrates perfectly if you are building a larger collection.

The Askurgan Trueblades are my personal favorite warband in all of Warcry. They bring a vampire-monk aesthetic that is completely unlike anything else in the game. Their rules reward aggressive, calculated play and their sculpts are loaded with character. The Claws of Karanak offer a beastly counterpoint with raw aggression that makes for thrilling matchups.

The critical catch with Bloodhunt is that it is not a standalone starter. Multiple reviewers on Amazon specifically warn that this box requires the separate Core Book to play. If you do not already own the core rules, you will need to factor that additional purchase into your plans. This makes Bloodhunt better suited as a second or third purchase rather than your first.

Who Should Buy Bloodhunt

Players who already own the Core Book and want a premium expansion with terrain included. The Gnarlwood scenery and game board make this feel like a substantial upgrade to your setup.

Fans of vampire or Khorne themes. These two warbands deliver some of the most atmospheric gameplay in Warcry.

Who Should Skip Bloodhunt

New players without any Warcry materials. Without the Core Book, you cannot play out of this box. Go with Heart of Ghur instead for a true all-in-one experience.

Budget-conscious buyers who already have terrain from another set. The terrain inclusion adds to the price, and if you do not need it, individual warbands offer better value.

5. Warcry: Briar and Bone – Unique Dual Warband Box

Briar and Bone stands out because it is the only box on this list that includes a rampaging third entity on the battlefield. The Ravening Gnarloak is a massive tree-monster that changes the dynamics of every game it appears in. Alongside it, you get two full warbands: the Teratic Cohort of the Ossiarch Bonereapers (bone-construct warriors) and the Twistweald (exiled Sylvaneth tree-spirits).

The faction pairing here is one of the most thematic in Warcry. The Ossiarch bone constructs and Sylvaneth tree-spirits have deep lore connections in Age of Sigmar, and that narrative tension carries over to the tabletop. Games between these two feel like a supernatural turf war, which is exactly the kind of story-driven experience Warcry does best. The included battleplan card deck gives you scenario variety right away.

Be warned: several Amazon reviewers report that assembly is a serious time investment. One player logged over 60 hours building everything in this box, including green stuff work for gaps. The Twistweald models in particular have delicate, organic shapes that require patience. If you enjoy the hobby side of building and painting, this is a feature. If you want to start playing quickly, it is a hurdle.

Who Should Buy Briar and Bone

Experienced hobbyists who enjoy complex model assembly and painting. The sculpts here reward careful work with stunning results on the tabletop.

Players who want narrative-driven games with a unique battlefield presence. The Ravening Gnarloak creates scenarios you cannot replicate with any other box.

Who Should Skip Briar and Bone

Beginners who have never assembled plastic miniatures. Start with push-fit models from Crypt of Blood before taking on this level of complexity.

Players looking for a standalone game experience. Briar and Bone is a supplement that requires the core rules, terrain, and a board from another source.

6. Warcry: Pyre and Flood – Thematic Expansion with Scenery

Pyre and Flood brings together two factions that could not be more thematically opposed: the Pyregheists (flame-spewing servants of Nagash) and the Ydrilan Riverblades (aelven warrior-monks of the Lumineth). This fire-versus-water dynamic makes for visually spectacular games where each side plays dramatically differently. The included scenery piece depicting the head of a ruined Seraphon statue adds a gorgeous centerpiece to your battlefield.

At 89% five-star reviews, Pyre and Flood has one of the highest satisfaction rates of any Warcry product. Reviewers consistently mention that the miniatures arrive in good condition with all parts accounted for, which is not always a given with mail-order miniatures. The 42 items in the box include everything you need for both warbands plus the scenery, rules, and campaign content.

Like other expansion boxes, Pyre and Flood is not a standalone product. You need the core rules and a playing surface from another source. The transit packaging is the main complaint, with some reviewers noting their boxes arrived with dented corners. If display-box condition matters to you as a collector, keep this in mind.

Who Should Buy Pyre and Flood

Players who want two visually distinct warbands with strong thematic contrast. The fire and water factions create dramatic, cinematic battles.

Collectors building a Seraphon-themed battlefield. The ruined statue scenery piece fits beautifully with other Seraphon and jungle terrain.

Who Should Skip Pyre and Flood

Players without the core rules or a gaming board. This is strictly an expansion and will not work as your first and only Warcry purchase.

Anyone wanting push-fit models. Every miniature here requires traditional assembly with plastic glue and clippers.

7. Warcry: Shattered Stormvault – Premium Terrain and Board

Shattered Stormvault is not a warband set at all. It is a premium terrain package that transforms any flat surface into a proper Warcry battlefield. You get a highly modular set of Dominion of Sigmar scenery pieces plus a double-sided gameboard. Multiple Amazon reviewers describe the finished terrain as “amazing” and note that the pieces are larger than expected once assembled.

I added the Shattered Stormvault to my setup after starting with Heart of Ghur, and the difference was immediate. The modular scenery lets you create a different battlefield layout every session, which keeps games fresh during long campaigns. The double-sided board gives you two distinct environments to choose from. Combined with the Gnarlwood terrain from other boxes, you can build a truly impressive table that rivals anything you see in Games Workshop showcase photos.

The main drawback is assembly time. This set arrives on sprues and requires hours of clipping, cleaning, and gluing. Reviewers note that the finished product is absolutely worth the effort, but you should plan for a full weekend of hobby work before your first game. The set also comes unpainted, so factor in painting time if you want a polished look.

Who Should Buy Shattered Stormvault

Players who already own warbands and the core rules but want to upgrade their battlefield. This set pairs perfectly with any expansion box to create a complete setup.

Wargamers who play multiple Games Workshop systems. The Dominion of Sigmar scenery works for Age of Sigmar battles too, doubling its value.

Who Should Skip Shattered Stormvault

Anyone who does not yet have warbands and rules. Buy a complete starter set first, then add terrain later once you know you are committed to the game.

Players looking for a quick-start experience. The assembly commitment here is substantial and may frustrate impatient beginners.

8. Warcry: Chaos Legionnaires – Budget Warband Pick

Chaos Legionnaires is the cheapest way to add a faction to your Warcry collection. You get eight elite Chaos fighters themed around Be’lakor, the Dark Master, complete with their fighter and ability cards. At 91% five-star reviews, this is the highest-rated single warband on the market, and the price point makes it an easy recommendation for budget-conscious players.

The sculpts here are genuinely impressive. Reviewers consistently compare the quality to Games Workshop’s best Age of Sigmar infantry kits, which is high praise for a dedicated Warcry product. Each of the eight Legionnaires has a distinct pose and equipment loadout, giving your warband visual variety on the tabletop. They hit hard in-game too, with rules that reward aggressive, coordinated attacks.

The trade-off is obvious: you only get one warband. Warcry is a two-player game, so you either need a second warband from another purchase or a friend who already has one. Many community members on Reddit recommend buying two individual warband boxes (Chaos Legionnaires plus another faction you like) as an alternative to buying a larger starter set. This approach lets you choose exactly which factions you want to play.

Who Should Buy Chaos Legionnaires

Players on a tight budget who want to start building a collection one warband at a time. Buy two single warbands for less than the cost of most starter sets.

Chaos fans who want elite, hard-hitting fighters. The Be’lakor theme adds narrative depth if you are running a Chaos-focused campaign.

Who Should Skip Chaos Legionnaires

Players who want everything in one box. This is one faction only, with no rules, no terrain, and no board included.

Beginners who do not yet have anyone to play against. Without a second warband in your collection, this box sits on a shelf until you find an opponent.

9. Warcry: Rotmire Creed – Highly Rated Nurgle Warband

Rotmire Creed is a fan favorite that consistently earns high marks from the Warcry community. These swamp-dwelling Nurgle cultists bring a grimy, disease-ridden aesthetic to the battlefield that is unlike any other faction in the game. At 4.8 stars with 85% five-star reviews, this warband has earned its reputation through quality sculpts and fun gameplay mechanics.

What makes the Rotmire Creed interesting on the table is their focus on attrition and battlefield control. They are not fast, and they are not flashy, but they grind opponents down over multiple turns. This playstyle rewards patience and planning, making them a great warband for players who enjoy a methodical approach. The organic, bog-detailed sculpts are also a joy to paint if you enjoy weathering effects and grimy color palettes.

Stock is the biggest concern here. At the time of writing, most listings show only one unit remaining, which has been a persistent issue with this particular warband. If you see it available, grabbing it quickly is wise. Like other single warband boxes, you need the core rules and a second faction to actually play.

Who Should Buy Rotmire Creed

Nurgle enthusiasts and collectors who appreciate the gross-out aesthetic. These models are among the most characterful in the Warcry range.

Players who already have a starter set and want a third or fourth faction for campaign variety. The Rotmire Creed plays differently enough from most other warbands to keep things interesting.

Who Should Skip Rotmire Creed

Anyone who does not yet have the core rules. This is strictly a warband expansion, not a starter product in any sense.

Players who want guaranteed availability. This warband sells out fast and restocks can be unpredictable.

10. Warcry: The Jade Obelisk – Tzeentch-Aligned Warband

The Jade Obelisk rounds out our list as a Tzeentch-aligned warband that builds into 10 miniatures, making it the largest single warband box available for Warcry. Each fighter carries distinctive jade weapons that give the unit a unified visual identity on the tabletop. If you like the idea of a desecrating cult wielding crystalline green weapons, this warband delivers that aesthetic in spades.

The cross-system compatibility is a nice bonus. Jade Obelisk miniatures can join a Disciples of Tzeentch army in Warhammer Age of Sigmar, which adds value if you play both systems. Ten fighters also means more build options and tactical flexibility in your Warcry games compared to smaller warband boxes that only include six to eight models.

The downside is availability and shipping. This set is not Prime eligible, which means longer delivery times and potentially higher shipping costs depending on your location. The 70% five-star rating is the lowest on our list, though still solid overall. Most criticism centers on the lack of included rules and terrain rather than the miniature quality itself.

Who Should Buy The Jade Obelisk

Tzeentch fans who want a unique warband that doubles in Age of Sigmar. The cross-game utility makes this one of the best value single-warband boxes.

Players who want the most models per dollar in a single faction box. Ten fighters gives you roster flexibility that smaller warband sets cannot match.

Who Should Skip The Jade Obelisk

Players who need fast shipping. Without Prime eligibility, delivery can take longer than other options on this list.

Beginners who want a complete game in a box. The Jade Obelisk is a faction expansion with no rules, terrain, or board included.

How to Choose the Right Warcry Starter Sets?

Picking from the best Warcry starter sets comes down to three questions: are you starting from zero, expanding your collection, or building a specific faction roster? Your answer determines which box makes the most sense and which ones will leave you frustrated with missing components.

Starting from zero? Go with Heart of Ghur. It is the only box that includes the full Core Book, terrain, a game board, and two warbands in one package. Crypt of Blood is the runner-up if you want a lower price and are okay with smaller warbands and an abbreviated rulebook. Both let you play your first game without buying anything extra.

Expanding an existing collection? Red Harvest and Bloodhunt are your best bets. Red Harvest gives you two top-rated warbands at a reasonable price. Bloodhunt adds terrain and a game board alongside its two factions. Either one pairs naturally with the Heart of Ghur core set to expand your faction roster and terrain library.

Building a specific faction roster? Individual warband boxes like Chaos Legionnaires, Rotmire Creed, and The Jade Obelisk let you pick exactly which factions you want. A popular community approach is buying two individual warbands instead of a starter set so you control which factions face off on your table.

Upgrading your battlefield? Shattered Stormvault is the terrain investment that transforms any starter set into a premium setup. Pair it with any expansion box and you have a gaming table that rivals tournament setups. The modular scenery keeps layouts fresh across dozens of game sessions.

One important detail the community consistently flags: know the difference between starter sets and expansion boxes. Starter sets (Heart of Ghur, Crypt of Blood) include rules and playing surfaces. Expansion boxes (Red Harvest, Bloodhunt, Briar and Bone, Pyre and Flood) assume you already have the core rules and terrain. Individual warbands (Chaos Legionnaires, Rotmire Creed, Jade Obelisk) are single factions only. Buying an expansion or warband box as your first purchase without the core rules leads to a frustrating experience where you have models but cannot play.

FAQs

After testing and comparing every option, our top pick remains Warcry: Heart of Ghur for its all-in-one completeness and outstanding value. Crypt of Blood is the best budget entry point for curious newcomers, while Red Harvest earns the top-rated spot for players expanding their collection. The best Warcry starter sets are the ones that match where you are in your hobby journey, and we hope this guide helps you find the right fit. Grab a box, assemble your warband, and get rolling. The Mortal Realms are waiting.