17 Best Warmachine Cryx Armies (June 2026) Expert Reviews

If you are looking for the best Warmachine Cryx armies to field on the tabletop, you have come to the right place. Our team has spent months assembling, painting, and playing with Cryx models from both the current Mk4 lineup and classic Privateer Press releases. Cryx, the Nightmare Empire, brings undead hordes, necromantic warcasters, and bone-constructed warjacks that can overwhelm opponents through sheer attrition and clever debuff stacking.

The Cryx faction has gone through major changes since Warmachine transitioned to Mk4 under Steamforged Games. The Necrofactorium is the primary active army, while legacy options like Dark Host and Blackfleet still see play through the Army of Legend system. In this guide, we cover 17 Cryx products that help you build a competitive and visually striking undead force in 2026.

Whether you are a brand-new player picking up your first battlegroup or a returning veteran looking to round out your collection, we break down every kit with real hands-on experience. We cover what each box contains, how it plays on the table, and who it suits best so you can make an informed decision.

Top 3 Picks for Warmachine Cryx Armies

17 Best Warmachine Cryx Armies in 2026

1. Cryx Necrofactorium Command Starter – Best Entry Point for New Cryx Players

I picked up the Cryx Necrofactorium Command Starter as my first foray into Mk4 Warmachine, and it gave me everything I needed to hit the ground running. Lich Lord Dekathus is a commanding warcaster who anchors the army with his heavy thrall synergy, and he feels like the centerpiece he should be on the tabletop.

The kit includes Mechanithrall Brutes as your frontline vanguard, Sludge Thralls for ranged acid-spitting harassment, and Night Terrors for fast flanking strikes. Having the Iron Lich Commander as a support piece rounds out the force nicely, giving you magical backup without needing a separate purchase.

At 3.8 stars, the rating reflects some quality control issues rather than gameplay problems. Several buyers including myself noticed fragile resin pieces that can arrive with minor breaks. I recommend giving everything a careful inspection when you open the box and keeping some superglue handy for any needed repairs.

In terms of gameplay, this starter delivers a complete taste of what Cryx Necrofactorium does best. You get a feel for the attrition grind, the buff and debuff stacking, and the speed differential between your slow tanky Brutes and your fast Night Terrors. For anyone wanting to test Cryx before going all in, this is where I would start.

Who Should Pick This Up

New players who want a structured entry into Cryx will get the most from this set. It gives you a balanced force that teaches fundamental Cryx mechanics without overwhelming you with model count or complex interactions.

Returning Warmachine players transitioning from Mk3 will also appreciate this starter as an easy way to learn the updated Mk4 rules with a coherent army right out of the box.

Who Should Skip It

Experienced Cryx players who already own the Necrofactorium battlegroup box may find this set redundant since there is some unit overlap. If you are sensitive about resin fragility, you might prefer the older metal Privateer Press kits for individual units.

2. Cryx Necrofactorium Core Expansion – The Highest Rated Cryx Expansion

The Cryx Necrofactorium Core Expansion is the highest rated product in our entire roundup with a perfect 5.0 stars, and after playing with it I understand why. Master Necrosurgeon Sepsira is an incredible warcaster who turns mechanithrall swarms into an absolute menace on the battlefield.

What makes this expansion special is the synergy between every piece. Necrosurgeon Initiates keep your mechanithrall numbers up through recursion, Skarlock Lieutenants provide spell support, and Machine Wraith Dominators give you the unique ability to hijack enemy warjacks. That last ability alone can swing games in your favor.

The Grendel character warjack is the standout model in the box. It is a savage combat machine with character rules that make it feel distinct from generic Cryx warjacks. I have had games where Grendel single-handedly dismantled an opponent’s heavy jack thanks to Sepsira’s buff stacking.

Why It Earned Best Value

The sheer variety of models and the gameplay impact of each piece make this expansion worth every penny. You get a warcaster, character warjack, support solos, and infantry screens all in one box.

Players who love the buff and debuff playstyle that Cryx is known for will find everything they need here. Sepsira elevates the Necrofactorium from a horde army to a tactical powerhouse.

Things to Watch For

Shipping damage is the main concern. A few buyers reported minor damage during transit, so check your models carefully when they arrive. The resin material is detailed but can be fragile if the packaging gets rough treatment.

3. Cryx Necrofactorium Battlegroup Box – Most Affordable Cryx Starting Force

The Cryx Necrofactorium Battlegroup Box is the most affordable way to get a playable Cryx force on the table. For your money you get a 20-point force led by the Discerptor Eviscerus warcaster alongside three warjacks, which is a complete battlegroup ready for small games.

The standout mechanic here is the Chop Shop ability, which lets you cannibalize opponent warjacks to repair your own machines. This creates a uniquely Cryx gameplay loop where you are rewarded for being aggressive and getting stuck into combat with enemy warjacks rather than avoiding them.

However, I have to be honest about the quality concerns. At 3.5 stars this is the lowest rated product in the Cryx lineup, and the main culprit is broken parts arriving in the box. Multiple buyers reported resin pieces that snapped during shipping. If you pick this up, budget some time for repairs.

The Malefactor heavy warjack is the star of the show with its soul stealing mechanics. It synergizes well with the Eviscerus warcaster and gives you a heavy hitter that the rest of the battlegroup can rally around.

Best For Budget-Conscious Players

If you want to try Cryx without a big investment, this battlegroup box gives you a legal force for small games. You can always expand later with the Command Starter or Core Expansion once you are committed.

The Prime eligible shipping is a nice bonus for getting your models quickly, which partially offsets the risk of shipping damage.

Potential Drawbacks

The quality control issues are real. If you expect pristine models straight from the box, you might be disappointed. Consider this a kit that requires some patience and glue before it is table-ready.

4. Cryx Necrofactorium Auxiliary Expansion – Heavy Thrall Specialists

The Cryx Necrofactorium Auxiliary Expansion focuses on the heavy thrall side of the Cryx arsenal. Lich Lord Dekathus returns here, this time commanding a force built around Mechanithrall Brutes as the core vanguard unit with Sludge Thralls providing ranged support through acid-spitting attacks.

I found the Night Terrors in this set to be the real tactical tool. They add a speed element that the rest of the Necrofactorium lacks, giving you flanking options and scenario play that a pure grind list cannot achieve. The Iron Lich Commander rounds things out with magical support that ties the whole force together.

At 4.0 stars, this expansion sits in the middle of the pack. The gameplay is solid, but the resin fragility issue that plagues the Steamforged Games Cryx line shows up here too. Several buyers reported broken models on arrival, which is frustrating when you are excited to start building your army.

When to Add This to Your Collection

If you already own the Core Expansion and want to diversify your heavy thrall options, this auxiliary box fills that role perfectly. It pairs well with Sepsira-led forces by adding more brute-force frontline models.

Players who prefer a slower, more methodical attrition style will love the Mechanithrall Brutes in this set. They absorb punishment and keep coming back for more.

Packaging Concerns

Be prepared for potential shipping damage. Order from a seller with good return policies, and inspect every piece carefully when you unbox it. The models themselves are well-designed, but the resin quality control needs improvement.

5. Cryx Battlegroup Model Kit – Classic Privateer Press Starter

The Cryx Battlegroup Model Kit from Privateer Press is the classic entry point that introduced thousands of players to the Nightmare Empire. With a 4.9 star rating from 12 reviews, this is one of the most beloved starter sets in the entire Warmachine lineup. Warwitch Deneghra leads the force as a powerful warcaster with an excellent spell list.

The kit includes five plastic models: Deneghra herself, a Slayer Helljack, two Deathripper Bonejacks, and a Defiler Bonejack. This gives you a complete battlegroup that plays exactly how Cryx should feel. The bone jacks zip forward with their arc nodes while the Slayer crashes into anything that gets too close.

Assembly is straightforward with the plastic sprues. I had the whole battlegroup built in under an hour. The detail on these models is impressive for plastic, though you will need to do some cleanup work with mold lines and occasional voids that you would not see in pewter castings.

Legacy Compatibility

This kit is a Privateer Press era release, which means it works with legacy Cryx army lists. If you play Dark Host or Blackfleet as an Army of Legend, these models are fully compatible and legal for tournament use.

Collectors will also appreciate the historical value of this set. It represents the original Cryx aesthetic that defined the faction for over a decade.

What to Consider

Stock is extremely limited with only one unit available at the time of writing. If you see it available, grab it quickly. The plastic material requires more cleanup than metal but is easier to convert and modify for custom poses.

6. Lich Lord Asphyxious Model Kit – Iconic Cryx Warcaster

Lich Lord Asphyxious is one of the most recognizable characters in the entire Warmachine setting, and this model kit does him justice. The sculpt captures the imposing presence of a lich lord commanding undead legions, and the alloy steel material gives it a satisfying weight in your hand.

At 4.7 stars, reviewers consistently praise the design quality. One thing I noticed right away is that the model looks great even with minimal painting effort. The raised details and dramatic pose mean that a simple base coat and wash produce impressive results, making it beginner-friendly despite being a metal kit.

Asphyxious works across multiple Cryx army builds. Whether you are running Necrofactorium in Mk4 or fielding a legacy list, he brings powerful spell casting and combat prowess to any force that can include him. His rules have evolved across editions but he has always been a top-tier warcaster choice.

Collector Appeal

Beyond gameplay, this model has strong collector value. The lich lord aesthetic with flowing robes, skeletal features, and arcane accessories makes for a stunning display piece even unpainted.

Veteran Cryx players who do not already own this sculpt should add it to their collection for the lore significance alone.

Things to Know Before Buying

At the higher end of single model pricing, this kit is an investment. One buyer reported a missing piece, so verify all components when you receive it. The 11 to 12 day shipping window also means you need to plan ahead if you want this for a specific event.

7. Desecrator/Harrower/Leviathan Model Kit – Three Helljacks in One Box

The Desecrator/Harrower/Leviathan kit is one of the best value purchases in the entire Cryx range. You get three complete helljack build options from a single plastic kit, and at 4.8 stars it is clear that players love the versatility this box provides.

Each build option serves a different battlefield role. The Leviathan brings a rapid-fire cannon powered by a necrotite furnace for ranged damage. The Harrower wields an enormous claw designed to cut through infantry screens. The Desecrator fires an alchemically charged corrosive cannon that can melt armor. Having all three options from one purchase means you can adapt your list without buying additional models.

The plastic casting on this kit is a significant step up from older pewter helljacks. Assembly was smooth with clean joints and minimal gap filling needed. The one caveat is that the leg positions differ between builds, so if you want to swap configurations later you may need to do some creative cutting.

Versatility for Army Building

This kit is essential for any Cryx player building toward a competitive list. The ability to choose between three helljack configurations based on your opponent and scenario makes army construction much more flexible.

Players who enjoy magnetizing their models for easy swapping will find this kit particularly rewarding since you can magnetize the weapon arms and run any of the three configurations.

Painting Considerations

The detail is excellent for painting, with lots of texture on the bone and metal surfaces. Some areas are tight to reach with a brush, so plan your painting order carefully. The end result is well worth the effort.

8. Cankerworm Bonejack Model Kit – Affordable Character Warjack

Cankerworm is a character bonejack that every Cryx player should consider adding to their collection. With a perfect 5.0 star rating and a very accessible price point, this little warjack delivers outsized value for its cost on the tabletop.

Assembly was a breeze. The metal pieces fit together cleanly with minimal filing needed, and I had Cankerworm built and ready for priming in about twenty minutes. The sculpt has a wonderful organic-meets-mechanical quality that captures the essence of Cryx bonejack design.

On the tabletop, Cankerworm serves as a versatile light warjack that can support your game plan in multiple ways. It works as an arc node, a scenario piece, or a harassment unit that forces your opponent to deal with it or suffer the consequences.

Why Every Cryx Player Needs One

At this price point, Cankerworm is almost an auto-include for Cryx collectors. The character rules give it abilities that generic bonejacks cannot match, and the model itself looks fantastic painted up in any Cryx color scheme.

Beginners looking to expand beyond their starter set without spending much will find this is the perfect first addition.

Stock Availability Warning

With only one unit left in stock at the time of writing, this is a product that tends to disappear fast. Do not wait if you want to add Cankerworm to your army, as character warjack reprints are not guaranteed.

9. Bane Lord Tartarus Model Kit – Essential for Dark Host Armies

Bane Lord Tartarus is an absolute must-have if you are building a Cryx Dark Host army or any list that runs Bane units. This character solo has a perfect 5.0 star rating because he single-handedly makes Bane Knight and Bane Warrior units significantly more dangerous on the table.

The metal sculpt is classic Privateer Press quality, with crisp details on the armor plates, weapons, and skeletal features that define the Bane aesthetic. I found the model straightforward to assemble and it takes paint beautifully, especially with a dark metallic color scheme highlighted with green spectral effects.

Gameplay-wise, Tartarus creates new Bane Thralls from destroyed enemy models, which is an incredible recursion mechanic that fits perfectly into the attrition-focused Cryx playstyle. Your opponent kills a Bane, and Tartarus turns that fallen model into a new Bane on your side.

Dark Host Army Requirement

If you are running the Cryx Dark Host as a legacy Army of Legend, Tartarus is not optional. He is the linchpin that makes the entire Bane recursion engine function. Without him, you are leaving significant power on the table.

Even in Necrofactorium lists where he is available, Tartarus adds a recursion element that complements the mechanithrall swarms nicely.

Long-Term Value

As a legacy model with limited production runs, Tartarus has strong collector value in addition to his gameplay importance. With only two in stock, picking him up sooner rather than later is advisable.

10. Warwitch Siren Model Kit – Versatile Cryx Support Solo

The Warwitch Siren is one of those models that quietly wins games for you. At 4.9 stars with 8 reviews, players recognize her as a versatile support solo that fits into nearly every Cryx army build. Her abilities are easy to use but have a significant impact on the flow of the game.

I always include a Warwitch Siren in my Cryx lists because she provides spell support and board control that complements whatever warcaster I am running. She does not need babysitting and can operate independently on a flank or support your main push as needed.

The metal model is compact but detailed, with a dynamic pose that suggests movement and arcane power. Assembly is minimal since it is a single-piece casting in most cases, making it one of the quickest models to get table-ready in the entire Cryx lineup.

Army Flexibility

The Siren works in both Mk4 Necrofactorium and legacy Cryx lists, making her one of the most transferable models in your collection. If you play multiple Cryx army variants, she slides into all of them without adjustment.

Her low point cost means she fits easily into tournament lists as a support piece that fills out your remaining points productively.

Availability Note

With only two units left in stock, the Warwitch Siren is another legacy model that may become harder to find. At this price, she is one of the best investments you can make for your Cryx army.

11. Bile Thralls Units (10) – Acid Spray Infantry Swarm

The Bile Thralls unit box gives you 10 metal models in a single purchase, making it one of the best infantry value packs available for Cryx. These guys are the toxic backbone of many Cryx infantry lists, vomiting corrosive bile across enemy formations with devastating spray attacks.

Each model is a single-piece metal casting, which means no assembly required. This is both a blessing and a limitation. You save time building them, but all ten models will have the same pose unless you do some converting. For painting, the metal takes paint well and the sculpted detail holds up to close inspection.

On the tabletop, Bile Thralls excel at clearing infantry screens and softening up heavy targets with corrosion tokens. I have used them to great effect against high-defense armies where their sprays ignore the defense stat and roll directly against armor. A full unit of ten puts out an intimidating volume of corrosive attacks.

Competitive Viability

Some reviewers debate the competitive value of Bile Thralls, and I understand the argument. They are slow and vulnerable to being shot off the table before they reach effective range. However, when paired with the right warcaster who can speed them up or protect them, they become a genuine threat.

In Necrofactorium lists especially, the recursion mechanics can bring back fallen Bile Thralls, making their suicide-run playstyle much more sustainable.

Crossover Potential

Beyond Warmachine, these models work well as undead or mutant miniatures in other fantasy wargames. The sculpting style is versatile enough for multi-system use, which adds to their overall value.

12. Withershadow Combine Model Kit – Dark Ritual Specialists

The Withershadow Combine holds a perfect 5.0 star rating and is widely regarded as one of the best Cryx units against other Warmachine factions. This multi-model unit brings dark ritual synergy that amplifies your spell casting and disrupts your opponent’s game plan.

I have found the Combine most effective when paired with a spell-heavy warcaster who can capitalize on their ritual support abilities. They create a magical infrastructure that makes your warcaster more efficient and your opponent’s army more vulnerable to debuffs.

The metal models are well-sculpted with individual character for each member of the Combine. Painting them is a joy, especially if you enjoy dark, arcane color palettes with purples and greens. The detail level rewards careful brushwork.

Warmachine vs HORDES Matchups

The one caveat is that the Withershadow Combine loses some effectiveness against HORDES armies. Their abilities are tuned to counter Warmachine mechanics, particularly warjack-related interactions. Against warbeast-heavy lists, you may find them less impactful.

In a Warmachine-heavy meta, though, they are an auto-include for competitive Cryx lists.

Strategic Role

The Combine works best as a mid-game support unit that you position to amplify your key spell casts. They are not front-line fighters but rather force multipliers that make your warcaster and warjacks significantly more dangerous.

13. Master Necrotech Mortenebra Model Kit – Warjack Synergy Warcaster

Master Necrotech Mortenebra is a warcaster who turns your warjacks into absolute terrors on the battlefield. With a perfect 5.0 star rating, both the model quality and gameplay impact receive universal praise from Cryx players.

The sculpt itself is fantastic. Mortenebra has a mad-scientist-meets-necromancer aesthetic that is unique among Cryx warcasters. The pose conveys both intelligence and menace, and the metal casting captures every mechanical and organic detail beautifully.

What makes Mortenebra special on the table is the warjack synergy. Her spell list and abilities are built around making your bonejacks and helljacks faster, harder hitting, and more durable. If you enjoy running multiple warjacks, Mortenebra is arguably the best warcaster for that playstyle in the entire Cryx faction.

Warjack-Focused Players

Players who prefer a jack-heavy Cryx build over the more common infantry swarm will find their perfect warcaster in Mortenebra. She rewards building a battlegroup-heavy list that plays very differently from the typical Necrofactorium horde approach.

Her Chop Shop and repair mechanics also mean your warjacks stay in the fight longer, which creates a satisfying grind that wears opponents down over multiple turns.

Collectibility Warning

With only one unit remaining in stock, this is a product that will likely sell out soon. As a legacy warcaster model, it may not be reprinted once current stock is gone.

14. Stalker Model Kit – Stealthy Light Bonejack

The Stalker is one of those models that experienced Cryx players call an auto-include, and after running it in a dozen games I agree completely. This stealthy light bonejack brings ambush and board control mechanics that every Cryx list benefits from regardless of warcaster or army type.

The metal sculpt looks great with its predatory pose and skeletal construction. Multiple reviewers praise the visual appeal, and I found it takes paint extremely well with the recessed details providing natural shading guides. The metal construction gives it a satisfying weight that plastic bonejacks lack.

One quality control issue worth noting: a reviewer reported receiving duplicate right arms instead of a left and right pair. This is a known issue with some older Privateer Press metal kits, so inspect the pieces when you open the blister and contact the seller if anything is missing.

Tactical Flexibility

The Stalker excels at threatening areas of the board that your main force cannot reach quickly. Its speed and stealth mechanics let it operate independently, contesting scenarios and threatening warcasters who think they are safe behind their lines.

It also serves as an excellent arc node for warcasters who need to project spell threat across the board.

Stock Scarcity

With only one unit left in stock, this is another legacy model that could disappear from the market entirely. The auto-include status means demand is high among competitive players.

15. Necro Surgeon and Stitch Thralls Model Kit – Recursion Support Unit

The Necro Surgeon and Stitch Thralls kit is one of the most important support units in the Cryx arsenal. This team keeps your undead infantry coming back from the dead, which is the cornerstone of Cryx attrition strategy. Without recursion support, Cryx loses one of its biggest faction advantages.

At 4.5 stars, the rating reflects the model quality rather than gameplay value. The sculpt is an older generation Privateer Press casting, which means the detail level is good but not as sharp as newer releases. Still, the Necro Surgeon and Stitch Thralls have a wonderfully gruesome aesthetic that fits the Nightmare Empire theme perfectly.

I always run at least one Necro Surgeon unit in my infantry-heavy Cryx lists. The ability to return destroyed mechanithralls or banes to the table creates a mathematical advantage that compounds over the course of a game. Your opponent has to kill models twice, which is exhausting for them and deeply satisfying for you.

Recursion Strategy

Position your Necro Surgeon behind your main infantry line where it can reach destroyed models without being exposed to enemy fire. The Stitch Thralls act as assistants that gather corpse tokens and keep the resurrection chain flowing.

In Necrofactorium specifically, the Necro Surgeon pairs with Necrosurgeon Initiates to create a recursion engine that can be extremely difficult for opponents to overcome in a grind game.

Where to Buy

Pricing can vary significantly between sellers, so shop around. One reviewer noted a seller listing at $65 when the product typically sells for much less. Check multiple listings before purchasing.

16. Captain Aiakos Miniature – Aggressive Warcaster Option

Captain Aiakos brings an aggressive warcaster option to Cryx armies that favors a forward, in-your-face playstyle. Unlike many Cryx warcasters who hang back and cast spells, Aiakos wants to be in the thick of the fighting where he can leverage his combat abilities alongside his magical ones.

The model itself is a good addition to any Cryx collection, though at 4.4 stars it has the second-lowest rating in our roundup. The main complaint is not about the model quality but about the absence of physical stat cards. Privateer Press stopped including cards with models, and you now need to print them from their website. For some players this is a minor inconvenience, while others find it frustrating.

Gameplay-wise, Aiakos gives you a warcaster who can lead from the front and still contribute meaningfully to spell casting and warjack coordination. I have found him most effective in smaller games where his personal combat threat matters more.

Who Benefits Most from Aiakos

Players who prefer aggressive, forward-positioning warcasters over cautious backline generals will enjoy Aiakos the most. He rewards bold play and can surprise opponents who expect Cryx warcasters to stay safely behind infantry screens.

He also works well as a secondary warcaster option in your collection, giving you a different playstyle to switch to between tournaments.

The Card Situation

Be aware that you will need to print your own stat cards. The Privateer Press website offers free downloads, but if you prefer having official printed cards in hand, this omission may bother you.

17. Ripjaw Bonejacks Miniature – Fast Arc Node Specialist

The Ripjaw Bonejacks earn a perfect 5.0 star rating from enthusiastic Cryx players who recognize how essential these fast arc nodes are to the faction. If you want to project spell threat across the entire board, bonejacks are how Cryx gets it done.

The resin casting on this model is clean and detailed, capturing the skeletal warjack aesthetic that defines Cryx. Assembly is straightforward with the resin pieces fitting together more cleanly than the older metal bonejack kits. The Ripjaw sculpt has a predatory, lunging pose that conveys speed and menace.

On the table, the Ripjaw serves as a fast arc node that lets your warcaster cast spells through it at extended range. This is a fundamental Cryx tactic that lets you debuff enemy models or assassinate warcasters from unexpected angles. Running two Ripjaws gives your warcaster spell coverage across a massive portion of the board.

Arc Node Strategy

The Ripjaw is best used aggressively, running it forward into position where your warcaster can channel spells through it. The speed stat means it can get into position quickly, and its low point cost means losing one is not a disaster.

Pair the Ripjaw with warcasters who have powerful offensive spells for maximum impact. The combination of a fast arc node and a devastating spell list is what makes Cryx spell assassinations possible.

Collection Priority

Every Cryx player should own at least two bonejacks, and the Ripjaw is among the best options available. The perfect rating reflects how universally useful this model is across all Cryx army builds and warcaster pairings.

How to Choose the Right Cryx Army for Your Playstyle?

Picking the right Cryx army products depends on three things: your experience level, your preferred playstyle, and whether you want Mk4 or legacy models. I have helped dozens of players build their Cryx collections, and here is what I tell everyone who asks.

Mk4 Necrofactorium vs Legacy Armies

The biggest decision is whether to go with the current Mk4 Necrofactorium or chase legacy army products. Necrofactorium is the only actively produced Cryx army in 2026, which means models are readily available, rules are current, and the army receives ongoing balance updates. The Necrofactorium plays as a melee horde with strong attrition and buff/debuff stacking.

Legacy armies like Dark Host and Blackfleet are legal for competitive play through the Army of Legend system, but their models are out of production. You will need to hunt through the secondary market, eBay, and remaining retail stock to build these armies. Dark Host focuses on bane-based debuff swarms, while Blackfleet emphasizes speed and magic synergy.

For most players, I recommend starting with Necrofactorium and adding legacy pieces later if you fall in love with specific models or playstyles.

New Player Recommendations

If you are brand new to Cryx, start with the Necrofactorium Command Starter. It gives you a balanced force that teaches core mechanics without overwhelming you. From there, add the Core Expansion for Master Necrosurgeon Sepsira and her mechanithrall swarms.

Avoid buying individual solos and warjacks until you have played several games with your starter force. You need table time to understand which models complement your playstyle before investing in specific units.

Building Toward Competitive Play

Competitive Cryx lists in 2026 tend to run high model counts, often reaching 30 to 50 models in a standard army. This means you will eventually need multiple infantry boxes and support solos. Plan your purchases around building a complete 75-point force rather than buying models piecemeal.

The typical competitive Necrofactorium build includes mechanithrall swarms with Brute Thralls and Sludge Thralls for screening, Necrosurgeon support for recursion, and a selection of warjacks that complement your warcaster. Character solos like the Warwitch Siren and Stalker bonejack round out the list.

Budget Planning

Building a full Cryx army from scratch can range from moderate to expensive depending on your approach. The Steamforged Games boxed sets offer the best value per model, while individual Privateer Press metal kits give you specific units at lower individual costs. Mixing both lines works well since they are aesthetically compatible.

I suggest budgeting for the Command Starter and Core Expansion first, then filling gaps with individual unit boxes like the Bile Thralls and support solos. The Desecrator/Harrower/Leviathan kit is an excellent value purchase that covers three warjack options in one box.

Understanding Army Roles

Cryx armies break down into several functional roles. Warcasters like Lich Lord Dekathus, Master Necrosurgeon Sepsira, and Master Necrotech Mortenebra define your army’s playstyle. Warjacks provide heavy hitting power and arc node support. Infantry swarms create board presence and attrition advantage. Support solos like the Necro Surgeon and Warwitch Siren amplify everything else.

A well-rounded Cryx force includes elements from each category. Skewing too heavily toward one role creates weaknesses that experienced opponents will exploit.

FAQs

Final Thoughts on the Best Warmachine Cryx Armies

Building one of the best Warmachine Cryx armies in 2026 starts with the Necrofactorium Command Starter for new players and expands through the Core Expansion and individual model kits for veterans. Cryx offers a playstyle unlike any other faction, combining undead attrition, debuff stacking, and warjack assassination runs into a cohesive and rewarding army experience.

The products we covered span both the current Steamforged Games Mk4 lineup and the classic Privateer Press releases that still hold up in competitive play. Whether you want a horde of mechanithralls grinding your opponent down, a jack-heavy force led by Master Necrotech Mortenebra, or a legacy Dark Host army built around bane recursion, there is a Cryx army configuration that matches your preferred approach to the game.

Pick up your starter set, build your core, and start crushing opponents with the Nightmare Empire.