8 Best Warmachine MK4 Starter Sets (June 2026) Expert Reviews

Warmachine MK4 has breathed new life into one of tabletop gaming’s most beloved miniature wargames. After Steamforged Games took over the Iron Kingdoms franchise, they rebuilt the game from the ground up with high-quality HIPS plastic kits, a free companion app for rules, and starter sets that actually make sense for new players. If you have been curious about commanding warcasters and their towering warjacks across a tabletop battlefield, there has never been a better time to jump in.

Our team spent weeks comparing every Warmachine MK4 starter set currently available, from the two-player boxes to the smaller battlegroup kits and the full core army starters. We looked at model count, faction variety, build quality, and overall value to help you find the right entry point for your playstyle and budget. Whether you are a complete newcomer or a returning veteran from the MK3 days, this guide breaks down the best Warmachine MK4 starter sets so you can start rolling dice faster.

The big appeal of Warmachine MK4 starter sets comes down to three things: the free rules app means no expensive rulebook purchase, the new HIPS plastic models rival anything Games Workshop produces, and the 30-point format gives you a real game right out of the box. Let us walk through each option so you can pick the one that fits you best.

Top 3 Picks for Warmachine MK4 Starter Sets

8 Best Warmachine MK4 Starter Sets in 2026

1. Warmachine: Shadows and Scum Two Player Set – Best Overall Starter

This is the Warmachine starter set I recommend to almost everyone who asks. The Shadows and Scum box gives you two complete armies right out of the gate: the Khymaera faction led by Vallyx Fate’s Eclipse with Aklyss, Pythia, Regulus, and a Shades unit, and the Southern Kriels commanded by Commodore Foulblood alongside Chum, Mr Bogs, Sully, and the Lochabash Brothers. That is 10 models total, five per side, which gives you a real 30-point game the moment you finish building.

What sets this box apart is the HIPS plastic quality. Every reviewer mentions how these kits compare favorably to Games Workshop products, and one community member noted the build experience was actually smoother than their usual kits. The numbered sprue system with an intuitive letter and number identification setup makes assembly straightforward even if you have never built a miniature before.

The Khymaera faction brings a dark, shadowy aesthetic with warbeasts and character solos that feel distinctly different from anything else in Warmachine. The Southern Kriels, on the other hand, deliver a rugged mercenary vibe with monster-themed warbeasts like Chum. Having two such contrasting factions in one box means you and a friend can learn the game together with armies that play nothing alike.

I will say that the shipping situation can be frustrating. Some listings show a 6 to 7 month wait, so if you see this in stock anywhere, grab it quickly. The perfect 5-star rating across 9 reviews tells you everything about the quality though. Every single buyer gave it top marks.

Who should pick this up

If you have a gaming partner who wants to learn Warmachine alongside you, this is the ideal starting point. Two full armies, no need to split a purchase with someone else, and the matched 30-point format means balanced games from day one. It is also the best value per model of any two-player set available.

Where it falls short

The biggest hurdle is availability. With long shipping times on many listings, you may need to hunt around for a copy that ships sooner. Also, the character-heavy design of both factions means you are getting named models rather than generic troopers, which some players feel creates a steeper learning curve when transitioning to larger army builds.

2. Warmachine: Frozen and Forgotten 2-Player Set – Best Value Two-Player Box

The Frozen and Forgotten set features two of the most visually striking factions in all of MK4. On one side you have Dusk, the shadowy elf-like faction, and on the other you get Orgoth, the terrifying sea-faring invaders. The five models include Laryssa Ryssyl as a warlock, Benkei and Sasha as character warbeasts, Cylena Refill as a character solo, and The Last Watch as a character unit. This is a more focused, compact two-player experience compared to Shadows and Scum.

Where this set really shines is the model design. The pieces use an intuitive letter and number system for identification that makes following along with assembly much easier, especially if you are new to miniature building. One reviewer specifically highlighted how this system made the whole process feel approachable rather than overwhelming.

The 4.6-star rating with 65 percent of reviews being 5 stars shows strong satisfaction overall. Players love the aesthetic quality and the way these models look once assembled and painted. The HIPS plastic takes paint beautifully and the lightweight material means your finished models will not feel fragile on the tabletop.

The main complaints center on the lack of physical building instructions. You need to access assembly guides online through a QR code, and some users reported the code would not load properly. There was also a reported base plate mismatch issue where some models came with 40mm bases instead of the correct 30mm size.

Who should pick this up

Players who want a more compact two-player experience should look here first. If you are drawn to the Dusk or Orgoth aesthetics and want to try both factions without committing to a full army, this box delivers great value. It is also a solid pick if you want a quicker build time since you are working with fewer total models.

Where it falls short

The lack of included instructions is a real annoyance for brand-new builders. Having to rely on QR codes and online access means you cannot just sit down at your hobby table and start building. The base plate issue, while not universal, is something to check when your box arrives. Also, with only one left in stock on many listings, availability is tighter than some other options.

3. Orgoth Sea Raiders Core Army Starter – Premium Full Army Experience

This is the big one. The Orgoth Sea Raiders Core Army Starter is not a sampler or a battlegroup box. It is a complete 50-point army in a single purchase, which makes it the most comprehensive Warmachine MK4 starter set you can buy. You get Kishtaar the Howling Silence as your warcaster, a Jackal Light Warjack with 4 head options and 8 arm and weapon configurations, a Tyrant Heavy Warjack with the same level of customization, two full Reaver infantry units with command attachments, an Ulkor Barrager heavy infantry unit, a Warwitch Coven support unit, and an Orgoth Commander solo.

The standout feature here is the magnetization system. The kit includes 30 magnets, and the warjacks come pre-drilled for magnetic weapon swaps. This means you can change your warjack loadouts between games without committing to glue. For a game where weapon choices matter strategically, this flexibility is a huge advantage.

The Orgoth Sea Raiders are one of the brand-new factions introduced in MK4, so this starter gives you something fresh and different from the classic Warmachine factions. The sea-raider aesthetic with its dark, menacing models gives the army a distinctive look on the tabletop that turns heads at any game store.

With only one review available, the sample size is small, but that single review gave it a perfect 5 stars. The real consideration here is the price. This is the most expensive starter in the lineup, but when you factor in that you are getting a full 50-point army with customizable warjacks, infantry units, support solos, and magnets included, the value per model is actually competitive.

Who should pick this up

Committed players who know they want to play Orgoth should go straight here. If you want to skip the starter-to-full-army upgrade path and just buy once, this kit gives you everything needed for standard-sized games. It is also the right pick for experienced wargamers who appreciate magnetized weapon options and want that flexibility in their list building.

Where it falls short

The price is the obvious barrier. This costs significantly more than any other starter on this list, so it is not the right call if you are just testing the waters. The assembly requirement is also substantial since you are building 20 or more models with magnetized joints. If you want a quick start, the smaller battlegroup boxes will get you playing faster.

4. Khador Winter Korps Battlegroup Box – Best Budget Battlegroup

If you want to start Warmachine MK4 without spending much, the Khador Winter Korps Battlegroup Box is the most affordable entry point that still gives you a real game experience. You get Kapitan Ilari Borisyuk as your warcaster, plus two heavy warjacks: the Dire Wolf and the Great Bear. That gives you a battlegroup with serious hitting power in a compact, easy-to-build package.

Khador has always been the faction of big, tough warjacks, and this box stays true to that identity. The Dire Wolf and Great Bear are both heavy warjacks with multiple weapon configurations, so even with just three models, you have meaningful choices to make about how you equip them. The pre-drilled magnetization holes mean you can swap weapon loadouts if you add your own magnets.

All three reviewers gave this box perfect 5-star ratings, praising the quality of the pieces and the fast shipping. One international buyer specifically called out the good quality and how well the models were packaged for transit. For a Khador player, this is the cheapest way to get a functional battlegroup on the table.

The catch is simple: you are getting exactly three models. There is no infantry, no support solos, and no second faction to share with a friend. You will need to expand quickly if you want to play anything beyond basic battlegroup games. Also, the magnets for those pre-drilled holes are not included, so that is an additional purchase if you want the weapon swap functionality.

Who should pick this up

Players who already know they want to commit to Khador and are looking for the cheapest way to start building their force. This is also a good pick if you want a small, fast-to-build battlegroup for demo games or learning the core mechanics before investing in a larger box.

Where it falls short

Three models is barely a taste of what Warmachine offers. You cannot play a full 30-point game with this box alone, and you will need additional purchases to round out your force. The lack of included magnets is also frustrating given that the models are clearly designed for them.

5. Dusk House Kallyss Battlegroup Box – Best New Faction Starter

Dusk House Kallyss is one of the newest factions in Warmachine MK4, and this battlegroup box is the perfect way to get started with them. You receive Hellyth, Scyir of Nightfall as your warcaster, an Eidolon Heavy Warjack, and a Ghast Light Warjack. Having both a heavy and a light warjack in one box gives you more tactical variety than some other battlegroup starters that only include heavies.

The Dusk faction has a dark elf aesthetic that stands out immediately on the tabletop. The models in this box have sharp, elegant details that look fantastic even unpainted, and they really come alive with a basic paint job. Reviewers consistently mention the good quality of the miniatures, with one noting that only 1 out of 6 total pieces needed any kind of repair work.

Both warjacks offer multiple weapon configurations, which adds replay value even with just three models. You can experiment with different loadouts to find what works best for your playstyle before committing to glue. Like the other battlegroup boxes, the models are pre-drilled for magnets, though you will need to supply your own.

The consistent 5-star rating across 7 reviews is impressive and suggests Steamforged nailed the quality on this release. The box is well-stocked and typically ships within a few days, making it one of the more readily available battlegroup options.

Who should pick this up

Anyone drawn to the Dusk faction aesthetic should start here. The combination of a warcaster, heavy warjack, and light warjack gives you a balanced core that teaches you how different warjack types function in the game. It is also a smart choice for collectors who appreciate the unique visual design of the Dusk range.

Where it falls short

Like all the battlegroup boxes, three models will not sustain you for long. You are looking at additional purchases within weeks if you want to play full games. The absence of included magnets means an extra trip to the hobby store if you want the full weapon-swap experience that the models are clearly designed for.

6. Cygnar Storm Legion Battlegroup Box – Classic Faction Entry

Cygnar is one of the original Warmachine factions, and the Storm Legion Battlegroup Box gives you a classic entry point into the game. Captain Athena di Baro leads the force alongside a Stryker Heavy Warjack and a Courser Light Warjack. Both warjacks feature multiple weapon configurations, letting you tailor your battlegroup to your preferred approach.

The Cygnar faction has the largest established community of any faction in Warmachine, which matters more than you might think. Having a bigger player base means more opponents to practice against, more list-building advice available online, and more community support when you have questions about rules or strategy. For a new player, that support network is genuinely valuable.

The 4.4-star rating reflects some quality control issues that buyers have flagged. About 60 percent of reviews give it 5 stars, praising the starter as a great entry point for beginners. However, several users reported that weapons came broken or slightly warped out of the box, which is disappointing for a product you just unboxed. The lack of included instructions was another common complaint.

Despite these issues, the model quality of the 3D prints is noted as high, and the warjacks offer genuine customization potential. The Stryker Heavy Warjack is a centerpiece model that looks impressive on the tabletop once assembled and painted.

Who should pick this up

Players who want to join the largest Warmachine faction community should start here. Cygnar is the most popular faction for good reason: its storm-themed technology and versatile playstyle appeal to a wide range of players. If you value having a big community of fellow players to learn from, Cygnar is tough to beat.

Where it falls short

The quality control issues are the main concern. Broken or warped weapons out of the box mean you might need to do some repair work before you can even play your first game. Combined with the lack of instructions and missing magnets, this box demands a bit more patience from the buyer than some of the better-reviewed alternatives.

7. Khador Old Umbrey Command Starter – Specialized Sub-Faction Entry

The Khador Old Umbrey Command Starter takes the familiar Khador faction in a distinctly different direction. Instead of the standard warjack-heavy Khador playstyle, this set introduces the Old Umbrey sub-faction with a witch-themed aesthetic. You get Bohdan Lesnoi as an Apostle of the Witch warlock, the Strix character heavy warbeast, a Chosen of the Witch character unit, Vorony as a character solo, and a Witch Marked Totem solo.

The theme here is dark and atmospheric, with models that lean heavily into the occult side of the Iron Kingdoms setting. The detail on the resin sculpts is genuinely impressive, and one reviewer specifically praised the excellent detail quality. If you want a Khador force that does not look like every other Khador army on the table, Old Umbrey delivers that visual distinction.

However, the 4.2-star rating tells a story of mixed experiences. While some buyers received their models in great condition, others reported that many of the resin pieces arrived broken and required repairs before they could be used. Resin is inherently more fragile than the HIPS plastic used in the newer starter sets, and that difference shows in the customer feedback.

This is a command starter rather than a battlegroup box, which means you are getting a slightly more specialized force. The warlock and warbeast combination plays differently from a traditional warcaster and warjack setup, giving you a taste of the more mystical side of Warmachine gameplay.

Who should pick this up

Khador players who want something different from the standard winter army aesthetic will love Old Umbrey. If you are drawn to darker, more mystical themes and want a Khador force that stands out from the crowd, this command starter gives you that. It is also a good pick for players interested in the warlock and warbeast mechanics.

Where it falls short

The resin material is the biggest drawback. Compared to the HIPS plastic in newer starter sets, resin is more fragile and more prone to shipping damage. Several buyers had to repair broken pieces before they could use their models. If you want something that arrives ready to build without extra hassle, the HIPS plastic starter sets are a safer bet.

8. Cryx Necrofactorium Command Starter – Undead Army Command

Cryx has always been the faction for players who love undead armies, and the Necrofactorium Command Starter leans fully into that identity. Led by Lich Lord Dekathus, this set includes Mechanithrall Brutes for heavy hitting, Sludge Thralls for acid-spitting attacks, Night Terrors for fast-moving harassment, and an Iron Lich Commander for support. It is a well-rounded command starter that gives you the core of a necromantic force.

The Cryx aesthetic is immediately recognizable: skeletal, corrupted, and dripping with dark energy. The Lich Lord Dekathus model alone is a fantastic centerpiece that captures everything appealing about the faction. For players who have always wanted a skeleton army with personality, Cryx delivers in spades.

The 3.8-star rating is the lowest on this list, and the reason is consistent across reviews: the miniatures are fragile. Multiple buyers reported receiving their sets with three or more broken parts that required fixing before assembly could even begin. One reviewer noted that while the outer box was damaged, the miniatures inside were mostly intact, suggesting inconsistent packaging quality.

On the positive side, the set is currently available at a 29 percent discount from its original MSRP, which helps offset the quality concerns. One parent mentioned being very happy with the purchase for their son, and the set does offer genuine value at the discounted price point if you are willing to put in the repair work.

Who should pick this up

Undead army enthusiasts who do not mind some repair work should consider this set. If you love the Cryx aesthetic and are comfortable with resin model cleanup and minor repairs, the discounted price makes it worth considering. It is also a solid pick for players who want to add Cryx to their collection alongside another faction.

Where it falls short

The fragility issue is real and cannot be ignored. With multiple buyers reporting broken and even missing pieces, you need to be prepared for the possibility that your set will arrive with problems. If you are a beginner who has never dealt with resin repairs, this might not be the best first purchase. Consider going with one of the HIPS plastic starter sets instead for a smoother out-of-box experience.

How to Choose the Right Warmachine MK4 Starter Sets?

Picking the right Warmachine MK4 starter set depends on three main factors: how many people are playing, how much you want to spend, and which faction appeals to you most. Let me break down the decision process so you can find your match quickly.

Starter Set Types Explained

There are four types of Warmachine MK4 starter products, and understanding the differences helps you pick the right one. Two-player starter sets like Shadows and Scum or Frozen and Forgotten give you two complete small armies, making them perfect if you and a friend want to learn together. Battlegroup boxes contain a warcaster and two or three warjacks, giving you the smallest and most affordable entry point for a single faction. Command starters are slightly larger sets with a warlock or warcaster plus supporting units, offering a more complete force than a battlegroup. Core army starters are the largest option, providing a full 50-point army with infantry, solos, and customizable warjacks.

Which Starter Type Is Right for You

If you have a regular gaming partner, go with a two-player starter. You both get an army, the forces are balanced against each other, and you learn the game together. For solo players on a budget, a battlegroup box is the cheapest way to start building a faction. If you want to skip the small-start phase and jump right into full games, a core army starter saves you money in the long run since you will not need to buy additional boxes to reach a playable army size.

Faction Playstyle Overview

Khador is the straightforward, tough-as-nails faction with big warjacks and hard-hitting infantry. The community consistently recommends Khador for new players because its playstyle is intuitive and forgiving of mistakes. Cygnar is the versatile, technology-focused faction with ranged options and storm-powered warjacks. It has the largest player community and the most resources available for learning. Dusk House Kallyss is a new MK4 faction with a dark elf aesthetic and a balanced playstyle that blends speed with striking power. Orgoth Sea Raiders are another new faction with a sea-raider theme, heavy infantry, and deeply customizable warjacks. Cryx is the classic undead faction with necromantic models and aggressive play. Khymaera and Southern Kriels from the Shadows and Scum box are newer factions with unique warbeast mechanics.

HIPS Plastic vs Resin: Why It Matters

The newer two-player starter sets and some battlegroup boxes use HIPS plastic, which the community universally praises as the best quality Warmachine has ever produced. HIPS is durable, lightweight, easy to glue with plastic cement, and takes paint well. The older command starters and core army starters use 3D printed resin, which offers excellent detail but is more fragile during shipping and requires more careful handling. If this is your first miniatures purchase, I strongly recommend starting with a HIPS plastic set for a smoother experience.

Budget Planning

Battlegroup boxes are the most affordable entry points, typically running between 50 and 60 dollars for three models. Command starters sit in the middle at around 55 to 65 dollars but give you more models and variety. Two-player starters cost more upfront but give you two armies, which works out to great value per player. Core army starters are the most expensive single purchase but include enough models for full 50-point games, saving you from buying multiple expansion boxes later.

Frequently Asked Questions About Warmachine MK4 Starter Sets

Final Thoughts on Warmachine MK4 Starter Sets

After comparing all eight Warmachine MK4 starter sets, the Shadows and Scum Two Player Set stands out as our top recommendation. It gives you two complete armies, the best HIPS plastic quality in the range, and a perfect 5-star rating from every buyer. For solo players on a budget, the Khador Winter Korps Battlegroup Box delivers exceptional value with its two heavy warjacks and an equally flawless review score. And if you want to skip straight to full 50-point games, the Orgoth Sea Raiders Core Army Starter is the most comprehensive option available.

The best Warmachine MK4 starter sets all share one thing in common: they get you rolling dice and having fun as fast as possible. Download the free app, pick the faction that speaks to you, and start building. The Iron Kingdoms are waiting.