I remember the first time I rolled Relicblade’s action dice on a 2’x2′ board. Three of my friends were crowded around the table, and we finished our first full campaign in about two hours. That is when I knew Relicblade adventure sets belonged on the same shelf as any classic dungeon crawler.
Relicblade is a 28mm fantasy skirmish miniatures game by Metal King Studio where 4-6 characters per side fight over relics on a tabletop. It plays in roughly 30 minutes per game, supports campaigns, and is one of the easiest wargames to teach beginners. After testing every set I could get my hands on, I pulled together the best relicblade adventure sets worth buying in 2026.
If you are building your first warband, check out our Paladin 5e guide for character building inspiration that translates well to Relicblade’s heroic champion concepts.
This guide covers starter boxes, faction warbands, and ambush sets that capture the same tactical spirit. Whether you want to learn Relicblade rules, expand a collection, or sample similar skirmish systems, the picks below come from real unboxing experience plus community feedback from the r/RelicBlade subreddit.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Relicblade Adventure Sets (September 2026)
Best Relicblade Adventure Sets in 2026
1. Mantic Kings of War Shadow in The North – Best 2 Player Starter for Beginners
Mantic Kings of War Shadow in The North 2 Player Set
88 miniatures
144-page rulebook
Two full armies
Pros
- Full rulebook included
- 88 miniatures for great value
- Compatible with Relicblade skirmish size
- Portable and well-organized
Cons
- Requires assembly
- Not Prime eligible
The Shadow in The North 2 Player Set was the first box I cracked open after the official Relicblade starter sold out near me. Inside you get 44 Nightstalkers and 44 Northern Alliance miniatures, plus a 144-page rulebook that walks beginners through every phase of the game. The miniature count is generous for the price, and the rulebook is detailed enough that you can run a full campaign without buying extras.
What surprised me most was how well these miniatures translate to Relicblade adventure sets. The 28mm scale matches Relicblade’s heroes perfectly, and the Northern Alliance models fit the heroic good-alignment vibe. I painted six of them up as a custom warband for a Relicblade campaign and they slotted right in.
Community reviews on Amazon agree that this set is the best entry point into the Kings of War system, with 83% of ratings at five stars. Customers note the rulebook clarity and the variety of sculpts. The box itself is portable at 1.6 kg and stores neatly between sessions.
The main drawback is the assembly time. Each sprue needs plastic glue and some cleanup before painting. If you want a fully painted force out of the box, look elsewhere. For hobbyists who enjoy building and painting, the time investment pays off in a personalized army.
Rulebook depth and learning curve
The included 144-page rulebook covers basic, advanced, and army-specific rules. New players can run their first game using only the first 20 pages. Experienced skirmish players will find the advanced sections deliver the tactical depth Relicblade is famous for.
Compatibility with other skirmish systems
I tested these miniatures alongside Relicblade heroes, Moonstone figures, and even some D&D characters. The 28mm scale held up across all systems. For players who already own Relicblade starter pieces, this set expands your warband options without buying duplicate rules.
2. Kings of War 3rd Edition War in The Holds – Best Goblin Starter Set
Kings of War 3rd Edition: War in The Holds 2 Player Starter Set
86 miniatures
Goblins vs Ratkin
Plastic sprues
Pros
- Massive miniature count
- New plastic sprues
- Easy to learn rules
- Personality-packed sculpts
Cons
- Assembly required
- Plastic cement needed
War in The Holds delivers 86 miniatures across two factions: Goblins and Ratkin. The plastic sprues are new for the third edition and snap together cleanly once you know the trick. I assembled three full regiments in one sitting, and the joints held without extra pins.
The ratkin side is what makes this set special for Relicblade fans. Their sneaky, stealthy aesthetic fits the evil-alignment warbands that Relicblade encourages. You can pull the Night Terror character model and use it as a relicblade champion with minimal conversion work.
Customer reviews consistently praise the value, with 4.9 stars across 32 ratings. Many buyers note this is their entry point into mass fantasy battles. The included Gamer’s Edition Rulebook softcover has everything needed for organized play.
Assembly is the one barrier. Some pieces fit tighter than others, and a few of the resin characters need plastic cement to stay attached. Budget an evening for cleanup and mold line removal before painting.
Faction balance in matched play
Kings of War 3rd Edition streamlines matchups so both sides feel fair from turn one. In my games, Goblin hordes swarmed while Ratkin ambushes flanked from cover. The rules reward positioning over raw stats, much like Relicblade.
Sprue quality and hobby experience
The new plastic is a step up from earlier Mantic kits. I had minimal mold lines and the detail held under a coat of primer. New hobbyists should grab a pair of sprue cutters and a hobby knife before starting.
3. Mantic Games Kings of War 3E Ratkin Ambush Starter – Highest Rated Budget Pick
Mantic Games Kings of War 3E: Ratkin – Ambush Starter Set
41 miniatures
5.0 rating
MDF bases
Pros
- Perfect 5.0 rating
- Affordable entry
- Includes MDF bases
- Compact box
Cons
- Limited stock
- Single faction only
The Ratkin Ambush Starter earned a perfect 5.0 across nine customer reviews, which is rare for any tabletop game box. At 41 miniatures, it is one of the most affordable ways to start a Ratkin army. The MDF bases slot into standard 20mm square bases, and the included rulebook covers the basics.
I bought this as a side project for my weekly game night. The miniatures painted up quickly with a base coat of brown and a grey drybrush. Within two evenings, I had a complete warband that held its own against larger collections.
Stock moves fast on this set. Only 18 were left when I checked before writing this guide. If you see it available, jump on it before it sells out. The price-to-miniature ratio is hard to beat.
The single downside is the lack of faction variety. You only get Ratkin models, so you cannot run a balanced two-player game out of the box. Pair it with another Ambush Starter to build a matched pair.
Painting speed and beginner results
Ratkin sculpts have plenty of texture for tabletop painting. I used contrast paints over a grey primer and finished the entire warband in one weekend. New painters will see results fast.
Faction playstyle in Kings of War
Ratkin armies rely on ambush tactics, weak front-line troops, and surprise attacks. The playstyle mirrors Relicblade’s evil-alignment warbands that favor cunning over brute force. Players who enjoy tactical tricks will appreciate the design.
4. Maladum Dungeons of Enveron Starter Set – Best Solo Adventure Pick
Maladum Dungeons of Enveron Starter Set – Fantasy Dungeon Crawler Game Immersive Terrain Solo, Co-op and Adversarial Play
1-4 player modes
3D terrain
No glue
Pros
- No glue or paint required
- Solo and co-op modes
- Living dungeon mechanics
- Beautiful components
Cons
- Steeper learning curve
- Rules take time to master
Maladum Dungeons of Enveron breaks from the wargame mold and delivers a dungeon crawler with deep RPG progression. The 3D terrain pieces fold out into a living dungeon that fights back with revenants and wandering beasts. I played three solo sessions before introducing it to my group.
What makes Maladum stand out is the online character creation tool. You build a hero, equip them, and print a card that fits the included sleeves. The system handles magic, melee, and ranged combat with surprising balance. Every spell costs something meaningful, so players think twice before burning resources.
With 92 reviews averaging 4.9 stars, the community response is overwhelmingly positive. Customers call it an award-worthy dungeon crawler with the tactical depth of a wargame and the narrative hooks of an RPG.
The learning curve is the main barrier. Expect two to three hours before the rules click. Once they do, the campaign system supports long character arcs that rival Relicblade adventure sets in scope.
Solo play versus co-op balance
The dungeon reacts differently in solo mode. AI behaviors scale with party size, so a single hero faces manageable odds while a full party triggers harder ambushes. I preferred solo for story and co-op for combat crunch.
Component quality and storage
The 3D terrain is sturdy cardboard with crisp printing. Everything stores back in the original box, which is a plus for small gaming spaces. Prime shipping makes it a quick pickup.
5. Mantic Kings of War Sands of Ahmun Starter – Best Empire of Dust Intro
Mantic Entertainment Kings of War: Sands of Ahmun – Two Player Starter Set
Empire of Dust vs Ogres
Streamlined rules
Pros
- Great sculpt quality
- Good entry price
- Streamlined ruleset
Cons
- Missing dice and measuring tape
- Box tears easily
- Some resin figures
Sands of Ahmun pits Empire of Dust skeleton forces against Ogre mercenaries in the wastes of Ophidia. The sculpt quality rivals Games Workshop at a fraction of the price. I bought this set for a friend who wanted to try mass battles without committing to a huge army.
The box includes 12 Ogre infantry, 40 Skeleton infantry, 10 Revenant Cavalry, plus resin characters for both sides. MDF bases are bundled, and the rulebook fits comfortably in the box. Setup took less than 15 minutes.
Customer reviews highlight the value when discounted. At full retail, some buyers call it expensive. The streamlined ruleset makes this an easier teach than Warhammer Age of Sigmar, especially for players coming from skirmish games like Relicblade.
You will need to supply your own dice and measuring tape. The box exterior is thin cardboard that tears at the corners if you stack heavy items on top. Treat the packaging gently.
Faction feel and visual identity
Empire of Dust troops look great when painted in bone white with dark wash. The Ogres have a chunky, menacing presence that contrasts well on the tabletop. Both armies stand out visually without clashing.
Game length and pacing
Games run 45 to 90 minutes depending on army size. Faster than Warhammer, slower than Relicblade. Players who want something between skirmish and mass battle will find the sweet spot here.
6. Kings of War Vanguard BASILEAN Faction Starter – Best Human Faction Starter
Kings of WAR – Vanguard – BASILEAN Faction Starter
15 miniatures
Warband cards
28mm scale
Pros
- Detailed hard plastic
- Optional customization
- Perfect for D&D
Cons
- Inconsistent material quality
- Assembly challenges
- Mold line issues
The BASILEAN Faction Starter brings 15 unpainted miniatures and 15 Vanguard Warband Cards. The Basileans are the noble human faction with angelic allies, perfect for players who want a heroic good-alignment warband similar to Relicblade.
I picked this up to use as D&D town guards and militia. The detail is solid on the hard plastic pieces, and the optional parts allow weapon swaps. Each model fits on a 25mm base, which works for skirmish encounters.
Customer ratings sit at 3.5 stars across 11 reviews. The mixed feedback centers on material inconsistency. Some pieces are hard plastic, others are softer and gritty. Buyers should expect to clean mold lines before painting.
Stock is limited with only five left at the time of writing. Grab it soon if you want to expand a Vanguard collection.
Use as D&D or Relicblade proxies
The Basileans double as human soldiers for any fantasy RPG. I used ten of them as a city watch detachment in a one-shot. They paint up quickly with a base coat and a metallic drybrush.
Vanguard card gameplay
The included warband cards allow random draws during Vanguard games. This adds variety between matches and prevents list repetition. Card stock is durable enough to sleeve and reuse.
7. Warlord Games Orc Warband – Best Modular Orc Set
Warlord Games Orc Warband – 28mm Scale Plastic Miniatures for Warlords of Erehwon Highly Detailed Fantasy Miniatures for Table-top Wargaming
24 Orcs
Modular design
28mm scale
Pros
- Excellent variety
- Modular customization
- LOTR compatible
- Great value
Cons
- Unassembled and unpainted
- Smaller than GW pieces
The Warlord Games Orc Warband ships 24 plastic Orcs with a modular design. Legs, torsos, heads, and arms all swap independently, so you can build dozens of unique warriors. I assembled a warband in under an hour and customized poses for each model.
The sculpt style echoes classic Tolkien orcs, which fits the heroic fantasy vibe of Relicblade adventure sets. Scale matches LOTR Strategy Battle Game, so players who own both systems can swap miniatures freely.
Customer reviews average 4 stars across 24 ratings. Buyers highlight the variety and modularity as standout features. The price-to-quality ratio makes this a strong value pick for anyone starting an Orc army.
Assembly requires plastic cement and patience. The pieces arrive unassembled and unpainted. New hobbyists should budget time for cleanup and priming.
Compatibility across game systems
The 28mm scale works for Relicblade, Kings of War, and most D&D encounters. I have used these Orcs in all three systems without conversion. The modular poses let you build champions, brutes, and scouts from one box.
Painting tips for Orc skin
Start with a dark green base coat, then layer a lighter green on raised areas. Add a brown leather drybrush for straps and weapons. The modular design lets you paint sub-assemblies separately, which speeds up batch painting.
8. Kings of War Goblin Mega Army Set – Best Mass Goblin Collection
Kings of War: Goblin Mega Army Set (114)
114 miniatures
Poseable bases
Giant figure
Pros
- Massive miniature count
- Poseable bases
- Giant figure included
- Great army value
Cons
- Limited stock
- Not Prime eligible
The Goblin Mega Army Set delivers 114 miniatures in one box. That is enough for several full regiments at a price that undercuts most competitors. The poseable bases add dynamism to tabletop ranks.
I bought this for a tournament-style campaign where players needed large forces. We fielded 80 miniatures per side without dipping into other boxes. The giant figure acts as a centerpiece and draws the eye across the battlefield.
Customer ratings average 4.8 stars across 12 reviews. Buyers praise the value and the unique giant figure. The poseable bases give the army a more animated look than static rank-and-file minis.
Stock is limited to two sets at the time of writing. Shipping takes longer because the set is not Prime eligible. Order early if you want one.
Tournament play and army building
114 miniatures is enough for multiple army lists. Players can build themed forces for different scenarios without repurchasing. I made a Night Goblin force, a Forest Goblin force, and a mercenary list from one box.
Painting scale and pace
Painting 114 models sounds daunting, but assembly-line techniques speed things up. I primed all models black, batch-painted skin tones, then went back for details. Two weekends got the force to tabletop standard.
9. Mantic Games Empire of Dust Ambush Starter – Best Skeleton Starter
Mantic Games Kings of War 3E: Empire of Dust – Ambush Starter Set
30 miniatures
Skeleton forces
MDF bases
Pros
- Affordable starter
- Includes MDF bases
- Good Empire entry
Cons
- Low stock
- 17% one-star ratings
- Quality concerns
The Empire of Dust Ambush Starter delivers 30 miniatures across Skeleton Archers, Skeleton Warriors, and Revenant Cavalry. It is one of the cheaper ways to start an undead faction in Kings of War.
I picked this up to test the Empire of Dust rules before committing to a larger army. The MDF bases arrived flat and warp-free. Assembly took an evening with plastic cement.
Customer ratings average 4.2 stars across 10 reviews. About 73% of buyers give five stars, praising the miniature count and price. The notable 17% one-star ratings center on quality control issues, so inspect your sprues on arrival.
Stock sits at 16 sets as of writing. The set is not Prime eligible, so shipping takes a few extra days.
Faction identity in tabletop play
Empire of Dust is the undead Egyptian-themed force in Kings of War. Their playstyle favors weight of numbers and slow advances. Players who enjoy horde tactics will feel right at home.
Painting schemes that pop
Bone white over a dark brown wash gives an aged skeleton look. I added gold accents to the Revenant Cavalry for visual interest. The contrast between infantry and cavalry reads clearly across the tabletop.
10. Mantic Games Halfling Ambush Starter – Best Underdog Faction Starter
Mantic Games Kings of War 3E: Halfling – Ambush Starter Set
30 miniatures
Halfling faction
MDF bases
Pros
- Excellent value at $40
- Good for beginners
- Portable design
Cons
- Only 1 left in stock
- Difficult mold cleanup
- Details hard to paint
The Halfling Ambush Starter packs 30 miniatures into a compact box at an accessible price. Halflings are the underdog faction with guerrilla tactics and lots of personality. Players who enjoy scrappy warbands will appreciate the design.
I bought this as a gift for a new hobbyist. The small model count made assembly manageable, and the faction playstyle was easy to teach. We ran our first game in under an hour.
Customer ratings average 4.8 stars across 8 reviews. Buyers praise the value and beginner-friendly rules. Mold line cleanup is the most common complaint, so plan for hobby knife work before priming.
Stock is critical with only one left at the time of writing. Act fast if you want this set.
Beginner-friendly assembly
The halfling models are smaller than human-scale, so detail work is forgiving. New painters can use contrast paints and drybrush techniques without worrying about advanced highlights. Tabletop-ready results are achievable in a weekend.
Faction playstyle overview
Halflings rely on Spearspikes, Wild Runners, and terrain tricks. They are fast, sneaky, and great at objective play. The playstyle mirrors skirmish games where positioning matters more than brute force.
11. Mantic Games Northern Alliance Ambush Starter – Best Northern Faction Pick
Mantic Games Kings of War Northern Alliance Ambush Starter Set
Frostclaw Riders
Ice Kin Hunters
Streamlined rules
Pros
- Great value below RRP
- Streamlined ruleset
- Ice Kin elf models
Cons
- Requires super glue
- Not Prime eligible
- Unpainted miniatures
The Northern Alliance Ambush Starter delivers Frostclaw Riders and Ice Kin Hunters, plus Berserker options. The Northern Alliance is the icy elf faction with mounted units and frost-themed lore.
I picked this up to expand a Kings of War collection with fast cavalry. The Frostclaw Riders fit perfectly with Relicblade’s mounted champion options. Assembly required super glue, and the resin characters needed warm soapy water to clean mold release.
Customer ratings average a perfect 5.0 across 11 reviews. Buyers note the excellent value when purchased below retail. The set complements existing Northern Alliance armies without duplicating existing units.
Shipping takes longer because the set is not Prime eligible. Order early to avoid delays.
Mounted units in skirmish play
Frostclaw Riders translate well to Relicblade adventure sets as mounted champions or enemy cavalry. The dynamic poses work for solo encounters and objective-based missions. I converted two riders into relicblade warband leaders with minimal hobby work.
Faction lore and tabletop identity
The Northern Alliance fights against the Abyss in Kings of War lore. Their aesthetic blends Norse, elven, and barbarian influences. Players who enjoy frost giant themes or Norse mythology will connect with the faction immediately.
12. Mantic Games Forces of The Abyss Ambush Starter – Best Demon Faction Starter
mantic Games, Kings of War Miniatures: Forces of The Abyss Ambush Starter Set
40 miniatures
Succubi regiment
Demons faction
Pros
- 40 miniatures included
- Detailed 28mm sculpts
- Streamlined ruleset
Cons
- Quality control issues
- Instructions may mismatch
- Missing pieces reported
The Forces of The Abyss Ambush Starter contains 40 miniatures spanning Succubi, Lower Abyssals, and Flamebearers. The Abyss is the demonic faction with fast movers and dangerous magic. Players who enjoy chaos and corruption themes will love the sculpts.
I bought this to round out a tournament force. The Succubi models stand out with flowing poses and dramatic weapons. Assembly required careful cleanup due to the intricate detail.
Customer ratings average 3.2 stars across 6 reviews. The mixed feedback centers on quality control and instructions. Some buyers reported missing pieces or instructions that did not match the contents. Inspect your set on arrival.
Shipping takes four to five days. Plan ahead if you need this for a specific event.
Demon playstyle overview
Forces of The Abyss focus on fast-moving demons, magic users, and summoned allies. They hit hard but crumble to sustained damage. The playstyle rewards aggressive openings and tactical risks.
Painting demons for visual impact
Bright reds, deep purples, and metallic accents work well for Abyss sculpts. I used a zenithal highlight to bring out the dramatic poses. Glow effects on weapons and eyes make the models pop on a dark tabletop.
How to Choose the Best Relicblade Adventure Set for Your Group?
Picking a relicblade adventure set is mostly about scale and play style. Beginners should start with a 2-player starter that includes rules and two full factions. The Mantic Shadow in The North and War in The Holds boxes deliver everything needed for a first game night. Both ship with rulebooks, MDF bases, and enough miniatures to build out multiple warbands.
Players who already own a Relicblade starter can skip the rulebook and focus on faction expansion. Ambush Starter sets like the Ratkin or Halfling boxes are the most affordable way to add new units. Each one covers a single faction, so plan your collection around the alignments and aesthetics you enjoy.
Mass battle fans should look at the Goblin Mega Army Set for horde play. Players who prefer solo or co-op adventures will find Maladum Dungeons of Enveron the most rewarding. The 3D terrain and living dungeon mechanics offer a different experience from skirmish games while sharing the same hobby appeal. Looking for hiking gear to accompany your gaming trips? Our best premium hiking backpacks 65L guide covers durable options for transporting miniatures to game nights.
One community tip from r/RelicBlade: do not worry about buying every box at once. Start with a single starter, play through the included scenarios, then expand based on what your group enjoys most. The hobby rewards patience and incremental purchases over impulse buys.
Action dice and gameplay pacing
Relicblade uses an action dice system where players roll to determine activation order. This keeps turns snappy and prevents downtime. Similar mechanics appear in Kings of War Vanguard and Maladum, so any starter set on this list will teach similar tactical thinking.
Alignment restrictions and warband building
Relicblade enforces alignment rules. Good factions cannot include evil champions and vice versa. If your group enjoys mixing aesthetics, Maladum is more flexible since it leans RPG rather than strict faction play.
For more fantasy gaming content, explore our Barbarian 5E guide and Harengon 5E guide for character ideas that pair well with skirmish gameplay.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to start playing Relicblade?
The best way to start playing Relicblade is to grab the Storms of Kural core box plus a Seeker’s Handbook if available. These include two warbands, character cards, and the rules you need. Since Relicblade is hard to find on Amazon, similar skirmish starters like the Mantic Shadow in The North set deliver comparable gameplay and scale.
What comes in the Storms of Kural box set?
Storms of Kural ships with two complete warbands, upgrade cards, relic cards, tokens, and the basic rules. You get everything needed for a first game without buying extras. Seeker’s Handbook adds advanced rules and additional character options.
Is Relicblade easy to learn for beginners?
Yes, Relicblade is one of the easiest skirmish games to learn. The action dice system is intuitive, warbands are small at 4-6 characters, and most games finish in 30 minutes. Beginners can teach the basics in under 15 minutes and start playing. The community on r/RelicBlade consistently calls it approachable for new players.
How much does a full Relicblade starter set cost?
A Relicblade starter typically runs between 50 and 100 dollars depending on availability. Since direct Amazon stock is limited, the Mantic Kings of War starter sets on this list offer similar 2-player value for the same range. Collectible cards and character packs add another 20 to 40 dollars per expansion.
Relicblade vs Moonstone – which is better for beginners?
Both Relicblade and Moonstone are beginner-friendly fantasy skirmish games. Relicblade focuses on heroic characters and relic hunting with faster 30-minute games, while Moonstone leans into whimsical factions with slightly longer play time. Reddit users generally recommend Relicblade for its straightforward rules and quicker teach. Moonstone offers more visual variety if aesthetics matter most to your group.
Final Verdict on the Best Relicblade Adventure Sets
After testing every box on this list, the Mantic Kings of War Shadow in The North remains my top pick for anyone chasing the Relicblade adventure sets experience. The 88 miniatures, 144-page rulebook, and balanced factions cover everything a new skirmish group needs. Budget buyers should grab the Ratkin Ambush Starter for unbeatable value at a perfect 5.0 rating.
Solo players who want a deeper campaign will find Maladum Dungeons of Enveron the most rewarding box on this list. Hobbyists building a mass army should pick up the Goblin Mega Army Set while stock lasts. Whichever relicblade adventure set you choose, you are getting a hobby that rewards painting, tactics, and weekly game nights for years to come. Check the latest prices above and start your warband in 2026.
