Top 10 Historical Wargaming Miniatures for Beginners

A Beginner’s Guide to Building Your First Army

So, you’ve decided to dip your toes into historical wargaming—awesome choice. Whether you’re drawn to epic medieval battles, gritty WWII skirmishes, or Napoleonic line warfare, one thing’s for sure: getting started can feel overwhelming with so many kits and rulesets out there.

The good news? Some miniature sets are perfect for beginners—easy to assemble, fun to paint, and compatible with popular game systems. In this guide, we’ll walk you through 10 beginner-friendly historical miniature kits to get your first army on the tabletop.

👀 Looking for more starter-friendly options? Check out our Perry Miniatures review here.

1. Perry Miniatures – War of the Roses Mercenary Infantry

• Scale: 28mm plastic
  
  

• Era: Late Medieval
  
  

• Why it’s great: Modular parts, dynamic poses, and easy to build. Tons of replayability.
  
  

• Perfect for: Beginners looking to recreate 15th-century England in skirmish or full battle.
  
  

2. Warlord Games – Roman Legionaries (Early Imperial)

• Scale: 28mm plastic
  
  

• Era: Ancient Rome
  
  

• Why it’s great: Clean design, simple assembly, and pairs well with SPQR or Hail Caesar.
  
  

• Perfect for: History fans starting with Rome’s golden age.
  
  

3. Victrix – Napoleonic British Infantry

• Scale: 28mm plastic
  
  

• Era: Napoleonic Wars
  
  

• Why it’s great: Excellent sculpts, very customizable, and well-supported with rulesets.
  
  

• Perfect for: Fans of line infantry and large-scale warfare.
  
  

4. Wargames Atlantic – WWII German Infantry

• Scale: 28mm plastic
  
  

• Era: World War II
  
  

• Why it’s great: Budget-friendly box with great detail and compatibility with Bolt Action.
  
  

• Perfect for: Beginners building their first Bolt Action force.
  
  

5. Perry Miniatures – US Infantry (1942–45)

• Scale: 28mm plastic
  
  

• Era: WWII
  
  

• Why it’s great: Realistic gear, beginner-friendly assembly, and smooth integration into most WWII games.
  
  

• Perfect for: D-Day and late-war scenarios.
  
  

6. Gripping Beast – Dark Age Warriors

• Scale: 28mm plastic
  
  

• Era: Early Medieval / Viking Age
  
  

• Why it’s great: Easy-to-build figures perfect for SAGA, Shieldwall, and custom warbands.
  
  

• Perfect for: Viking raids and Anglo-Saxon battles.
  
  

7. Warlord Games – Pike & Shotte Infantry Regiment

• Scale: 28mm plastic
  
  

• Era: 17th Century
  
  

• Why it’s great: Good for English Civil War or Thirty Years’ War setups. Large units, simple assembly.
  
  

• Perfect for: Beginners wanting to explore the black powder era.
  
  

8. Fireforge Games – Medieval Foot Sergeants

• Scale: 28mm plastic
  
  

• Era: High Medieval
  
  

• Why it’s great: Great for building your own custom crusading army or fantasy-style warbands.
  
  

• Perfect for: Blending history with a bit of fantasy flexibility.
  
  

9. Perry Miniatures – British Infantry (Zulu War)

• Scale: 28mm plastic
  
  

• Era: Colonial (Late 19th Century)
  
  

• Why it’s great: Classic redcoats, crisp detail, and easy paint schemes.
  
  

• Perfect for: Small battles or cinematic scenarios like Rorke’s Drift.
  
  

10. Wargames Atlantic – WWI French Infantry

• Scale: 28mm plastic
  
  

• Era: World War I
  
  

• Why it’s great: A rare and beginner-accessible kit for WWI gamers. Works great for trench warfare setups.
  
  

• Perfect for: A different take on early 20th-century gaming.
  
  

🎨 Tips for Beginners

If you're just starting out, here are a few quick tips:

• Start small. Build and paint one squad before committing to a full army.
  
  

• Stick to plastic kits. They’re easier to work with and generally more forgiving.
  
  

• Choose an era you love. If you're passionate about the history, you’ll stay motivated.
  
  

• Paint before gluing (sometimes). Especially when miniatures have tight interior spots.
  
  

• Use game-supported kits. Pick miniatures that work with systems like Bolt Action, SAGA, or Black Powder for easier entry.
  
  

🛒 Where to Buy Beginner-Friendly Historical Miniatures in the U.S.?

You're in luck! Little Big Wars has a wide range of beginner-friendly kits and ships fast from Fargo, North Dakota. Whether you're building your first Napoleonic regiment or prepping for a WWII campaign, you’ll find what you need right here.

Final Thoughts

Wargaming is more than just a hobby—it’s part history lesson, part creative outlet, and part strategic challenge. If you're just getting started, any of the kits above will help you ease in without overwhelming you.

Want more beginner-friendly guides? Keep an eye on the blog—we’ve got more coming!

And hey, when you're ready to paint your first squad of Perry Miniatures or command a Roman legion, just know—your army is only a few sprues away.

Happy wargaming, commander! ⚔️🎨