Warlord Games Miniatures: How to Choose Your First Game
Choosing Warlord Games miniatures starts with the kind of battle you want to play. Explore Bolt Action for World War II land battles, Black Seas for sailing warships, Blood Red Skies for aerial combat, Pike & Shotte for pike-and-musket armies, Hail Caesar for ancient armies, or Victory at Sea for World War II naval battles.
This guide compares six ranges linked from Little Big Wars and explains what to check before buying. The suggestions below are based on historical setting and hobby interests, rather than a sales ranking or a claim that one game is best for everyone.
Which Warlord Games Range Fits Your Interests?
| Game range | Battle theme | Consider it if you enjoy | Check before buying |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bolt Action | World War II land battles | Infantry, vehicles, and building a national army | Rules edition, faction, and starter contents |
| Black Seas | Age of Sail naval battles | Sailing ships and fleet projects | Fleet choice, rules, and model preparation |
| Blood Red Skies | World War II aerial combat | Aircraft and squadron collections | Aircraft selection and required game components |
| Pike & Shotte | Pike-and-musket warfare | Historical regiments and army formations | Model format, period, and basing guidance |
| Hail Caesar | Ancient warfare | Roman, Greek, and other ancient armies | Army choice, model format, and basing guidance |
| Victory at Sea | World War II naval battles | Warships and historical fleets | Navy, ship selection, and starter contents |
1. Bolt Action: For World War II Infantry and Vehicle Collections
Consider Bolt Action if you want to collect a World War II army built around infantry and supporting vehicles. Choose a faction and historical theme before selecting individual units, then check the applicable rules and army-building requirements.
Band of Brothers is one starter option to investigate. Warlord Games offers a Third Edition version, so check the exact edition on the product listing rather than relying on the set name alone. The manufacturer's Third Edition listing specifies that its models are supplied unassembled and unpainted.
A starter set can include game components while still requiring hobby supplies separately. Review the itemized contents and plan for any tools, suitable adhesive, primer, or paints needed for your models.
Explore Bolt Action at Little Big Wars.
2. Black Seas: For Age of Sail Ships and Fleets
Consider Black Seas if sailing warships are your main interest. Warlord Games describes it as an Age of Sail game set between 1770 and 1830, using 1:700-scale ships.
Choose a navy or a ship project that interests you, then check whether the box is a starter set or a fleet expansion. Look closely at assembly requirements, included accessories, and whether a rulebook is supplied.
For a painting or display project, select a kit you want to build. For gaming, also confirm that you have the rules and components needed to use it.
Explore Black Seas at Little Big Wars.
3. Blood Red Skies: For World War II Aircraft Enthusiasts
Consider Blood Red Skies if you prefer aircraft and aerial combat to infantry or naval fleets. Start by choosing the aircraft or national air force that interests you.
Before purchasing a squadron box, check which bases, cards, markers, and rules it includes or requires separately. An aircraft expansion and a starter set may serve different purposes, so compare their contents rather than assuming either is a complete starting purchase.
Explore Blood Red Skies at Little Big Wars.
4. Pike & Shotte: For Pike-and-Musket Army Projects
Consider Pike & Shotte if you enjoy historical armies combining pikes, firearms, and cavalry. Pick your period and army before buying regiments so your collection follows a consistent theme.
Check the model format carefully. Warlord offers Pike & Shotte in 28mm and Epic Battles formats. These models differ in size and presentation; choose the format used by your intended collection or gaming group, and follow the appropriate basing and rules guidance.
Explore Pike & Shotte at Little Big Wars.
5. Hail Caesar: For Ancient Army Collections
Consider Hail Caesar if ancient armies are the collection you most want to build. Roman, Greek, and other historical army themes offer different painting and modelling projects.
Start with a defined army and model format rather than buying unrelated units. Warlord's Hail Caesar range also includes Epic Battles products, so check the individual listing before combining purchases. Follow the basing and army guidance relevant to your chosen game format.
Plan an initial project you can finish, then expand as your painting time and gaming needs allow.
Explore Hail Caesar at Little Big Wars.
6. Victory at Sea: For World War II Naval Collections
Consider Victory at Sea if you want World War II naval battles rather than Age of Sail engagements. Choose the navy and ships that fit your historical interests.
Check whether your purchase is a starter set, fleet box, or individual ship. Review the included models, rules, and gaming accessories before deciding what else you need.
Black Seas and Victory at Sea are separate game systems with different historical settings. Choose your naval game first, then build a fleet for that system.
Explore Victory at Sea at Little Big Wars.
What Should You Check Before Buying Warlord Games Miniatures?
- Game and historical setting: Choose the battle theme you want to collect and play.
- Rules edition and model format: Match your purchase to your collection and intended opponents.
- Box contents: Confirm the exact miniatures and game components supplied.
- Preparation: Check whether assembly and painting are required.
- Total starting cost: Include separately required rules, tools, paints, and accessories in your budget.
- Current availability: Review the individual Little Big Wars product page for its listed stock status and price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Warlord Games range should a beginner choose?
Choose a range that matches your historical interests and the game you intend to play. If you already have opponents, ask which system, edition, and model format they use. Then compare suitable starter sets and their contents.
Are Warlord Games miniatures already assembled and painted?
Check the individual product listing. For example, Warlord's Band of Brothers Third Edition starter set is supplied with unassembled and unpainted models. Do not assume every product has the same preparation requirements.
Does a starter set include everything I need?
Check its itemized contents. A set may provide rules, models, and gaming components while still requiring tools, adhesive, or painting supplies separately. The exact requirements depend on the set and the models supplied.
What is the difference between Black Seas and Victory at Sea?
Black Seas focuses on Age of Sail naval warfare, while Victory at Sea focuses on World War II naval warfare. They are separate systems, so buy ships and game components for the system you intend to play.
Can I combine miniatures from different Warlord Games ranges?
Do not assume they are interchangeable. Check the game rules, model format, basing, historical setting, and your group's conventions before mixing products. Sharing a manufacturer does not establish game compatibility.
Where can I browse Warlord Games miniatures at Little Big Wars?
Browse the Warlord Games collection or use the game-specific links above. Check each product page for its description, contents, current price, and availability.
Choose Your Range, Then Build Your Collection
Your first purchase should fit the game you want to play and the project you want to build. Choose a historical setting, confirm the edition and model format, and check what is included before ordering.
Browse Warlord Games at Little Big Wars to explore your next army, squadron, or fleet.