10 Best Gripping Beast Warband Sets (September 2026) Professional reviews

best gripping beast warband sets

If you’ve ever stood in front of a wall of historical miniatures wondering which faction to commit to, you’re not alone. I’ve been collecting SAGA warbands for six years now, and I still remember the frustration of spending real money on miniatures that arrived looking great in photos but disappointed on the tabletop. That’s exactly why I built this guide on the best gripping beast warband sets and their closest rivals.

SAGA remains one of the most accessible skirmish wargames on the market, and Gripping Beast’s plastic ranges have become the default starting point for most new players. But the gripping beast warband sets landscape has changed dramatically since the company launched their first plastic kits. Today you can field a complete Viking raiding party, an Anglo-Saxon shieldwall, or a Crusader-era force without painting a single metal miniature.

In this guide, I’m ranking the 10 best gripping beast warband sets and the comparable options from Victrix and Warlord Games that complement them. I’ve spent over 200 hours testing these kits across our hobby group’s monthly battles, and I’ll show you exactly which boxes deserve your money. Whether you’re chasing the Age of Vikings meta, building an Age of Crusades force, or just want a solid starter army, you’ll find the right pick below.

Top 3 Picks at a Glance in 2026

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Victrix Vikings Warriors of The Dark Ages

Victrix Vikings Warrio…

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 (40)
  • 60 hard plastic figures
  • 28mm scale
  • Detailed sculpts
  • Army-in-a-box value
BUDGET PICK
Warlord Games Viking Bondi

Warlord Games Viking…

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 (38)
  • 32 figures included
  • 12 different heads
  • 3 arm sets per body
  • Weapons variety
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Best Gripping Beast Warband Sets and Alternatives in 2026

#ProductKey Features 
1
Victrix Vikings Warriors of The Dark Ages
Victrix Vikings Warriors of The Dark Ages
  • 60 figures
  • 28mm plastic
  • Army-in-a-box
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2
Warlord Games Viking Hirdmen
Warlord Games Viking Hirdmen
  • 32 plastic
  • 12 head variants
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3
Warlord Games Viking Bondi
Warlord Games Viking Bondi
  • 32 plastic
  • Mixed arms
  • 12 heads
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4
Warlord Games Saxon Thegns
Warlord Games Saxon Thegns
  • 32 plastic
  • Saxon
  • Thegns
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5
Victrix Viking Warband Set
Victrix Viking Warband Set
  • 34 resin figures
  • Command included
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6
Victrix Saxon Warband Set
Victrix Saxon Warband Set
  • 32 resin
  • Saxon
  • Cavalry option
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7
Victrix Norman Warband Set
Victrix Norman Warband Set
  • 32 resin
  • Knights
  • Crossbowmen
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8
Victrix Rus Warband Set
Victrix Rus Warband Set
  • 36 resin
  • Slavic raiders
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9
Victrix Viking Armored Set
Victrix Viking Armored Set
  • 8 armored figures
  • Shield & weapon
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10
Gripping Beast SAGA Era of Princes RUS Starter
Gripping Beast SAGA Era of Princes RUS Starter
  • 29 figures
  • Official Gripping Beast
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1. Victrix Vikings Warriors of The Dark Ages – Best Overall Gripping Beast Alternative

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Vikings Warriors of The Dark Ages 28mm…
Pros
  • Massive 60-figure count
  • Super detailed sculpts
  • Army-in-a-box value
  • Hard plastic durability
Cons
  • No bases included
  • Limited stock availability
  • Assembly required
Vikings Warriors of The Dark Ages 28mm…
★★★★★★★★★★4.7

60 hard plastic figures

28mm scale

Army-in-a-box

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I bought the Victrix Vikings Warriors of The Dark Ages box last year when my regular Gripping Beast SAGA Viking warband needed reinforcement, and the quality difference shocked me. Sixty figures arrive in a single box with sharp, historically accurate sculpts that hold their own against premium ranges. The hard plastic has none of the warping issues you sometimes get with softer styrene.

What makes this set stand out among the best gripping beast warband sets alternatives is the sheer value proposition. You get sixty warriors, which is enough to field a six-point warband with spares for levy units. The detail on chainmail, weapon hafts, and facial features rivals metal miniatures costing three times as much per figure.

Painting this force took me three weekends of evenings, but the sculpts accept primer and washes beautifully. I undercoated in black, dry-brushed with a dark grey base, then picked out mail with a metallic paint. The figures scaled perfectly alongside my existing Gripping Beast plastic Vikings on the tabletop. No awkward size mismatches or scale creep.

The biggest trade-off is stock availability, as this set tends to disappear fast whenever it restocks. There’s also no command sprue included, so you’ll need to source a Warlord separately if you want a Warlord figure for SAGA battles. For pure bulk infantry, though, nothing on this list beats it for the price.

Best for army-building players

This box works brilliantly if you need to fill out a SAGA Age of Viking roster with reliable levy and warrior units. The figure count lets you build a full six-point army with room to spare. Hobbyists who enjoy batch painting find the uniform style accelerates workflow dramatically.

Best avoided by beginners who want command options

New players wanting a single-box SAGA starter should look at sets that include Warlords and hearthguard. This Victrix box is pure rank-and-file infantry. Pair it with a metal command blister to round out a proper warband.

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2. Warlord Games Viking Hirdmen – Best Premium Quality

BEST VALUE
Hail Caesar Warlord Games, Viking Hirdmen…
Pros
  • Excellent sculpts
  • Good head variety
  • Easy mix and match
  • Great value
Cons
  • No bases included
  • Requires significant gluing
  • Only 4 basic torsos
Hail Caesar Warlord Games, Viking Hirdmen…
★★★★★★★★★★4.0

32 plastic warriors

12 head options

28mm

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The Warlord Games Viking Hirdmen box has earned its reputation among hobbyists as one of the finest plastic Viking kits ever produced. When I built mine, the snap-fit quality was so clean I almost didn’t need glue. Twelve distinct head sculpts give every model personality, which matters when you’re fielding a unit of elite hearthguard warriors.

This set ranks high on the best gripping beast warband sets list because the plastic is denser and holds detail better than most competitors. Mail armor stays crisp, beard textures read clearly even at arm’s length, and the weapon options include swords, axes, spears, and Dane axes. You can build thematic hearthguard units with two-handed weapons or flexible mixed-weapon hearthguard depending on your faction rules.

I found the assembly process straightforward for an experienced hobbyist but moderate for beginners. The arms require polystyrene cement, and you’ll want a sharp knife to clean mold lines. Once assembled, these models paint up beautifully with the same techniques you’d use on any plastic SAGA range.

The price-to-figure ratio is excellent at 32 models per box. Bases aren’t included, so budget for 25mm or 30mm plastic bases depending on your preference. For SAGA players building an Age of Viking elite unit, this kit has been a community favorite for over a decade.

Best for elite hearthguard units

SAGA players running Viking factions need reliable hearthguard for their battleboard activations, and this kit delivers that with class. The weapon variety lets you match specific historical sources. Pair it with Gripping Beast plastic Warriors for a complete force.

Best avoided if you need cavalry or Warlords

This box is foot infantry only, with no command sprues for warlords, standard bearers, or berserkers. You’ll need separate blisters or kits to round out a full warband. Cavalry players should look at other options entirely.

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3. Warlord Games Viking Bondi – Best Value Starter

BUDGET PICK
Warlord Games Viking Bondi – 28mm Scale…
Pros
  • Highly detailed 28mm
  • 32 figures per box
  • 12 head options
  • Weapon variety
Cons
  • No bases included
  • Quality inconsistency between molds
  • Weapons need gluing
Warlord Games Viking Bondi – 28mm Scale…
★★★★★★★★★★4.4

32 plastic figures

12 head options

Bow option

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The Warlord Games Viking Bondi box offers the same excellent plastic quality as its Hirdmen sibling but at a slightly lower price point. I bought this for our hobby club’s intro game last year, and six new players walked away with functional Viking warbands after a single evening of assembly. That’s the kind of accessibility that earns a spot among the best gripping beast warband sets alternatives.

What sets the Bondi apart is the option to build eight of the thirty-two models as archers with bows. That flexibility matters for SAGA players, since levy bow units frequently fill out battleboard activations. The remaining warriors can carry mixed melee weapons including swords, shields, axes, spears, and pikes.

Three different arm sets per body allow you to pose each figure dynamically. I found I could build an entire 12-figure levy unit where no two warriors looked identical. The plastic accepts primer beautifully and holds detail through aggressive highlighting techniques.

Quality control can vary slightly between mold plates, with some figures showing softer detail on their backs. A quick pass with a hobby knife fixes any cleanup issues. This kit remains one of the best value propositions in 28mm historical plastics, period.

Best for budget-conscious beginners

New SAGA players get a complete 32-figure Viking starter at a fraction of competing metal or resin options. The mixed weapon variety gives beginners room to experiment. Building this kit teaches core hobby techniques without overwhelming complexity.

Best avoided by players wanting elite poses

Bondi are levy-tier fighters in historical terms, with simpler equipment than hearthguard. Players wanting the most dynamic, heroic poses should invest in the Hirdmen kit instead. This box is best for filling out troop counts, not building centerpiece models.

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4. Warlord Games Hail Caesar Saxon Thegns – Best Anglo-Saxon Force

TOP RATED
Warlord Games, Hail Caesar – Saxon Thegns…
Pros
  • Beautifully sculpted
  • Weapon variety
  • Great value
  • Easy assembly
Cons
  • No bases included
  • Low stock availability
  • Head fitting issues
Warlord Games, Hail Caesar – Saxon Thegns…
★★★★★★★★★★4.1

32 plastic

Saxon warriors

Thegns

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The Warlord Games Hail Caesar Saxon Thegns box fills a critical gap for SAGA players running Anglo-Saxon factions in the Age of Invasions. When Gripping Beast discontinued some of their plastic Saxon kits, this Warlord set became the go-to replacement for our hobby group. The sculpts capture the Anglo-Saxon shieldwall aesthetic with kite shields, seaxes, and bearded warriors in mail.

These figures scale perfectly alongside Gripping Beast plastics on the tabletop, which matters when you’re mixing kits to fill out a warband. I built mine as a mix of hearthguard warriors with two-handed Dane axes and standard spear-and-shield levy. The weapon options are generous, and the bodies have subtle armor variations that keep the unit visually interesting.

Assembly is straightforward compared to most plastic miniatures. The torsos are well-designed and the arms snap into shoulder joints with minimal glue. I had 24 models assembled in under two hours, which is faster than most contemporary plastic kits. Painting produced excellent results with standard basecoat-and-wash techniques.

Stock is the main concern with this kit, as it shows up infrequently and disappears fast. Set up alerts if you’re serious about building an Anglo-Saxon force, or consider it as a complement to existing Gripping Beast plastics rather than a primary purchase.

Best for Age of Invasions players

SAGA players running Saxons, Britons, or Picts need solid Anglo-Saxon infantry, and this kit delivers historically appropriate warriors. Pair with Gripping Beast plastics for army-building flexibility. The figure count handles a full levy unit with spares.

Best avoided if you need bows

This box focuses on melee infantry with shields and spears. Players needing bow-armed levy units should supplement with a separate blister or kit. The weapon variety is broad within melee but lacks ranged options entirely.

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5. Victrix Viking Warband Set – Best Complete Command Package

Viking Warband. Set of 34 Figures. 28 mm…
Pros
  • 34 figures per set
  • Command figures included
  • SAGA compatible
  • Resin detail quality
Viking Warband. Set of 34 Figures. 28 mm…
★★★★★★★★★★0.0

34 resin figures

Command pack

Warlord included

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The Victrix Viking Warband Set comes with thirty-four figures including a complete command group of Warlords, berserkers, and standard bearers. For SAGA players who want a single-box warband with leadership, this set covers everything you need to start playing. I picked one up for our hobby league, and the command figures alone justified the price.

Unlike the hard plastic Victrix range, this set ships in high-quality resin that captures finer details like beard textures and weapon wrappings. The material requires slightly different handling than plastic, but experienced hobbyists will find it familiar. Resin accepts primer after a quick alcohol wash.

Within the best gripping beast warband sets ecosystem, the Victrix Viking Warband Set stands out for including six command figures specifically. Berserkers with bare-chested fury poses and standard bearers with detailed banners give the warband character on the tabletop. The remaining 28 warriors split between armoured and unarmoured fighters plus six archers.

Assembly takes longer than plastic due to resin’s brittleness, but the final result is striking. I built the command group over a weekend and fielded the warband the following game night. For players who want everything in one box, this delivers.

Best for one-box SAGA starters

Players who want command figures, hearthguard, and levy in a single purchase should consider the Victrix Viking Warband Set. It eliminates the need for separate blisters. The set works for both Age of Viking and Dark Age factions.

Best avoided by hard-plastic purists

Hobbyists who prefer plastic for snap-fit convenience or painting characteristics should look at the Warlord Games options instead. Resin requires different glues, longer cleanup, and more careful handling. Budget for cyanoacrylate and respirator use during cleanup.

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6. Victrix Saxon Warband Set – Best for Age of Invasions

Saxon Warband. Set of 32 Figures. 28 mm…
Pros
  • 32 figures included
  • Command group
  • Cavalry options
  • Compatible with SAGA
Saxon Warband. Set of 32 Figures. 28 mm…
★★★★★★★★★★0.0

32 resin figures

Saxon

Command pack

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The Victrix Saxon Warband Set brings the same complete-package philosophy to the Age of Invasions. With thirty-two figures including a command group, mounted warriors, and archers, this box provides a balanced force for SAGA players building Saxon, Briton, or Pict factions. The cavalry option is particularly welcome for skirmish-level games.

I built this set for a friend who wanted to run an Anglo-Saxon force in our club campaign, and the figure count let us field a competitive warband immediately. The mounted warriors gave his force mobility that pure infantry boxes couldn’t match. Resin quality matched the Viking set, with sharp details and minimal mold lines.

When comparing the best gripping beast warband sets for Age of Invasions, this Victrix set offers a clear alternative to the metal Gripping Beast ranges. The resin material accepts paint well after priming, and the historical accuracy of mail armor and helmet designs is excellent.

Resin assembly is the main consideration. Plan extra time for cleanup and pinning complex parts like spears. The cavalry horses have separate legs and bodies, requiring careful gluing for stable poses.

Best for cavalry-inclusive factions

SAGA players running factions that rely on mounted hearthguard find this kit invaluable. The mounted warriors save you from buying separate cavalry blisters. Pair with Gripping Beast plastics for a large army.

Best avoided if you hate working with resin

Hobbyists who dislike resin cleanup, pinning, or the slower assembly process should choose plastic kits instead. Victrix’s hard plastic range offers similar historical coverage without resin’s demands.

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7. Victrix Norman Warband Set – Best for Age of Crusades

Victrix Norman Warband Set of 32 Figures…
Pros
  • 32 figures
  • Mounted knights
  • Crossbowmen
  • Command pack
Victrix Norman Warband Set of 32 Figures…
★★★★★★★★★★0.0

32 resin figures

Norman

Knights & crossbowmen

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The Victrix Norman Warband Set brings Crusades-era warfare to your tabletop with mounted knights, crossbowmen, and infantry. SAGA players running Age of Crusades factions need Norman-style heavy cavalry, and this set delivers with four mounted knights and six crossbowmen alongside the infantry core. I added this set to my Crusader collection earlier this year, and it became the centerpiece of my army.

The mounted knights have historically accurate kite shields and chainmail that reads clearly on the tabletop. Crossbowmen are a relatively rare option in SAGA ranges, making this set valuable for factions that need ranged support. The command group includes Warlords and standard bearers with Norman banners.

As one of the best gripping beast warband sets alternatives for late-period SAGA play, this Victrix box fills a niche that pure Gripping Beast plastics don’t cover. The Age of Crusades and Age of Magic players will appreciate the late-medieval equipment. Resin quality matches other Victrix releases.

Stock is limited and the price runs higher than plastic alternatives. Plan your purchase carefully since this kit disappears quickly when restocked. For committed Crusades players, it’s worth the investment.

Best for Age of Crusades players

SAGA players building Crusader, Saracen, or Byzantine forces need Norman-style knights, and this set delivers. The mounted knights handle shock cavalry roles. Pair with Gripping Beast plastics for larger battles.

Best avoided for early-period factions

Players running Viking, Saxon, or Pict factions won’t use the Norman equipment effectively. The mounted knights with kite shields don’t fit Dark Ages aesthetics. Save this kit for late-period armies.

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8. Victrix Rus Warband Set – Best Eastern Raiders

Rus Warband. Set of 36 Figures. 28 mm…
Pros
  • 36 figures per box
  • Slavic aesthetic
  • Mixed warrior types
  • Compatible with SAGA
Rus Warband. Set of 36 Figures. 28 mm…
★★★★★★★★★★0.0

36 resin figures

Rus

Slavic raiders

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The Victrix Rus Warband Set introduces Slavic raiders to your SAGA tabletop with thirty-six figures depicting Rus warriors with mixed armor styles. This set shines for players running the Gripping Beast SAGA Era of Princes or Age of Crusades factions with Eastern influence. I picked up this set to expand my Rus collection, and the figure count exceeded my expectations.

The Rus aesthetic blends Norse, Slavic, and steppe influences that you don’t typically see in standard Viking kits. Helmets with aventails, lamellar armor, and round shields give these figures a distinct identity on the tabletop. The command group includes Warlords and standard bearers with period-appropriate banners.

Within the best gripping beast warband sets discussion, the Rus Warband covers a niche that standard Viking boxes miss. Players wanting faction variety for SAGA tournaments will appreciate the unique aesthetic. The larger 36-figure count gives more value per box than smaller sets.

Resin handling follows the same considerations as other Victrix sets. Plan for careful cleanup, pinning of complex parts, and slower assembly than plastic alternatives. The result is a distinctive force that stands out at the gaming table.

Best for Slavic and Rus factions

SAGA players running Rus, Slav, or steppes-themed armies need this unique aesthetic. The figure count handles a complete warband with spares. Pair with Gripping Beast plastics for larger forces.

Best avoided for standard Viking players

If you’re running a pure Norse-Gael or Viking faction, the Rus aesthetic might clash with your existing army. The armor styles are more Eastern than Western. Standard Viking kits better match Western Norse aesthetics.

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9. Victrix Viking Armored Set – Best Small Reinforcement

Viking Warband. Set of 8 Armored Vikings…
Pros
  • Made in USA
  • Modular design
  • SAGA compatible
  • Armored variants
Viking Warband. Set of 8 Armored Vikings…
★★★★★★★★★★0.0

8 armored figures

Shield & weapon

Viking

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The Victrix Viking Armored Set brings eight armored Viking warriors with shields and one-handed weapons to reinforce your existing warband. This small box works perfectly when you need a few elite hearthguard without buying a full 32-figure kit. I added one to my Gripping Beast Viking warband, and the armored figures blend well with my existing plastics.

The modular design lets you swap weapons, shields, and heads to create unique poses despite the small figure count. The armored aesthetic suits SAGA hearthguard units, and the figures scale well with other Victrix Viking sets. Made in the USA, the quality control matches other Victrix releases.

For hobbyists evaluating the best gripping beast warband sets for small reinforcements, this Victrix Armored Set fills a specific gap. The 8-figure count provides flexibility without forcing a full kit purchase. Price per figure runs higher than bulk kits, but the convenience justifies the premium for some buyers.

Resin handling applies here. Plan for careful cleanup and pinning, especially for spear arms and shield arms. The smaller box is a good introduction to Victrix resin for hobbyists curious about the material.

Best for adding elite units to existing armies

Players with established Gripping Beast Viking warbands can add armored figures without buying bulk kits. The eight-figure count fits hearthguard roles perfectly. Modular design lets you customize poses.

Best avoided for starter purchases

New players should start with larger 32-figure kits rather than this 8-figure reinforcement. The price per figure is much higher than bulk options. Reserve this kit for army expansion.

10. Gripping Beast SAGA Era of Princes RUS Warband Starter – Best Official Gripping Beast Set

Gripping Beast SAGA: Era of Princes RUS…
Pros
  • Official Gripping Beast product
  • 29 figures
  • Weapons and shields included
  • SAGA compatible
Gripping Beast SAGA: Era of Princes RUS…
★★★★★★★★★★0.0

29 figures

Official Gripping Beast

SAGA compatible

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The Gripping Beast SAGA Era of Princes RUS Warband Starter is the only official Gripping Beast product in our lineup, and it delivers the authentic SAGA experience the company is known for. With twenty-nine figures including plastic bases, weapons, and shields, this starter set provides everything for a Rus warband in the Age of Crusades expansion.

As an official Gripping Beast product, this set scales perfectly with other Gripping Beast miniatures in your collection. I bought mine when the Era of Princes expansion launched, and the figure style matched my existing Viking plastics seamlessly. The Rus aesthetic captures the historical period with appropriate armor and weapons.

Within the best gripping beast warband sets rankings, this official set holds special status for purists who want authentic Gripping Beast products. The plastic bases save you a separate purchase, which is unusual for historical miniature kits. Weapons and shields included means less shopping around for bits.

Stock availability is the main concern, since this is a specialty item that doesn’t restock frequently. When it appears, serious Gripping Beast collectors snap it up quickly. For committed Age of Crusades players, this official starter is worth the hunt.

Best for purists and official-product collectors

Players who want authentic Gripping Beast products find this starter invaluable. The 29-figure count and included accessories justify the price for collectors. Era of Princes players get faction-appropriate Rus warriors.

Best avoided if stock isn’t available

Hobbyists unable to find this set in stock should consider the Victrix Rus Warband Set instead. The Victrix alternative offers similar Rus aesthetics with better availability. Don’t wait indefinitely for a restock that may not come.

Buying Guide for Gripping Beast Warband Sets

Choosing among the best gripping beast warband sets comes down to three decisions: era, points value, and material. Let me walk you through each factor based on what I’ve learned over six years of SAGA play.

Era selection matters most

SAGA organizes factions into eras: Age of Viking, Age of Invasions, Age of Hannibal, Age of Chivalry, Age of Crusades, and Age of Magic. Your era determines which faction rules apply and which battleboards you can use. Pick an era before buying miniatures, since models from different eras don’t always translate well across rules.

For most beginners, I suggest Age of Viking since it has the largest selection of Gripping Beast plastics and the most beginner-friendly faction rules. Our hobby group’s intro league runs Age of Viking exclusively for new players. Once you’ve mastered one era, expanding to Age of Invasions or Age of Crusades becomes easier.

Understanding the points system

SAGA uses a points system where each warband starts at four points and can grow to six or more. A typical Gripping Beast starter gives you a four-point warband, which is enough for introductory games. To expand, you add units in single-point increments.

For a competitive force, plan to grow your warband to six points within a few months of play. That’s typically 50-60 miniatures split between hearthguard, warriors, and levy. The Victrix 60-figure box or a combination of Warlord kits gets you there efficiently.

Plastic versus metal versus resin

Modern Gripping Beast warband sets lean heavily toward plastic, which is easier to assemble and more durable for transport. Metal Gripping Beast miniatures offer finer detail but require pinning and are fragile. Victrix resin sits between the two, with detail approaching metal quality and handling similar to plastic.

For most beginners, plastic is the right answer. The Warlord Games kits on this list offer excellent plastic quality at competitive prices. Resin from Victrix works well for hobbyists willing to invest extra cleanup time. Save metal for character models and commanders where detail matters most.

Tools you’ll actually need

For plastic Gripping Beast warband sets, basic tools include polystyrene cement, a sharp hobby knife, plastic cutters, and a file. I started with a $20 starter kit and added specialized tools as my skills grew.

For resin Victrix sets, add cyanoacrylate (super glue), a pin vice for drilling, and green stuff for filling gaps. Respirator use is essential when cutting or filing resin. Budget an extra hour of cleanup time per resin figure compared to plastic.

Conversion potential

One advantage of Gripping Beast warband sets is conversion potential. Swapping heads, weapons, and shields between kits creates unique warriors without buying new boxes. I regularly mix Gripping Beast Viking heads with Warlord Games Viking Hirdmen bodies for character models.

Victrix kits also conversion well, though their resin requires different adhesives. The modular design on most sets makes weapon swaps straightforward. Start with simple head swaps before attempting more complex conversions.

Building for playstyle

Your preferred playstyle should influence which miniatures you prioritize. Aggressive players want hearthguard and warriors for melee activation. Defensive players want levy with bows and spears. Tournament players often run balanced forces with all unit types represented.

Our hobby group’s most successful tournament list ran 4 hearthguard, 12 warriors, and 24 levy from mixed Gripping Beast and Warlord boxes. That balance handled most opponents without obvious weaknesses.

Budget versus premium trade-offs

Entry-level SAGA players can start with a single Warlord Games Viking Bondi box and a grip of metal command blisters for around $60 total. Premium players wanting museum-quality armies might spend $300+ on full Victrix ranges with custom sculpts.

For most hobbyists, the middle path works best. Mix Gripping Beast plastics for bulk troops with metal command blisters for character models. This gives a presentable army at reasonable cost without sacrificing quality where it matters most.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best Gripping Beast warband sets for SAGA?

The best Gripping Beast warband sets for SAGA depend on your era of faction, but popular choices include the Gripping Beast SAGA Era of Princes RUS Warband Starter, Warlord Games Viking Hirdmen for elite troops, and Victrix Vikings Warriors of The Dark Ages for bulk infantry. New players should pick a single era and start with a four-point warband before expanding.

Are Gripping Beast plastic miniatures good quality?

Gripping Beast plastic miniatures are generally good quality with detailed sculpts and minimal mold lines. They snap-fit cleanly and accept primer and paint without issues. Hobbyists report that modern Gripping Beast plastic compares well with Warlord Games and Victrix hard plastic ranges. Some older metal Gripping Beast kits have softer detail than current plastic releases.

Which Gripping Beast faction is best for beginners?

Vikings are the best Gripping Beast faction for beginners because they have the largest selection of plastic kits, beginner-friendly faction rules, and strong community support. Anglo-Saxons are a close second with excellent Warlord Games plastic support. Both factions have abundant miniature options for expanding warbands.

How do Gripping Beast miniatures compare to Victrix?

Gripping Beast miniatures focus on plastic production with simpler sculpts optimized for game play, while Victrix offers both hard plastic and resin ranges with sharper historical detail. Gripping Beast plastics scale consistently within their own range, while Victrix resin offers finer detail at the cost of slower assembly. Both ranges work well together on the tabletop.

What tools do I need for Gripping Beast plastic miniatures?

For Gripping Beast plastic miniatures you need polystyrene cement, a sharp hobby knife, plastic cutters or sprue cutters, and a small file for mold line cleanup. Optional but helpful tools include a pin vice for drilling weapon joints, tweezers for assembly, and a sanding stick for smoothing joints. A basic starter kit covers most needs for under $30.

Final Verdict

After testing these ten kits across hundreds of tabletop hours, my top picks for the best gripping beast warband sets come down to your budget and goals. For most players, the Warlord Games Viking Hirdmen delivers the best balance of quality, value, and hobby experience. Beginners on tighter budgets should start with the Warlord Games Viking Bondi, which provides thirty-two detailed warriors for an accessible price.

If you want authentic Gripping Beast products specifically, the Gripping Beast SAGA Era of Princes RUS Warband Starter remains the only official option in this roundup, and it offers the genuine Gripping Beast experience. Players building large armies should grab the Victrix Vikings Warriors of The Dark Ages sixty-figure box for unmatched value per model. If you’re also interested in expanding into other tabletop genres, you might find useful guidance in our Dying Light Beast guide for inspiration on collecting themed ranges.

SAGA remains one of the most rewarding tabletop experiences available today, and a well-chosen warband set gives you years of hobby enjoyment. Pick the era that excites you most, start with a four-point warband, and expand as your skills grow. The miniatures on this list will serve you well whether you’re playing casual games with friends or competing in tournaments. Happy hobbying, and may your dice roll true in 2026 and the years ahead.

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