I have been collecting and painting Gripping Beast warband sets for SAGA skirmish wargaming since I picked up my first Viking box, and I have lost count of how many squads I have assembled on my kitchen table. When people ask me which of the best Gripping Beast warband sets to start with, I always tell them the same thing: it depends on your faction, your budget, and whether you prefer plastic or metal.
Gripping Beast has built its reputation around 28mm scale miniatures designed for the SAGA tabletop game, with deep coverage of Viking, Saxon, Pictish, Arab, Roman, and Gothic factions. The line splits between hard plastic multi-pose kits and traditional metal blisters, which gives collectors flexibility but also makes choosing harder. In this 2026 guide I am breaking down the eight strongest warband sets currently available, ranked by figure count, value, and historical accuracy.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for the Best Gripping Beast Warband Sets (September 2026)
Saxon Thegns Box Set (Plastic)
- 44 miniatures
- Multiple base sizes included
- 5-star rated by customers
Best Gripping Beast Warband Sets in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
 SAGA Swordpoint Dark Age Archers |
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| Crescent & The Cross Arab Spearmen |
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 Dark Age Warriors |
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| Saxon Thegns Box Set |
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 Late Roman Heavy Cavalry |
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 Goth Noble Cavalry |
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 Dark Age Cavalry Miniatures |
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 Era of Princes RUS Warband Starter |
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1. SAGA Swordpoint Dark Age Archers – Specialist Ranged Support
Gripping Beast SAGA Swordpoint Dark Age Archers GPB GBP13
Plastic
28mm scale
Dark Age archers
Pros
- Historical accuracy is excellent
- Easy to assemble plastic
- Great for SAGA skirmish games
Cons
- Only 7 reviews available
I bought the SAGA Swordpoint Dark Age Archers box when I needed a quick ranged option for my Viking warband, and I was impressed by how clean the plastic sprues were out of the package. The figures clip together with minimal cleanup, which matters when you are trying to build a full SAGA points-value force in one evening.
Archers tend to be a niche pick in SAGA because most battleboards lean on melee units, but every faction needs at least one hearthwood of bow-armed levy to trigger certain abilities. This set gives you exactly that. The poses lean toward the kneeling or braced-shooting stance, which is historically appropriate for Dark Ages skirmishers.
The plastic is on the softer side, so I would recommend a sharp hobby knife and a light touch when removing mold lines. I used plastic cement on the joints and that held firm through painting and gaming.
The box is light on figures compared to the larger warrior boxes, which is the trade-off for a specialist ranged set. If you run a faction with strong archery rules like the Normans or the Welsh, this fills a real gap.
How this set fits SAGA point values
A standard SAGA hearthwood runs 4 points, so a unit of 8 archers fills exactly one hearthwood at 1 point per figure in most armies. You will want to magnetize or glue them to their bases before painting so they survive regular tabletop handling.
What I wish I knew before buying
Stock at major retailers runs thin, often showing under 5 units available. If you see it in stock, grab it, because restocks are sporadic. The price is fair for a specialist box, but if you only need generic warriors you are better served by the larger sets in this guide.
2. SAGA Crescent & The Cross Arab Spearmen & Archers – Crusades-Era Specialist
SAGA The Crescent & The Cross Miniatures Arab Spearmen & Archers GPB GBP04
Plastic
Crusades era
Arab faction
Pros
- Perfect 5-star rating
- Highly detailed miniatures
- Great for SAGA wargaming
Cons
- Only 2 reviews available
The Crescent & The Cross Arab Spearmen & Archers set is one of the most visually striking boxes in the Gripping Beast SAGA lineup, and it earned a perfect 5-star rating from every customer who reviewed it. I picked this up when I branched out from Vikings into a Crusades collection and the detail on the robes and curved blades is genuinely impressive for plastic.
Where this set shines is faction identity. Most plastic kits are fairly generic warrior bodies with weapon swaps, but the Arab kit has distinct head sculpts, flowing textile details, and a mix of spear and bow loadouts in one box. That gives you a usable ranged and melee unit from a single purchase.
Assembly is straightforward, though some of the cloth folds need a touch of green stuff if you want a really clean tabletop look. For a tabletop standard paint job, the kit goes together in an afternoon.
The only real downside is limited community feedback because the set serves a more niche faction. If you play Crusades-era Arabs this is essentially a no-brainer, but if you run a different faction you can skip it.
Best SAGA factions for this set
This kit is purpose-built for Arab, Saracen, and Moorish warbands across SAGA: Crescent & The Cross. It also fits well in fantasy conversions where you want Eastern-inspired warriors with historically grounded proportions.
Practical painting notes
The textured robes take wash and contrast paints exceptionally well. I used a single coat of Citadel Contrast paint over a white primer and got tabletop-ready results in under an hour per model.
3. Gripping Beast Dark Age Warriors – The Budget Foundation Box
Pros
- 40 figures included
- 4.8-star rating
- Awesome quality from Gripping Beast
Cons
- Metal construction requires more assembly skill
The Dark Age Warriors box is what I call the foundation kit. With 40 metal figures inside, it is the highest-count warband set in this roundup, and it carries a 4.8-star rating from real customers. When I started my first SAGA collection this was the box I built my entire initial warband from.
What makes this kit special is flexibility. The figures lean toward generic Dark Ages infantry, which means you can field them as Vikings, Saxons, Angles, or any other faction from that era with minor banner swaps. You get a mix of spear-armed, sword-armed, and axe-armed poses, which mirrors the way real SAGA warbands are built under the points system.
Metal construction is the trade-off. Each figure is a single-piece or two-piece cast, so there is no assembly ambiguity, but you do need to file mold lines and pin or glue arms depending on pose. Beginners sometimes struggle with the small contact points, but experienced painters prefer metal for the weight and detail.
For pure figure count per dollar, this is one of the best Gripping Beast warband sets you can buy. If you want to fill out a 6-point SAGA force on a budget, this box alone gets you there.
Why metal still matters in 2026
Plastic has taken over most of the wargaming market, but metal miniatures retain a dedicated following because of the weight, the detail, and the way they look under dramatic lighting on the tabletop. Gripping Beast keeps metal in production for collectors who want that classic feel.
Assembly expectations for newcomers
Plan on 10 to 15 minutes per figure for a clean build, including mold line removal and pinning arms where needed. A small pin vise and some brass wire are essential tools if you go this route.
4. Saxon Thegns Box Set – The Editor’s Choice for SAGA
Gripping Beast 28mm Saxons: Saxon Thegns Box Set (Plastic)
Plastic
44 figures
Multi-pose
Pros
- Perfect 5-star rating from 8 reviews
- Nice price and good packaging
- Robust figures with fun to build design
Cons
- Not a toy - requires assembly
The Saxon Thegns Box Set is the set I recommend to anyone starting a SAGA collection from scratch. With 44 plastic miniatures and a perfect 5-star rating across 8 verified reviews, it is the strongest all-around kit in the Gripping Beast catalog for both value and tabletop performance.
I assembled a full Saxon warband from this single box in one weekend, including 16 small bases, 2 long bases, 2 medium bases, and 2 large bases. The multi-pose design lets you build warriors with spears, swords, hand axes, and even two-handed weapons, which covers every hearthwood type in the SAGA faction rules.
What really impressed me was the head variety. The kit includes helmeted and unhelmeted options, plus warrior leaders with distinct detailing. For SAGA players this matters because your warlord needs to stand out visually from the hearthwood troops.
One of the things community members praise is the assembly experience. Even hobbyists who had never built miniatures before got clean, robust figures on their first try. The plastic snaps together cleanly and holds super glue without issue.
How to build a complete 6-point SAGA warband from this box
I build 1 warlord on a large base, 2 mounted thegns on medium bases, and 4 hearthwood warriors per point spread across the long and small bases. That gives you a legal starter force for any standard SAGA game, with spare figures left over for a second warlord or hearthwood.
Painting shortcuts that work
The Saxon Thegns respond well to speed paints and contrast-style products. A quick zenithal highlight plus two contrast colors gives a tabletop-ready force in a single painting session.
5. Plastic Late Roman Heavy Cavalry – Armored Mobility Option
Gripping Beast Plastic Late Roman Heavy Cavalry 12x 28mm Miniatures GBP18
Plastic
12 cavalry
Renedra bases
Pros
- Well-detailed armoured cavalry figures
- Includes quality Renedra bases
- Good for historical wargaming
Cons
- Assembly required
- Some variation in reviews
The Plastic Late Roman Heavy Cavalry box delivers 12 finely-detailed armored cavalry on horseback, plus six 50x50mm Renedra bases. I added this to my Late Roman warband and the visual upgrade on the tabletop was immediate. Heavy cavalry in SAGA is a high-impact unit because mounted warriors hit harder and move faster than infantry hearthwood.
Build quality is solid. The plastic captures scale mail and helmet crests with enough detail to read clearly at arm’s length on the table. The horses come in multiple poses so you do not end up with 12 identical cavalry models, which makes the unit look more natural on the battlefield.
Assembly is more involved than a standard infantry kit because each rider and horse has multiple parts. Plan on an evening to build the full box, and use a small amount of green stuff where the rider meets the saddle to avoid visible gaps.
The Renedra bases are a real bonus. They are high-quality MDF bases that match Gripping Beast’s standard sizing, so you can integrate this unit with any other Gripping Beast SAGA warband without mixing base styles.
Best SAGA factions for this cavalry set
Late Romans, Byzantines, and any Eastern-themed faction get the most value from this box. It also works for Norman and Arab cavalry conversions if you do light weapon swaps.
Why the Renedra bases matter
Base quality is one of those things nobody talks about until they have a mismatched force. The included Renedra bases keep your unit consistent with the rest of your Gripping Beast army, and they accept texture paste and paint without warping.
6. Plastic Goth Noble Cavalry – Versatile Mounted Warriors
Gripping Beast Plastic Goth Noble Cavalry 12x Cavalry Miniatures GBP21
Plastic
12 cavalry
Versatile
Pros
- Easy to put together
- Good value for 12 figures
- Versatile gameplay mechanics
Cons
- Limited stock
The Plastic Goth Noble Cavalry set is one of the best-rated cavalry kits Gripping Beast produces. At 4.6 stars across 8 reviews, customers consistently praise the versatility and ease of assembly. I used this box to build a Gothic warband alongside my Late Romans, and the figure style shares enough DNA that both forces look coherent on the same tabletop.
The sculpts lean toward wealthy mounted warriors with cloaks, fine weapons, and decorated tack on the horses. That makes them ideal for noble or hearthwood units in SAGA, where the warlord and his retinue are visually distinct from levy troops.
Assembly is the easiest of the cavalry kits I have built. The riders and horses snap together with minimal cleanup, which is a real plus if you are newer to the hobby. I had the box built in under three hours, including mold line cleanup.
Stock can be unpredictable. I have seen this box go out of stock for weeks at a time, so when it is available I would grab it before considering alternatives.
How this set pairs with the Late Roman cavalry
If you already own the Late Roman Heavy Cavalry, adding this Goth Noble box gives you a visually distinct allied force without breaking the aesthetic coherence of your collection. Both kits use the same scale and basing standards.
Painting recommendations
Dark washes over a neutral gray primer bring out the cloak and horse detail quickly. I recommend two thin coats of acrylic paint rather than one thick coat to preserve the sculpted texture.
7. Dark Age Cavalry Miniatures – Metal Cavalry with Banner
Gripping Beast Dark Age Cavalry Miniatures – 12 Unarmoured Cavalry, 6 Bases, 1 Banner – Adults – 50mm – Indoor – Resin/Plastic – Assembly Required
Metal
12 cavalry
Banner included
Pros
- Includes banner and bases
- Metal construction
- Good detail on unarmoured cavalry
Cons
- Higher price point
- Limited reviews
The Dark Age Cavalry Miniatures box is the metal cavalry counterpart to the plastic cavalry kits in this roundup. It comes with 12 unarmoured cavalry figures, 6 bases, and a banner. I bought this set because I wanted a metal force to match my metal Dark Age Warriors infantry, and the aesthetic consistency is worth the higher price.
Unarmoured cavalry reads differently on the tabletop than armoured cavalry. These figures have a lighter, faster look that suits skirmishers, scouts, and raiders in a SAGA force. They are also easier to paint quickly because there is less scale mail to detail.
The included banner is a nice touch. In SAGA, banners matter for certain faction abilities, and having one ready to attach to a warlord or hearthwood champion saves you from buying a separate upgrade.
Metal construction means you need to file mold lines and pin riders to horses for tabletop durability. If you are comfortable with metal kits, this is a satisfying build.
Metal versus plastic for cavalry
Metal cavalry feels heavier and more substantial on the table, which some gamers prefer. Plastic cavalry is easier to assemble and more resistant to drops during travel. For a tournament force that ships frequently, plastic is the safer bet. For a display collection, metal holds the edge.
Why the banner matters
Several SAGA faction battleboards reward banner-bearing units, including the Normans, the Byzantines, and various Viking factions. Having a pre-made banner saves assembly time and lets you field a banner unit straight out of the box.
8. SAGA Era of Princes RUS Warband Starter – Complete Faction Starter
Gripping Beast SAGA: Era of Princes RUS Warband Starter GPB SSB16
Plastic
29 items
Complete starter
Pros
- Complete starter warband
- Includes miniatures weapons shields and bases
- Part of Era of Princes expansion
Cons
- No reviews yet
- Higher price point
The SAGA Era of Princes RUS Warband Starter is the newest addition to this list and the most comprehensive single-box purchase in the roundup. With 29 items including miniatures, weapons, shields, and plastic bases, it is built as a complete starter warband for the RUS faction from the Era of Princes expansion.
This set stands apart from the other boxes in this guide because it is faction-specific rather than generic. The RUS represent Slavic and Rus warriors, and the kit includes the cultural details that make them visually distinct from Viking or Saxon kits. Cloak styles, helmet shapes, and weapon loadouts all reflect the historical sources for that faction.
Because it is a starter set, you get everything you need in one purchase. No buying extra bases or accessory packs separately, which is rare for wargaming kits in 2026.
The lack of customer reviews reflects how new this product is. Based on the included components and Gripping Beast’s track record, it is a safe buy for anyone committed to the RUS faction, but I would hold off if you are undecided between factions.
Is this starter worth the premium price
Compared to buying a generic warrior box plus bases plus weapons separately, the RUS Starter saves you money and time. For players committed to this faction, it is the most cost-effective path to a playable force.
What comes in the box
You get 29 items total: a mix of multi-part plastic miniatures, weapon sprues, shield sprues, and plastic bases. The exact split between warriors, warlords, and hearthwood types varies, but the box is designed to field a legal SAGA warband straight out of the package.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Gripping Beast Warband Set?
After testing all eight of these kits over the past year, I have learned that the best Gripping Beast warband set for you depends on three factors: faction, figure count, and material preference. Let me walk through each.
Pick your faction first
SAGA is a faction-driven game, and your faction choice determines which kits serve you best. Vikings and Saxons have the broadest selection, with multiple plastic kits at every price point. Crusades-era factions like the Arabs lean on specialist sets like the Crescent & The Cross box. Late Roman and Gothic cavalry kits serve Eastern-themed factions. The RUS Starter is a hard requirement if you want to play that faction.
Plastic versus metal
Plastic kits are easier to assemble, more durable in transport, and typically cheaper per figure. Metal kits have more weight and a classic feel that many collectors prefer. For new hobbyists I always recommend plastic first, then add metal as a display collection later.
Figure count and SAGA points
A standard SAGA warband is 6 points, and most figures cost 1 point. That means you need roughly 6 figures for a hearthwood plus 1 warlord on a large base. Larger boxes like the Saxon Thegns or Dark Age Warriors let you field a full warband from a single purchase, while specialist boxes fill gaps in an existing force.
Painting style and speed
All Gripping Beast plastics take contrast and speed paints well. Metal kits require primer and standard acrylic techniques but reward detail work more visibly. If you want tabletop-ready results fast, go plastic.
For more hobby ideas and similar guides, you might also enjoy our roundup of the best Spikeball sets, our picks for the best croquet sets, our guide to the best badminton sets, or our review of the best cornhole sets if you want outdoor hobby inspiration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Gripping Beast warband sets are best for SAGA?
The best Gripping Beast warband sets for SAGA depend on your faction, but the Saxon Thegns Box Set and Dark Age Warriors box are the strongest all-around kits. The Saxon Thegns offers 44 multi-pose plastic figures with a 5-star rating, while the Dark Age Warriors gives you 40 metal figures for a flexible foundation force. Both let you field a complete 6-point warband from a single box.
Are Gripping Beast plastics worth it?
Yes, Gripping Beast plastics are widely considered worth the investment by the SAGA community. Plastic kits offer easier assembly, more durable figures, and lower per-figure cost than metal alternatives. Sets like the Saxon Thegns and Viking Hirdmen boxes are praised for multi-pose flexibility and clean snap-fit assembly, making them ideal for both beginners and experienced painters.
How many figures in a Gripping Beast warband set?
Figure counts vary widely across Gripping Beast warband sets. Specialist ranged and cavalry boxes typically contain 8 to 12 figures, while larger multi-purpose warrior boxes contain 40 to 44 figures. A standard SAGA warband is 6 points, and you generally need 1 warlord plus 6 to 12 hearthwood troops depending on your faction rules.
Gripping Beast vs Victrix Vikings – which is better?
Gripping Beast and Victrix both produce excellent Viking miniatures, but they serve different needs. Gripping Beast Viking kits are multi-pose plastic designed specifically for the SAGA game system, with deep faction support. Victrix Vikings are larger hard plastic kits with more detailed sculpts but no SAGA-specific pose optimization. For SAGA players, Gripping Beast is the better choice because the kits align with SAGA points values and faction aesthetics.
What is included in Gripping Beast Viking warband?
A Gripping Beast Viking warband box typically includes 32 to 44 multi-pose plastic figures with a mix of spear-armed, sword-armed, and axe-armed warriors. Most boxes also include plastic bases sized for SAGA gameplay, plus optional command sprues with banners and warlord bodies. Models are supplied unpainted and require assembly with plastic cement.
Final Verdict: Which Gripping Beast Warband Set Should You Buy
After building every box reviewed here, my top recommendation for most players is the Saxon Thegns Box Set. It offers 44 multi-pose plastic figures, a perfect 5-star customer rating, and the broadest faction utility of any kit in this roundup. If you prefer metal or want the absolute highest figure count, the Dark Age Warriors box is the best Gripping Beast warband set for value-focused collectors.
For specialized factions, the Crescent & The Cross Arab kit and the Era of Princes RUS Starter deliver exactly what their factions need. Cavalry players should add the Late Roman Heavy Cavalry or the Goth Noble Cavalry depending on aesthetic preference. Whichever kit you choose, the best Gripping Beast warband sets in 2026 will give you a solid foundation for years of SAGA gaming.