Epic Warpath 2026: Beginner's Guide & Buying Tips
Epic Warpath 2026: Beginner's Guide, Best Armies & Buying Guide
Epic Warpath from Mantic Games brings massive science-fiction warfare to the tabletop using highly detailed 10mm miniatures. Instead of commanding a handful of soldiers, players direct entire companies of infantry, armoured vehicles, heavy weapons and colossal war machines across sprawling battlefields.
Designed by Alessio Cavatore and Matt Gilbert, Epic Warpath combines large-scale army building with alternating activations, tactical Orders and fast-moving battles. Its smaller miniature scale makes it possible to recreate engagements involving hundreds of troops without needing the space or hobby budget associated with similarly sized armies in larger miniature scales.
For new players, the biggest question is simple: where should you start?
Should you buy the Battle for Phrovox two-player starter, choose a faction Core Army, or invest in a larger Commander Bundle? Which of the eight factions is best for beginners, and when should you add a Super Heavy unit?
This 2026 Epic Warpath buying guide covers the rules, factions, starter sets, miniature contents, recommended purchases and army-building strategies to help you make the right first investment.
Quick buying recommendation: Choose Battle for Phrovox if you want to learn with a friend, a Core Army box if you already know your preferred faction, or a Commander Bundle if you're committed to collecting a larger army. Download the free rules through Mantic Companion before buying additional units.
What Is Epic Warpath?
Epic Warpath is a science-fiction mass-battle tabletop game set in Mantic's Warpath universe, a galaxy dominated by powerful corporations, ancient alien civilizations, mercenary armies and terrifying biological threats.
Unlike Mantic's larger-scale Warpath and Firefight miniatures, Epic Warpath uses approximately 10mm-scale figures, allowing armies to contain hundreds of models, numerous vehicles and enormous centrepiece machines.
The smaller scale creates a different experience. Infantry formations become components of a much larger military operation, while tanks, walkers and artillery play major roles in determining the outcome of a battle.
Players command armies made up of companies and units, using tactical positioning and special Orders to respond to changing battlefield conditions.
Key Features
- 10mm miniatures: field large armies without requiring enormous gaming tables.
- Alternating activations: both players remain involved throughout the battle.
- Tactical Orders: issue special instructions that can change how units perform.
- Eight playable factions: each offers different miniatures, army compositions and tactical identities.
- Massive vehicles: deploy tanks, walkers, artillery and Super Heavy war machines.
- Accessible rules: free live rules and army-building tools are available through Mantic Companion.
Epic Warpath vs Warpath and Firefight
Mantic Games produces several science-fiction miniature games within the same fictional universe, but they represent different scales of conflict.
| Game | Miniature Scale | Battle Size | Primary Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deadzone | Approximately 28–30mm | Small skirmishes | Individual fighters and tactical terrain |
| Firefight | Approximately 28–30mm | Army battles | Squads, vehicles and objectives |
| Epic Warpath | 10mm | Mass battles | Companies, formations and major war machines |
Epic Warpath is the natural choice for hobbyists who want to recreate the largest conflicts in the Warpath universe.
Its miniatures are not directly interchangeable in scale with Firefight or Deadzone models, so players should choose the game that best matches the type of battles they want to experience.
Best Epic Warpath Starter Set: Battle for Phrovox
The Battle for Phrovox Two-Player Starter Set is Mantic's main introductory product and one of the strongest starting options for newcomers.
It includes two substantial armies: the technologically advanced Enforcers and the horrifying Plague.
Each army contains more than 2,000 points of miniatures, giving players plenty of room to experiment with different force compositions.
What's Included in Battle for Phrovox?
| Contents | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Enforcer miniatures | 190+ |
| Plague miniatures | 250+ |
| Total miniatures | 440+ |
| Epic Warpath rulebook | Included |
| Bases | Included |
| Dice | Included |
| Tokens and templates | Included |
All the miniatures are produced in hard plastic, making the set particularly appealing to hobbyists who enjoy assembling and painting large forces.
Enforcer Army Contents
The Enforcer force includes:
- 72 Enforcer Operatives
- 48 Assault Operatives
- 24 Heavy Weapon Operatives
- 12 Peacekeepers
- 12 Jetbikes
- 18 Panther Tanks
- 12 Command miniatures
The Enforcers offer a balanced military force combining infantry, fast-moving units and armoured vehicles.
Plague Army Contents
The Plague force includes:
- 96 Ghouls
- 24 HMG Ghouls
- 72 Zombies
- 12 Leapers
- 12 Bursters
- 12 Mules
- 6 Striders
- 6 Artillery models
- 12 Command miniatures
The Plague provides a very different painting and gameplay experience, combining numerous infected creatures with monstrous units and corrupted machinery.
Best overall starter: Battle for Phrovox is the most convenient purchase for two new players. It provides both armies and the essential gaming components in one box, while offering enough models for substantial future expansion.
Epic Warpath Starter Options Compared
Not everyone needs a two-player starter. Mantic offers several purchasing options depending on whether you're learning with friends or building one dedicated army.
| Product | What You Get | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Battle for Phrovox | Two armies, rulebook, dice, tokens and templates | Beginners and two-player groups |
| Core Army Box | One faction's hard-plastic army | Players committed to a particular faction |
| Reinforcements Pack | Additional units and tactical options | Expanding an existing army |
| Super Heavy Unit | Large centrepiece war machine | Established collectors |
| Commander Bundle | Core Army, Reinforcements and Super Heavy | Players planning a large faction collection |
| XL Starter Bundle | Two-player starter, Super Heavies and terrain | Gaming groups building a complete setup |
The right choice depends less on which box contains the most plastic and more on how you intend to play.
All Eight Epic Warpath Factions Explained
Epic Warpath currently supports eight factions, each with its own background, miniature range and strategic identity.
| Faction | Theme | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|
| Enforcers | Elite corporate military | Balanced armies and beginners |
| Plague | Infected hordes and monsters | Players who enjoy aggressive armies |
| Forge Fathers | Advanced space dwarfs | Heavy armour and powerful vehicles |
| GCPS | Corporate human military forces | Combined-arms enthusiasts |
| Asterians | Ancient alien drone armies | Players who enjoy advanced technology |
| Marauders | Orc mercenaries | Brutal infantry and rugged vehicles |
| Nameless | Alien biological horrors | Unusual miniatures and alien tactics |
| Veer-myn | Underground rat-men | Swarming armies and improvised machines |
1. Enforcers: Best All-Round Beginner Army
The Enforcers are elite soldiers serving the Council of Seven, the secretive ruling authority behind the Galactic Co-Prosperity Sphere.
They are highly trained, well-equipped and supported by advanced technology.
Their army combines professional infantry, heavy weapons, jetbikes, Peacekeepers and Panther tanks.
This provides a balanced force with several distinct battlefield roles.
Why choose Enforcers? They are an excellent first army because they appear in Battle for Phrovox and provide an approachable introduction to infantry, vehicles and mobile units.
Recommended purchase: Battle for Phrovox or Enforcer Core Army.
2. Plague: Best for Hordes and Monstrous Units
The Plague is a terrifying biological threat capable of transforming entire populations into infected creatures.
Its armies include hordes of Zombies and Ghouls supported by mutated monsters and corrupted mechanical units.
The Plague offers one of the most visually distinctive armies in Epic Warpath, with large numbers of infantry creating the appearance of an unstoppable infected tide.
Why choose Plague? They are ideal for collectors who enjoy painting hordes and deploying large numbers of aggressive creatures.
Recommended purchase: Battle for Phrovox or Plague Core Army.
3. Forge Fathers: Best for Heavy Armour
The Forge Fathers are an ancient, technologically advanced civilization of spacefaring dwarfs.
Their armies emphasize durable infantry, advanced weaponry and powerful armoured vehicles.
The Forge Father Core Army contains more than 190 miniatures, including:
- 72 Steel Warriors
- 24 Rekkhyrs
- 24 Stormrage Veterans
- 24 Thorgarim
- 12 Forge Guard
- 6 Iron Ancestors
- 6 Hultr Halftracks
- 18 Sturnhammer Tanks
- 12 Command miniatures
For collectors who love tanks and heavily armoured soldiers, the Forge Fathers are one of the strongest thematic choices.
Recommended purchase: Forge Father Core Army, followed by Reinforcements and a Super Heavy.
4. GCPS: Best for Traditional Military Warfare
The Galactic Co-Prosperity Sphere is a vast corporate civilization in which private military forces protect commercial interests and fight wars across countless worlds.
GCPS armies feature conventional-looking futuristic soldiers, military vehicles and supporting equipment.
They are particularly appealing to hobbyists who enjoy modern military aesthetics translated into science fiction.
Why choose GCPS? Their visual identity suits players who want a combined-arms army of infantry, transports and heavy support.
Recommended purchase: GCPS Core Army.
5. Asterians: Best for Advanced Alien Technology
The Asterians are an ancient civilization whose technological sophistication far exceeds that of many younger galactic powers.
Their forces rely heavily on remotely controlled constructs and advanced machines.
The Asterian Core Army includes more than 150 plastic miniatures, featuring Marionettes, Phlogisters, Cyphers, Cypher Wardens, Sky Razors, Wraiths and advanced tanks.
These units create a visually unusual force combining sleek mechanical infantry and alien vehicles.
Why choose Asterians? They are particularly appealing to players who prefer futuristic machines, drones and precise-looking alien armies.
Recommended purchase: Asterian Core Army.
6. Marauders: Best for Aggressive Orc Warfare
The Marauders are intelligent, heavily armed orc mercenaries who sell their military services across the galaxy.
Unlike mindless raiders, they are capable professional fighters who use rugged equipment and powerful vehicles.
Their miniatures feature a distinctive industrial aesthetic, combining heavily armed infantry with improvised-looking war machines.
The Marauder Wolfcrawler Mech is an especially impressive Super Heavy, built around the idea of a repurposed industrial machine transformed into a weapon of war.
Why choose Marauders? They suit players who enjoy aggressive armies and characterful mechanical designs.
Recommended purchase: Marauder Core Army, followed by Reinforcements.
7. Nameless: Best for Alien Horror
The Nameless are among the strangest creatures in the Warpath universe.
Their forces are biologically based, featuring unusual creatures, organic transports and weapons that function through bizarre living technologies.
Their miniature designs are inspired by cosmic horror and deep-sea organisms rather than conventional science-fiction soldiers.
This gives them one of the most distinctive appearances in Epic Warpath.
Why choose Nameless? They are excellent for collectors who want something visually different from standard infantry-and-tank armies.
Recommended purchase: Nameless Core Army.
8. Veer-myn: Best for Swarms and Unusual Machines
The Veer-myn are subterranean rat-men who inhabit the hidden spaces beneath industrial colonies and spacecraft.
They combine large numbers of aggressive infantry with improvised weapons, tunnelling machines and unusual vehicles.
Their Super Heavy, the Technonest, is an enormous mobile machine assembled from industrial and military equipment.
Why choose Veer-myn? They are ideal for players who enjoy swarming forces, ramshackle technology and highly characterful miniatures.
Recommended purchase: Veer-myn Core Army.
What Is an Epic Warpath Core Army Box?
Every faction has a dedicated Core Army box designed to provide the foundation of a playable force.
These sets contain substantial numbers of hard-plastic miniatures, including infantry, commanders and faction-specific vehicles.
They are particularly useful for players who already know which faction they want to collect.
Unlike Battle for Phrovox, however, a Core Army should not be assumed to contain every accessory required for a first game. Players may still need dice, tokens and access to the rules.
Mantic Companion provides free rules access, while physical rulebooks and gaming accessories can be purchased separately.
Buying tip: if you already own compatible dice and gaming accessories, a Core Army combined with the free Mantic Companion rules may be the most economical way to start your preferred faction.
Epic Warpath Reinforcements: What Should You Buy Next?
Once you've built and played with your Core Army, Reinforcements packs provide additional unit options.
These expansions are useful because they let players develop a more specialized army rather than simply buying duplicate starter boxes.
For example, a player might add more mobile units, specialized firepower or vehicles to address weaknesses discovered during their first games.
The best Reinforcements purchase depends on your faction and preferred tactics.
Before buying, use Mantic Companion's army builder to examine the available unit options and understand how they fit into your planned force.
Super Heavy Units: The Biggest Models in Epic Warpath
One of Epic Warpath's major attractions is its range of Super Heavy units.
These enormous war machines provide visually impressive centrepieces and powerful battlefield options.
Examples include:
- Enforcer Drakon: a massive advanced Enforcer war machine.
- Plague Colossus: a terrifying biological centrepiece.
- Marauder Wolfcrawler Mech: an industrial machine rebuilt for combat.
- Veer-myn Technonest: a sprawling mobile mechanical fortress.
Super Heavies are attractive purchases because their physical size creates a dramatic contrast with the smaller infantry formations.
However, new players should generally begin with their Core Army before purchasing one.
This allows you to learn how ordinary infantry, vehicles and objectives interact before introducing the largest and most specialized units.
Is the Epic Warpath Commander Bundle Worth Buying?
Mantic offers Commander Bundles that combine several major products for one faction.
These generally include:
- 1 Core Army
- 1 Reinforcements Pack
- 1 Super Heavy Unit
The bundle provides a convenient route to a larger collection and may offer savings compared with buying the included products individually.
For committed collectors, this can be an excellent option because it provides infantry, supporting units and a major centrepiece in one purchase.
However, beginners who are still deciding whether they enjoy the game may prefer to start with a smaller investment.
Best for committed players: a Commander Bundle is a strong option if you already know your faction and expect to expand into larger battles. A Core Army is usually the more cautious first purchase for someone trying the game.
Epic Warpath XL Starter Bundle: The Complete Hobby Project
For gaming groups that want a more complete setup, Mantic also offers the Epic Warpath XL Starter Bundle.
This package combines Battle for Phrovox with additional Super Heavy units and battlefield terrain.
XL Bundle Contents
- Battle for Phrovox Two-Player Starter Set
- Plague Colossus Super Heavy
- Enforcer Drakon Super Heavy
- Two Epic Warpath terrain sets
- The Phrovox Enigma story anthology
The result is a substantial two-army collection with additional centrepiece models and enough terrain to begin creating a futuristic battlefield.
It is especially appealing to friends, clubs and gaming groups who want to establish a shared Epic Warpath collection.
Because the XL bundle is listed by Mantic as a webstore-exclusive product, Canadian buyers should check availability and shipping costs before comparing it with locally stocked starter sets.
How Does Epic Warpath Gameplay Work?
Epic Warpath emphasizes battlefield command rather than individual miniature actions.
Players organize their armies into companies and units, then make tactical decisions about movement, shooting, assault and special Orders.
Alternating Activations
Rather than one player moving an entire army before the opponent responds, Epic Warpath uses alternating activations.
This keeps both players involved and creates opportunities to react to developing threats.
Tactical Orders
The Orders system allows commanders to influence unit behaviour and respond to changing battlefield conditions.
Choosing the right moment to issue an Order is an important part of the game's strategy.
Movement and Positioning
Large-scale battles depend heavily on positioning.
Infantry, vehicles and Super Heavies all need to manoeuvre around terrain, protect objectives and establish favourable firing positions.
Shooting and Assaults
Combat uses eight-sided dice and unit statistics to resolve attacks.
Ranged firepower is important, but close combat and assaults also play a major role when armies contest key areas.
Blast Weapons
Epic Warpath includes rules for powerful blast weapons, allowing heavy equipment to threaten larger formations.
Understanding these weapons becomes especially important as armies expand to include more artillery and specialized vehicles.
How Many Points Should Beginners Start With?
Battle for Phrovox contains more than 2,000 points of miniatures for each army, but beginners do not need to field everything immediately.
For your first game, start with a smaller selection of units and concentrate on learning the basic mechanics.
A useful learning progression is:
| Stage | Recommended Approach |
|---|---|
| First game | Use a few infantry and vehicle units to learn movement and shooting. |
| Second game | Add more units and experiment with tactical Orders. |
| Third game | Introduce assaults, objectives and additional unit types. |
| Later games | Expand toward larger armies and introduce Super Heavies. |
This approach makes the game easier to learn while giving players time to paint and assemble their collections.
What Do You Need to Play Epic Warpath?
Beyond miniatures, Epic Warpath requires a few essential gaming components.
- Rules: physical rulebook or free access through Mantic Companion.
- Army lists: current faction rules and a legal army composition.
- Dice: including eight-sided dice and appropriate game-specific dice.
- Tokens: used to track battlefield effects and game information.
- Measuring tools: for movement and weapon ranges.
- Terrain: buildings, ruins and other obstacles.
- Playing surface: a suitable tabletop or gaming mat.
The Battle for Phrovox starter includes the core gaming accessories, making it a convenient option for players who own none of these components.
Epic Warpath Terrain: Building a 10mm Battlefield
Terrain is especially important in Epic Warpath because the game represents battles involving large formations and numerous vehicles.
A well-designed battlefield should include a mixture of:
- Industrial buildings and factories
- Ruined city blocks
- Roads and vehicle routes
- Hills and elevated firing positions
- Defensive barriers and obstacles
- Open areas suitable for armoured manoeuvres
Players should use terrain designed for approximately 10mm miniatures rather than assuming that buildings from 28mm games will fit the scale.
For a first battlefield, a few buildings, obstacles and natural terrain pieces are enough to create meaningful tactical decisions.
Mantic's XL Starter Bundle includes two terrain sets, providing a convenient way to begin building a small futuristic city.
Painting Epic Warpath Miniatures: Is 10mm Easier?
Painting 10mm miniatures is different from painting larger 28–32mm figures.
The smaller scale means individual facial details and equipment are less prominent, while colour contrast and consistent army schemes become more important.
For beginners, this can make large armies surprisingly approachable.
Recommended Painting Method
- Prime miniatures in a colour suited to your faction.
- Apply the main armour or uniform colour across each formation.
- Use washes or contrast-style paints to emphasize details.
- Highlight weapons, helmets and major armour features.
- Paint vehicle panels and larger mechanical components separately.
- Use consistent basing to unify the army.
For Plague and Veer-myn armies, organic colours, grime and weathering can create a strong appearance without requiring highly detailed individual painting.
For Enforcers and Asterians, clean armour colours and strong highlights help the smaller models remain recognizable on the tabletop.
Explore miniature paints, hobby supplies and basing materials at TistaMinis.
Five Common Epic Warpath Buying Mistakes
1. Buying a Super Heavy Before Learning the Game
Super Heavies are impressive, but they are not necessary for learning the basic rules.
Start with ordinary infantry and vehicles before adding the largest war machines.
2. Choosing a Faction Only for Its Model Count
A box containing more miniatures is not automatically better value for every player.
Consider the faction's appearance, battlefield identity and how much you enjoy painting its models.
3. Forgetting the Rules and Accessories
Core Army boxes focus on miniatures. If you don't purchase Battle for Phrovox, check which dice, tokens and other accessories you still need.
4. Buying the Wrong Terrain Scale
Epic Warpath uses 10mm miniatures, so conventional 28mm buildings will look enormous beside its infantry and vehicles.
5. Expanding Without an Army Plan
Before purchasing Reinforcements, use Mantic Companion's army builder to check your available unit options and plan a balanced force.
Our Recommended Epic Warpath Buying Paths
| Player Type | First Purchase | Next Purchase |
|---|---|---|
| Two friends learning together | Battle for Phrovox | Terrain or faction Reinforcements |
| Solo collector | Preferred faction Core Army | Rules accessories and Reinforcements |
| Tank enthusiast | Forge Father or GCPS Core Army | Vehicle-focused Reinforcements |
| Horde collector | Plague or Veer-myn Core Army | Additional units and Super Heavy |
| Alien army collector | Asterian or Nameless Core Army | Reinforcements |
| Committed large-army player | Commander Bundle | Terrain and specialist units |
| Gaming club | Battle for Phrovox or XL Bundle | Additional faction Core Armies |
Is Epic Warpath Worth Playing in 2026?
Epic Warpath offers a distinctive alternative to larger-scale science-fiction wargames.
Its greatest attraction is the ability to field impressive armies containing hundreds of miniatures, numerous armoured vehicles and enormous war machines.
The hard-plastic miniature range makes it appealing to hobbyists who enjoy building large collections, while the alternating activation and Orders systems provide tactical depth.
By 2026, Mantic has expanded the game to eight factions and introduced a wide range of Core Armies, Reinforcements and Super Heavy units.
The company also maintains free live rules and army-building tools through Mantic Companion, with FAQ and errata support published in July 2026.
For players who enjoy large-scale battles, combined-arms warfare and the spectacle of entire futuristic armies advancing across a battlefield, Epic Warpath is well worth considering.
Explore Epic Warpath at TistaMinis
TistaMinis offers miniature wargaming products, paints, terrain and hobby supplies for Canadian collectors.
When starting an Epic Warpath collection, look for:
- Battle for Phrovox Two-Player Starter Set
- Enforcer and Plague Core Armies
- Forge Father, GCPS and Asterian Core Armies
- Marauder, Nameless and Veer-myn Core Armies
- Faction Reinforcements
- Super Heavy war machines
- Epic Warpath rules and accessories
- 10mm-compatible battlefield terrain
Browse Epic Warpath products at TistaMinis to check current Canadian listings and availability.
For rules, tutorials and army building, visit Mantic Companion's Epic Warpath guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What scale is Epic Warpath?
Epic Warpath uses approximately 10mm-scale miniatures, allowing players to field large formations, tanks and Super Heavy units on a tabletop.
Is Epic Warpath beginner-friendly?
Yes. The rules are designed to be approachable, and Mantic provides a two-player starter set, free rules access and instructional videos.
What is the best Epic Warpath starter set?
Battle for Phrovox is the best all-round choice for two beginners because it includes two armies, rules, dice and gaming accessories.
How many factions are available?
Eight factions are supported: Enforcers, Plague, Forge Fathers, GCPS, Asterians, Marauders, Nameless and Veer-myn.
Are Epic Warpath rules free?
Yes. Mantic Companion provides free access to the live Epic Warpath rules and army-building tools. Physical rulebooks and other products are also available.
Can I play Epic Warpath without a Super Heavy?
Yes. Super Heavy units are optional army additions rather than a requirement for learning the game.
How many miniatures are in Battle for Phrovox?
The starter contains more than 440 hard-plastic miniatures, including over 190 Enforcers and over 250 Plague models.
Can I use Firefight miniatures in Epic Warpath?
The games use different miniature scales. Firefight uses larger models, while Epic Warpath uses approximately 10mm miniatures, so they are not directly interchangeable as a matching-scale collection.
What should I buy after a Core Army?
A Reinforcements Pack is usually the most practical next purchase. A Super Heavy is an excellent later addition once you understand your faction and preferred playstyle.
Where can I buy Epic Warpath in Canada?
Check TistaMinis for Epic Warpath product listings and Canadian availability. You can also visit Mantic Games for official rules, product information and army-building resources.
Final Verdict: The Best Way to Start Epic Warpath
Epic Warpath is an excellent choice for players who want the spectacle of enormous science-fiction battles without collecting full-sized armies containing hundreds of individually based figures.
Its 10mm hard-plastic miniatures make it possible to build impressive formations of infantry, vehicles and colossal war machines, while the alternating activation and tactical Orders systems reward careful battlefield decisions.
For beginners, Battle for Phrovox remains our top recommendation. It includes two large armies and the essential components needed to begin playing, making it particularly attractive for friends or gaming groups.
Players who already know their preferred faction should consider a Core Army instead. From there, Reinforcements provide additional tactical options, while Super Heavy units introduce spectacular centrepiece models.
With eight factions, free rules support and an expanding miniature range, Epic Warpath provides plenty of room for collectors to develop their armies over time.
Explore Epic Warpath at TistaMinis and begin building your own army for the battlefields of the Warpath universe.