Kings of War 4th Edition: Which Army Should You Collect?

Kings of War 4th Edition offers one of the broadest selections of fantasy armies in tabletop gaming. Players can command disciplined Basileans, endless Undead hordes, brutal Orcs, elite Elves, nightmare creatures, elemental forces, ancient desert legions, or the newly arrived Xirkaali Empire.

Every army uses the same streamlined rank-and-flank rules, but they approach the battlefield very differently. Some rely on durable infantry blocks, some overwhelm opponents with numbers, and others win through cavalry, monsters, ranged attacks, magic, or rapid flanking units.

The best Kings of War army to collect depends on more than competitive power. New players should also consider model availability, painting workload, unit count, battlefield role, starter products, and whether the army supports several different list styles.

This buyer’s guide compares the major Kings of War armies in 4th Edition, ranks the strongest starting choices, and explains which faction best matches your preferred playstyle and hobby goals.

Important: Kings of War receives updated army options, Command Orders, points adjustments, FAQs, and expansion books. Always check the current Mantic Companion and official errata before finalizing a tournament army.

Browse army boxes, battalions, monsters, heroes, rulebooks, and other Kings of War products at Tistaminis.

---

Quick Summary

• Best Overall Army for Beginners: Ogres
• Best Starter-Set Army: Xirkaali Empire
• Best Defensive Army: Dwarfs
• Best Horde Army: Undead
• Best Fast Army: Elves
• Best Monster Army: Nightstalkers
• Best Cavalry Army: Basileans
• Best Shooting Army: Dwarfs or Elves
• Best Aggressive Melee Army: Orcs
• Best Flexible Army: Northern Alliance
• Best Low-Model-Count Army: Ogres
• Best High-Model-Count Army: Goblins or Ratkin
• Best Beginner Two-Player Product: Claws in the Sand
• Best Army for Creative Multibasing: Empire of Dust or Forces of Nature
• Best New 4th Edition Faction: Xirkaali Empire

---

Best Kings of War Armies for New Players Ranked

Rank	Army	Main Style	Beginner Rating
1	Ogres	Low model count and powerful units	Excellent
2	Xirkaali Empire	Disciplined infantry and combined arms	Excellent
3	Undead	Resilient hordes and necromancy	Excellent
4	Dwarfs	Durable infantry and shooting	Very Good
5	Northern Alliance	Flexible troops, monsters, and ice magic	Very Good
6	Basileans	Armoured troops, cavalry, and angels	Very Good
7	Orcs	Direct melee pressure	Very Good
8	Trident Realm	Regeneration, movement, and aquatic monsters	Good
9	Nightstalkers	Monsters, speed, and disruption	Good
10	Elves	Elite speed and precision	Moderate–Good
11	Empire of Dust	Slow undead blocks and desert monsters	Moderate–Good
12	Salamanders	Tough infantry, dinosaurs, and fire	Moderate–Good
13	Halflings	Combined arms, technology, and unusual units	Moderate
14	Forces of Nature	Elementals, beasts, and themed builds	Moderate
15	Forces of the Abyss	Regeneration, demons, and aggressive magic	Moderate
16	Twilight Kin	Elite control and dimensional monsters	Moderate
17	Abyssal Dwarfs	Armour, artillery, slaves, and monsters	Moderate
18	Goblins	Numbers, war machines, and expendable units	Moderate
19	Ratkin	Large hordes, speed, and unstable technology	Moderate
20	Kingdoms of Men	Open-ended historical fantasy army	Variable

The ranking emphasizes accessibility and collecting rather than competitive tier placement. The best army is ultimately the one whose models and battlefield identity make you want to assemble, paint, and play it.

---

1. Ogres – Best Overall Army for Beginners

Ogres are the easiest army to recommend to a new Kings of War player. Their units contain fewer, larger models, reducing the time required to assemble and paint a complete force.

On the battlefield, Ogres combine durability, speed, ranged support, powerful melee attacks, and enough unit variety to build several distinct armies.

How Ogres Play

• Use compact units with high damage output.
• Apply pressure with large infantry and chariots.
• Support the advance with shooters and war machines.
• Control objectives with high Unit Strength.
• Use Red Goblins for inexpensive support.
• Field impressive monsters and Mammoths.

Why Ogres Are Beginner Friendly

• Low miniature count
• Large models are easier to handle and paint.
• Units have clearly defined roles.
• The army can survive some positioning mistakes.
• Strong melee attacks provide immediate results.
• Army boxes create a clear collecting path.

Possible Challenges

• Each unit represents a meaningful portion of the army.
• Being flanked can remove an expensive unit quickly.
• A small number of units can make objective coverage difficult.
• Players must avoid sending units forward without support.

Who Should Collect Ogres?

Choose Ogres when you want an army that is fast to collect, comparatively quick to paint, visually impressive, and straightforward without being tactically limited.

Verdict: The best first army for most players and one of the easiest routes to a completed tournament-sized collection.

---

2. Xirkaali Empire – Best New 4th Edition Army

The Xirkaali Empire is one of the major new forces introduced with Kings of War 4th Edition. Its disciplined warriors, martial specialists, cavalry, monsters, and eastern-inspired aesthetic provide a distinctive alternative to traditional human fantasy armies.

Xirkaali are also one half of the Claws in the Sand two-player starter, giving new players a structured entry point.

How Xirkaali Play

• Build disciplined infantry formations.
• Use specialized units to support the battle line.
• Apply pressure with cavalry and monsters.
• Coordinate Commands and character abilities.
• Use mobility without sacrificing formation strength.
• Combine conventional troops with mythological creatures.

Why Xirkaali Are Beginner Friendly

• Available in the current starter set
• Modern miniature range
• Balanced selection of unit types
• Clear expansion path through battalions and additional units
• Strong thematic identity
• Suitable for both defensive and aggressive lists

Possible Challenges

• Some specialist units reward precise positioning.
• Command interactions add another layer of decisions.
• The range is newer and may have fewer second-hand options.
• Players may need the Invasion expansion for the complete army presentation.

Verdict: The best choice for someone who wants a modern 4th Edition army and a direct path from the starter set to a complete collection.

---

3. Undead – Best Horde Army

Undead are one of Kings of War’s most forgiving and expandable armies. Skeletons, Zombies, Revenants, Wights, Werewolves, cavalry, necromancers, and enormous undead creatures provide enough variety for several completely different army builds.

How Undead Play

• Use large resilient infantry blocks.
• Recover damage through Lifeleech and healing.
• Support Shambling units with Surge.
• Hold objectives with inexpensive regiments and hordes.
• Use Werewolves and cavalry for speed.
• Combine expendable troops with elite undead units.

Why Undead Are Beginner Friendly

• High Nerve makes many units difficult to remove.
• The army has numerous collecting options.
• Simple painting methods work extremely well.
• Shambling units provide predictable movement.
• Cheap units allow mistakes without losing the entire army.
• The collection can expand in several directions.

Possible Challenges

• Shambling units cannot normally move At the Double.
• Surge requires careful positioning.
• A true horde can require many miniatures.
• Slow armies can struggle when objectives are widely separated.

Verdict: The best faction for players who want an enormous, resilient army and a collection that can grow for years.

---

4. Dwarfs – Best Defensive Army

Dwarfs combine excellent Defence, dependable Nerve, powerful war machines, and heavily equipped infantry. They are ideal for players who want to build a stable battle line and force the opponent to approach.

How Dwarfs Play

• Anchor the battlefield with durable infantry.
• Use artillery and ranged units to pressure the enemy.
• Protect flanks with specialist troops.
• Control objectives through resilience.
• Advance carefully rather than racing forward.
• Use characters and Commands to improve formation efficiency.

Why Dwarfs Are Good for Beginners

• High Defence is forgiving.
• Units have recognizable battlefield roles.
• The army is relatively easy to paint consistently.
• Strong shooting forces opponents to engage.
• Infantry blocks provide a stable learning platform.
• The army has a classic fantasy identity.

Possible Challenges

• Low Speed makes deployment extremely important.
• Fast opponents can avoid or flank the main battle line.
• War machines can encourage overly passive play.
• A slow start may make late objective grabs difficult.

Verdict: The best starting army for players who value armour, artillery, and holding ground.

---

5. Northern Alliance – Best Flexible Army

Northern Alliance combines human clans, Naiads, Dwarfs, Snow Trolls, Frostfang cavalry, ice elementals, and enormous northern monsters. The range supports infantry, cavalry, monster-heavy, and mixed lists.

How Northern Alliance Play

• Use terrain and Frozen-themed abilities.
• Mix durable infantry with fast cavalry.
• Deploy Snow Trolls and monsters as heavy threats.
• Build balanced or highly specialized armies.
• Pressure several areas of the battlefield.
• Use varied unit types to answer different opponents.

Why Northern Alliance Are Beginner Friendly

• Broad model range
• Several viable playstyles
• Durable options available
• Strong cavalry and monster choices
• Visually varied collection
• Army sets provide an efficient foundation

Possible Challenges

• The number of unit choices can be overwhelming.
• Mixed unit types may require different paint schemes.
• Specialized lists need more experience to balance.
• Players can purchase too many unrelated units before choosing a plan.

Verdict: The best option for players who do not yet know whether they prefer infantry, cavalry, or monsters.

---

6. Basileans – Best Cavalry and Angelic Army

Basileans are a heavily armoured human civilization supported by Paladins, knights, priests, war engines, and angelic Elohi.

The army is attractive to players who want a traditional heroic fantasy force with enough supernatural support to remain unique.

How Basileans Play

• Advance with armoured infantry.
• Use Paladin cavalry for decisive charges.
• Deploy Elohi as mobile flying threats.
• Support units with healing and Inspiring characters.
• Use Commands to reposition or strengthen key formations.
• Build durable combined-arms armies.

Why Basileans Are Good for Beginners

• Clear heroic visual theme
• Durable primary units
• Strong cavalry provides an obvious attacking tool.
• Healing can recover from moderate damage.
• Multiple starter and battalion options
• Good mix of infantry, cavalry, and flyers

Possible Challenges

• Elite units can become expensive.
• Flying troops require careful placement.
• A failed cavalry charge can leave valuable units exposed.
• Players must balance elite troops with enough units to score.

Verdict: The best faction for players who want shining knights, religious warriors, and angels.

---

7. Orcs – Best Aggressive Melee Army

Orcs are designed to close the distance and hit hard. Their infantry, cavalry, chariots, trolls, and monsters reward direct aggression and coordinated charges.

How Orcs Play

• Advance quickly toward the enemy.
• Use high Crushing Strength in melee.
• Coordinate several charges into important targets.
• Pressure objectives with durable units.
• Use cavalry and chariots to threaten flanks.
• Force opponents to react to the approaching battle line.

Why Orcs Are Beginner Friendly

• The main plan is easy to understand.
• Units are durable enough to reach combat.
• Strong melee attacks are immediately rewarding.
• The army has several large and impressive models.
• Painting can be fast and expressive.
• Army boxes provide many core troops.

Possible Challenges

• Limited shooting can make some opponents difficult to approach.
• Charging without support can waste a strong unit.
• Terrain can disrupt a broad advance.
• Orcs must still play objectives rather than simply chase combat.

Verdict: The best army for players who want to move forward, charge, and resolve battles in melee.

---

8. Trident Realm – Best Starter Army for Regeneration

Trident Realm is the second army included in Claws in the Sand. It fields Naiads, Riverguard, Thuul, aquatic cavalry, water elementals, and enormous sea creatures.

How Trident Realm Play

• Recover damage through Regeneration.
• Use mobile aquatic units to control flanks.
• Disrupt enemy formations.
• Field unusual monsters and amphibious troops.
• Win through resilience and movement.
• Use varied Defence values and specialist units.

Why Trident Realm Are Good for Beginners

• Included in the current starter set
• Regeneration can repair early damage.
• Distinctive and visually memorable models
• Good mixture of infantry, flyers, cavalry, and monsters
• Easy to expand from the starter force
• Strong multibasing opportunities

Possible Challenges

• Some units are more specialized than they first appear.
• Regeneration is helpful but unreliable.
• The army may not win through straightforward frontal combat.
• Different creature types create a varied painting project.

Verdict: An excellent first army for players who want an unusual faction with regeneration and strong movement options.

---

9. Nightstalkers – Best Monster Army

Nightstalkers are nightmare creatures from another dimension. Their range contains Scarecrows, Butchers, Reapers, Phantoms, Fiends, Shadowhounds, and enormous horrors.

How Nightstalkers Play

• Use Stealthy and other defensive tools against shooting.
• Attack with fast and frightening units.
• Field numerous monsters and large infantry.
• Disrupt enemy plans through unusual abilities.
• Pressure flanks and exposed support units.
• Create armies ranging from hordes to elite monster collections.

Why Nightstalkers Appeal to New Players

• Strong visual identity
• Flexible painting possibilities
• Excellent monster selection
• Protection against ranged attacks
• Several viable army styles
• Units can be multibased as miniature horror scenes.

Possible Challenges

• Some units rely on speed rather than armour.
• The range contains many specialized profiles.
• Aggressive positioning can expose vulnerable units.
• New players may struggle to choose between horde and monster builds.

Verdict: The best choice for horror fans and players who want a highly creative monster collection.

---

10. Elves – Best Fast Elite Army

Elves rely on speed, accuracy, cavalry, archery, and elite troops. Their units are powerful but usually less forgiving than Dwarfs, Undead, or Ogres.

How Elves Play

• Use speed to select favourable engagements.
• Pressure opponents with accurate shooting.
• Deliver powerful cavalry charges.
• Avoid direct battles of attrition.
• Use elite units efficiently.
• Control flanks and open terrain.

Why New Players May Choose Elves

• Classic fantasy appearance
• Strong cavalry and archers
• Lower model count than some horde armies
• Excellent movement teaches positioning
• Several elite and magical options
• Capable of playing at multiple ranges

Why Elves Are More Difficult

• Elite units are expensive.
• Losing one regiment can be a major setback.
• The army depends on correct charge distances and angles.
• Units may not survive prolonged frontal combat.
• Successful play requires understanding threat ranges.

Verdict: A rewarding first army for experienced wargamers, but less forgiving for someone completely new to rank-and-flank games.

---

11. Empire of Dust – Best Ancient Undead Army

Empire of Dust combines skeletal legions, mummies, animated statues, chariots, giant scorpions, and ancient desert magic.

How Empire of Dust Play

• Advance with durable Shambling formations.
• Use Surge to create unexpected charges.
• Heal damage and maintain the battle line.
• Support infantry with chariots and constructs.
• Control central objectives.
• Wear opponents down through resilience.

Why Collect Empire of Dust?

• Strong ancient desert theme
• Excellent multibasing opportunities
• Durable units
• Simple bone-and-stone painting methods
• Impressive monsters and constructs
• Distinct alternative to conventional Undead

Possible Challenges

• Much of the army is slow.
• Surge requires practice.
• Players need to plan movement several turns ahead.
• Widely spread objectives can be difficult to cover.

Verdict: An excellent thematic project for players who prefer slow, resilient armies and ancient constructs.

---

12. Salamanders – Best Dinosaur Army

Salamanders are reptilian warriors supported by fire magic, Ghekkotah scouts, Kaisenor cavalry, Ancients, and enormous dinosaurs.

How Salamanders Play

• Use tough infantry to control the centre.
• Apply pressure with monsters and dinosaurs.
• Use fire-based ranged attacks.
• Deploy Ghekkotah for speed and utility.
• Combine resilience with strong melee attacks.
• Build infantry-heavy or monster-heavy forces.

Why New Players May Choose Salamanders

• Durable main units
• Excellent monster selection
• Strong visual theme
• Relatively straightforward combat roles
• Digital and print-on-demand support
• Bright colours can create a striking army.

Possible Challenges

• Some models may use print-on-demand or digital distribution.
• A mixed army can contain many textures and painting techniques.
• Monster-heavy lists may have low unit count.
• Availability can differ from traditional plastic ranges.

Verdict: The best army for players who want reptilian warriors, dinosaurs, and fire.

---

Other Kings of War Armies to Consider

Halflings

Halflings combine infantry, cavalry, rifles, trolls, flying machines, and unusual technology. They are flexible and characterful but require balancing several specialized unit types.

Forces of Nature

Forces of Nature can be built around Elementals, beasts, Forest Shamblers, Centaurs, or a mixed natural host. The flexibility is excellent for experienced collectors but can make the first purchase less obvious.

Forces of the Abyss

Forces of the Abyss field demons, Lower Abyssals, Tortured Souls, fire magic, and regenerative units. They reward aggressive play but contain several rules and synergies that require careful sequencing.

Twilight Kin

Twilight Kin combine corrupted Elves, Corsairs, assassins, and dimensional horrors. They support elite control strategies but punish poor positioning.

Abyssal Dwarfs

Abyssal Dwarfs combine tough infantry, artillery, slave troops, cavalry, grotesque constructs, and destructive magic. The army is powerful and flexible but includes very different unit types.

Goblins

Goblins use cheap regiments, war machines, Trolls, cavalry, chariots, and expendable units. They offer tremendous humour and variety but often require a large collection.

Ratkin

Ratkin field enormous infantry hordes, tunnel fighters, monsters, mutant troops, and unstable technology. They reward coordination and board coverage but have a high painting workload.

Kingdoms of Men

Kingdoms of Men provide an open framework for historical or fantasy human collections. They are ideal for players who already own suitable miniatures, although there is no single standardized visual range or collecting path.

---

Best Army by Playstyle

Preferred Playstyle	Recommended Army
Low model count	Ogres
Defensive infantry	Dwarfs
Large hordes	Undead, Goblins, or Ratkin
Fast elite units	Elves
Aggressive melee	Orcs
Heavy cavalry	Basileans
Monsters and horror	Nightstalkers
Dinosaurs	Salamanders
Combined arms	Xirkaali or Halflings
Healing and regeneration	Undead or Trident Realm
Elementals and nature	Forces of Nature
Open-ended historical fantasy	Kingdoms of Men

---

Which Army Is Easiest to Paint?

Ogres

Ogres use fewer, larger figures. Each miniature takes longer individually, but a complete army contains far fewer models than a Goblin or Ratkin horde.

Undead

Skeletons and Zombies respond well to primers, drybrushing, washes, and weathering. Minor imperfections improve the decayed appearance.

Dwarfs

Repeated armour, beards, shields, and uniforms make it easy to establish a consistent production-line paint scheme.

Empire of Dust

Bone, bronze, stone, sand, and turquoise can produce a complete-looking army with a small colour palette.

Nightstalkers

Nightmare creatures allow unusual colours, airbrushing, contrast paints, and fast organic effects without requiring uniform precision.

---

Which Army Requires the Most Painting?

Goblins, Ratkin, Undead horde builds, and infantry-heavy Forces of the Abyss can require many miniatures. Kings of War’s multibasing system reduces this burden because a unit does not always require the maximum possible number of individual figures.

Ways to Reduce the Painting Workload

• Use multibases with scenic elements.
• Choose regiments and hordes with fewer well-positioned miniatures.
• Use contrast-style paints and washes.
• Paint units in batches.
• Alternate infantry units with monsters and cavalry.
• Begin with Ambush-sized games before building a full army.

---

What Is Multibasing?

Kings of War units normally move on a single unit base rather than moving every miniature separately. Players can permanently attach the models to that base and create a small battlefield diorama.

Advantages of Multibasing

• Faster movement during games
• Fewer individual models required in some units
• Greater modelling freedom
• Improved army presentation
• Easier transportation
• Opportunities for ruins, trees, water, statues, and casualties

The unit’s footprint must remain correct, but the exact internal arrangement can be highly creative.

---

Best Starter Set: Claws in the Sand

Claws in the Sand is the primary Kings of War 4th Edition two-player starter. It contains opposing Xirkaali Empire and Trident Realm forces plus the core starter rules.

Why It Is a Strong Starting Product

• Two balanced forces
• Supports two players from one box
• Includes current 4th Edition starter rules
• Both armies have expansion paths.
• Introduces infantry, large units, and battlefield movement.
• Provides two visually different painting projects.

Choose the Xirkaali Empire When:

• You prefer disciplined formations.
• You want a new 4th Edition faction.
• You enjoy martial warriors and mythological creatures.
• You want a balanced combined-arms collection.

Choose the Trident Realm When:

• You prefer aquatic creatures.
• You enjoy regeneration and mobility.
• You want unusual monsters and scenic water bases.
• You prefer a less conventional fantasy faction.

---

Should You Start with an Army Box or Battalion?

Product	Best For	Main Advantage
Two-Player Starter	Two beginners	Rules and two opposing forces
Ambush Starter	Learning with a smaller force	Lower painting and rules commitment
Battalion	Building a one-player collection	Strong core of infantry and support
Mega Army	Committed collectors	Large number of models and strong bundle value
Individual Units	Targeted expansion	Buy only the units needed for a planned list

A new player should normally begin with a starter or battalion. Mega Armies provide excellent value but can create a large painting backlog before the player understands which units they enjoy using.

---

How Many Points Should a New Player Collect?

Small Learning Games

Begin with an Ambush-sized force or the contents of a starter. These games teach movement, charges, Nerve, terrain, and objectives without requiring a complete collection.

Intermediate Army

Expand toward approximately 1,000–1,500 points once the basic rules are familiar. This size introduces more unit roles while remaining manageable.

Full Army

Many standard events use army sizes around 2,000 points or higher, depending on the region and event pack. Check local tournaments before building to one exact total.

Slow-Grow Approach

1. Starter or Ambush force
2. Core infantry unit
3. Hero with Inspiring
4. Fast cavalry or flying unit
5. Monster or heavy support unit
6. Additional objective-holding regiment

---

How to Choose Your First Army

Choose by Visual Theme

You will spend more time assembling and painting the army than reading a temporary competitive ranking. Select models you genuinely want to own.

Choose by Model Count

Ogres and monster-heavy armies are quicker to complete. Goblins, Ratkin, and horde armies offer a grand spectacle but require more hobby time.

Choose by Speed

Dwarfs and Empire of Dust reward advance planning. Elves, Northern Alliance, and fast Trident Realm builds can reposition more easily.

Choose by Durability

Dwarfs, Undead, Ogres, and Basileans are generally more forgiving than fragile elite armies.

Choose by Local Availability

An army with starter boxes, battalions, and individual expansions is easier to grow than one relying heavily on used, digital, or print-on-demand models.

Choose by Local Community

Ask which point levels and formats are commonly played at your local store. A gradual escalation league can influence which product is the most practical first purchase.

---

Recommended Beginner Buying Plans

Fastest Army to Complete

1. Start with an Ogre Battalion or Army Box.
2. Add a commander with Inspiring.
3. Add one ranged unit.
4. Add a monster or Mammoth.
5. Expand with Red Goblin support.

Two Friends Starting Together

1. Purchase Claws in the Sand.
2. Divide the Xirkaali and Trident Realm forces.
3. Download the free starter rules.
4. Play several small games.
5. Add the matching Battalion for each army.

Classic Fantasy Army

1. Choose Dwarfs, Elves, Orcs, Undead, or Basileans.
2. Purchase a Battalion or starter force.
3. Add a hero with Inspiring.
4. Add one fast unit.
5. Add one monster, war engine, or elite regiment.

Monster-Focused Army

1. Choose Nightstalkers, Salamanders, Northern Alliance, or Forces of Nature.
2. Begin with enough infantry to unlock support choices.
3. Add one monster at a time.
4. Maintain enough Unit Strength for scenarios.
5. Avoid spending the entire army allowance on centrepieces.

---

Common Buying Mistakes

Choosing Only by Tournament Results

Points and army rules can change. The army’s appearance and general style provide more lasting value than one season’s competitive ranking.

Buying a Mega Army Immediately

Large bundles provide excellent value, but they can create an intimidating painting backlog. Start smaller unless you already know the game.

Ignoring Unit Strength

Monsters and heroes are exciting, but scenario play requires enough scoring units to control objectives.

Building Only for Damage

A strong army needs speed, Inspiring, objective holders, chaff, and ways to protect its flanks—not only powerful combat units.

Forgetting Inspiring

Units outside an Inspiring character’s range are more vulnerable to poor Nerve results. Include dependable leadership.

Using Too Many War Machines

Artillery can support the army, but excessive war machines reduce movement and scenario presence.

Ignoring Base Sizes

Kings of War uses defined unit footprints. Confirm the correct base dimensions before constructing permanent multibases.

Using Outdated Army Lists

Check the current Mantic Companion, expansion books, FAQs, and errata before purchasing models for one specific list.

---

Buying Tips

• Choose Ogres when you want the easiest army to complete.
• Choose Xirkaali or Trident Realm when starting with Claws in the Sand.
• Choose Undead for resilience and long-term variety.
• Choose Dwarfs for armour and shooting.
• Choose Orcs for direct melee aggression.
• Choose Elves for speed and precision.
• Choose Nightstalkers for monsters and creative painting.
• Choose Northern Alliance when you want several playstyles.
• Begin with a starter or Battalion before purchasing a Mega Army.
• Use multibasing to reduce model count and create scenic units.
• Include Inspiring and enough Unit Strength in every collection plan.
• Check the current Mantic Companion before buying for a tournament list.
• Expand toward larger games gradually.
• Prioritize models you will enjoy painting and owning.

Browse starter sets, battalions, army boxes, heroes, monsters, and other Kings of War products at Tistaminis.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

---

Final Thoughts

The best Kings of War army to collect depends on how much you want to paint, how aggressively you want to play, and which fantasy theme appeals to you most.

Ogres are the strongest overall recommendation for beginners because they require relatively few models and remain tactically flexible. Xirkaali Empire and Trident Realm provide the easiest direct entry through Claws in the Sand, while Undead and Dwarfs offer durable armies that forgive some early mistakes.

Northern Alliance is the best choice for players who want access to infantry, cavalry, monsters, and several different list styles. Basileans provide knights and angels, Orcs deliver direct melee pressure, Nightstalkers support monster-heavy horror armies, and Elves reward speed and precise positioning.

Players focused on the hobby side should also consider the opportunities created by multibasing. Empire of Dust ruins, Trident Realm water features, Forces of Nature forests, and Nightstalker nightmare landscapes can turn each regiment into a miniature diorama.

Begin with a starter, Battalion, or Ambush-sized force. Play several smaller games before committing to a full tournament army, and expand with units that solve a clear battlefield role.

Browse the latest Kings of War products at Tistaminis and choose the army that best matches your playstyle.

```