Leviathans: The Great War 2026 Beginner's Guide – Starter Box, Fleets & Best Expansions

Imagine a First World War where enormous armoured battleships soar through the clouds instead of sailing across the ocean. These flying fortresses exchange devastating broadsides, launch torpedoes and manoeuvre above the battlefields of Europe. This is the world of Leviathans: The Great War, the alternate-history aerial combat miniatures game from Catalyst Game Labs.

With the new edition arriving at retail in September 2026, Leviathans offers tabletop gamers an exciting combination of steampunk aesthetics, tactical airship combat and beautifully detailed pre-painted miniatures.

For players familiar with BattleTech, Dystopian Wars or historical naval wargaming, Leviathans provides a different kind of tactical experience: one where positioning, weapon arcs, damage management and carefully timed attacks determine which fleet controls the skies.

But where should you start? Is the new Leviathans Starter Box worth buying? Should you collect the French or German fleet? And which battleships, cruisers and accessories make the best first expansions?

In this Leviathans: The Great War 2026 buyer's guide, we'll explore the starter set, explain the game mechanics, introduce the major fleets and recommend the best way to build your first aerial navy.

Explore Leviathans miniatures and accessories at TistaMinis to check available Catalyst Game Labs products in Canada.

What Is Leviathans: The Great War?

Leviathans is a tactical miniatures game from Catalyst Game Labs, the publisher behind BattleTech and Shadowrun.

The setting imagines an alternate history in which technological breakthroughs have allowed enormous armoured warships to take flight.

Rather than fighting exclusively on the oceans, the world's great powers deploy aerial fleets consisting of destroyers, cruisers and massive battleships.

The game combines the appearance of early twentieth-century naval warfare with science-fiction technology and the political rivalries of the Great War era.

What Makes Leviathans Different?

• Flying battleships: command enormous armoured airships inspired by early twentieth-century naval designs.
• Pre-painted miniatures: begin playing without assembling and painting an entire fleet.
• Hex-based movement: manoeuvre across a battlefield map using positioning and facing.
• Colour-coded dice: resolve combat using a distinctive modular dice system.
• Dry-erase ship cards: track damage and ship systems during battle.
• Multiple ship classes: use destroyers, cruisers and battleships with different battlefield roles.
• Fleet expansion: add new vessels, commanders and specialized ship configurations.

For beginners, one of Leviathans' greatest advantages is that the models arrive ready to use.

This makes it particularly attractive to players who enjoy tactical tabletop games but don't necessarily want to spend weeks assembling and painting miniatures before their first battle.

What's New in Leviathans in 2026?

Leviathans originally appeared as a tabletop game years before the current release, but Catalyst Game Labs has now brought the setting back with Leviathans: The Great War.

The updated game advances the setting into the Great War era while introducing additional ships, factions and gameplay options.

Following convention appearances earlier in 2026, the new product range officially reached retail in September.

The launch includes:

• Leviathans: The Great War Starter Box.
• Leviathans: The Great War Core Rulebook.
• French Fleet Box.
• German Fleet Box.
• Individual battleship and cruiser packs.
• Additional battlefield maps.
• Specialized gaming accessories.

Further fleet releases are planned, expanding the game's selection of national air navies.

Best Leviathans Starter Set: The Great War Starter Box

The Leviathans: The Great War Starter Box is the best purchase for players who are completely new to the game.

Unlike many miniature wargame starters, it includes fully assembled and pre-painted ships.

That means you can move from opening the box to learning the rules without requiring plastic cement, primer or paint.

What's Included in the Leviathans Starter Box?

The four ships represent two opposing fleets, allowing players to begin with a manageable two-versus-two aerial engagement.

Why Is the Starter Box Worth Buying?

For beginners, the starter provides three major advantages.

First, it includes everything required for introductory games. You don't need to purchase separate dice, ship cards or maps before learning the rules.

Second, the miniatures are ready to play. This removes the assembly and painting barrier associated with many tabletop miniature games.

Third, the two opposing fleets allow you to try different ships. You can experiment with French and German vessels before deciding which nation to collect.

Our verdict: the Leviathans Starter Box is the clear first purchase for anyone who doesn't already own the current game's essential components.

How Does Leviathans Gameplay Work?

Leviathans focuses on tactical ship-to-ship combat.

Players move their flying warships across a hexagonal battlefield, manoeuvring to bring their weapons to bear while avoiding enemy attacks.

Each ship has its own capabilities, weapons and damage-tracking card.

Movement and Positioning

Because ships occupy positions on a hex map, movement and facing are important tactical considerations.

A well-positioned cruiser can bring powerful weapons against an enemy while reducing its exposure to return fire.

Careless movement may leave a ship vulnerable to concentrated attacks.

Colour-Coded Combat Dice

One of the game's defining mechanics is its modular dice system.

Different colour-coded dice are used to represent combat factors and resolve attacks.

This allows the game to model tactical differences between ships and weapons without requiring players to perform extensive calculations.

Ship Damage and Record Cards

Rather than simply removing a miniature when it takes damage, Leviathans uses detailed ship cards to track the condition of individual vessels.

These cards allow players to record damage and manage the effects of combat.

The starter includes dry-erase markers so the cards can be reused across multiple games.

Ship Classes and Battlefield Roles

Different vessels provide different tactical advantages.

• Destroyers: smaller vessels useful for manoeuvring and supporting larger ships.
• Cruisers: versatile warships capable of providing substantial firepower.
• Battleships: enormous flying fortresses with powerful weapons and a commanding battlefield presence.

Learning how these classes work together is an important part of developing a successful fleet.

Leviathans Factions: French Republic vs German Empire

The new starter focuses on two major powers: the French Republic and the German Empire.

Both provide distinctive ships and different fleet-building opportunities.

French Republic: Versatile and Disciplined

The French aerial navy emphasizes disciplined gunnery and a flexible selection of warships.

Its ships include destroyers, cruisers and imposing battleships capable of anchoring larger formations.

French fleets are particularly appealing to players who enjoy combining different ship classes and coordinating their firepower.

German Empire: Armour and Heavy Firepower

The German Empire's aerial navy places considerable emphasis on heavy armour and powerful weapons.

Its ships are often designed to withstand enemy attacks while delivering punishing return fire.

The German fleet is an attractive choice for players who enjoy durable warships and aggressive engagements.

French vs German Fleets: Which Should You Choose?

These descriptions reflect the fleets' thematic strengths rather than a fixed competitive ranking. Individual ship cards and fleet composition can significantly change how a force performs.

Best Leviathans Expansions: What Should You Buy After the Starter?

Once you've played several introductory games, the next step is expanding your chosen fleet.

We recommend purchasing a Fleet Box before collecting large numbers of individual ships.

1. French Fleet Box – Best French Expansion

The French Fleet Box is an excellent choice for players who enjoy the French ships included in the starter.

It provides a substantial reinforcement force with several different vessel types.

French Fleet Box Contents

• One Bastille-class Battleship.
• One Faucon-class Cruiser.
• Two Grenouille-class Cruisers.
• Five French Admiral cards.
• Eight Ship cards.
• Two Token sheets.

The Bastille battleship is the centrepiece of the collection, providing a powerful flagship for your expanding French fleet.

The additional cruisers allow you to create larger formations and experiment with different ship configurations.

Best for: players committed to building a French aerial navy.

2. German Fleet Box – Best German Expansion

The German Fleet Box provides a substantial selection of armoured warships for the German Empire.

It is an excellent first expansion for players who enjoy the German ships from the starter.

German Fleet Box Contents

• One Kaiser-class Battleship.
• One Greif-class Cruiser.
• Two Falke-class Cruisers.
• Five German Admiral cards.
• Eight Ship cards.
• Two Token sheets.

The Kaiser battleship provides a formidable centrepiece, while the additional cruisers expand the fleet's tactical options.

Best for: players who prefer heavy armour, powerful weapons and imposing German warship designs.

3. Bastille Battleship Pack – Best French Centrepiece

The Bastille-class Battleship is one of the most impressive vessels in the French fleet.

Catalyst describes it as a reliable general-purpose battleship capable of anchoring a larger formation.

The individual pack includes:

• One Bastille-class Battleship miniature.
• Two Ship cards.
• One Token sheet.

Buying advice: the French Fleet Box already includes a Bastille, so avoid purchasing the individual pack unless you want another battleship or are expanding without the Fleet Box.

4. Greif Cruiser Pack – Best German Reinforcement

The Greif-class Cruiser is a dependable German warship built around durability and firepower.

Its heavy armour allows it to absorb substantial damage, while its guns make it dangerous during direct engagements.

The individual pack includes:

• One Greif-class Cruiser miniature.
• Two Ship cards.
• One Token sheet.

Best for: players who want to expand a German fleet with another durable cruiser.

5. Liberté Cruiser Pack – Best French Specialist Expansion

The Liberté-class Cruiser is an older but versatile French warship.

Although newer designs have surpassed it in some respects, the class has received extensive refits.

Its alternative configurations include specialized ships such as the torpedo-focused Lave and the carronade-equipped Pontbriand.

The pack includes one pre-painted cruiser, two ship cards and a token sheet.

Best for: French players interested in specialized ships and alternative tactical options.

6. Additional Battleships and Cruisers

Catalyst is expanding the Leviathans range with more individual ship packs.

These include larger battleships and specialized cruisers that allow players to develop more distinctive fleets.

Before purchasing multiple ships, consider whether your collection needs:

• More durable frontline vessels.
• Additional manoeuvrable cruisers.
• Specialized weapons.
• A larger flagship.
• Alternative ship cards and configurations.

A balanced fleet is usually more flexible than a collection built entirely around the largest available battleships.

Leviathans Starter and Expansion Buying Guide

Leviathans Core Rulebook: Do You Need It?

The starter box includes quick-start rules designed to teach the basic game.

For players who want to explore larger battles, additional ship types and advanced mechanics, the Leviathans: The Great War Core Rulebook is a useful next purchase.

The full-colour hardcover includes:

• Expanded gameplay rules.
• Additional tactical mechanics.
• Options for standard and free play.
• Campaign rules.
• Background information about the Leviathans universe.
• An alternate-history timeline and major faction introductions.

Our recommendation: learn the game with the starter's quick-start rules before purchasing the full rulebook, unless you already know you want to explore campaigns and advanced play.

Best Leviathans Accessories

Leviathans is relatively accessible because the starter includes the essential gaming components.

However, several accessories can improve the experience as your collection grows.

1. Leviathans Map Pack

The Leviathans Map Pack introduces additional battlefields inspired by locations around the world.

These include environments associated with the English Channel, the Alps, the Amazon Basin and other regions.

Different battlefield layouts provide variety and opportunities for new scenarios.

Best for: players who want more replayability and varied missions.

2. Leviathans Dice Pack

Because the game uses specialized colour-coded dice, additional dice can be useful when playing larger battles.

They can also make games more convenient when two players want their own dice.

Best for: regular players and groups expanding beyond introductory games.

3. Plane Token Pack

Aircraft play a role in the wider Leviathans system, and dedicated plane tokens provide additional components for scenarios that use them.

Best for: players exploring the expanded rules and aircraft mechanics.

4. Dry-Erase Markers and Card Protection

The game uses reusable ship record cards.

Keeping spare dry-erase markers and cleaning materials available can make repeated games more convenient.

Consider using suitable protective sleeves if you want to reduce wear on your cards.

5. Miniature Storage

Although Leviathans miniatures arrive assembled and painted, they still benefit from careful storage.

Protect the ships, bases and delicate details when transporting them to game nights or events.

How to Get Started with Leviathans: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Buy the Starter Box

Begin with the Leviathans: The Great War Starter Box.

It provides French and German ships, gaming components and introductory rules.

Step 2: Play a Small Two-Ship Battle

For your first game, use one destroyer and one cruiser per side.

Focus on learning movement, positioning, firing and damage tracking.

A smaller game allows you to understand the mechanics without managing too many vessels.

Step 3: Experiment with Different Ship Cards

The starter includes two ship cards for each class.

Try different configurations to see how ship capabilities affect your tactics.

Step 4: Choose Your Preferred Fleet

After several games, decide whether you prefer the French Republic or German Empire.

Both offer excellent collecting opportunities.

Step 5: Add a Fleet Box

Purchase the French Fleet Box or German Fleet Box to expand your collection.

These provide several additional ships and a battleship centrepiece.

Step 6: Explore the Full Rulebook

Once you're comfortable with the basics, add the Core Rulebook to explore more advanced rules and campaign options.

Step 7: Add Individual Ships and Maps

Expand gradually with additional cruisers, battleships and battlefield maps.

This keeps the hobby manageable while giving you time to learn how different ships perform.

Example Beginner Shopping Lists

Budget Option: Learn the Game

• One Leviathans: The Great War Starter Box.
• No additional purchases required for introductory play.

This is the most economical way to experience the game with two players.

French Fleet Collector

• One Leviathans Starter Box.
• One French Fleet Box.
• Leviathans Core Rulebook.
• Optional Map Pack.

This provides a substantial French collection with a mix of smaller warships and a battleship.

German Fleet Collector

• One Leviathans Starter Box.
• One German Fleet Box.
• Leviathans Core Rulebook.
• Optional additional Greif Cruiser.

This route provides a strong foundation for players who enjoy durable German ships.

Two-Player Game Night Collection

• One Leviathans Starter Box.
• One French Fleet Box.
• One German Fleet Box.
• One Core Rulebook.
• Optional Map Pack and additional dice.

This is an excellent collection for players who want to host larger games and explore both factions.

Is Leviathans Similar to BattleTech or Dystopian Wars?

Leviathans shares some characteristics with other miniature wargames, but it has a distinct identity.

BattleTech players may appreciate Leviathans' detailed unit records and tactical positioning.

Dystopian Wars players may enjoy the alternate-history technology and enormous warships, although Leviathans uses a different combat system and battlefield format.

One of Leviathans' biggest advantages is its ready-to-play pre-painted miniatures.

Painting and Customizing Leviathans Miniatures

Unlike many miniature wargames, Leviathans ships arrive pre-painted.

This makes the game accessible to players who don't enjoy painting.

However, hobbyists who want to customize their fleets can still add details and weathering.

1. Add Subtle Weathering

Light weathering around engines, gun turrets and hull panels can give airships a battle-worn appearance.

2. Highlight Mechanical Details

Carefully selected metallic highlights can emphasize weapons, armour and exposed machinery.

3. Add Squadron Identification

Custom markings or colour accents can help distinguish ships belonging to different squadrons.

4. Protect the Original Finish

Before applying washes, solvents or varnishes, test your materials on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure they don't damage the factory paint.

5. Customize Bases

Players interested in display projects can create scenic bases inspired by clouds, mountains or aerial battlefields, provided they preserve the miniature's gameplay functionality.

Common Mistakes When Starting Leviathans

Buying Too Many Expansions Immediately

The starter provides enough ships to learn the basic mechanics.

Play several games before purchasing a large fleet.

Ignoring Positioning

Leviathans rewards careful manoeuvring.

Simply flying directly toward the enemy may expose your ships to concentrated fire.

Choosing Battleships Before Learning Smaller Ships

Large battleships are impressive, but destroyers and cruisers provide a more manageable introduction to the rules.

Forgetting Damage Tracking

Ship record cards are central to the game.

Update damage and system effects carefully as combat progresses.

Buying Duplicate Components

The starter already includes dice, maps, tokens and markers.

Purchase additional accessories only when you need them for larger games or convenience.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Leviathans: The Great War

Final Verdict: Is Leviathans: The Great War Worth Starting in 2026?

Leviathans: The Great War is one of the more distinctive miniature wargaming experiences available in 2026.

Its combination of alternate-history aerial battleships, tactical hex-based combat and detailed ship management creates a game that feels different from traditional land-based wargames.

The pre-painted and pre-assembled miniatures also make it especially convenient for beginners who want to start playing without a major hobby preparation project.

For newcomers, the Leviathans: The Great War Starter Box is our top recommendation.

It provides everything needed for introductory games and lets players experiment with French and German warships before committing to a larger fleet.

Once you're comfortable with the rules, expand with the French or German Fleet Box, add the full rulebook and explore additional battleships, cruisers and maps.

Whether you're a fan of BattleTech, steampunk fiction or tactical naval combat, Leviathans offers an imaginative new battlefield to explore.

Ready to take to the skies? Browse Leviathans: The Great War miniatures and accessories at TistaMinis and begin building your aerial fleet.