Malifaux Buyer’s Guide: Best Factions for Beginners & What to Pick Up First

Welcome to the twisted, gothic world of Malifaux, a skirmish miniatures game by Wyrd Games that blends steampunk, horror, and wild west themes into a unique tabletop experience. If you’re new to Malifaux or considering diving into this card-based, strategy-driven game, you’re in the right place. This buyer’s guide, brought to you by Tistaminis, will walk you through the best factions for beginners, what to pick up first, and how to start your journey in Malifaux Third Edition (M3E).

Whether you’re drawn to the law-enforcing Guild, the shadowy Ten Thunders, or the monstrous Neverborn, this guide will help you choose a faction that matches your playstyle and aesthetic preferences, while providing practical advice on building your first crew. Let’s step through the Breach and explore Malifaux!

What is Malifaux?

Malifaux is a 32mm skirmish miniatures game set in an alternate Earth around the early 1900s, where magic, steampunk technology, and gothic horror collide. Unlike traditional wargames that rely on dice, Malifaux uses a Fate Deck (a standard 54-card deck with custom suits: Tomes, Crows, Rams, and Masks) to resolve actions, adding a layer of strategic depth through card management. Players build small crews of 7–10 models, led by a Master, to compete in tactical, objective-based missions called Strategies and Schemes.

The game’s rich lore revolves around the city of Malifaux, a dangerous boomtown fueled by magical Soulstones. Eight factions vie for control, each with unique playstyles, aesthetics, and motivations. From the authoritarian Guild to the mischievous Bayou Gremlins, Malifaux offers diverse gameplay and stunning miniatures, available at Tistaminis.

Why Choose Malifaux?

• Low Model Count: Games typically involve 7–10 models per side, making it more accessible than large-scale wargames like Warhammer 40K.

• Card-Based Mechanics: The Fate Deck system allows for strategic “cheating” (replacing drawn cards with ones from your hand), reducing randomness and rewarding planning.

• Rich Lore and Aesthetics: The game’s gothic, steampunk, and horror themes are reflected in its detailed miniatures and narrative-driven mechanics.

• Affordable Entry: A competitive crew can be built for $100–$150, with starter boxes providing everything you need to begin.

• Active Community: Wyrd Games supports Malifaux with free rules, regular updates, and a vibrant community, including resources like the M3E Crew Builder App.

This guide focuses on beginner-friendly factions, recommended purchases, and tips to get started, ensuring you can confidently step into Malifaux with a crew that suits you.

Understanding Malifaux Factions

Malifaux features eight factions, each with distinct playstyles, aesthetics, and lore. Each faction includes multiple Masters (leaders) who share Keywords (thematic groups of models) that define their crew’s abilities. For example, the Guild’s “Guard” Keyword focuses on shooting and control, while the Neverborn’s “Nephilim” Keyword emphasizes aggressive melee. Beginners should choose a faction and Master that align with their preferred playstyle and aesthetic, as this simplifies crew-building and learning the game.

Key Considerations for Beginners

When selecting a faction, consider:

• Playstyle: Do you prefer aggressive melee, ranged combat, objective control, or trickery?

• Aesthetic: Are you drawn to gothic lawmen, undead horrors, or chaotic gremlins?

• Complexity: Some Masters are more complex, requiring deeper rules knowledge.

• Budget: Starter boxes are cost-effective, but some factions require additional purchases for versatility.

Below, we’ll highlight three beginner-friendly factions, their playstyles, and recommended starting purchases, followed by a broader overview of all factions.

Best Factions for Beginners

Based on community feedback, ease of play, and accessibility, the following factions are ideal for new Malifaux players. These factions offer straightforward mechanics, forgiving playstyles, and affordable entry points, making them perfect for learning the game.

1. The Guild

Lore: The Guild is the authoritarian power controlling Malifaux City, enforcing law and order while securing Soulstones. They’re a mix of sheriffs, witch hunters, and bureaucrats, with a steampunk and western aesthetic. Think of them as the “lawmen” of Malifaux, though their methods can be brutal.

Playstyle: The Guild excels at straightforward, aggressive tactics, with strong shooting and melee capabilities. They’re ideal for players who enjoy direct strategies, such as eliminating enemy models or controlling key areas. Their models are durable, and their abilities often counter specific enemy types (e.g., anti-magic or anti-undead).

Why It’s Beginner-Friendly:

• Simple Mechanics: Guild crews focus on dealing damage and holding ground, with fewer complex synergies.

• Versatile Models: Many Guild models have the “Versatile” Keyword, allowing them to be used with any Master in the faction without extra cost.

• Forgiving Playstyle: Their durability and firepower make them less punishing for new players learning positioning and card management.

Recommended Master: Lady Justice (Marshal Keyword)

• Overview: Lady Justice leads the Death Marshals, undead-hunting law enforcers with a mix of melee and ranged attacks. Her crew is tough, hits hard, and can “coffin” enemies (removing them temporarily from play). She’s straightforward to play, focusing on eliminating key targets while holding objectives.

• Playstyle Stats:

  • Damage Output: High (melee-focused with some ranged support).

  • Durability: High (Lady Justice and Death Marshals have good health and armor).

  • Complexity: Low (direct tactics with minimal reliance on combos).

  • Objective Play: Moderate (strong at holding ground but less mobile for spread-out schemes).

Starter Purchase:

• Lady Justice Core Box ($50–$60): Includes Lady Justice, The Judge, three Death Marshals, and stat cards. This box provides a complete, playable crew for small games (25–35 Soulstones). Available at Tistaminis.

• Optional Expansion: Guild Versatile Models (e.g., Guild Lawyers or Witchling Stalkers, $25–$35): Adds flexibility for larger games or different strategies.

Tips for Playing Lady Justice:

• Focus on eliminating high-value enemy models with Lady Justice’s greatsword attacks.

• Use Death Marshals’ “Pine Box” ability to temporarily remove threats.

• Cheat high cards from your hand to ensure critical attacks land.

• Position models to control key objectives, as the crew is less mobile.

2. Neverborn

Lore: The Neverborn are the native inhabitants of Malifaux, monstrous beings ranging from demons to nightmares. They’re the “things that go bump in the night,” with a dark, fantastical aesthetic that appeals to fans of horror and mythology.

Playstyle: Neverborn crews are versatile, blending melee aggression, mobility, and trickery. They’re ideal for players who enjoy fast, hit-and-run tactics or manipulating the battlefield with debuffs and movement tricks.

Why It’s Beginner-Friendly:

• Flexible Playstyle: Neverborn crews can adapt to various strategies, making them forgiving for new players experimenting with tactics.

• Strong Models: Many Neverborn models are self-sufficient, reducing the need for complex synergies.

• Thematic Appeal: Their monstrous aesthetic is a draw for hobbyists who love painting detailed, eerie models.

Recommended Master: Pandora (Woe Keyword)

• Overview: Pandora leads a crew of sorrowful, psychic entities that manipulate enemies through debuffs and conditions like Stunned or Slow. Her playstyle focuses on disrupting opponents while scoring objectives, making her great for players who like control and trickery.

• Playstyle Stats:

  • Damage Output: Moderate (relies on conditions and bursts rather than raw damage).

  • Durability: Moderate (models like Sorrows are fragile but hard to target).

  • Complexity: Moderate (requires understanding conditions but has straightforward actions).

  • Objective Play: High (excellent at schemes due to mobility and disruption).

Starter Purchase:

• Pandora Core Box ($50–$60): Includes Pandora, Poltergeist, three Sorrows, and stat cards. This box is playable out of the box and great for learning control tactics. Available at Tistaminis.

• Optional Expansion: Neverborn Versatile Models (e.g., Black Blood Shaman, $20–$30): Adds healing and support for larger games.

Tips for Playing Pandora:

• Use Pandora’s “Misery” aura to deal passive damage when enemies activate nearby.

• Apply conditions like Stunned to disrupt enemy plans.

• Spread out to score schemes, as Neverborn models are mobile.

• Save high cards for key duels to maximize Pandora’s psychic attacks.

3. Bayou

Lore: The Bayou is home to Gremlins, chaotic, moonshine-loving creatures who thrive on mischief and unpredictability. Their aesthetic mixes redneck humor with swampy, pig-riding chaos, making them a fun choice for players who enjoy quirky themes.

Playstyle: Bayou crews are fast, numerous, and unpredictable, relying on swarm tactics and reckless abilities. They’re great for players who like high-risk, high-reward strategies and don’t mind losing a few models to achieve victory.

Why It’s Beginner-Friendly:

• Forgiving Losses: Gremlins are cheap and numerous, so losing a few models doesn’t cripple your crew.

• Simple Actions: Their abilities are straightforward, focusing on movement and damage.

• Fun Aesthetic: The humorous theme makes painting and playing enjoyable, even for casual gamers.

Recommended Master: Mah Tucket (Trickster Keyword)

• Overview: Mah Tucket leads a crew of sneaky Gremlins who excel at mobility and objective play. Her “Bushwhack” ability lets her crew move quickly and ambush enemies, making her ideal for scoring schemes.

• Playstyle Stats:

  • Damage Output: Moderate (relies on swarm tactics and bursts).

  • Durability: Low (Gremlins are fragile but numerous).

  • Complexity: Low (simple movement and attack actions).

  • Objective Play: High (excellent at spreading out for schemes).

Starter Purchase:

• Mah Tucket Core Box ($50–$60): Includes Mah Tucket, The Little Lass, three Bushwhackers, and stat cards. This box is perfect for learning swarm tactics. Available at Tistaminis.

• Optional Expansion: Bayou Versatile Models (e.g., Piglets, $20–$30): Adds more swarm units for larger games.

Tips for Playing Mah Tucket:

• Use “Bushwhack” to reposition models and surprise enemies.

• Spread out to cover multiple objectives, as Gremlins are fast.

• Accept some losses, as Gremlins are expendable.

• Cheat cards to ensure key scheme markers are placed.

Overview of All Malifaux Factions

While the Guild, Neverborn, and Bayou are our top picks for beginners, Malifaux’s eight factions offer diverse options. Here’s a brief overview to help you explore other choices:

• Arcanists: A secret society of magic users and steampunk engineers. They’re versatile, with a mix of magic, constructs, and beasts. Recommended Master: Colette Du Bois (Performer Keyword) for illusion-based trickery. Complexity: Moderate to High.

• Resurrectionists: Necromancers who raise undead minions. They focus on summoning and durability but can be complex for beginners. Recommended Master: Dr. McMourning (Experimental Keyword) for a balanced mix of summons and melee. Complexity: High.

• Outcasts: Mercenaries and misfits with varied playstyles. They’re flexible but lack faction cohesion. Recommended Master: Jack Daw (Tormented Keyword) for curse-based control. Complexity: Moderate.

• Ten Thunders: A crime syndicate blending martial arts and stealth. They’re versatile but require careful card management. Recommended Master: Misaki Katanaka (Last Blossom Keyword) for aggressive melee. Complexity: Moderate.

• Explorer’s Society: Treasure-hunters and adventurers with a mix of shooting and utility. They’re balanced but newer, with fewer model options. Recommended Master: English Ivan (Umbra Keyword) for shadow-based tactics. Complexity: Moderate.

For a full range of Malifaux factions and models, check out Tistaminis’ Malifaux collection.

What to Pick Up First

Starting Malifaux is affordable and straightforward, thanks to Wyrd Games’ Core Boxes and free rules. Here’s a step-by-step guide to your first purchases:

Essential Purchases

1. Core Box for Your Chosen Master ($50–$60):

   • Each Core Box includes a Master, their Henchman, 3–5 minions, and stat cards, providing a playable crew for 25–35 Soulstone games.

   • Example: Lady Justice Core Box (Guild), Pandora Core Box (Neverborn), or Mah Tucket Core Box (Bayou).

   • Available at Tistaminis.

2. Fate Deck ($10–$15):

   • A standard 54-card deck works, but a Malifaux Fate Deck with custom suits (Tomes, Crows, Rams, Masks) enhances the experience. Each player needs one.

   • Available at Tistaminis.

3. Rulebook or Free Rules:

   • The Malifaux Third Edition rules are free on Wyrd Games’ website. Download them or use the M3E Crew Builder App.

   • Optional: The physical rulebook ($30–$40) is great for reference.

4. Terrain ($30–$100):

   • Malifaux requires a 3x3-foot play area with terrain (e.g., buildings, forests, or scatter pieces). Start with simple items like books or boxes, or invest in hobby terrain from Tistaminis.

   • Recommended: Wyrd Games’ Malifaux terrain sets or generic skirmish terrain.

5. Measuring Tools and Tokens ($10–$20):

   • A tape measure (in inches) and tokens for tracking Soulstones, conditions, and scheme markers. Many Core Boxes include tokens, but extras are useful.

Optional Purchases

• Versatile Models ($20–$35): Add 1–2 Versatile models to expand your crew for 50-Soulstone games (standard size). Examples: Guild Lawyers (Guild), Black Blood Shaman (Neverborn), or Piglets (Bayou).

• Second Core Box ($50–$60): A second Master in your faction adds variety. For example, pair Lady Justice with Perdita Ortega (Family Keyword) for Guild shooting tactics.

• Soulstones or Upgrades ($20–$30): Some boxes include upgrades or additional models to enhance your crew.

Total Cost for a Beginner Setup: $100–$150 for a Core Box, Fate Deck, and basic terrain, making Malifaux one of the most affordable skirmish games.

Building Your First Crew

In Malifaux, you build a crew by hiring models up to a Soulstone limit (typically 50 for standard games, but 25–35 for beginners). Each model has a Soulstone Cost, and Masters often have a Cache of Soulstones for in-game use (e.g., boosting actions or reducing damage). Here’s how to build your first crew:

1. Choose Your Master: Start with your Core Box Master (e.g., Lady Justice, Pandora, or Mah Tucket).

2. Hire Keyword Models: Models with the same Keyword as your Master (e.g., Marshal for Lady Justice) cost their listed Soulstone value. Non-Keyword models cost +1 Soulstone, so stick to Keyword models for simplicity.

3. Add Versatile Models: These can be hired at no extra cost, regardless of Keyword, and add flexibility.

4. Balance Your Crew:

   • Tanks: Durable models like Death Marshals (Guild) to hold objectives.

   • Damage Dealers: High-damage models like Lady Justice or Pandora.

   • Support: Models like The Judge (Guild) or Poltergeist (Neverborn) for buffs or utility.

   • Scheme Runners: Fast models like Bushwhackers (Bayou) to score objectives.

Example Crew (Lady Justice, 35 Soulstones):

• Lady Justice (0 Soulstones, 4 Soulstone Cache)

• The Judge (9 Soulstones)

• 3x Death Marshals (6 Soulstones each = 18 Soulstones)

• 2x Guild Lawyers (Versatile, 4 Soulstones each = 8 Soulstones)

• Total: 35 Soulstones

Tips for New Players

• Learn the Fate Deck: Practice “cheating fate” by using high cards from your hand for critical actions. Save low cards for less important duels.

• Focus on Objectives: Winning in Malifaux comes from scoring Strategies and Schemes, not just killing enemies. Read the mission before building your crew.

• Start Small: Play 25–35 Soulstone games to learn the rules before scaling to 50 Soulstones.

• Join the Community: Check out Wyrd’s forums or the r/Malifaux subreddit for tips and local players.

• Practice Painting: Malifaux models are detailed and rewarding to paint. Browse Tistaminis’ hobby supplies for paints and tools.

Why Buy from Tistaminis?

At Tistaminis, we’re passionate about tabletop gaming and committed to helping you start your Malifaux journey. Here’s why we’re your trusted source:

• Wide Selection: We stock the largest range of Malifaux miniatures in Canada, from Core Boxes to Versatile models.

• Competitive Prices: Our prices are fair, with free shipping on orders over $200.

• Fast Shipping: Orders are packed and shipped promptly, ensuring your crew arrives quickly.

• Community Support: Our team answers questions and provides hobby advice via support@tistaminis.com.

• Trade-In Program: Trade in your old models for store credit to expand your collection.

Explore our Malifaux collection and start building your crew today!

Conclusion

Malifaux is a thrilling, accessible skirmish game that combines strategic depth with a captivating world. For beginners, the Guild (Lady Justice), Neverborn (Pandora), and Bayou (Mah Tucket) offer forgiving playstyles, affordable entry points, and engaging aesthetics. With a Core Box, Fate Deck, and some terrain, you can start playing for $100–$150, making Malifaux a fantastic choice for new wargamers.

At Tistaminis, we’re here to support your Malifaux journey with high-quality models, fast shipping, and expert advice. Whether you’re drawn to the law-enforcing Guild or the chaotic Bayou, there’s a faction for you. Download the free rules, grab a Core Box, and step into the Breach. Happy gaming!

FAQ's

Q: What is the easiest faction for a beginner to start with in Malifaux?
A: The Guild is often recommended for beginners due to its straightforward mechanics and durable models. Lady Justice (Marshal Keyword) is a great starting Master, with a focus on melee and simple tactics. The Neverborn (Pandora) and Bayou (Mah Tucket) are also beginner-friendly for their forgiving playstyles and fun aesthetics.

Q: How much does it cost to start playing Malifaux?
A: A beginner setup costs $100–$150, including a Core Box ($50–$60), a Fate Deck ($10–$15), and basic terrain ($30–$100). The rules are free online, and Tistaminis offers competitive prices on Malifaux products.

Q: Do I need to buy a second Core Box right away?
A: No, a single Core Box is enough for small games (25–35 Soulstones). A second Core Box or Versatile models are recommended for standard 50-Soulstone games or to add variety.

Q: Can I use a standard deck of cards instead of a Malifaux Fate Deck?
A: Yes, a standard 54-card deck with two Jokers works, but you’ll need to map suits (e.g., Hearts = Masks, Spades = Crows). A Malifaux Fate Deck, available at Tistaminis, improves the experience with thematic artwork.

Q: Where can I find the Malifaux rules and stat cards?
A: The rules and stat cards are free on Wyrd Games’ website or the M3E Crew Builder App. Physical rulebooks are available for convenience.