StarCraft Miniatures Game: Which Hero Should You Start With?

Short answer: start with the character and faction you’re most excited to build and paint, not a claim that one hero is automatically the easiest or strongest. Jim Raynor is the Terran choice, Artanis and Zeratul are Protoss, and Primal Kerrigan is the Zerg choice. If you’re new to the tabletop game, choose your faction first, then check whether you need a starter set, the rulebook, or a separate hero expansion.

Here’s a practical comparison, with links to the StarCraft products currently listed at Tistaminis. This is a character and collection guide, not a ranking of game rules or competitive strength.

Quick answer: which StarCraft hero fits you?

Want to compare the wider range before picking a character? Browse the StarCraft Miniatures Tabletop Game collection.

Jim Raynor: the Terran pick

Choose Jim Raynor if Terran are the faction you’re happiest to collect. His listed hero expansion is themed around Raynor’s Raiders, making it a natural character-led entry point for fans of Raynor and his crew.

Before buying, check the product listing and current rules to see what else you need for a playable force. A hero expansion and a starter set are different product listings, so don’t assume one replaces the other.

Artanis: the Protoss leader

Artanis is the choice for players drawn to the Protoss and their lore. If he’s your favourite character, that’s a better reason to start with him than an unverified promise that one hero is easier to use than another.

Protoss fans also have another named hero option in Zeratul. Pick the character you most want on your shelf and in your collection, then use the current game rules to decide how to build around that choice.

Primal Kerrigan: the Zerg choice

If the Zerg Swarm is your favourite part of StarCraft, Primal Kerrigan is the clear character match. The store’s listing identifies her as a Zerg hero expansion, so it’s an easy product to compare with the other character options.

As with every hero, check the listing for the exact contents and whether you need additional products to start playing. That keeps a character purchase from being mistaken for a complete starter force.

Zeratul: another Protoss direction

Zeratul is a second Protoss choice, not a separate faction. If you’re deciding between him and Artanis, choose based on which character and theme you’d rather collect. For game-play differences, refer to the current rulebook and product details rather than relying on a beginner guide to guess at abilities or competitive value.

Should you choose a hero or a faction first?

If you already have a favourite character, start there and explore that character’s faction. If you’re new to StarCraft or miniature games, choose the faction whose miniatures and story appeal to you most, then compare its starter products and available heroes.

• Terran: begin your comparison with Jim Raynor.
• Protoss: compare Artanis and Zeratul.
• Zerg: begin with Primal Kerrigan.

That’s a collecting recommendation, not a claim about which faction is easiest or strongest. Rules, product contents, and availability can change, so check the current listing and rulebook before you buy.

What should a new player buy first?

First decide whether you want a character expansion or the pieces needed to learn and start the game. Check the listing title and description carefully: a hero expansion, faction starter set, and rulebook serve different purposes. If you’re buying with a friend, also compare what each starter product includes before choosing.

Browse the full StarCraft collection to compare the currently listed heroes, starters, and other game products. Product availability and preorder details are shown on each listing.

Final recommendation

Pick Raynor if you’re a Terran fan, Artanis or Zeratul if you want Protoss, and Primal Kerrigan if your loyalty is with the Zerg. If you’re still undecided, start with the faction whose miniatures you’re most excited to build and paint. That enthusiasm is a better first-purchase compass than a guess about which hero is objectively best for beginners.

StarCraft Miniatures Game hero FAQs

Which faction is Jim Raynor in?

Jim Raynor is the Terran option in this comparison. The Tistaminis listing is for a Raynor’s Raiders hero expansion.

Are Artanis and Zeratul in the same faction?

Yes. Both are Protoss hero choices, so choose between them based on the character you prefer and confirm their current rules in the game materials.

Which hero should a Zerg fan start with?

Primal Kerrigan is the Zerg hero listed here. Check the product page for its contents and what else you need to play.

Is a hero expansion enough to start playing?

Don’t assume so. Compare the hero expansion with the game’s starter products and rulebook, and check each product description for exactly what’s included.

Where can I compare StarCraft Miniatures Game products?

Visit the StarCraft Miniatures Tabletop Game collection to see the products currently listed at Tistaminis.