Top 28mm Wargame Figure Manufacturers

Wargaming is a hobby that combines strategy, history, and a love for meticulously crafted miniatures. Among the various scales available, 28mm has emerged as a popular choice for its balance of detail and practicality. For hobbyists diving into this scale, selecting the right manufacturers for your armies is crucial. Let's explore some of the top 28mm wargame figure manufacturers, each offering unique strengths and styles to enhance your tabletop battles.

A World of Choices: Exploring the Best 28mm Miniature Manufacturers

Figurines are the heart of any wargame, bringing historical or fantastical battles to life on your tabletop. The quality, detail, and style of these miniatures can significantly impact the overall experience of the game. That's why choosing the right manufacturer is essential. This comprehensive guide delves into some of the best 28mm wargame figure manufacturers, highlighting their strengths, specialities, and the unique aspects that make them stand out in the crowded wargaming market. Whether you're a seasoned wargamer or a newcomer to the hobby, this overview will help you discover the perfect miniatures to bring your strategic visions to life.

Warlord Games: Historical Excellence and Extensive Ranges

Warlord Games stands out as a titan in the 28mm wargaming world, particularly renowned for its extensive historical ranges. Focusing primarily on World War II, Pike & Shotte, and Ancients, they provide a vast selection of meticulously detailed figures, vehicles, and terrain. What sets Warlord Games apart is not just the breadth of their product line, but also the quality and accuracy of their sculpts. Their miniatures capture the look and feel of historical periods, making them a favorite among history buffs and wargamers alike. The plastic Bolt Action range is especially popular, offering affordable and highly customizable figures perfect for recreating the battles of World War II. In addition to miniatures, Warlord Games also produces comprehensive rulebooks and supplementary materials, providing players with everything they need to immerse themselves fully in their chosen historical period. For gamers looking to build large armies and recreate historical battles with accuracy and detail, Warlord Games is an excellent starting point.

Games Workshop: The Titans of Tabletop

Games Workshop is arguably the most well-known name in the wargaming industry. They're famous for their Warhammer 40,000 and Warhammer Age of Sigmar games. These games feature rich, lore-driven universes and stunningly detailed miniatures. Their 28mm figures are known for their dynamic poses, intricate details, and distinctive aesthetic. Games Workshop's miniatures are typically made of plastic, allowing for easy assembly and customization. While their products tend to be on the pricier side, the quality and depth of their ranges are undeniable. Whether you're drawn to the grim darkness of the far future or the fantastical realms of the Mortal Realms, Games Workshop offers a vast array of miniatures, paints, and accessories to bring your armies to life. Their miniatures are often considered centerpieces of any collection, reflecting the high standards of design and production that Games Workshop maintains.

Perry Miniatures: Unrivaled Historical Accuracy and Affordability

Perry Miniatures is synonymous with historical accuracy and exceptional value. Founded by renowned sculptors Alan and Michael Perry, this company specializes in producing highly detailed plastic miniatures for a variety of historical periods, including the Napoleonic Wars, the War of the Roses, and the American Civil War. Their figures are celebrated for their realistic proportions, accurate uniforms, and dynamic poses. What truly sets Perry Miniatures apart is their commitment to affordability. Their boxed sets offer a large number of figures at a reasonable price, making them an ideal choice for gamers looking to build substantial armies without breaking the bank. If you're passionate about historical wargaming and demand both accuracy and value, Perry Miniatures is undoubtedly a top contender.

Victrix Limited: High-Quality Plastics and Historical Depth

Victrix Limited has quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality plastic miniatures with a focus on historical accuracy. Their ranges span various periods, including ancient Greece, Rome, and the Napoleonic Wars. Victrix miniatures are known for their crisp details, realistic proportions, and ease of assembly. What distinguishes Victrix is their commitment to continuous improvement and innovation. They are constantly refining their sculpting techniques and expanding their product lines to meet the evolving needs of the wargaming community. Their figures are a favorite among historical wargamers who appreciate the combination of quality, accuracy, and affordability. Victrix Limited provides an excellent option for those seeking to recreate historical battles with finely crafted miniatures.

Fireforge Games: Medieval Warfare Specialists

Fireforge Games carves its niche in the 28mm wargaming market with a dedication to medieval warfare. Focusing on historical conflicts of the medieval period, Fireforge offers a range of plastic miniatures perfect for recreating battles from the Crusades to the Hundred Years' War. What distinguishes Fireforge Games is their attention to detail and commitment to historical accuracy. Their figures are sculpted to reflect the armor, weapons, and equipment of the era, providing gamers with an authentic and immersive experience. Fireforge Games is an excellent choice for those captivated by the drama and intrigue of medieval warfare.

Gripping Beast: Vikings, Dark Ages, and More

Gripping Beast specializes in miniatures for the Dark Ages and Viking periods, offering a wide range of figures for games like Saga. Their miniatures are known for their characterful sculpts and historical accuracy, making them perfect for recreating the battles of this turbulent era. Gripping Beast's figures are typically made of metal, providing a high level of detail and durability. In addition to miniatures, they also offer a variety of terrain and accessories to enhance your tabletop battles. If you're fascinated by the Vikings and the Dark Ages, Gripping Beast is a must-see manufacturer.

North Star Military Figures: Diverse Ranges and Unique Collaborations

North Star Military Figures stands out for its diverse range of miniatures and unique collaborations with other companies and sculptors. They offer figures for a variety of historical periods and genres, including fantasy and science fiction. North Star is perhaps best known for its partnership with Osprey Publishing, producing miniatures to accompany Osprey's popular wargaming rulebooks. This collaboration has resulted in a wide range of unique and characterful figures that are perfect for recreating specific battles or scenarios. North Star Military Figures is a great choice for gamers looking for something a little different or who enjoy Osprey's rule sets.

Other Notable Manufacturers

Beyond the manufacturers detailed above, several other companies produce excellent 28mm wargame figures, each with their unique focus and style. Companies like Artizan Designs (known for their World War II miniatures), Empress Miniatures (specializing in modern warfare), and Black Tree Design (offering a wide range of historical and fantasy figures) all contribute to the vibrant and diverse world of 28mm wargaming. Exploring these manufacturers can uncover hidden gems and provide you with even more options for building your perfect army.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Manufacturer

Selecting the right 28mm wargame figure manufacturer depends on a variety of factors, including personal preferences, gaming interests, and budget. Consider the following when making your decision:

• Historical Period or Genre: Determine which historical period or genre you are most interested in. Some manufacturers specialize in specific eras or genres, while others offer a broader range of options.
• Sculpting Style: Each manufacturer has its own unique sculpting style. Some prefer realistic proportions and accurate details, while others favor more heroic or exaggerated styles. Consider which style appeals to you most.
• Material: Miniatures are typically made of plastic or metal. Plastic figures are generally more affordable and easier to assemble, while metal figures offer greater detail and durability. Choose the material that best suits your needs and preferences.
• Price: Prices can vary significantly between manufacturers. Set a budget before you start shopping and compare prices to find the best value for your money.
• Availability: Consider the availability of the miniatures you are interested in. Some manufacturers may have limited production runs or distribution networks, making it difficult to acquire their figures.

Building Your Army: A Rewarding Journey

Choosing the right 28mm wargame figure manufacturers is a crucial step in building your perfect army and immersing yourself in the world of tabletop wargaming. By exploring the various manufacturers available, considering the factors outlined above, and carefully selecting the figures that best suit your needs and preferences, you can create a stunning and unique collection that will provide hours of enjoyment. So, dive in, explore the possibilities, and embark on the rewarding journey of building your own tabletop army!