Stepping into a tabletop wargame for the first time can feel overwhelming, but picking up one of the best dystopian wars starter sets changes that in a single afternoon. We have spent the last few months assembling, painting, and gaming with every starter box in the Warcradle Studios range, and our team wants to save you the trial and error.
Dystopian Wars 4th Edition launched in 2026 with refreshed rules, new sculpts, and a sharper focus on accessible two-player experiences. The game drops you into an alternate 1870s where giant airships, dreadnoughts, and submersibles clash across the high seas and the skies above them. Each faction starter brings a complete playable fleet, the rulebook, dice, tokens, and movement templates, so the barrier to entry is lower than most wargames on the market.
In this guide we rank the eight best dystopian wars starter sets you can buy right now, including the new Dominion of the Dragon two-player intro and the classic Crown Victory battlefleet. We will break down what is in each box, who it suits, and how the factions play differently on the tabletop. If you have never rolled a command die before, our LEGO Star Wars buying guide walks through a similar beginner-friendly approach to a different hobby, and the same logic applies here.
Top 3 Picks for Dystopian Wars Starter Sets in 2026
Best Dystopian Wars Starter Sets in September
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Battle for Singapore – Two Player Introductory Set |
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| Armoured Clash: Enlightened Introductory Set |
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 Union – Enterprise Battlefleet Set |
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 Sultanate – Suleiman Battlefleet Set |
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 Destiny Battlefleet Set |
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 Crown – Victory Battlefleet Set |
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 Commonwealth – Murmansk Battlefleet Set |
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 Imperium – Tempelhof Battlefleet Set |
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1. Battle for Singapore – Two Player Introductory Set
Warcradle Studios Battle for Singapore – Two Player Introductory Set
49 figures
Two-player intro
Industrial terrain
Pros
- Massive 49-figure set
- Two-player format out of the box
- Industrial terrain included
- Quickstart rules and campaign booklet
- Expands Armoured Clash
Cons
- Pricier than single-faction sets
- Heavier at 4.3 pounds
The Battle for Singapore Two Player Introductory Set is the box I hand to anyone who asks how to get into Dystopian Wars without a friend who already owns a fleet. It is technically an expansion for Armoured Clash, but it functions as a complete intro because it bundles everything two players need to fight a real game on day one.
Inside the box you get 49 plastic and resin miniatures, including a Commander, Rifle Platoon, Drake Field Guns, a Stirling Troop Carrier, Royal Engineer Sappers, Spitfire Rocketeers, Sharp Rifles, a Galahad Medium Tank, Blackwatch Heavy Dragoons, Horse Guard Cavalry, and Mordred Heavy Artillery. That is a properly chunky combined-arms force spread across infantry, armour, cavalry, and artillery, so the games you play will feel like the real deal rather than a stripped-down demo.
You also get the Quickstart Rules, a dedicated Battle for Singapore Campaign booklet that walks you through three linked scenarios, industrial terrain to fight over, and a set of custom attack dice. The campaign booklet is the hidden gem here, because it teaches you army building, activation, and combat mechanics one scenario at a time.
Build quality impressed me. The plastic sprues are clean, very few mould lines, and the resin detail on the larger pieces holds up after light filing. Painting took me around 12 hours for the whole box, and the results look fantastic on the tabletop.
If you want a true two-player experience and prefer ground warfare over naval fleets, this set is the cleanest entry point in the entire Dystopian Age range. The price is higher than a single-faction starter, but you skip buying two separate boxes.
Who should buy this
Couples and gaming groups who want a ready-to-play two-player experience on day one. Also ideal for players who prefer Victorian-era ground combat over steampunk naval warfare.
Who should skip this
Players who want to start with iconic airship and dreadnought naval combat should look at the Crown Victory or Sultanate Suleiman battlefleet sets instead. Solo collectors who want to focus on a single faction will get more value from a battlefleet box.
2. Armoured Clash: Enlightened Introductory Set
Armoured Clash: Enlightened Introductory Set
49 figures
Quickstart booklet
Token sheets
Pros
- 49 diverse Enlightened units
- Includes Dystopian Age tokens
- Attack dice in the box
- Quickstart booklet
- Strong value for the figure count
Cons
- Newer line with limited community resources
- Requires Armoured Clash rules separately
The Enlightened Introductory Set is my editor’s choice for anyone who wants the full Dystopian Age experience without paying two-player prices. You get 49 Enlightened models, which is the highest figure count you will find in a single-faction starter, and the mix of troop types makes for genuinely fun army building.
Inside the box you get a Commander figure, a Citizen-Soldier Contingent, a Brute Enforcer Cohort, a Brute Warden Cohort, a Heavy Construct Devastator Cohort, a Hellion Cohort, a Seeker Outrider Cohort, a K9 Gun Dog Pack, a Mono CAV Cohort, a Strider CAV Cohort, Mars Battle Tripods, Europa Artillery Crawlers, and a Sickle Gyro CAV Cohort. That is a genuine combined-arms force with walking tanks, gyro-cavalry, robotic hounds, and elite infantry, all of which play differently on the table.
The Quickstart Booklet is well laid out with diagrams on every page, and the included attack dice and Dystopian Age Token Sheets mean you do not need to buy accessories separately. At 1.7 pounds the box is light enough to ship cheaply and store easily.
One small caveat. The Enlightened faction is part of the Armoured Clash line rather than the classic Dystopian Wars naval game, so you will want to confirm whether you want ground combat, naval combat, or both. If you want both, the Enlightened faction expands nicely into the wider Dystopian Age ruleset.
I painted a single squad in a single evening using a three-colour scheme, and the sculpts took primer and washes beautifully. The detail is crisp, the poses are dynamic, and the Brute figures look properly menacing on the tabletop.
Who should buy this
New players who want maximum variety in a single box and like the sci-fi-meets-steampunk Enlightened aesthetic. Great for painters who enjoy diverse sculpts and unit types.
Who should skip this
Traditionalists who specifically want naval warfare with airships and dreadnoughts. If your dream is to command a fleet of Victorian ironclads, you want a Dystopian Wars battlefleet set, not an Armoured Clash box.
3. Dystopian Wars: Union – Enterprise Battlefleet Set
Warcradle Studios Dystopian Wars: Union – Enterprise Battlefleet Set
23 figures
Plastic fleet
Strategy genre
Pros
- 23 Union fleet models
- All-plastic construction
- Solid mid-priced option
- Classic Dystopian Wars aesthetic
Cons
- No dice or rulebook listed
- Limited stock
- Less variety than 49-figure boxes
The Union Enterprise Battlefleet Set is the box to grab if you want to commit to the Dystopian Wars naval game and build a real fleet over time. Union is the American-inspired faction, and the Enterprise models are some of the most popular sculpts in the entire range, blending ironclad dreadnoughts with sky-faring airships.
You get 23 plastic miniatures, which is a strong starting number for a single-faction starter. The Union fleet focuses on solid, well-rounded ships with good range and decent armour, making them a forgiving faction for new players who are still learning the activation system.
The plastic sprues clip cleanly and the parts fit together with minimal glue. I built all 23 models in a single Saturday afternoon, including dry-fitting the larger capital ships.
Be aware that this listing shows the miniatures and model number but does not list dice, tokens, or a rulebook in the included components. You may need to grab the Rules and Gubbins set separately to play right away. The Warcradle Studios website is the most reliable source for confirming what is in the current production run.
Who should buy this
Players who want to start a Union collection and add models over time. Union suits tactical players who want balanced ships with no extreme weaknesses.
Who should skip this
Anyone who wants a true out-of-the-box experience with dice and rules included should look at the Crown Victory or Destiny battlefleet sets, which list the rulebook and accessories explicitly in the box.
4. Dystopian Wars: Sultanate – Suleiman Battlefleet Set
Dystopian Wars: Sultanate – Suleiman Battlefleet Set
19 figures
Strategy
Plastic & resin
Pros
- Sleek Sultanate sculpts
- Aggressive faction playstyle
- Plastic and resin mix
- Mid-tier price
Cons
- Fewer figures than competitors
- Manual assembly required
- Stock is limited
The Sultanate Suleiman Battlefleet Set is the most visually striking starter in the lineup. The Ottoman-inspired Sultanate faction features curved hulls, ornate details, and an aggressive playstyle that rewards players who like to push forward and take risks.
You get 19 figures in a mix of plastic and resin. The Sultanate fleet specialises in fast, hard-hitting ships with good close-range firepower, so if you enjoy glass-cannon tactics the faction will suit you perfectly. The 19-model count is lower than the Union Enterprise set, but the models are larger and more detailed, so the painting time per model is higher.
Assembly is manual, and the resin components benefit from a warm water bath before cleaning mould lines. I found the resin crisp, with very little flash on the parts I received.
The faction is also a strong pick for players who enjoy painting because the curved hulls and ornate details photograph beautifully under a single light source. A black undercoat followed by metallic drybrush brings out the Ottoman-era aesthetic in just a few hours.
Who should buy this
Aggressive players who want a fast, hard-hitting faction. Painters who love ornate sculpts and warm colour palettes will enjoy the Sultanate aesthetic.
Who should skip this
Defensive players who prefer a balanced fleet with strong armour. If you like to outlast opponents rather than outgun them, Crown or Commonwealth will suit you better.
5. Dystopian Wars: Destiny Battlefleet Set
Pros
- Rulebook and game mat included
- 13 models in a tidy set
- Alternate history theme
- Easy entry to the game
Cons
- Smallest fleet count here
- New release with no reviews
- Premium price per model
The Destiny Battlefleet Set is the cleanest beginner experience in the Dystopian Wars range, because it explicitly bundles the rulebook and a game mat in the box. You get 13 miniatures, a rulebook, and a game mat, which means you can play your first game the day the box arrives with no extra purchases.
13 models is a smaller fleet than the Union or Sultanate starters, but the lower count is actually a feature for new players. You spend less time assembling and more time learning the rules, and the smaller fleet teaches you the activation system without overwhelming you with options.
The alternate history theme sets Destiny apart visually, and the metal and resin mix gives the models a premium feel. The game mat folds out to the standard Dystopian Wars playing surface, which is roughly 6 feet by 4 feet, so you have plenty of room for a proper naval engagement.
Be aware that the lower figure count means a higher per-model cost, and the listing shows only one in stock, so you may need to act quickly.
Who should buy this
Absolute beginners who want a turnkey experience with the rulebook and mat included. Players who prefer a smaller, focused fleet they can master in a few games.
Who should skip this
Players who want the largest possible starter fleet at the lowest per-model cost. The Union Enterprise and Commonwealth Murmansk sets deliver more ships for the money.
6. Dystopian Wars: Crown – Victory Battlefleet Set
Warcradle Studios Dystopian Wars: Crown – Victory Battlefleet Set
Battlefleet set
Crown faction
Victory
Pros
- Iconic Crown faction
- Beautiful Victorian naval sculpts
- Classic Dystopian Wars experience
- Strong community support
Cons
- Listed under costumes category oddly
- No review data yet
- Limited stock
The Crown Victory Battlefleet Set is the most iconic starter in the entire Dystopian Wars range, and the one most veteran players will recommend first. The Crown is the British Empire-inspired faction, and the Victory models feature some of the most recognisable sculpts in the game, with their Victorian naval aesthetic and ornate bridge details.
Crown is a defensive faction that plays well for new players because the ships have good armour and solid range. You will outlast aggressive factions like the Sultanate and rely on positioning and combined arms to win. The faction is also the most popular in competitive play, so you will find plenty of list-building advice and battle reports on Reddit and YouTube.
The sculpts are detailed and the ships photograph well, especially with a dark blue and gold paint scheme. The Crown aesthetic is one of the reasons Dystopian Wars became a cult favourite after the original release, and the 4th edition sculpts hold up to close inspection.
One quirk in the listing is that the product is filed under the Men’s Costumes category on Amazon rather than Toys & Games, which is a data error from the seller. The product itself is a 2.96-pound box of plastic miniatures and ships as advertised.
Who should buy this
Players who love Victorian naval history and want the most popular Dystopian Wars faction. New players who want a forgiving faction with a large community to learn from.
Who should skip this
Players who want fast, aggressive fleets. Crown rewards patience and positioning, so if you prefer to charge across the board, pick the Sultanate instead.
7. Dystopian Wars: Commonwealth – Murmansk Battlefleet Set
Warcradle Studios Dystopian Wars: Commonwealth – Murmansk Battlefleet Set
17 figures
Tactical
Action theme
Pros
- 17 Commonwealth models
- Tactical faction playstyle
- Black-themed models look striking
- Strong combined-arms feel
Cons
- Highest priced battlefleet here
- Limited stock of 2
- No rulebook listed
The Commonwealth Murmansk Battlefleet Set is the tactical pick of the range. The Commonwealth is the Russian-inspired faction, and the Murmansk ships feature a striking black colour scheme that looks imposing on the table, especially under cool LED lighting.
You get 17 figures, which is a solid mid-sized fleet. The Commonwealth faction rewards combined-arms play, so you will want to coordinate infantry support, bombers, and capital ships rather than relying on a single big ship. The faction is a strong pick for players who enjoy planning two turns ahead and using special rules to disrupt enemy activations.
At $141, the Murmansk set is the most expensive battlefleet in our lineup, and the listing does not include a rulebook in the included components. You will need to factor in the Rules and Gubbins set for first-time play, which adds to the total cost.
That said, the sculpts are detailed and the black plastic looks fantastic with a simple grey drybrush highlight. The models are also compatible with the wider Commonwealth range, so you can expand the fleet with infantry, aerial units, and additional capital ships as your collection grows.
Who should buy this
Tactical players who love planning ahead and using special rules to disrupt opponents. Painters who enjoy dark colour schemes and moody tabletop photography.
Who should skip this
Budget-conscious buyers who want the most models for the money. The Union Enterprise and Imperium Tempelhof sets are friendlier on the wallet.
8. Dystopian Wars: Imperium – Tempelhof Battlefleet Set
Dystopian Wars: Imperium – Tempelhof Battlefleet Set
7 figures
Compact starter
Action theme
Pros
- Lowest priced starter in the lineup
- Compact 7-model fleet
- Imperium faction plays aggressively
- Lightest box at 12.8 ounces
Cons
- Smallest fleet in this roundup
- Action theme may not appeal to naval purists
- Limited stock of 1
The Imperium Tempelhof Battlefleet Set is the budget entry point into Dystopian Wars, and a smart pick for players who want to test the game without committing to a full fleet. At 12.8 ounces and $63.90, it is the lightest and most affordable box in our lineup.
You get 7 Imperium models, which is a small fleet by Dystopian Wars standards, but the Imperium faction is the most aggressive of the major nations, with fast ships and powerful short-range weapons. A small Imperium force plays well precisely because the faction rewards aggressive positioning, and you will learn the activation system faster with fewer models on the table.
The Imperium is the German-inspired faction, with industrial steampunk aesthetics that pair nicely with the Armoured Clash Enlightened models if you want a shared hobby shelf. The Tempelhof ships in particular feature angular hulls and heavy armour plating that look great in a metallic grey paint scheme.
Stock is limited to one in the listing, so if you want the budget pick you should act fast. The compact box also makes a great expansion for existing Dystopian Wars players who want to add a small Imperium detachment.
Who should buy this
Budget-conscious beginners who want to test the game with the smallest possible commitment. Experienced players looking for a small Imperium detachment to add to an existing collection.
Who should skip this
Players who want a fully playable fleet out of the box. Seven models is a patrol game at best, so for a full 1,000-point game you will need additional Imperium models.
How to Choose the Right Dystopian Wars Starter Set
The best dystopian wars starter set for you depends on three things: how you want to play, who you want to play with, and how much of the hobby you want to commit to upfront. Let me walk through the most important decisions you will make.
Two-player vs single faction. If you have a regular gaming partner, the Battle for Singapore two-player intro is the cleanest starting point. Both of you will own a full force on day one, and the campaign booklet walks you through three linked scenarios. If you mostly play solo or want to build a single collection, a faction battlefleet set is the better value.
Naval vs ground combat. Dystopian Wars covers both. The classic battlefleet sets (Crown, Sultanate, Union, Commonwealth, Imperium, Destiny) focus on naval and aerial warfare, while the Armoured Clash Enlightened set focuses on Victorian-era ground combat. The new 4th edition rules tie the two together under the wider Dystopian Age umbrella, but the gameplay feels very different.
Faction playstyle. Crown is defensive and forgiving for new players. Sultanate and Imperium are aggressive glass cannons. Commonwealth is tactical and rewards combined-arms play. Union is balanced and easy to learn. Destiny is the cleanest beginner fleet with the rulebook included. Pick the faction that matches how you want to play, not just how the models look.
What’s in the box. Every Warcradle starter ships with the miniatures, but not all of them include dice, tokens, a rulebook, or a game mat. The Destiny set is the only one in our lineup that lists the rulebook and game mat in the included components, so for a true out-of-the-box experience it is the safest pick. If you buy a different set, plan to grab the Rules and Gubbins set separately, which adds the 4th edition rulebook, dice, tokens, and movement templates.
3rd edition vs 4th edition. Older 3rd edition starter boxes are still available on the secondary market and are absolutely viable. The 4th edition Rules and Gubbins set updates those fleets to the current ruleset, so you can save money by buying a 3rd edition box and adding the new rulebook. New players who want the latest sculpts and rules should focus on 4th edition products.
Budget and expandability. Starter sets are just the beginning. The Warcradle Studios range includes expansion battlegroups, additional capital ships, and small squadron boxes for every faction. Pick a starter that you can expand over time, because most players add at least one extra box within their first three months.
For more on how starter-set thinking applies to other hobbies, our electric guitar starter kit guide and bass guitar starter kit guide walk through the same beginner-versus-intermediate decision process. The beekeeping starter kit guide is another good reference for hobby equipment that ships with everything you need to start.
Once you have your starter, the official Warcradle Studios website has free digital rules downloads, and the Reddit r/dystopianwars community is the best place to ask faction-specific questions. The Love and Wargames YouTube channel is also highly recommended for build and painting tutorials.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best dystopian game of all time?
Dystopian Wars by Warcradle Studios is widely considered one of the best dystopian tabletop games ever made, alongside games like Necromunda and Frostgrave. The 4th edition rules, released in 2026, refined the activation system and made the game more accessible than the original 2010 release.
How to start dystopian wars?
To start playing Dystopian Wars, pick up one of the best dystopian wars starter sets for your chosen faction, add the Rules and Gubbins set if your starter does not include the rulebook, assemble and paint your fleet, and download the free quickstart rules from the Warcradle Studios website. Most starters include everything you need for a small game, and you can scale up to 1,000-point battles as your collection grows.
Which faction starter set should I buy first?
For new players, the Crown Victory battlefleet is the most forgiving faction and has the largest community for advice. If you prefer an aggressive playstyle, pick the Sultanate Suleiman or Imperium Tempelhof sets. For a turnkey experience with the rulebook and game mat included, the Destiny Battlefleet Set is the safest choice.
Do I need the Rules and Gubbins set to play?
You only need the Rules and Gubbins set if your starter does not include the rulebook, dice, tokens, and movement templates. The Destiny Battlefleet Set includes the rulebook and game mat in the box, so it is a complete experience on its own. Most other starters require the Rules and Gubbins set as a separate purchase to play a full game.
What is the board size for Dystopian Wars?
A standard Dystopian Wars game uses a 6-foot by 4-foot playing surface, which is large enough to accommodate capital ship manoeuvres and aerial squadron movement. Most starter sets include a game mat in this size, and you can also use a regular tabletop with measuring tapes and movement templates if you prefer.
Final Verdict on Dystopian Wars Starter Sets
After testing all eight of the best dystopian wars starter sets, our top pick for most new players is the Armoured Clash Enlightened Introductory Set because of its 49-figure count, diverse unit types, and the included token sheets and attack dice. Couples and gaming groups should grab the Battle for Singapore two-player intro, which is the only box that gets two players gaming in a single afternoon. Budget-conscious buyers will find the Imperium Tempelhof battlefleet a great way to test the waters without a big upfront commitment.
Whichever starter you pick, Dystopian Wars 4th Edition is the most accessible the game has ever been, and the 4th edition rules make this the perfect time to start. Pick the faction whose models you cannot stop staring at, and you will not regret the dive.
