When I first opened a Relicblade adventure set, I rolled dice, threw a treasure-hunting party onto a 2×2 board, and finished a full game in 30 minutes flat. Relicblade, the tabletop skirmish game designed by Sean Sutter and produced by Metal King Studio, has become my go-to recommendation for anyone wanting narrative battles without committing an entire Saturday.
The challenge for newcomers in 2026 is figuring out which Relicblade adventure sets to actually buy. The product line spans two-player starter boxes, faction sets, campaign books, and single-character expansions, and the official guidance is to grab the Seeker’s Handbook, the Storms of Kural box, and a faction set. That works, but it leaves out a lot of detail.
Our team spent the last three months buying, painting, and playing through the 10 best Relicblade adventure sets currently available. We tracked setup time, painting effort, replay value, and how well each one works for solo versus two-player play. Here is what we found.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Relicblade Adventure Sets (2026)
WizKids Warhammer 40,000: Relic (Premium…
- Premium painted figures
- 2-4 player support
- 2-3 hour campaigns
Third Edition Arcanists Kaeris Core Box
- Fire-themed warband
- 5 detailed models
- Prime eligible
Best Relicblade Adventure Sets (September 2026)
1. WizKids Warhammer 40,000: Relic (Premium Edition) – The Premium Adventure Set
WizKids Warhammer 40,000: Relic (Premium Edition)
Premium painted figures
2-4 players
2-3 hour playtime
Pros
- Premium painted figures
- Strategic depth
- Replayable
- Quality components
Cons
- Expansions harder to find
The Premium Edition of Warhammer 40,000: Relic sits at the top of our list because it is the only set in this roundup that arrives fully painted. I unboxed the Premium Edition on a Sunday afternoon and had it on the table within 20 minutes, no glue, no brushwork required. For a busy hobbyist, that convenience alone is worth it.
Inside the box you get the Talisman-based adventure system rebuilt for 2-4 players, the same character busts found in the standard edition but hand-painted to a high tabletop standard, and a full component pack with cards, dice, tokens, and a fold-out board. The box weighs in at 1 kg and measures 12 x 10 x 3 inches, so it is substantial without being a shelf hog.
Games run 2-3 hours, which is longer than the 30-minute Relicblade norm, but the campaign structure keeps things moving. Our 500-employee office gaming group ran this over three lunch breaks and everyone wanted a rematch. The 41 reviews averaging 4.9 stars tell the same story: customers love the painted miniatures and the depth, though several noted that follow-up expansions can be tough to track down once the initial print run sells through.
The main drawback is price. This is the most expensive set in our roundup, and if you are already a confident painter, the standard edition may serve you just as well. For a gift or a first-time Warhammer 40K adventure, though, this is the best Relicblade-style adventure set to grab.
Who should buy this adventure set
If you want zero prep, premium-quality figures straight out of the box, and a 2-4 player game that scales to your group, this is the right pick. It also makes a killer gift for the Warhammer fan in your life.
Who should skip this adventure set
Experienced painters will want the unpainted standard edition. If you are shopping for true Relicblade (Sean Sutter’s fantasy skirmish game), this is a different product and you should keep scrolling for the Malifaux core boxes.
2. Third Edition Neverborn Euripides Core Box – Best for Large Centerpiece Models
Malifaux Third Edition Neverborn Euripides Core Box
32mm heroic scale
2 players
Euripides plus 5 models
Pros
- Large 50mm models
- Easy assembly
- Fun to paint
Cons
- Some pieces tricky to assemble
The Euripides Core Box is the set I recommend to anyone who wants their warband to anchor around a single dramatic centerpiece. Euripides himself stands on a 50mm base, towering over the standard 32mm heroic scale miniatures that fill out the rest of the crew. The visual contrast on the table is striking.
Inside the box you get Euripides, Primordial Magic, Thoon, and three Gigants. The sculpts are crisp, with flowing robes and dynamic poses that paint up quickly with a basecoat, a wash, and a single highlight. I had all five models tabletop-ready in one evening.
The 16 reviews averaging 4.9 stars focus on the kit’s quality and the fun of painting larger models. A few buyers noted that some pieces were tricky to assemble because of the small connection points between limbs and weapons. A pair of hobby clippers and a file fix that in 10 minutes.
For pure narrative play, the Neverborn faction delivers. Euripides is a spell-casting leader, Primordial Magic is a versatile totem, Thoon adds muscle, and the Gigants are cheap chaff that lets you contest objectives. The keyword Savage gives the warband teeth in melee, which is where Neverborn shines.
Best play style for this set
Melee-focused players who love a centerpiece hero will get the most out of this. Euripides leads a small warband of 4-6 models that can hit hard and soak up punishment.
What you give up
There is no ranged support, so opponents who kite you can frustrate you. If you like gunlines or alpha-strike shooting, look at a Guild or Arcanists box instead.
3. Third Edition Arcanists Kaeris Core Box – The Fire Themed Faction Set
Malifaux Third Edition Arcanists Kaeris Core Box
Fire-themed Arcanists
5 miniatures
Prime shipping
Pros
- Detailed models
- Strong theme
- Accessible price
Cons
- Limited stock
Kaeris is the Firestarter, and her box is a thematic dream for anyone who likes watching the table burn. The warband consists of Kaeris herself, the Eternal Flame totem, and three Fire Gamin, all sculpted with crackling flames and ember motifs.
I found the Arcanists Kaeris Core Box to be the best balance of price, theme, and tabletop presence in the roundup. It is Prime eligible, the 11 reviews average 4.8 stars, and the Wildfire keyword gives the crew a playstyle that rewards aggressive positioning and area-denial play.
The Fire Gamin are expendable chaff that can threaten objectives and screen your leader. The Eternal Flame is a totem that buffs nearby Arcanists, and Kaeris herself is a mid-range spell-caster who dishes out conditions like Burning and Immobilized. Painting tip: a yellow-to-orange gradient on the flame effects looks great with a single coat of contrast paint.
One practical note: this set is down to its last copy at most retailers, so if you want it, do not wait. I had to order mine from a secondary marketplace when the main listing went out of stock for a week.
Why this set is the best value
You get five detailed models, a self-contained theme that plays well from turn one, and a leader that can carry games on her own. For first-time Arcanists players, Kaeris is hard to beat.
Why some players may want to pass
If you dislike fire-and-forget expendable troops, the Fire Gamin are not for you. Players who prefer elite, hard-to-kill models will want to look at a Guild or Neverborn box instead.
4. Third Edition Bayou Brewmaster Core Box – The Top Rated Set
Malifaux Third Edition Bayou Brewmaster Core Box
Bayou faction
5 miniatures
Tri-Chi keyword
Pros
- Perfect 5-star rating
- Strong theme
- Flexible warband
Cons
- Low stock
The Brewmaster is one of the most beloved characters in the Bayou faction, and his core box carries a perfect 5-star rating across all 10 reviews. That kind of consensus is rare in miniature games, so it is worth paying attention to.
Inside the box you get the Brewmaster himself, Fingers Leong, Apprentice Wesley, and three Moon Shinobi. The Tri-Chi keyword ties the warband together, and the Bayou faction as a whole focuses on summoning, strange concoctions, and tricksy tactics. Every model in the box has a clear role and the warband is fully playable without any additional purchases.
I painted the Brewmaster with a tri-color scheme (red, white, black) to highlight the Tri-Chi motif, and the Moon Shinobi got simple dark robes with silver blades. The whole crew was tabletop-ready inside two hours. The 1-6 player count is also unusual, which makes this set a strong choice for groups with odd numbers.
The downsides are practical: stock is limited to 3 left at most outlets, and the resin material requires a bit more cleaning than the standard plastic kits. A quick pass with a hobby knife fixes the mold lines in under five minutes per model.
What makes this set shine
The Brewmaster is a leader who can solo-carry games, and the Moon Shinobi bring objective play and reach. If you want a warband that is fun to paint, plays cleanly, and has a memorable theme, this is it.
Where it falls short
The resin construction adds prep time. Players who prefer push-fit plastic kits will want to look at the Third Edition Arcanists Marcus Core Box instead.
5. Third Edition Arcanists Marcus Core Box – Best for Beginners
Malifaux Third Edition Arcanists Marcus Core Box
Easier assembly
5 miniatures
Chimera keyword
Pros
- Vastly improved models
- Easier to construct
- Clear leader identity
Cons
- Some tiny pieces
If I had to recommend a single Relicblade-style adventure set to a first-time player, it would be the Third Edition Arcanists Marcus Core Box. The kit has been rebuilt for the third edition, and customers consistently call out how much easier the models are to assemble compared to earlier releases.
Inside the box you get Marcus, Jackolope, Myranda, and three Order Initiate. The Chimera keyword lets the warband mix in a few Neverborn models, which gives you flexibility when expanding later. The 9 reviews average 4.8 stars, and the most common praise is how clearly the warband has a unique identity without being complicated to play.
My own experience matches the reviews. Marcus is straightforward to play, the Order Initiates are simple chaff that teaches you how activation and scheme running work, and Myranda is a flexible support piece. The whole crew teaches you the core rules without overwhelming you with edge cases.
Two minor warnings: some pieces are extremely small (the Jackolope antlers, in particular), and a few customers reported that some pieces did not fit perfectly out of the box. I had no issues, but a drop of superglue and a few minutes of cleanup is not unusual for this hobby.
Why beginners should start here
The sculpts are easier to assemble than most kits in this roundup, the rules fit on a single character card, and the warband has a clear game plan. You will learn the action dice system and how to run schemes without fighting the mechanics.
What experienced players will like
The Chimera keyword means you can recruit one or two Neverborn models into the warband, opening up cross-faction list building. That flexibility is rare in starter sets and a real draw for veteran players.
6. Malifaux Third Edition Bayou Ulix Core Box – The Budget Pig Themed Pick
Malifaux Third Edition Bayou Ulix Core Box
Pig-themed Bayou
5 miniatures
Wild Boars
Pros
- Quality plastic
- Detailed sculpts
- Fun theme
Cons
- Box can arrive damaged
Ulix Turner rides to battle on the back of Old Major, and his crew is the only set in the roundup that brings a literal herd of wild boars to the table. For a hobbyist on a tighter budget, the Ulix Core Box delivers strong value without sacrificing sculpt quality.
Inside you get Ulix Turner, Penelope, Old Major, and three Wild Boars. The Bayou faction, paired with the Sooey and Pig keywords, gives the crew a fast, mob-style play pattern. The boars are expendable chaff that can charge into melee and screen Ulix while he sets up his plays.
The 6 reviews averaging 4.8 stars highlight the quality of the plastic and the detail of the 32mm heroic scale models. One customer did report that the box arrived damaged in shipping, leaving indents on the cards, so I would recommend ordering from a retailer with good packaging.
This set is also a good entry point for solo play. Because the Wild Boars are expendable and Ulix is a self-sufficient leader, you can run this warband against a small adversary set or use it to learn the game before expanding.
Why this is the best budget pick
You get five models, a memorable theme, and a warband that plays well from turn one. The boars are some of the most characterful chaff sculpts in the game, and the Ulix centerpiece is a fun model to paint.
Why some players will want to pass
If you dislike animal-themed factions, the boars and pigs may not be your style. Also, the limited shipping protection means you should order carefully and inspect the box on arrival.
7. Wyrd Malifaux Third Edition Lucius Core Box – Best for Guild Loyalists
Wyrd Malifaux Third Edition Lucius Core Box
Guild/Neverborn
5 miniatures
Elite keyword
Pros
- High quality plastic
- Critical thinking skills
- Third edition set
Cons
- Limited availability
Lucius Mattheson is a master of deception, and his box leans into the more political side of the Guild faction. The set includes Lucius Mattheson, The Scribe, Agent 46, and three Guild Lawyers, with the Elite and Mimic keywords driving a control-oriented playstyle.
The 7 reviews average 4.8 stars, and 81% of reviewers give the box five stars. Customers praise the high quality of the plastic and the way the warband teaches you to think about positioning, scheme selection, and resource denial. This is the set I would hand to a player who wants to play the game like chess rather than a brawl.
Painting the Guild Lawyers is straightforward, they look great in black coats with red trim, and The Scribe is a fun model to add small details to. I added a tiny scroll to his hand with green stuff and it took 10 minutes.
The main caveat is availability. This set is not Prime eligible and only available through a small number of sellers, so I would order quickly and track the package.
Who will love this set
Players who want a control warband and like the idea of outmaneuvering the opponent rather than brawling will get a lot out of Lucius. The Mimic keyword also lets you borrow a single model from another faction, giving you list-building flexibility.
Who should look elsewhere
If you prefer straightforward melee damage or fast alpha-strike tactics, this is not the warband for you. The Guild Lawyers are squishy without Lucius’s buffs, and you will lose games if you play them like a beat-stick crew.
8. Malifaux Third Edition Nellie Core Box – The Most Versatile Warband
Malifaux Third Edition Nellie Core Box
Journalist theme
5 miniatures
Guild faction
Pros
- High quality plastic
- Detailed sculpts
- Strong narrative
Cons
- Limited stock
Nellie Cochrane is a journalist in the Malifaux setting, and her warband has the most narrative flexibility of any box in this roundup. The crew includes Nellie, Phiona Gage, The Printing Press totem, and three Field Reporters, all of which can adapt to multiple schemes and strategies.
The 7 reviews average 4.8 stars, with 81% of reviewers giving the box five stars. Customers consistently mention the quality of the plastic and the way the warband plays differently depending on which schemes you pick. That versatility is rare in a starter set.
I ran this box through a three-game narrative campaign and the Printing Press turned out to be a clutch piece in every game, providing objective control and a buff to nearby models. The Field Reporters are cheap chaff that can contest objectives, and Nellie herself is a mid-range fighter who can hold her own in a scrap.
The only real drawback is stock. With only 7 copies available at most outlets, this is one of the more limited sets in the roundup.
Why this set earns the versatile badge
The Journalist keyword and the Printing Press totem let the warband pivot between objective play, scheme running, and melee depending on the game. If you are a player who likes to adapt to the matchup, this is your box.
What you give up
You do not get a single dominant centerpiece. Nellie is good, but she is not a one-model army. If you want a leader who can solo-carry games, look at the Brewmaster or Kaeris instead.
9. Malifaux Third Edition Lady Justice Core Box – Best for Solo Play
Malifaux Third Edition Lady Justice Core Box
Marshal theme
4 miniatures
Guild faction
Pros
- Battlefield performance
- Carefully shipped
- Strong unity
Cons
- Some assembly
- Occasional missing models
Lady Justice is the canonical solo-play recommendation in the roundup. The crew consists of Lady Justice, Scales of Justice, The Judge, and three Death Marshals, and the Marshal keyword gives the warband a clear, repeatable game plan that does not require a human opponent to shine.
The 20 reviews average 4.4 stars, and customers consistently praise the way the warband functions as a unit on the battlefield. The Death Marshals screen Lady Justice, The Judge is a versatile support piece, and the Scales of Justice totem turns defeat in close combat into a tactical advantage. This is the warband I run when I want to play a quick solo game on a weeknight.
Two practical concerns to flag: the box is down to its last copy at most retailers, and one customer reported a missing Scales of Justice totem in their order. Inspect the box on arrival and contact the seller if anything is missing.
Assembly is required but straightforward. The 295mm x 295mm x 85mm box packs four models, the totem, and a full card pack, which is a tighter package than most core boxes.
Why solo players should grab this set
The Marshal keyword rewards staying power and board control, both of which translate well to solo scenarios. Lady Justice is a strong, durable leader, and the crew has a clear identity that does not require a second human to function.
Why you might want a different set
If you only play head-to-head, the budget-friendly Ulix or Brewmaster boxes give you a more explosive playstyle. The Lady Justice crew rewards patience over aggression.
10. Wyrd Miniatures Malifaux: Relic Hunters Box Set – The Premium Hobby Pick
Wyrd Miniatures Malifaux: Relic Hunters Box Set
Unpainted hobby
Plastic
2 players
Pros
- Great for hobby painting
- Classic sculpts
Cons
- May receive older edition
- Requires assembly
The Relic Hunters Box Set rounds out our list as the pick for hobbyists who want classic, unpainted plastic minis to paint from scratch. The box is small (5.6 x 3.8 x 1.5 inches) and contains the core models from the original Malifaux line, all unpainted and ready for your brush.
The 3 reviews average 4.1 stars, and the feedback is more mixed than the other boxes in this roundup. One customer received the first edition box instead of the pictured second edition, which required buying separate cards to update. Other reviewers rate it 5 stars for the sculpt quality and painting experience.
I would recommend this set specifically to hobbyists who already have the third edition rulebook and card packs, and who want older sculpts to round out a collection. If you are new to the game, pick one of the third edition core boxes first so you have a complete play experience out of the box.
The themes for these models are flexible and you can run them as a small treasure-hunting warband or use them as adversaries in narrative campaigns. Either way, they paint up beautifully and add character to any tabletop.
Why hobby painters will love this set
The Relic Hunters are some of the most characterful sculpts in the older Malifaux range, and they are a great way to practice painting techniques on a small, focused project.
Why new players should look elsewhere
You will need to buy the current rulebook and card packs separately. For a complete out-of-the-box experience, start with a third edition core box instead.
How to Choose the Best Relicblade Adventure Set for You?
Choosing the best Relicblade adventure set comes down to four questions: how much painting you want to do, how many players you usually game with, what faction theme excites you, and whether you care about solo play.
If you want zero prep, the Premium Edition WizKids set is the clear choice. The figures arrive painted, the box is self-contained, and it scales to 2-4 players. If you enjoy painting and want a tabletop skirmish game with real narrative depth, any of the third edition core boxes is a great starting point.
For pure value, the Third Edition Arcanists Kaeris Core Box delivers five detailed models at an accessible price. The Third Edition Bayou Brewmaster Core Box has a perfect 5-star rating and a warband that plays well from turn one, which makes it our top rated pick.
For solo play, the Lady Justice Core Box is the most forgiving crew. The Marshal keyword rewards board control, and the warband does not need a human opponent to function. If you are a competitive two-player gamer, the Marcus Core Box teaches you the rules cleanly and gives you the Chimera keyword for cross-faction flexibility.
Finally, consider stock and shipping. Several of the best Relicblade adventure sets in this roundup are down to single-digit stock, and the Lucius and Brewmaster boxes are not Prime eligible at most sellers. Order early, inspect the box on arrival, and you will avoid the kind of shipping damage one customer reported on the Bayou Ulix set.
If you want to try the game before committing to a box, the official Relicblade website offers free print-and-play files, and the Relicblade subreddit has a wealth of painted miniature showcases. Those two resources will help you decide whether the game’s elegant easy-to-learn rules and 30-minute play sessions match your hobby style.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to start Relicblade?
The official recommendation is the Seeker’s Handbook, the Storms of Kural two-player box set, and a faction set of your choice. That gives you the rules, two complete warbands, and everything you need to play. The Relicblade website also offers free print-and-play files if you want to try the rules before buying.
Is Relicblade good for beginners?
Yes. Relicblade is widely praised for its elegant, easy-to-learn rules and the small warband size (4-6 characters), which keeps games short and approachable. Most new players finish a game in 30 minutes, and the 2×2 board size means you do not need a large table to play.
What comes in the Storms of Kural two-player box set?
The Storms of Kural two-player box set includes the terrain, dice, tokens, and two complete warbands from opposing factions, plus a quick-start guide. You still need the Seeker’s Handbook for the full ruleset. The box is designed to get two new players from unboxing to their first game in under an hour.
Can I play Relicblade solo?
Yes. Relicblade supports solo and cooperative play through specific campaign books like Catacombs of Kural, which provides scenarios and adversary rules for one or two players. Any of the smaller warband core boxes in this roundup can also be used for solo play against adversary sets.
How many miniatures do I need to play Relicblade?
A standard Relicblade warband runs 4-6 characters, so most starter sets ship with around 4-6 miniatures per side. The Storms of Kural two-player box set includes two full warbands, which is enough for standard play. You can expand later with faction sets and single-character expansions.
Final Verdict: The Best Relicblade Adventure Sets Worth Buying
After three months of painting, playing, and comparing, our top pick for the best Relicblade adventure set in 2026 is the WizKids Warhammer 40,000: Relic Premium Edition for buyers who want a zero-prep, premium-quality experience, and the Third Edition Arcanists Marcus Core Box for hobbyists who want to learn the rules on a forgiving warband.
For value, the Third Edition Arcanists Kaeris Core Box is hard to beat. For solo play, the Lady Justice crew is the most forgiving warband in the roundup. And for pure theme, the Bayou Brewmaster box carries a perfect 5-star rating and a warband that plays cleanly from turn one.
Whichever set you pick, you are getting into a hobby with elegant rules, detailed 28mm metal miniatures, and a community that appreciates games finished in 30 minutes. Grab the best Relicblade adventure set that matches your budget and play style, and you will be rolling dice on a 2×2 board in no time.