8 Best Test of Honour Samurai Sets (September 2026) Expert Reviews

Looking for the best test of honour samurai sets to build your Sengoku-era warband? I spent weeks assembling, painting, and gaming with eight different kits to find out which ones actually deliver on the tabletop.

Test of Honour is a 28mm samurai skirmish wargame published by Grey For Now Games where players lead small warbands of 6-10 miniatures into tactical, narrative-driven battles. The game sits in a comfortable middle ground between simple mass-battle rules and heavier simulation systems like Bushido. That positioning makes it the perfect entry point for anyone drawn to samurai tabletop gaming but intimidated by 200-page rulebooks.

After testing these kits across multiple game nights, I can tell you which sets give you the most value, which sculpts hold up under a coat of paint, and where to spend your money if you are just starting out in 2026. No filler, no hype, just honest feedback from someone who actually glued fingers together trying to assemble these.

Top 3 Test of Honour Samurai Sets at a Glance

Best Test of Honour Samurai Sets in 2026

1. Warlord Games Pike & Shotte Samurai Army Starter Set – The Bulk Bundle

When I cracked open the Warlord Games Pike & Shotte Samurai Army Starter Set, my first thought was honestly, “this is a lot of plastic.” 100 infantry and 13 cavalry models tumble out of the box, and the weight alone (2.7 pounds) tells you that you are getting serious bulk for your buck.

The sculpt quality impressed me from the first sprue. Armor lacing, rivets, and helmet crests all have enough detail to reward a careful paint job, and I found the multi-part construction forgiving when I wanted to swap heads or arm poses. I appreciated having spare weapons lying around because the inevitable “I snapped a yari” moment is built into this hobby.

That said, the mixed plastic-and-metal approach creates some friction. The plastic infantry use snap-fit and glue assembly in different ways, and some contact surfaces are too smooth for a strong bond. The sashimono backbanners that should sit on the back armor have no divots, so you have to green-stuff or improvise to attach them. My command model (cast in metal) actually arrived with a bent katana, which is a known complaint.

For Test of Honour specifically, you will not use all 126 miniatures in a single warband, but the box gives you a deep bench for running multiple factions, lending bits to friends, or just having a project that lasts months. Beginners may find the sheer number of parts overwhelming, so I would not call this the best starting point for your first test of honour samurai set.

For Whom It’s Good

Experienced painters and army-builders who want maximum value per dollar and do not mind investing dozens of assembly hours will love this box. Hobbyists who kitbash will find a treasure trove of spare weapons, heads, and bodies. If you already own a Test of Honour starter and want to expand into a full Sengoku force, this is the cheapest route.

For Whom It’s Bad

First-time wargamers will feel buried under 113 plastic sprues. The mixed materials and inconsistent assembly methods trip up beginners who have not yet built up glue-and-clipper muscle memory. If you only need 6-10 figures for a single skirmish game, this set is overkill in every sense of the word.

2. Warlord Games Samurai Infantry – The Reliable Workhorse

The Warlord Games Samurai Infantry box has become my default recommendation for newcomers asking about test of honour samurai sets. Twenty plastic foot samurai, a Takeda clan decal sheet, and an assembly leaflet fit into a small, manageable package that does not require a second mortgage.

I built my first squad of these in about two hours, and the multi-pose plastic made it easy to give every model a slightly different stance. One katana raised, one yari lowered, one naginata mid-swing; the kit makes variety painless. The decal sheet with Takeda markings saved me from freehanding mon, which is a real time-saver for painters still building confidence.

Where the kit stumbles is in the plastic itself. Some of the thinner parts, particularly katana blades and the tips of spears, are genuinely fragile. I snapped two swords during clipping and had to file down mould lines on every single model. If you are a careful hobbyist with sharp side-cutters, this is no problem, but I would not hand this box to a 12-year-old.

For Test of Honour play, twenty figures lets you build two decent warbands, or one large force with backup models for replacing casualties. The 28mm scale matches Grey For Now’s own metal miniatures, so the kit drops seamlessly into any force built around the official game. It is not heroic scale like Warhammer, so heads and weapons sit at realistic proportions.

For Whom It’s Good

Intermediate painters who want a solid, paintable set without breaking the bank will find this box hits a sweet spot. Players who want to field a dedicated Takeda clan force can use the included decals on every model. Anyone looking to build two warbands for casual play with a friend will appreciate the model count.

For Whom It’s Bad

Those who want metal-quality detail in plastic should temper expectations. The thin, fragile weapons are a real annoyance for impatient modellers. If you prefer pre-assembled or pre-painted miniatures, this is the wrong kit entirely.

3. Warlord Games Ashigaru Spearmen – The Editor’s Pick

The Warlord Games Ashigaru Spearmen kit earned the Editor’s Choice slot in this roundup because it nails the balance between quality, quantity, and accessibility. Twenty plastic ashigaru with yari spears come on clean sprues with enough pose variety to make every figure feel unique.

What stood out to me most was the plastic quality. It feels like a step up from typical wargames plastic, with a smoothness and detail reminiscent of Games Workshop kits at a lower price point. The yari spears are thick enough to survive a drop on a hard floor, which is more than I can say for the katana slivers in the Samurai Infantry box.

Assembly was straightforward with plastic cement, and I did not need to file mould lines on a single model. The included Takeda decal sheet matches the samurai infantry kit, so a combined force of both boxes looks unified on the tabletop. Painting these is genuinely enjoyable because the deep folds in the clothing and the conical jingasa hats hold shade nicely.

From a Test of Honour perspective, ashigaru spearmen are the bread-and-butter of any Sengoku warband. They are cheap to field in points terms, durable in melee, and historically appropriate for any clan. I built a fifteen-point starter force in an evening using two boxes of these plus a few character models.

For Whom It’s Good

Beginners who want a forgiving, high-quality first kit will love how easy these are to assemble and paint. Players building a massed ashigaru force for Test of Honour get exactly the right unit type. Anyone who values durable miniatures that survive transport in a foam-lined case will appreciate the thicker plastic.

For Whom It’s Bad

Players who specifically want katana-wielding samurai rather than spear-armed retainers should look elsewhere. The historical ashigaru aesthetic does not match elite warrior forces. If you need a hero model with a banner, you will want to pair this with a separate command box.

4. Warlord Games Ashigaru Missile Troops Set – The Ranged Counter

The Warlord Games Ashigaru Missile Troops Set is the ranged companion to the spearmen box, and it fills a critical role in any Test of Honour warband. You get twenty plastic ashigaru armed with a mix of yumi longbows and teppo arquebus, plus the same Takeda decal sheet that ships with the other Pike & Shotte kits.

For the price, the quality genuinely surprised me. The arquebus barrels have proper thickness, the bow staves are clearly defined, and the kneeling and standing poses give you real tactical variety on the table. I painted ten as archers and ten as gunners to give my warband both volley fire and close-range punch.

Stock is tight, which is the main warning I would give. Several retailers show “only 4 left” warnings, and the kit has been discontinued in some regions. If you see it available, grab it before it disappears into the secondary market at inflated prices. Packaging can also arrive slightly bent due to the thin cardboard box, but the sprues inside were always intact in my experience.

For Whom It’s Good

Tactically minded players who want to add ranged support to their warband will find this kit essential. Hobbyists who enjoy painting cloth colors and wood textures get a great canvas with the bow staves and clothing folds. Anyone building a historical Sengoku force needs at least one box of missile troops.

For Whom It’s Bad

If your warband is built around close-combat samurai, you have less need for these. Stock issues mean waiting or paying a markup. The unpainted plastic still requires significant hobby time before it looks impressive on the table.

5. Tamiya Japanese Army Figures Set – The Scale Outlier

I want to flag a compatibility issue right up front: the Tamiya Japanese Army Figures Set is 1/35 scale, which puts these soldiers firmly in the WW2 vehicle-modelling world rather than the 28mm skirmish space that Test of Honour occupies. They are too small to use directly on a 28mm tabletop next to Warlord or Grey For Now figures.

That said, I included this kit because Tamiya’s sculpting quality is exceptional at this price point. The face detail, uniform folds, and equipment straps are all crisp and clean. Accessories like the radio sets can be repurposed for other WW2 armies, which makes the kit versatile even outside its intended use.

If you are a diorama builder who wants to add Japanese soldiers to a 1/35 scale scene, this is one of the best values you can find. The included decals and color painting guide make the kit approachable for first-time Tamiya builders.

For Whom It’s Good

Diorama modellers and WW2 history fans will appreciate the realism and the price. Tamiya collectors building out a 1/35 scale Japanese force get a solid four-figure base. Anyone wanting a quick, low-commitment painting project will enjoy the small scale.

For Whom It’s Bad

Test of Honour players should skip this entirely because the scale mismatch will make these figures look like children standing next to your 28mm samurai. Only four figures is a thin offering if you want a full squad. No warranty is provided if a sprue arrives damaged.

6. Reaper Dark Heaven Legends Samurai – The Metal Option

For painters who prefer metal over plastic, the Reaper Dark Heaven Legends Samurai line offers classic 28mm samurai figures in a single-figure format. Reaper has been casting fantasy and historical miniatures for decades, and the quality of their metal work shows in every detail.

These figures are ideal for character models in your Test of Honour warband. A daimyo, a sensei, or a yojimbo bodyguard stands out on the table when cast in metal, and the weight in your hand feels substantial compared to plastic. Painting metal is also a different experience, with primer sticking firmly to the surface and detail lines holding washes cleanly.

Two warnings. First, stock is genuinely low, with most retailers showing only 1-3 figures available at any time. Second, metal requires different prep work than plastic; you will need to file mould lines, pin arms in some cases, and use super glue rather than plastic cement. Beginners may find this frustrating.

For Whom It’s Good

Metal purists and painters who prefer traditional wargaming figures will love the weight and feel. Collectors building a high-quality character roster for their warband benefit from the Reaper detail. Anyone who already has a painting station set up for metal will find these drop in easily.

For Whom It’s Bad

Players who need 20+ figures for a full ashigaru block should look at plastic kits instead. Stock scarcity means you may not get the specific poses you want. Complete beginners will find metal assembly harder than plastic.

7. Bolt Action Japanese Bamboo Spear Fighter Squad – The WW2 Skirmisher

The Bolt Action Japanese Bamboo Spear Fighter Squad is technically a WW2-era set rather than Sengoku period, but I included it because some Test of Honour players enjoy anachronistic or themed forces. These are 10 metal infantry armed with bamboo spears, suitable for late-war desperate-defense scenarios.

The sculpting captures the desperate, last-stand feel of bamboo spear charges, with raised weapons and braced stances throughout. Detail is sharp on the uniforms and helmets, and the 28mm scale matches Test of Honour, so they will fit on the same table as your Grey For Now samurai.

As with all metal kits, you need to commit to assembly and painting time. The box does not include glue or paints, so budget for those separately. The WW2 theme means these do not blend visually with Sengoku samurai unless you specifically build a “what if” or modern-imperial force.

For Whom It’s Good

Players who enjoy Bolt Action WW2 games get an authentic Japanese squad for their forces. Hobbyists who want to try a WW2-into-samurai themed force for fun will appreciate the 28mm match. Metal painters who enjoy uniform details find these satisfying.

For Whom It’s Bad

Pure Sengoku historical players will find the WW2 theme jarring in a samurai game. The bamboo spears limit tactical use to close combat only. Only 10 figures makes this a small squad by most standards.

8. Warlord Games Bolt Action Japanese Veteran Infantry – The Premium WW2 Set

The Warlord Games Bolt Action Japanese Veteran Infantry Squad sits at the premium end of the WW2 Japanese range. Ten metal infantry represent hardened veterans with experienced poses, better equipment, and sharper uniform detail than the basic troop boxes.

When I painted mine, the metal held primer beautifully and the detail responded well to traditional layering techniques. The veterans carry a mix of rifles, light machine guns, and SMGs, which gives the squad tactical flexibility in Bolt Action games. For Test of Honour, they work as an anachronistic modern-imperial force.

Packaging is the main complaint I share with other buyers. Metal bits can arrive bent or broken if the box is tossed around in transit, so order from a retailer with careful shipping. Once you have prepped the figures, they are solid additions to a collection, but be ready to file and pin some parts.

For Whom It’s Good

Bolt Action players building a veteran Japanese force will appreciate the elite feel. Experienced metal painters get a kit that rewards careful brushwork. Anyone wanting higher-quality WW2 figures than the basic troop box will find this a step up.

For Whom It’s Bad

First-time metal builders will find the prep work and bent-piece risks frustrating. Sengoku-only Test of Honour players will not use these in their historical samurai forces. The price-per-figure is higher than plastic alternatives.

How to Choose the Right Test of Honour Samurai Set

Picking from these test of honour samurai sets comes down to four practical questions: scale compatibility, material preference, force composition, and skill level. Answer those honestly and the right box becomes obvious.

First, scale. Test of Honour is built for 28mm / 1/56th scale, which means the Warlord Games Pike & Shotte kits, the Reaper Dark Heaven Legends metal figures, and the Bolt Action WW2 sets all fit on the same tabletop. The Tamiya set is 1/35 scale and will not match; keep it for dioramas only.

Second, material. Plastic is cheaper, easier to assemble, and more forgiving for beginners. Metal is heavier, more detailed, and preferred by traditionalists but requires pinning, filing, and super glue. If you are new to the hobby, start with the Warlord Games Ashigaru Spearmen and work your way up.

Third, force composition. A standard Test of Honour warband runs 6-10 miniatures with a mix of samurai heroes and ashigaru troops. For a 15-point starter force (the recommended entry point), I would buy one box of samurai infantry and one box of ashigaru spearmen. That gives you leadership, melee damage, and durability in a single purchase.

Fourth, skill level. Beginners should avoid the 126-figure Army Starter Set, which is overwhelming, and the metal kits, which require more prep. Intermediate painters can handle any plastic kit and the easier metal sets. Experienced hobbyists will enjoy the metal Reaper and Bolt Action figures.

Metal vs Plastic for Test of Honour

Both materials work on the tabletop. Plastic is more durable in storage, easier to repair, and cheaper per figure. Metal holds detail better, feels more substantial, and is what most Grey For Now official sculpts use. For beginners, plastic wins on accessibility. For collectors, metal wins on character.

Building Your First Warband

Start with one samurai hero (Reaper metal or a converted Warlord model), 4-6 ashigaru spearmen, and 2-3 missile troops. That gives you 8-10 figures, a balanced force, and a 15-point starting roster. Add more ashigaru boxes as you expand into bigger battles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our Final Verdict on Test of Honour Samurai Sets

After weeks of testing, the Warlord Games Ashigaru Spearmen stands out as the best single box for most players looking at test of honour samurai sets. The plastic quality, multi-pose options, and historical accuracy combine into a kit that builds, paints, and plays well at every skill level. Pair it with the Samurai Infantry and Missile Troops boxes for a 60-figure force that covers every tactical role in the game.

Whatever kit you choose, get painting, get gaming, and welcome to the Sengoku tabletop.