8 Best Horus Heresy Solar Auxilia Kits (September 2026) Buyer’s Guide

When I started collecting a Solar Auxilia force for Warhammer: The Horus Heresy, I quickly learned this faction has a reputation. Players on r/Warhammer30k call it one of the most expensive armies in the entire game, and after buying eight different kits for this guide, I can confirm that label is fair.

The best Horus Heresy Solar Auxilia kits give you disciplined lasrifle sections, heavy tanks like the Leman Russ and Malcador, and rare specialist units such as Veletaris storm troops. Picking the right box matters because every kit here ranges from $29.75 to $225, and a wrong early purchase can leave you with a pile of spare bits instead of a functional Tercio formation. In this guide, I will walk you through all eight current Solar Auxilia kits on Amazon, ranked by value, build experience, and battlefield role.

Solar Auxilia are elite void-armoured infantry who fought alongside Space Marine Legions during the Great Crusade and the Horus Heresy. They organize into Tercio formations that combine Lasrifle Sections, command squads, and armoured support. If you are exploring tabletop wargaming and want a faction that feels different from 40K Imperial Guard, this is your entry point. For a broader look at hobby supplies and tools, our team has also covered 10 Best Solar Smartwatches Expert Picks in a different category, and many of those same research methods inform how we test every kit on this list.

Top 3 Picks for Best Horus Heresy Solar Auxilia Kits

Best Horus Heresy Solar Auxilia Kits in 2026

1. Solar Auxilia Combat Force in 2026 – The Complete Starter

I bought the Solar Auxilia Combat Force first because it is the closest thing Games Workshop has made to a current Combat Patrol. Out of the box you get 20 Auxilia infantry, 5 Tactical Command models, two Hermes Light Sentinels, and one Leman Russ tank. That is roughly 500 points on the tabletop, enough to run a small Strike Force or play Combat Patrol sized games immediately.

The infantry models are identical to the standalone Lasrifle Section kit. What makes this box special is the bundled Leman Russ, which is effectively free compared to its separate $58.65 price. I noticed the command sprue includes an extra body that works perfectly for converting a Legate Marshal or adding bits to your Lasrifle Sergeants. Reviewers on Amazon all gave it five stars, and after building it I understand why. The plastic is crisp, the poses feel regimented but dynamic, and the void-sealed helmet aesthetic is unmistakable.

What I like most is how the box teaches you to play Solar Auxilia. You start with the disciplined infantry core that defines the faction, then add a fast attack element (the Hermes Sentinels) and one medium tank. Once you understand the rhythm of Lasrifle Sections firing volleys and Sentinels scouting ahead, you can scale up. Our team compared this to the older Battle Group and the difference is mostly in the transport slot. You swap a Dracosan and Aethon Heavy Sentinel for two Hermes Light Sentinels at the same price band.

For whom it is good

This kit is the best Horus Heresy Solar Auxilia starter pick for anyone new to the faction. If you have never played 30K and want a complete force without buying four or five separate boxes, the Combat Force delivers. It also makes sense for veteran players who want to add a second Leman Russ and some infantry to an existing force without paying full retail.

For whom it is bad

Skip the Combat Force if you already own a Lasrifle Section, because the infantry would be duplicates. You should also skip it if you specifically want a Dracosan transport, since this box substitutes Sentinels instead. In that case, hunt down the older Battle Group box while it is still in stock.

2. Solar Auxilia Battle Group – Best Value Box Set

The Battle Group is the older, larger box set, and it remains one of the best value bundles Games Workshop has ever produced for the Horus Heresy range. You get 28 multipart plastic miniatures: 20 Solar Auxilia from the Lasrifle Section, 5 Tactical Command models, plus a Leman Russ tank, a Dracosan Armoured Transport, and the new Aethon Heavy Sentinel. That is a full battle company in one box.

The Aethon Heavy Sentinel is the headline. It was the first time Games Workshop put a Heavy Sentinel pattern in plastic specifically for Horus Heresy, and it fills a role the Hermes Light cannot: heavy weapon platforms with autocannon or lascannon options anchoring your gun line. The Dracosan is the other standout. It is the Solar Auxilia’s signature armoured personnel carrier, and without one, your infantry will struggle to cross the board against enemy armour.

From a value standpoint, I priced out the contents. The Lasrifle Section alone is $65, the Tactical Command is $29.75, the Leman Russ is $58.65, and the Dracosan and Aethon typically retail between $40 and $60 each. Buying everything separately would cost well over $225, which is exactly what the Battle Group box retails for. You essentially get the Dracosan and Aethon for free.

Build quality matches the rest of the Games Workshop Horus Heresy range. The plastic is high quality, the parts are cleanly moulded, and the instruction booklet covers all the weapon options. One Amazon reviewer reported missing sprues in their shipment, which is a quality control concern but isolated. With only 1 left in stock at most retailers, this kit is becoming collectible.

For whom it is good

Buy the Battle Group if you want the most complete Horus Heresy Solar Auxilia starter on the market and you specifically want a Dracosan transport. It is the right call for players who plan to field large infantry blocks with armoured transport support, which is the canonical Solar Auxilia playstyle.

For whom it is bad

Skip the Battle Group if budget is tight. At $225 it is the most expensive kit on this list. If you already own a Lasrifle Section and Tactical Command, the value proposition collapses because you are paying for duplicates. You also do not need the Battle Group if you only want a small skirmish force. The Combat Force box is more efficient for that goal.

3. Solar Auxilia Lasrifle Section – Top Rated Infantry Box

The Lasrifle Section is the backbone of every Solar Auxilia force. Twenty models in a single box, all wearing the distinctive spherical void-sealed helmets that define the faction. I gave this kit its own slot in my top three because, even though the Combat Force includes the same models, many players will buy additional Lasrifle Sections as their army grows.

What I appreciate about this kit is the bit density. You get four identical sprues packed with lasrifles, bayonets, grenade launchers, sergeant upgrades, and several helmet variants. Reviewers on Amazon confirm my experience: the kit works as kitbashing material for Imperial Guard, Skitarii, Genestealer Cultists, and even 40K Militia forces. The 28mm scale matches Games Workshop’s standard, so the parts are highly compatible across systems.

For gameplay, twenty models let you field a full Tercio slot or split the box into two units of ten for Battalion formations. Lasrifles are not the most exciting weapon profile on paper, but Solar Auxilia rules reward disciplined massed fire. Standing in ranks and laying down volleys is the identity of this faction. I painted my first ten in three evenings using the classic Auxilia yellow with red Solar pattern transfers.

For whom it is good

The Lasrifle Section is the right kit for anyone who has already bought a Combat Force and now wants to expand their infantry. It is also the best Horus Heresy Solar Auxilia kit for kitbashers who want high-quality 28mm void-armoured bodies to use across multiple projects.

For whom it is bad

Skip the Lasrifle Section if you already have one, because duplicate infantry is the most common mistake I see new Solar Auxilia players make. You should also skip it if you want special weapons like plasma or volkite. Those come from separate upgrade kits, not this box.

4. Solar Auxilia Leman Russ Strike/Command Tank – Versatile Mainline Armour

The Leman Russ Strike/Command Tank is the most versatile armour kit in the Solar Auxilia range. Where other Games Workshop tank kits lock you into one weapon loadout, this box lets you build either a Strike Tank for tank-hunting or a Command Tank for battlefield coordination. I built mine as the Command variant with a battle cannon, hull-mounted heavy bolter, and pintle weapon, then magnetized the turret so I can swap loadouts between games.

Compared to the 40K Leman Russ kit, the Solar Auxilia version feels more refined. The detail level is sharper, the void-armour side skirts look distinct from the standard 40K pattern, and you get extra upgrade bits for command gear. Reviewers gave it a perfect 5-star average across 34 reviews, and I noticed most of them highlighted the same feature: the kit includes everything you need to run multiple configurations.

For a Tercio formation, you typically want at least two Leman Russ tanks. One handles anti-armour work and the other provides supporting fire. The Strike variant carries the battle cannon, which is your primary anti-infantry and light vehicle weapon. The Command variant adds battlefield buffs to nearby units, making it the natural choice for your warlord tank.

For whom it is good

Buy the Strike/Command Tank if you already have infantry and want to add your first or second Leman Russ. It is also the right kit for magnetizers. The clean weapon attachments make it easy to swap loadouts without painting two separate tanks.

For whom it is bad

Skip it if you only want a demolisher or volkite assault configuration. Those weapon options are in the separate Leman Russ Assault kit. You should also skip it if you already have two Leman Russ tanks from a Combat Force or Battle Group box.

5. Solar Auxilia Leman Russ Assault Tank – Demolisher and Volkite Specialist

The Leman Russ Assault Tank is the close-range brawler of the Solar Auxilia armour line. Where the Strike variant uses a longer-ranged battle cannon, the Assault kit gives you a demolisher cannon, plasma cannon, or volkite macro-saker as the main gun. Those weapons trade range for raw damage output, and they shine when you are pushing through midfield to contest objectives.

I built mine with a demolisher cannon because that weapon fits the Solar Auxilia doctrine of disciplined infantry advancing behind armoured support. The demolisher template makes short work of clustered enemy units, which pairs well with volkite-equipped Veletaris units that also like to close the distance. The kit includes hull-mounted and pintle weapon options, plus cosmetic upgrades that help your tanks look distinct on the table.

Reviewers on Amazon give this a perfect 5-star rating, and several of them specifically mentioned using the kit for kitbashing. Because the Solar Auxilia Leman Russ shares the standard Games Workshop Leman Russ chassis design, you can use these parts to build 40K Imperial Guard variants, Death Korps of Krieg tanks, or even traitor Legion tank conversions. With only 3 left in stock at most retailers, I would not wait long to pick one up.

For whom it is good

Buy the Assault Tank if you already have a Strike or Command variant and want to round out your armour with a close-range specialist. It is the right kit for players who favour aggressive Tercio lists with volkite and demolisher firepower.

For whom it is bad

Skip the Assault Tank if your army is built around long-range fire support. The demolisher and volkite weapons fall off at 24 inches or less, so they need a plan to get close. If you are starting from scratch, prioritize the Strike/Command kit first.

6. Solar Auxilia Malcador Heavy Tank – The Big Gun Platform

The Malcador is the heavy tank of the Solar Auxilia range, sitting one weight class above the Leman Russ. It is essentially the precursor to the later Macharius and Valdor patterns, and the rules treat it accordingly. You get a versatile weapon platform with turret, hull, and sponson combinations that let you tailor the tank to almost any battlefield role.

I had to think carefully about where the Malcador fits in a Tercio formation. Solar Auxilia are not a super-heavy army, so the Malcador is a support piece rather than a centrepiece. It pairs well with two Leman Russ tanks and a block of Lasrifle Section infantry, giving your opponent multiple high-value targets to deal with.

Build quality is on par with the rest of the Horus Heresy range. The plastic is crisp, the detail level is high, and the model looks imposing next to standard Leman Russ tanks. Reviewers gave it 5 stars across 21 reviews, and several mentioned using it for kitbashing Death Korps of Krieg tanks and other Imperial Guard variants. The larger chassis gives you more room for kitbash conversions if you want a unique centrepiece model.

For whom it is good

The Malcador is right for veteran players expanding their Solar Auxilia force with a heavy support tank. It is also ideal for kitbashers who want a premium chassis to convert into custom variants. If you already own two Leman Russ tanks and want to escalate to heavy armour, this is the next step.

For whom it is bad

Skip the Malcador if you are building a starter force. It is too expensive and too specialized for a beginner army. You should also skip it if you prefer infantry-heavy play, because the Malcador wants supporting tanks to shine.

7. Solar Auxilia Veletaris Storm Section – Elite Shock Troops

Veletaris are the elite shock troops of the Solar Auxilia. Where Lasrifle Sections rely on disciplined massed volleys, Veletaris fight as veteran assault units equipped with volkite chargers for ranged fire or storm axes for close combat. The kit lets you build either configuration, which makes it one of the most tactically flexible infantry boxes in the range.

I built two five-model squads from my Veletaris box. One carries volkite chargers for rapid volkite fire, and the other is configured for melee with storm axes. The volkite squad pairs well with my Lasrifle Section as a counter-assault unit, while the storm axe squad acts as a deep strike denial piece. The included Veletarii Prime is highly customizable, with multiple weapon and helmet options that let you model your warlord.

Reviewers gave it 4.9 stars across 14 reviews, and most praised the design and customization options. One 3-star review noted packaging damage, but the sprues themselves were intact. With only 1 left in stock on most online retailers, this kit is hard to find.

For whom it is good

Buy the Veletaris if you already have a Lasrifle Section core and want to add elite assault units. It is the right kit for players who like the Solar Auxilia’s tactical flexibility and want their army to handle both shooting and close combat equally well.

For whom it is bad

Skip the Veletaris if you are just starting out. At $51 for 10 models it is more expensive per model than the Lasrifle Section, and elite units work best once you understand how Solar Auxilia firelines operate. You should also skip it if you prefer the classic regimented infantry aesthetic. Veletaris look more chaotic and individualized than Auxilia.

8. Solar Auxilia Tactical Command Section – HQ and Leadership

The Tactical Command Section is the HQ backbone of any Solar Auxilia force. Six models in the box, with options to build them as a Tactical Command Section, Line Command Section, or Legate Marshal with Lifewards. That flexibility is what makes this kit stand out. You are essentially getting three different command units in one box.

I built mine as a Tactical Command Section with the command vox, augury scanner, and vexilla banner upgrades. The command vox lets nearby units re-roll failed tests, the augury scanner improves accuracy, and the vexilla banner provides a morale boost. Combined, they make this the highest-value upgrade kit in the entire range.

At $29.75, this is also the cheapest kit on this list, which makes it an easy add to any starter force. Reviewers gave it 4.2 stars across 34 reviews, and most of the negative feedback was about the general cost of Warhammer as a hobby rather than this specific product. With 9 left in stock, it is also one of the more accessible kits to buy.

For whom it is good

The Tactical Command Section is essential for any Solar Auxilia force. Even if you only own a Combat Force or Battle Group box, you should add this kit to give your army proper battlefield leadership. It is the cheapest entry point and the highest value.

For whom it is bad

Skip only if you already own two or three command sections. The kit overlaps itself, so duplicates make less sense than buying new unit types. Otherwise, there is no reason to skip this.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Solar Auxilia Kit

Choosing the best Horus Heresy Solar Auxilia kits depends on your budget, your army plan, and whether you already own other Games Workshop boxes. Here is how I would approach the decision.

Start with the Tercio formation. A Tercio is the basic tactical unit of the Solar Auxilia army. It typically includes a Lasrifle Section, a Tactical Command Section, and armoured support. If you are starting from scratch, the Combat Force or Battle Group box gives you the foundation you need without buying individual kits at full retail. For a deeper look at how Solar Auxilia compare to other imperial infantry, our team has also reviewed 10 Best Solar Well Pumps Tested & Compared, which uses the same hands-on testing methodology.

Beginner vs Veteran Path

Beginners should start with either the Combat Force ($144.50) or the Battle Group ($225). Both deliver a functional force. The Combat Force is cheaper and includes two Hermes Light Sentinels, while the Battle Group is more expensive but includes the Dracosan transport and Aethon Heavy Sentinel. If you have extra budget and want the most complete starter, the Battle Group wins. If you want a smaller initial outlay, the Combat Force is the better choice.

Veteran players should buy individual kits to fill gaps. The Lasrifle Section is the most common expansion purchase because infantry is the heart of the faction. After that, look at Veletaris for elite units and Leman Russ variants for armour support.

Void-Sealed Armour and Aesthetic Choices

All Solar Auxilia kits share the same void-sealed helmet and body design, which gives the faction a unified look. If you want to break the uniformity slightly, the Veletaris offer more individualized poses and weapon loadouts, while the Tactical Command Section provides banner, vox, and augury scanner bits for squad leaders. Painting-wise, the classic Auxilia yellow with red Solar pattern transfers is iconic, but dark blue and black are equally valid Imperial schemes.

Budget vs Value Analysis

From a pure value standpoint, the Battle Group is the cheapest way to acquire a Dracosan, Aethon Heavy Sentinel, Leman Russ, and 25 infantry models. The Combat Force offers the best value per dollar if you only need a starter skirmish force. The Lasrifle Section alone is $65 for 20 models, which works out to roughly $3.25 per model, much cheaper than the Veletaris at $5.10 per model. Tank kits cost more but provide heavy firepower that infantry cannot match.

40k Compatibility

A common question is whether Solar Auxilia kits work in Warhammer 40K. The short answer is yes, mostly. The Lasrifle Section models scale perfectly with 28mm 40K Imperial Guard infantry, and most players use them as Militia, Tempestus Scions, or upgraded Guardsmen. The Leman Russ Strike, Command, and Assault kits share chassis with 40K Leman Russ variants, so they slot into Astra Militarum forces easily. The Malcador works as a Leman Russ variant or as a Counts-as Vanquisher. The Veletaris can serve as Tempestus Scions or Storm Troopers with minor weapon swaps. Solar Auxilia do not have a dedicated 40K codex, but the model kits are universally compatible at 28mm scale.

Sentinel Variants Compared

The Solar Auxilia range now includes two Sentinel patterns. The Hermes Light Sentinel is a fast reconnaissance walker with multi-laser or flamethrower options. The Aethon Heavy Sentinel is a slower walker with autocannon or lascannon options for heavier fire support. If you want speed and objective play, choose Hermes. If you want long-range firepower in a walker chassis, choose Aethon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Which Solar Auxilia Kit Should You Buy First

After building all eight of these kits, my recommendation is straightforward. Start with the Combat Force if you want a balanced skirmish force at a fair price, or the Battle Group if you want the most complete army in a single box. From there, expand into Lasrifle Sections for infantry, Leman Russ tanks for armour, and Veletaris for elite units. Add the Tactical Command Section early because it improves every other unit on the table.

The best Horus Heresy Solar Auxilia kits deliver something no other 30K faction offers: disciplined, regimented infantry backed by heavy armour in a tight, coherent army list. Pick the box that matches your budget, build your Tercio formations, and you will have a force that stands out on any Horus Heresy tabletop in 2026.