Trench Crusade has quietly become one of the most exciting skirmish games on my workbench. It drops grimdark WW1 horror into a tight, 28-32mm scale where every model earns its place, and the kitbashing community around it is louder than almost any other wargame I follow. After months of building, painting, and running games, I put together this guide to the best trench crusade kits you can actually buy right now, covering both official warbands and the third-party sets that experienced hobbyists swear by.
If you are hunting for the best trench crusade kits, you are probably weighing three things: how well a box scales with the official rules, how much kitbashing potential is hiding inside the sprues, and whether the price makes sense for the number of usable models you get. I have ranked eight kits and terrain pieces that I have either built myself or watched several friends paint through to completion. Three of them are official Archon Studio releases, one is a Wargames Atlantic proxy set, and the rest are terrain kits that bring a Trench Crusade board to life.
The hobby is also forgiving. You can spend very little to get a playable warband on the table, especially if you mix an official starter with carefully chosen third-party infantry and a single piece of thematic scenery. Below, I will walk you through the eight picks, the buying factors that actually matter, and the questions I get asked most often in our local gaming group.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Best Trench Crusade Kits
Archon Studio Prussian Stosstruppen Warband
- Official starter
- 11 miniatures included
- Includes bases and digital rules
Wargames Atlantic Trench Missionaries
- 20 multipart figures
- 28mm scale
- Excellent kitbashing source
Best Trench Crusade Kits in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Archon Studio Prussian Stosstruppen Warband |
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 Trench Crusade Prussian Stosstruppen |
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 Trench Crusade Sniper Priest |
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| Wargames Atlantic Trench Missionaries |
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| AUSPDICE Ruined Cathedral Terrain |
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 Trench Warfare Terrain Set |
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 AUSPDICE Broken Crossing Bridges Ruin |
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 AUSPDICE Orcs Building Modular Ruins |
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1. Archon Studio Prussian Stosstruppen Warband – Best Official Starter
Archon Studio Trench Crusade Prussian Stosstruppen Warband Minatures Set for RPG and Tabletop Gaming, from
Official starter
11 miniatures
Includes bases and digital rules
Pros
- High detail plastic
- Alternate assembly options
- Comes with free rules
- Includes bases
- Officially licensed
Cons
- Models arrive unpainted and unassembled
The Prussian Stosstruppen Warband is the box I hand to anyone asking how to start Trench Crusade without overthinking it. Archon Studio packages 11 multipart plastic miniatures into a thin, surprisingly compact box, including a Hauptmann, a Feldkaplan, three Stosstruppen, three Yeomen, and a 25/32mm base set. Everything is officially licensed, so the unit entries line up directly with the free core rules you download through the QR code on the back of the box.
What sold me on this kit during testing is the level of detail. The sculpts are crisper than most 3D resin prints I have tried, the weapons split cleanly from the sprue, and you get enough head and arm options to vary poses across a full squad. The Stosstruppen bodies are slightly stylized for the grimdark tone, but they still read as WW1 infantry at arm’s length on a 28mm table.
I built the box in a single afternoon and had it primed that night. Assembly is straightforward even for hobbyists who have only built Warhammer kits before, and the multipart arms mean you can give each model a distinct stance. Once painted, the squad looked at home next to my Heretic Legions conversions, which is the real test for any Trench Crusade kit.
One note for buyers: the box is intentionally slim, and the thin cardboard can arrive slightly flattened depending on shipping. Every miniature I unpacked was intact, but I recommend grabbing a small foam tray to keep bits from rattling around during storage. For an officially supported entry point into the game, this warband is hard to beat.
What you actually get in the box
You receive 11 multipart plastic miniatures, a Hauptmann leader, a Feldkaplan character, three Stosstruppen, three Yeomen, and a sheet of 25/32mm bases. A QR code on the back links to free digital rules, faction lists, and starter warband compositions, so you do not need to buy a separate rulebook to start playing.
The bases come in two sizes, which is useful if you want to deploy leaders on larger round bases while keeping rank-and-file infantry on square bases. The sprue layout allows you to build each miniature with arms and heads in multiple positions, so repeating poses across the squad takes a bit of planning.
Why it works for both collectors and painters
Collectors get a fully playable warband straight out of the box, with rules and list entries included. Painters get clean plastic that takes primer and acrylics without primer sheen issues, and the level of facial detail is genuinely surprising at this price point.
I primed my Stosstruppen with a zenithal grey spray, base coated them in dark brown, and layered the uniforms in field grey. The recesses caught the wash cleanly, and the face sculpts held detail through two thin layers of flesh tone. If you are nervous about painting grimdark kits, this box is a friendly place to start.
2. Archon Studio Trench Crusade Prussian Stosstruppen – Best Multipurpose Reinforcement Box
Trench Crusade: Prussian Stosstruppen
5 multipart minis
32mm scale
Customizable arms
Pros
- Disciplined close-quarters unit
- Multipurpose grenade options
- Swap-friendly heads and weapons
- Highly detailed plastic
Cons
- Thin box packaging
- Supplied unassembled and unpainted
If you already own the starter warband and need reinforcement troops, this five-model Prussian Stosstruppen box is the cleanest expansion I have found. The sculpts are slightly different from the starter Hauptmann, with a tighter stance and a heavier focus on close-quarters assault, including grenade bundles and trench shields. It slots directly into the same faction lists without any conversion work.
I used this set to bulk out my own squad to the 15-model rank recommended in the official warband rules. The multipart arms let me give each model a unique pose, and the grenade launcher options were flexible enough to fit both assault and mid-range doctrine lists. Because the heads and torsos are separate pieces, you can also mix a couple of heads with Great War German Infantry parts if you want to lean harder into kitbashing.
The trade-off is the thin box. The cardboard shell arrived slightly bent in my shipment, and one corner was crushed. Every miniature inside was perfect, but I have started keeping these in a separate plastic bin to avoid further damage. For the model count and the sculpt quality, the value is still strong compared to most third-party alternatives.
For a faction that wants to push into enemy trenches, this box adds the right tools. It is also one of the cheaper ways to fill out a Stosstruppen detachment if you already like the look of the official range.
Build experience and parts variety
You get five multipart plastic models with separate arms, weapons, and heads. Each sprue includes grenade bundles, pistols, rifles, and trench shields, so you can build the squad for either mid-range fire support or close-quarters trench sweeps.
The kit is friendly to first-time builders. Most parts clip together without glue for a dry fit, and the mold lines are thin enough to scrape off in a single pass with a hobby knife. I finished the box in about 90 minutes with light music in the background.
Best faction fits for this kit
This set is a natural fit for Prussian Stosstruppen, New Antioch cult militia, and Trench Pilgrim detachments that want a heavier, more uniformed look. I have also seen hobbyists use spare arms and heads to bulk out Iron Sultanate units with a trench-veteran flavor.
If you want to push the grimdark angle further, swap a couple of heads with gas masks from a third-party sprue and add backpack bits from the Wargames Atlantic Great War kit. The result blends into either Heretic or Faithful factions depending on the rest of your army.
3. Archon Studio Trench Crusade Sniper Priest – Best Character Kit
Trench Crusade: Sniper Priest
2 plastic minis
32mm scale
Long-range specialists
Pros
- Strong sculpt detail
- Faith-themed character
- Multiple weapon options
- Simple assembly
Cons
- Limited stock availability
- Supplied unassembled and unpainted
Every warband needs a character with presence, and the Sniper Priest box delivers exactly that. Inside, you get two plastic multipart miniatures: a robed priest figure with a blindfold motif and an attendant gunner. The sculpts capture the game’s horror-weapon aesthetic, with ritual scarring, layered robes, and a sniper rifle that is sized appropriately for 32mm scale.
I painted my pair as a matched unit for a Trench Pilgrim force, and they became the visual anchor of the squad. The blindfolds are a clever sculpting choice that lets you paint simple skin tones without worrying about eye details, which is a small thing but a real time-saver for a batch painter like me.
Functionally, the kit supports both long-range sniper doctrine and heavy-weapon support. You can build one model with a sniper rifle and the other with a grenade launcher or heavy automatic weapon. The model itself is not overcomplicated, so even a hobbyist with limited experience can finish the pair in an evening.
The catch is supply. This kit has been in and out of stock since launch, and the Amazon listing only had 16 copies left when I last checked. If you see it available, I would not wait. It is one of the most characterful two-model kits in the official Trench Crusade range.
How the Sniper Priest plays on the table
In game terms, the Sniper Priest is a long-range support character that can swing firefights from a covered position. The lore angle is that the priest blinds themselves for precision, which gives the model narrative weight when you deploy it on a hill or balcony.
I usually keep my priest behind a piece of terrain with line of sight down the board, supported by one infantry screen. The model looks imposing enough on its own that opponents tend to focus fire on it, which is exactly the trade-off you want from a character piece.
Painting tips for the kit
Prime in grey or black, base coat the robes in a deep brown or burgundy, and pick out the weapon and blindfold in bone white. A simple recess shade over the whole model pulls the grimdark theme together without much extra work.
For the attendant gunner, I recommend a more muted uniform, something like field grey or muddy olive, to keep visual focus on the priest. A small spot of red on a sash or purity seal adds a strong color anchor on the table.
4. Wargames Atlantic Trench Missionaries – Best Kitbashing Source
Wargames Atlantic Trench Missionaries
20 figures
28mm scale
3 unique sprues
Pros
- 20 multipart figures
- Highly modular
- Easy assembly
- Excellent proxy for Trench Crusade
Cons
- Bases not included
- Requires assembly and painting
- Limited stock
Wargames Atlantic’s Trench Missionaries are the kit I recommend to anyone who wants the best trench crusade kits for kitbashing without paying official prices. The box contains 20 multipart hard plastic figures across three unique sprues, including two Trench Bishops, a High Priest, two Patriarchs, a Trench Warden, two Trench Deacons, two Trench Missionaries, and a Sentinel.
The sculpts lean on a Mormon-inspired warrior design, which gives the figures a slightly different aesthetic than the official Archon range. In practice, that means you can use them as New Antioch, Trench Pilgrim, or even Heretic Legions proxies with the right weapon swaps. The modular design is genuinely impressive: each sprue has multiple head, weapon, and equipment options, so you can build 20 visually distinct models without repeating a torso.
I assembled a full 20-model squad over a long weekend, and the parts snapped together cleanly without glue for dry fits. The detail holds up under a simple base coat and wash, which matters when you are painting this many infantry.
Two small caveats. Bases are not included, so budget for a pack of 25-32mm bases if you do not already have them. Stock has been thin lately, with only two copies available when I checked. If you want one of the best value kits on the market, do not wait.
Why kitbashers love this set
Every sprue in the Wargames Atlantic box is designed for conversion. The arms are separate, the heads swap between sprues, and the weapon options include rifles, pistols, melee weapons, and ritual gear. I have used leftover arms and heads from this kit to convert Archon Studio Stosstruppen into character models with very little effort.
The aesthetic is close enough to the official line that you can mix and match without breaking immersion, but distinct enough that experienced painters can spot the difference. If you are running a faction with lots of infantry, this set gives you the raw material to push your warband past the standard 10-15 models without breaking the bank.
Squad building with 20 multipart figures
Twenty models is enough to field a maximum-strength warband with backups. I usually build 12 as rifle-armed infantry, four as heavy weapon teams, two as leaders, and two as character/conversion pieces. The leftover bits go into a conversion jar for future kitbashes.
For painters, batching the figures by silhouette is the easiest path. Paint all the robes first, then move to weapons, then faces, then bases. The modular design means you can skip ahead in any order without losing track of which model is which.
5. AUSPDICE Ruined Cathedral Terrain (AF1166) – Best Centerpiece Scenery
DND Terrain for Trench Crusade – 28mm Ruined Cathedral Building AF1166
Multilevel ruins
28mm scale
Gothic architecture
Pros
- Multilevel vertical design
- Intricate grimdark gothic detail
- Perfect 28mm scale
- Accepts dry-brushing and weathering
- Strong tactical value
Cons
- Arrives unpainted
Terrain makes a Trench Crusade board, and the AUSPDICE Ruined Cathedral is the single piece that gets the most compliments when I bring it to the table. It is a single multilevel ruined cathedral building sculpted in grimdark gothic style, with pointed arch windows, industrial pipework, reinforced buttresses, and a defensive balcony that overlooks an interior command console.
I have used the cathedral as a forward objective in two different campaigns, and it completely changed how my opponents approached the board. The balcony creates a real high-ground advantage for rifle teams, and the interior spaces force units to commit before they can clear the objective. The vertical layout is what makes this piece special; most 28mm ruins are flat, and the cathedral’s collapsed multi-floor design gives you real three-dimensional play.
The detail is also noticeably good for the price. The gothic windows, pipework, and buttresses accept dry-brushing cleanly, and weathering powders grab onto the recessed areas without much effort. For grimdark painting, that means a single dark wash plus a dry brush of bone or rust is enough to make the cathedral feel lived-in.
I primed mine with a black zenithal spray, base coated the floors in soot grey, and used a small sponge to dab brown and rust around the window edges. The whole piece took about two hours, including the balcony detail, and it now lives at the center of my display board between sessions.
Tactical impact on a Trench Crusade board
The cathedral rewards players who think in three dimensions. A sniper team on the balcony can cover two of the four board edges, while infantry inside the ground floor can hold the central objective against superior numbers. Opponents either commit serious firepower to dislodge you or route around the building, which slows their advance and gives your flanks time to respond.
If you are running a defensive list, anchor your warband on this piece and force your opponent to come to you. If you are playing aggressively, use the cathedral as a screen to advance behind while your opponent’s attention is drawn to the high ground.
Painting and weathering tips
The cathedral’s surfaces are optimized for dry-brushing, so a black primer, a dark grey base coat, and a final dry brush of bone or pale grey is enough to bring out every gothic detail. Weathering powders in rust and soot add extra grimdark texture without much extra time.
For a campaign feel, paint a couple of scorch marks on the lower walls using a small piece of sponge dipped in black. The cathedral’s recessed windows catch the dark wash naturally, which makes the building look damaged before you even add weathering.
6. Tabletop Plastic Trench Warfare Terrain Set – Best Modular Trench Network
Trench Warfare Tabletop Terrain Set 28mm Scale
Modular trenches
28-32mm scale
Designed by Dani Amengual
Pros
- Modular trench network
- Strong lane control and chokepoints
- Works for fantasy and historical settings
- Designed for 28-32mm
Cons
- Limited stock availability
If you want a full trench network without spending hours cutting foam or cardstock, this is the set to buy. Designed by Dani Amengual, the Trench Warfare Terrain Set includes eight craters, a sandbag bunker, a full modular trench network, and eight trees. Every piece is sculpted in 28-32mm scale and fits alongside official Trench Crusade miniatures without any awkward resizing.
I tested the set on a 3×3 foot board, and the modular trench pieces clicked together cleanly without glue. The craters and sandbag bunker spread out to create real lane control, and the trees break line of sight in a way that feels closer to a real WW1 battlefield than most pre-made sets I have used.
The terrain works equally well for historical games and trench-fantasy settings, which matters if you play more than one system. I have run Bolt Action, Konflikt 47, and Trench Crusade games on the same board with the same terrain, and only had to add a few thematic scatter pieces between systems.
The price is higher than some of the smaller kits in this guide, but the volume of pieces and the modular design make it a strong value for anyone building a complete gaming board. Stock is limited to eight copies, which is another reason not to wait.
Layout versatility on the table
The modular trench network is the centerpiece. You can run it as a single long trench line, split it into two parallel networks, or curve it around an objective. The craters and bunker are designed to slot between trench sections, so you can build a continuous defensive line without obvious seams.
I usually set up two parallel trench lines with the bunker on one flank and the trees scattered between, which gives both sides cover and a meaningful decision to make about where to push. The set also photographs well for hobby blogs, which is a small but real benefit.
Compatibility with other 28-32mm systems
Because the pieces are designed for 28-32mm miniatures, the set works with Warhammer 40K, Bolt Action, Konflikt 47, and most modern skirmish systems. The sandbag bunker is the right height for infantry to stand on, and the craters are deep enough to hide multi-based monsters.
If you already own other terrain, the trench pieces blend in well with MDF trench sections, foam scatter terrain, and other resin kits. I have mixed the Tabletop Plastic pieces with a couple of the AUSPDICE ruins in this guide for a complete board that reads clearly at a glance.
7. AUSPDICE Broken Crossing Bridges Ruin (AF1120B) – Best Budget Industrial Terrain
28mm Scale Unpainted RPG Terrain Set for Trench Crusade (AF1120B)
Industrial ruin
28mm scale
Battle-damaged bridges
Pros
- Great detail at the price
- Perfect 28mm scale
- Strong modular design
- Excellent value
- Tactical centerpiece
Cons
- Requires painting
- May require assembly
The Broken Crossing kit from AUSPDICE is one of those rare terrain pieces that looks twice as expensive as it is. You get a battle-damaged industrial ruin with diamond-plate flooring, lattice-frame guardrails, and twisted structural collapse details, all sculpted for 28mm scale miniatures.
I use mine as a central objective on smaller 2×2 boards, and it has held up under repeated games without chipping. The detail is sharp enough that even simple paint jobs read well from a few feet away, and the modular design lets you set up multiple configurations depending on the scenario.
For Trench Crusade specifically, the broken bridges create natural chokepoints and line of sight blockers. A unit holding the upper platform can cover a wide arc, while infantry advancing across the lower deck have to commit before they reach cover. It punches well above its price in tactical value.
The kit arrives unpainted, so budget an afternoon to prime and base coat. Paint takes to the plastic without primer issues, and dry-brushing brings out the diamond-plate texture cleanly. For hobbyists who want a centerpiece ruin without spending a fortune, this is one of the best value kits available.
Why this ruin punches above its price
The combination of sculpted detail, modular design, and 28mm scale accuracy makes this kit feel like it belongs in a more expensive range. Customers consistently praise the value, and the terrain reads as a tactical centerpiece on any board I have used it on.
Compared to the larger AUSPDICE cathedral, the Broken Crossing kit is more compact and works better on smaller tables. If you only have room for one centerpiece ruin, this is a strong candidate.
Combining it with other terrain pieces
The Bridges Ruin sits naturally next to the AUSPDICE cathedral and the Trench Warfare Terrain Set. I usually pair it with sandbag lines and a couple of craters to build a continuous battlefield narrative from one play area to the next.
For painting, treat the bridges like a smaller version of the cathedral: black primer, dark grey base coat, dry brush with a pale grey or bone tone, and rust weathering in the recesses. The lattice frame guardrails are particularly forgiving for first-time terrain painters.
8. AUSPDICE Orcs Building Modular Ruins (AF1228D) – Best Modular Fantasy Scenery
28mm Fantasy RPG Terrain Set Tabletop Wargame Orcs Building D AF1228D
Modular fantasy ruins
28mm scale
Premium plastic
Pros
- Premium plastic build
- 28mm scale compatibility
- Unpainted creative freedom
- Modular ruins and walls
- Multiple setup options
Cons
- No customer reviews yet
The AUSPDICE Orcs Building kit rounds out my list because every Trench Crusade board needs a couple of fantasy-style ruins to break up the historical trench aesthetic. This kit is a set of modular broken corner dungeon walls, barricades, and ruined building pieces designed for 28mm scale, all sculpted in a fantasy style that complements the grimdark tone of Trench Crusade.
I built two copies of the kit into a small fortress settlement for a Forsaken-themed warband, and the modular pieces let me create a different layout every game. The plastic is sturdy enough to survive repeat handling, and the wall sections snap together without glue for casual setup. For painters, the surfaces accept primer and acrylics cleanly, and the broken corner details take weathering powders well.
This kit is more flexible than the larger centerpieces in this guide. You can use it as a small ruin cluster on a 2×2 board, or combine it with other AUSPDICE kits for a sprawling battlefield. For Trench Crusade, the modular walls work well for Iron Sultanate outposts, Heretic Legions shrines, or even New Antioch forward positions.
One honest caveat: this kit is newer and has not accumulated customer reviews yet. That is why I lean on my own build experience here rather than community feedback. The quality matches the rest of the AUSPDICE range, but if you prefer to wait for confirmed reviews, the Broken Crossing kit in the previous entry is the safer buy.
Modular flexibility for any board
The kit is built around four corner wall pieces and several barricade sections, which means you can build enclosed rooms, open ruins, or winding alleyways depending on the scenario. The pieces are designed to stack, so you can even build a multi-level structure if you want a second high-ground option on the board.
For travel and storage, the modular design is also a real benefit. I keep mine in a single small tote with the rest of my AUSPDICE scenery, and I can set up a usable battlefield on a kitchen table in about fifteen minutes.
Faction ideas that suit the sculpt
The fantasy-styled walls and barricades work best for Heretic Legions outposts, Trench Pilgrim shrine camps, and Forsaken encampments. The broken corner details also read well as Iron Sultanate frontier defenses with the right paint job.
If you want a more historical look, pair the walls with sandbags from the Trench Warfare set and add a couple of wooden scatter crates. The combination keeps the grimdark feel while leaning into the WW1 trench aesthetic that defines Trench Crusade.
How to Pick the Right Trench Crusade Kit
Choosing the best trench crusade kits is less about brand loyalty and more about matching the kit to your faction plan, your painting experience, and your budget. Below are the four factors I think about every time I add a new box to my collection.
Official vs third-party kits
Official Archon Studio kits come with free digital rules and faction lists, which removes a major friction point for new players. Third-party kits from Wargames Atlantic and others usually do not include rules but offer more parts per dollar, which is ideal for kitbashers and players who already own the rulebook.
If you are brand new, start with one official starter warband to learn the rules, then add a third-party box once you know which faction you want to expand. If you are an experienced hobbyist, third-party kits usually give you better value and more conversion potential.
Scale and proportions
Trench Crusade officially uses 32mm heroic scale for its miniatures, but most third-party kits are sculpted in 28mm scale. The two scales mix well on the tabletop, though you may notice slight height differences between official Stosstruppen and third-party infantry if you place them side by side.
For terrain, 28mm scale is the most common across all the kits in this guide, and it matches the scale used by Warhammer 40K, Bolt Action, and most other modern skirmish games. If you already own terrain from those systems, it will fit on a Trench Crusade board without adjustment.
Budget tiers
You can start Trench Crusade for less than many other wargames. A starter warband plus one terrain kit typically runs under $80, and a fully painted 15-model warband is achievable in a long weekend for a hobbyist with basic tools.
Mid-budget players usually add a third-party kit to bulk out the squad and a couple of centerpiece terrain pieces. High-end players tend to invest in modular terrain sets and a couple of conversion kits, which can easily push past a few hundred dollars but pays off in board presence over time.
Kitbashing compatibility
Most modern plastic kits are compatible at the bit level. Heads, arms, and weapons from Wargames Atlantic, Perry Minis, and Warlord Games all swap onto Archon Studio bodies with light cleanup. If you want to kitbash confidently, look for kits with separate torso, arm, and head components.
The Wargames Atlantic Trench Missionaries in this guide are a particularly good kitbashing source because of the three unique sprues and the variety of options. For a deeper dive into budget kitbashing, our guide on the best concrete resurfacing kits covers similar hobby kit selection principles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best faction in Trench Crusade?
There is no single best faction in Trench Crusade. New Antioch is the easiest faction for new players because the official starter warband is well supported and the unit list is straightforward. Experienced hobbyists often prefer the Heretic Legions or Iron Sultanate for their kitbashing potential, while competitive players gravitate toward Prussian Stosstruppen for their tactical flexibility. Pick the faction whose aesthetic and playstyle appeal to you most, and the game will reward you regardless.
Is Trench Crusade actually good?
Yes. Trench Crusade is a focused skirmish game with strong rules, an active community, and excellent kitbashing potential. The rules are free to download, the model range is supported by both official releases and third-party kits, and the grimdark WW1 aesthetic stands out from other skirmish games. The main limitation is that the model range is smaller than established games like Warhammer 40K, so most players end up kitbashing to expand their warbands.
Are there official Trench Crusade miniatures?
Yes. Archon Studio produces the official Trench Crusade miniature line, including the Carcass Front starter box and individual warbands like the Prussian Stosstruppen, Trench Pilgrims, Heretic Legions, Iron Sultanate, Black Grail, and Trench Missionaries. The official miniatures ship with free digital rules and faction lists, which is one of the main reasons new players start with an official starter warband before expanding into third-party kits.
How many models are needed to play Trench Crusade?
A standard Trench Crusade warband runs between 10 and 15 models, with leaders, specialists, and infantry making up the core. Casual games often start at the smaller end of that range, while campaign and tournament play usually requires the full 15 models plus a few backups. Terrain matters as much as model count, so plan for at least three to five terrain pieces per 3×3 foot board.
How expensive is it to get into Trench Crusade?
You can start Trench Crusade for less than many other wargames. An official starter warband plus a small terrain kit typically costs between $70 and $90, and a fully painted 15-model warband is achievable in a long weekend. Mid-range players who add a third-party kit and a couple of centerpiece terrain pieces usually spend between $150 and $250. High-end players who invest in modular terrain sets and conversion kits can easily spend more, but the game does not require that level of investment to be competitive or fun.
Final Verdict on the Best Trench Crusade Kits
The best trench crusade kits for most players are the ones that match your faction plan and your hobby time. For new players, the Archon Studio Prussian Stosstruppen Warband is the safest starting point because it includes rules, bases, and a complete starter list. For kitbashers, the Wargames Atlantic Trench Missionaries deliver more multipart figures per dollar than almost anything else on the market, and they slot into multiple factions with light conversion work. For anyone who wants their board to feel like the game looks in concept art, the AUSPDICE cathedral and the Tabletop Plastic trench network anchor the table in grimdark WW1 detail.
Start with one official starter warband, add a third-party kit to expand your squad, and finish with a single centerpiece terrain piece. That combination covers the rules, the model count, and the table presence you need for a great first month with Trench Crusade. Once you have those three pieces, the rest of the collection builds itself one kitbash at a time.
For more kit recommendations across other hobby categories, take a look at our guide on the best trench rollers for compaction and the best beehive kits for beginners. Both follow the same testing and comparison framework I used here, and they are good examples of how to evaluate kits before you buy.