Choosing the right miniatures can make or break your wargaming experience. For fans of the popular 28mm scale, the market offers a plethora of options, each with its unique strengths. Whether you're a history buff, a sci-fi enthusiast, or a fantasy fanatic, understanding the landscape of 28mm wargame figure manufacturers is essential. This guide dives into some of the top manufacturers, highlighting what makes them stand out and helping you find the perfect figures for your next campaign.

Understanding the 28mm Wargaming Scale

Before we delve into the manufacturers, let's clarify what the 28mm scale means. In wargaming, scale refers to the size of the miniatures relative to real-world counterparts. A 28mm figure is roughly 28mm tall from foot to eye, making it a popular choice because it balances detail with practicality. These figures are large enough to paint intricate details, yet small enough to field large armies without overwhelming your tabletop. The 28mm scale is particularly favored in historical wargames, fantasy battles, and skirmish-level conflicts, providing a sweet spot for both collectors and players. Understanding the scale helps in appreciating the craftsmanship and detail that manufacturers pour into their products.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Manufacturer

When selecting a 28mm wargame figure manufacturer, several factors come into play. Quality and detail are paramount; you want figures that are well-sculpted and accurately represent the characters or soldiers they depict. The material used also matters – plastic, metal (usually lead-free pewter), and resin each offer different advantages in terms of durability, ease of painting, and level of detail. Price is another crucial consideration, as building a wargame army can be an expensive endeavor. Range and variety are important if you're looking to create diverse and unique forces. Finally, consider the manufacturer's reputation for customer service and reliability. Reading reviews and forums can provide valuable insights into other gamers' experiences with different manufacturers. By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and choose a manufacturer that meets your specific needs and preferences.

Top 28mm Wargame Figure Manufacturers

Warlord Games

Warlord Games has become a titan in the 28mm wargaming world, particularly renowned for its historical miniatures. Specializing in eras such as World War II, Pike & Shotte, and Ancient Rome, Warlord Games offers an extensive range of plastic and metal figures. One of their standout features is the affordability of their plastic sets, making it easier for gamers to amass large armies without breaking the bank. The quality of their sculpts has improved significantly over the years, and their figures are now highly detailed and historically accurate. Warlord Games' commitment to historical accuracy extends beyond just the figures themselves; they also produce a wide array of vehicles, terrain, and accessories to complement their miniatures. Their Black Powder and Bolt Action ranges are particularly popular, offering comprehensive rulesets and scenarios for recreating historical battles. Additionally, Warlord Games fosters a strong community through its website and forums, providing resources, painting guides, and opportunities for players to connect and share their passion for wargaming. For gamers interested in historical conflicts, Warlord Games is a must-consider manufacturer.

Games Workshop

No discussion of miniature wargaming is complete without mentioning Games Workshop. While they are best known for their Warhammer 40,000 and Warhammer Age of Sigmar ranges (which are not strictly 28mm, but heroic scale), Games Workshop also produces historical miniatures through its subsidiary, Wargames Foundry. Games Workshop sets the standard for miniature design and production, with incredibly detailed plastic and resin kits. Their figures are dynamic and characterful, capturing the grimdark aesthetic of their flagship settings. The downside is that Games Workshop miniatures tend to be more expensive than those from other manufacturers, but the quality is undeniable. Beyond the miniatures, Games Workshop offers a complete ecosystem of rulesets, paints, and hobby supplies, making it a one-stop-shop for wargamers. Their extensive range of vehicles, terrain, and accessories further enhances the gaming experience. For those willing to invest in premium-quality miniatures and immerse themselves in rich, lore-driven worlds, Games Workshop is an excellent choice.

Perry Miniatures

Perry Miniatures is a name synonymous with historical accuracy and exquisite detail. Founded by renowned sculptors Alan and Michael Perry, this company specializes in historical miniatures from the Napoleonic Wars, the War of the Roses, and other periods. Perry Miniatures' figures are celebrated for their realistic proportions and meticulously researched uniforms and equipment. The Perry brothers' expertise shines through in every sculpt, capturing the nuances of historical warfare with unparalleled accuracy. While their range may not be as extensive as some larger manufacturers, the quality of their figures is consistently high. Perry Miniatures primarily produces plastic and metal figures, offering both individual miniatures and boxed sets. Their plastic sets are particularly popular for building large armies, as they provide excellent value for money. For historical wargamers who demand the utmost accuracy and attention to detail, Perry Miniatures is an indispensable resource.

Victrix Limited

Victrix Limited is another prominent player in the historical wargaming scene, known for its high-quality plastic miniatures. Specializing in ancient and Napoleonic periods, Victrix offers a wide range of figures, including Greeks, Romans, Gauls, and various Napoleonic armies. What sets Victrix apart is its commitment to providing highly detailed and customizable plastic kits. Many of their sets include multiple head and arm options, allowing gamers to create unique and personalized units. The quality of Victrix's sculpts is excellent, capturing the dynamism and character of ancient and Napoleonic warriors. In addition to figures, Victrix also produces a range of vehicles and accessories to complement their miniatures. Their kits are well-engineered and easy to assemble, making them suitable for both experienced modelers and beginners. For gamers looking to build historically accurate and visually striking armies, Victrix Limited is an excellent choice.

Fireforge Games

Fireforge Games has carved out a niche for itself in the medieval and fantasy wargaming market. While they offer some historical ranges, such as medieval Russians and Mongols, they are best known for their plastic kits that can be used for both historical and fantasy settings. Fireforge Games' figures are versatile, allowing gamers to create armies for historical battles, such as the Crusades, or for fantasy games inspired by medieval Europe. The quality of their sculpts is consistently high, and their plastic kits are well-designed and easy to assemble. One of Fireforge Games' standout products is their plastic knights, which are highly customizable and can be used to represent various knightly orders and factions. They also produce a range of infantry, cavalry, and siege engines, providing everything you need to build a complete medieval or fantasy army. For gamers who enjoy the flexibility of using the same miniatures for both historical and fantasy games, Fireforge Games is an excellent option.

Other Notable Manufacturers

Beyond these major players, several other manufacturers offer high-quality 28mm wargame figures. Companies like Artizan Designs specialize in World War II miniatures, while Crusader Miniatures offer a wide range of historical figures from various periods. Gripping Beast is known for its Dark Age and Viking miniatures, and North Star Military Figures produces figures for various historical and fantasy games, including the popular Oathmark: Battles of the Lost Age. Each of these manufacturers brings its unique strengths and specialties to the table, providing gamers with a diverse range of options to choose from.

Conclusion

The world of 28mm wargame figure manufacturers is vast and varied, offering something for every gamer's taste and preference. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a sci-fi aficionado, or a fantasy fanatic, you can find manufacturers that produce high-quality, detailed miniatures to bring your tabletop battles to life. By considering factors such as quality, price, range, and reputation, you can make an informed decision and choose the manufacturers that best suit your needs. So, dive in, explore the options, and start building the army of your dreams!