Building a Warring States Armored Infantry Army: Buying Guide

By Wargames Atlantic | Published: 2026-10-29

Category: Buying Guides

Learn how to assemble a Warring States Armored Infantry army for ancient Chinese wargaming. Get practical buying advice, decision rules, and fit guidance from Wargames Atlantic.

Quick Answer

Start with one or two boxes of Warring States Armored Infantry from Wargames Atlantic—each gives you enough plastic parts to field a core unit of armored spearmen or swordsmen, with extra heads and weapons to customize your ancient Chinese wargame army.

Why Start with Armored Infantry

The Warring States period (475–221 BCE) saw the rise of professional armies and advanced armor. Wargames Atlantic’s kit reflects this with detailed lamellar and scale armor, polearms, and swords. A single box gives you 24 multi-part plastic figures, enough for a solid infantry unit in most rulesets like Hail Caesar or SAGA: Age of Alexander.

If you prefer a more missile-heavy force, you can supplement with separate archer or crossbowman units—but the armored infantry kit includes some ranged weapon options too.

Trade-offs to Consider

The kit focuses on heavy infantry. If your army concept relies on cavalry or chariots, you’ll need to source those separately—Wargames Atlantic doesn’t currently offer Warring States cavalry. Also, the minis are 28mm heroic scale; they fit well with other historical ranges but may look slightly larger than true 28mm figures from other manufacturers.

Decision Rules for Your Warring States Army

Core Unit Size: For most historical rulesets, a standard infantry unit is 20–30 figures. One box of 24 fits perfectly. Buy two boxes if you want a larger phalanx or two separate units.
Weapon Choice: The kit provides spears, swords, and a few ranged weapons. For a balanced force, build half as spearmen (good against cavalry) and half as swordsmen (better in melee). Mix weapon options to keep your army flexible.
Command Elements: Each box includes parts for a standard bearer, musician, and officer. Use these to lead your unit—they add morale bonuses in many games. Always build at least one command figure per unit.
Expansion Path: After your first unit, add a second box for more armored infantry or look for third-party chariots and cavalry to round out your army. Plan your next purchase based on the army list you want to field.

Product Facts

Warring States Armored Infantry: The kit includes 24 multi-part plastic figures with options for armored infantry, spearmen, swordsmen, and command elements. You can build a complete core unit from one box, with enough extra bits to create distinct poses and leaders.
Warring States Armored Infantry

Is This Kit Right for You?

Best for

Players building a Warring States Chinese army for historical wargames like Hail Caesar or SAGA
Hobbyists who want detailed, affordable plastic infantry with good customization options

Not for

Those who need cavalry or chariot miniatures—these must be sourced elsewhere
Players seeking a pre-assembled, single-pose army—this kit requires assembly and painting