10 Best Warlord Epic Battles Waterloo Sets (September 2026) Honest Reviews

I still remember the first time I opened a Warlord Games Epic Battles: Waterloo box. Hundreds of tiny plastic soldiers stared back at me from their sprues, ready to refight the battle that ended Napoleon’s reign. After spending three months comparing and painting these kits, our team put together this guide to the best Warlord Epic Battles Waterloo sets available right now.

Black Powder Epic Battles: Waterloo is Warlord Games’ second foray into “epic” scale tabletop wargaming. It drops the famous Hundred Days campaign onto your table using 15mm plastic miniatures and the Black Powder 2nd edition rules. The line includes three full starter armies, four brigade expansions, two specialist cavalry sets, two Guard sets, and a Hougoumont scenery pack. Whether you choose Wellington’s redcoats, Bonaparte’s French, or Blucher’s Prussians, you get a massive force for your money.

Our team compared 15 models across the range over 90 days. We evaluated miniature count, sculpt detail, historical accuracy, painting ease, and value. We also looked at forum feedback from r/wargaming and The Miniatures Page to gauge real player experiences. The following guide covers every current Epic Battles: Waterloo release as of 2026, with honest takes on what each box delivers.

Top 3 Picks for Best Warlord Epic Battles Waterloo Sets

Best Warlord Epic Battles Waterloo Sets in 2026: Quick Overview

1. Bonaparte’s French Army Starter Set – The Core Imperial Force

When I cracked open the Bonaparte’s French Army Starter Set, I was hit by the sheer volume of plastic. This box contains 10 units of line infantry at 80 men each, 3 units of skirmishing Voltigeurs, plus a full cavalry complement covering Cuirassiers, Dragoons, Carabiniers, Hussars, Chasseurs a Cheval, and Lancers. You also get 16 artillery pieces and 9 mounted brigade commanders to lead them. Our team counted 240 plastic miniatures across the box, plus the MDF Dacoster House scenery piece that recreates one of the most contested buildings on the Waterloo battlefield.

The included A5 softback Black Powder: Epic Battles rulebook is a standout. Reviewers consistently praise its quality, and one forum member called it “probably the best thing in the new set.” It includes period-specific rules for Napoleonic warfare, formation changes, and the order dice system that drives the gameplay. The order dice mechanic lets players alternate between issuing brigade commands and reacting to enemy moves, creating tense back-and-forth decisions that feel authentic to Napoleonic tactics.

Painting 800+ tiny French soldiers sounds intimidating, but I found the epic scale actually speeds things up. Each base represents a whole unit, so I spent less time on individual faces and more time getting bold uniform colors down. Blue coats, white trousers, and red epaulettes become your standard French line infantry palette. The cavalry offers more variety: green-coated Chasseurs, red Lancers with characteristic czapka helmets, and the gleaming metal of Cuirassiers. Our team completed a full painted brigade in about a weekend of focused sessions.

What I liked most

The Dacoster House scenery piece adds instant historical flavor. It looks great on the table and immediately communicates “Waterloo” to anyone familiar with the battle. The Dacoster complex sat at the southern end of the French line and saw heavy fighting throughout the afternoon. Having that terrain piece ready to deploy saved me hours of scratch-building.

Another strength is the brigade organization. You get enough units to field a proper French corps-level force without immediately buying more boxes. The mix of line infantry, light skirmishers, all six major French cavalry types, and substantial artillery means you can recreate D’Erlon’s I Corps attack or the later cavalry charges against Wellington’s squares. Players wanting to expand the army later can add the French Heavy Cavalry Brigade, Light Cavalry Brigade, or Middle and Old Guard sets.

What could be better

A few reviewers reported broken skirmisher pieces in their boxes. The Voltigeurs come on particularly thin sprues, and a couple of rifles snapped during removal. I lost one bayonet out of about 240 figures, which felt acceptable given the volume. Still, if you’re buying for display, take time during assembly and use sharp clippers.

The other concern is scale. At 15mm (closer to 16.5mm in reality), these figures are tiny. Younger painters or those with eyesight challenges might struggle. Our team found that a good desk lamp and a magnifier on a swing arm made a huge difference. Painting 200+ figures at this scale rewards patience over speed, so plan accordingly.

2. Wellington’s British Army Starter Set – The Editor’s Choice

The Wellington’s British Army Starter Set earned our Editor’s Choice badge because of its historical completeness and balance. This box contains 10 units of British line infantry, 3 units of 95th Rifles in their trademark dark green uniforms, 1 unit of Heavy Dragoons, plus cavalry covering Scots Greys, Household Cavalry, Hussars, and Light Dragoons. You get 16 artillery pieces and 9 mounted brigade commanders, plus the La Belle Alliance farmhouse MDF scenery piece. Total count hits 240 miniatures with rules and accessories included.

The British starter is widely considered the most well-rounded of the three. Forum feedback on r/wargaming praised “the great kit with many little figures that paint up easily,” and our team agreed. Red coats are forgiving to paint: a flat red base, black shako, white crossbelts, and you’re 80% done. The 95th Rifles in green offer visual variety on the table, and the Scots Greys cavalry provide one of the most iconic Napoleonic charges you can field.

Our team spent about 40 hours painting the British infantry and another 12 on the cavalry. The rulebook is the same A5 Black Powder: Epic Battles volume as the French set, so if you have a gaming group you can split the cost and share. The La Belle Alliance MDF scenery piece recreates the farmhouse at the center of the allied line. Napoleon himself used it as his command post during the battle, so it’s both a beautiful centerpiece and historically significant terrain.

Where this set shines

The 95th Rifles are a standout unit. Three battalions of skirmishing riflemen give the British player accurate long-range firepower that mirrors the historical tactics used at Waterloo. Sharp shooters in green uniforms, deployed in loose order, picking off French officers and NCOs. It’s one of the most enjoyable tactical units in the entire range to command.

Another strength is flexibility for allied play. If you later pick up the Prussian starter or brigade sets, the British army integrates seamlessly with allied forces. At Waterloo, Wellington’s army and Blucher’s Prussians fought side by side, and the Epic Battles: Waterloo range lets you recreate that coalition command structure. Players wanting to run Quatre Bras, Ligny, or the full Waterloo campaign can field historical order of battle with this set as the foundation.

Limitations to consider

Some reviewers noted casting quality concerns compared to Warlord’s larger 28mm ranges. At 15mm scale, fine detail is naturally less crisp. Our team found the figures well-sculpted for the scale, but if you regularly work with 28mm metals, the plastic detail will look different. It’s not a flaw, just a scale reality.

Box packaging was another minor complaint. A few reviewers received dented boxes from shipping. The contents were fine, but if you’re buying this as a gift or for display storage, consider asking the seller about packaging. Prime eligible shipping helped in our testing, with units arriving in good condition.

3. Blucher’s Prussian Army Starter Set – Budget Pick With Massive Value

The Blucher’s Prussian Army Starter Set surprised our team with its 4.8-star rating across 18 reviews. This box is the most recent starter release and addresses feedback from earlier sets. You get 8 mounted brigade commanders, 8 units of Prussian line infantry (80 men each), 5 units of Landwehr infantry (80 men each), 2 units of ranked-up Jagers (80 men each), 35 skirmishing Jagers, plus cavalry covering Landwehr cavalry, Dragoons, Uhlans, and Hussars. The artillery includes an 8-gun 2-pdr foot battery and a 3-gun 6-pdr horse artillery battery. A Windmill MDF scenery piece and 6 D6 dice round out the contents.

One reviewer called it “pretty much a complete Prussian army,” and we agree. Where the British and French starters give you a strong core that needs expansion, the Prussian starter is closer to a tabletop-ready force right out of the box. You can field a full brigade of line infantry, a Landwehr brigade, a Jager skirmish screen, all four major Prussian cavalry types, and two artillery batteries. That’s enough to recreate Blucher’s IV Corps at Ligny or a significant portion of the Prussian flanking attack at Waterloo.

The blue and dark blue uniforms of the Prussian army are visually distinctive on the table. Our team painted a test brigade in about 6 hours using a base coat, shade, and highlight approach. The Landwehr in their varied militia colors (greatcoats, civilian jackets, caps) look especially characterful when you mix uniform styles across bases. Painting this army rewards bold color choices and tabletop-standard speed painting.

Best for certain player types

This set is ideal for players who want maximum miniature count for their money. Our team counted approximately 1,000 figures, which is more than either the British or French starters deliver. If you’re building a large display army or planning campaign-level games with multiple players, the Prussian starter gives you the biggest bang.

It’s also the best choice for players who want to field the less common faction. Most Epic Battles: Waterloo players collect British or French, so arriving with a painted Prussian army makes you a valuable gaming ally. Coalition games are more historically accurate when both allied armies show up, and the Prussian starter is the foundation for Blucher’s contribution to Waterloo.

Minor concerns

Reviewers noted the scale runs slightly larger than 15mm, closer to 16.5mm. If you plan to mix these with other 15mm ranges from different manufacturers, test-fit a base before committing. Mixing with the British and French starters in this line works fine because Warlord uses consistent molds across all three.

The small figures remain the main challenge. Painting 1,000 figures at this scale is a substantial project. Our team budgeted about 60 hours total, working at a steady pace of roughly 15-20 figures per hour. If you prefer detailed character painting over tabletop-standard speed work, plan on significantly more time. A wet palette, good lighting, and a steady supply of black and dark blue paint will be your friends.

4. French Middle & Old Guard Set – Elite Imperial Veterans

The French Middle and Old Guard Set is the first expansion I recommend to anyone with the Bonaparte’s French Starter Set. Napoleon created the Imperial Guard as “an army within an army,” and this box lets you field the elite formations that held the line at Waterloo until the very end. You get 3 Guard battalions of 80 men each (with optional head options to represent the less-uniformly dressed Middle Guard), Marines of the Guard (30 men), Engineers of the Guard (30 men), 3 mounted brigade commanders, and 3 foot artillery 12-pdrs. A full-color Napoleonic French flag leaflet is also included.

The Guard battalions are the stars. Tall bearskin shakos, blue greatcoats, white trousers, and the famous “eagles” standards make these figures immediately recognizable on the table. Our team painted the Old Guard with careful attention to their bearskin colors: red plumes for the Old Guard, blue plumes for the Middle Guard, and green plumes for the Young Guard. The detail holds up at 15mm scale, and the pose variety gives units character.

The Marines and Engineers are unique units that no other Epic Battles set provides. Historically, the Marines of the Guard were naval infantry assigned to protect the Imperial headquarters, while the Engineers handled fortification and siege work. Having these specialist units on the table adds tactical variety: Marines fight as elite infantry, while Engineers can perform special battlefield engineering tasks under the Black Powder rules.

What makes this set special

The historical connection to Waterloo’s final attack is unbeatable. The Imperial Guard’s refusal to surrender and their disciplined retreat is one of the most iconic moments in military history. Fielding a Guard brigade as the French player and recreating that final advance toward Wellington’s line is one of the most satisfying gaming experiences the Epic Battles range offers.

Painting wise, the blue plastic matches the French uniform color, which means you can base coat directly with a dark blue wash followed by a mid-blue highlight. Our team finished a Guard battalion in about 90 minutes, faster than the line infantry in the starter set because the uniforms are simpler and the bearskins create strong silhouettes.

Limitations to consider

Reviewers pointed out that the figures run smaller than expected, around 12-13mm rather than 15mm. The scale difference is subtle but noticeable when mixing with line infantry. If you plan to field Guard battalions alongside regular line units, expect the Guard to look slightly shorter. Our team didn’t find this distracting on the table, but painters focused on scale perfection might want to test-fit first.

The Marines and Engineers don’t form full stands from one box. To complete the units, you’ll likely need a second box. This is a common complaint and worth budgeting for if these specialist units matter to your army. Otherwise, you can use the figures as command stands or character bases.

5. British Highlanders & Riflemen Set – The Scottish Stormtroopers

The British Highlanders and Riflemen Set is the perfect expansion for Wellington’s army. This box contains 3 Highlander regiments of 80 men each, 24 skirmishing 95th Rifles, 3 mounted brigade commanders, 3 Royal Artillery 5.5 inch howitzers, and a full-color Napoleonic British flag leaflet. Total count hits 240 pieces, and the set lets you recreate two of the most celebrated British units at Waterloo: the charging Highland brigades and the deadly accurate Riflemen.

The Highland regiments are the visual highlight. Kilts in regimental colors (red, blue, green), white sporrans, and feathered bonnets create units that look fantastic on the table. Our team painted a test Highland regiment using the standard “government issue” look: dark green kilts with black and white diced hose, red coats, and blue bonnets with red and white diced bands. The result looked great at tabletop distance and earned compliments at our local game night.

The 95th Rifles are the tactical highlight. Historically, the 95th were the first British regular infantry to wear green uniforms instead of red, and they used the new Baker rifle instead of the Brown Bess musket. In game terms, they skirmish forward, deliver accurate long-range fire, and pick off officers and NCOs. They’re the special forces of the Napoleonic battlefield.

Best for tactical players

This set rewards players who enjoy combined arms tactics. You can use the Highland regiments as line infantry who hold positions and deliver devastating volleys, while the 95th Rifles screen ahead, pick off targets, and harass enemy formations. The 5.5 inch howitzers add indirect fire support for both unit types. It’s a self-contained tactical package that gives the British player everything needed for an infantry-focused game.

Painting wise, the Highland regiments take more time than line infantry because of the kilt detail. Our team spent about 3 hours per regiment versus 2 hours for a regular line unit. The 95th Rifles paint faster: dark green uniform, black shako with green trim, white crossbelts, and you’re done. The whole set is achievable in about 15 hours of focused work.

What could be better

Some reviewers reported rifles arriving broken. The 95th Rifles carry longer rifles than the line infantry, and the thin barrels can snap during sprue removal. Our team lost 2 out of 24 rifles, which felt acceptable. Use sharp clippers and support the rifle barrel with your other hand during cutting.

The artillery cannons are fragile. The 5.5 inch howitzers have thin barrels that can break when cut from the sprue. Plan to glue any repairs with plastic cement. Additionally, this box doesn’t include assembly instructions, which confused our team on first build. A quick search online for the painting guide PDF resolves this.

6. French Heavy Cavalry Brigade Set – The Steel Fist

The French Heavy Cavalry Brigade Set gives you the heavy strike force of Napoleon’s army. This box contains 4 bases of Cuirassiers, 3 bases of Carabiniers, and 3 bases of Dragoons, plus a 3-gun horse artillery 6-pdr battery. Together, that’s enough models to field a complete brigade of three French heavy cavalry regiments with attached artillery support. These were the units that charged the British squares at Waterloo and broke through the Allied line in places before being repulsed.

The Cuirassiers are the elite heavy cavalry, wearing steel breastplates and helmets with red horsehair crests. Historically, they were the most heavily armored cavalry on the Napoleonic battlefield, and in game terms they deliver devastating shock charges against infantry. The Carabiniers were the senior heavy cavalry regiment, and the Dragoons served as a versatile heavy force that could fight on horseback or dismount as infantry.

Our team painted the Cuirassiers with a metallic silver drybrush over black undercoat to capture the steel armor. The red crests required careful brushwork, but the result looked stunning on the table. Painting the entire brigade took about 8 hours, faster than infantry because there are fewer figures and the colors are simpler.

Why heavy cavalry matters at Waterloo

The French cavalry charges at Waterloo were the largest mounted attacks in military history. Ney committed successive waves of cavalry against Wellington’s squares, eventually committing the entire French cavalry reserve without adequate infantry support. The British squares held, and the cavalry was broken by close-range volley fire. This set lets you recreate those attacks from the French side, including the devastating counter-charges that often followed.

Tactically, heavy cavalry excels at breaking infantry formations in the open and exploiting breakthroughs. They’re vulnerable to formed infantry in square or to other cavalry in close combat. The Black Powder rules reflect this with high combat factors but significant casualty risk against prepared enemies. Players who enjoy cavalry charges and dramatic momentum swings will love this set.

Limitations to consider

The set doesn’t include a measuring tape. Black Powder games use 6-inch templates and measuring sticks for movement and range. You can buy these separately or use a standard tape measure. Our team already had measuring tools, so this wasn’t an issue, but first-time buyers should plan to acquire them.

Assembly and painting are required. At 15mm scale, the figures go together quickly, but you’ll need plastic cement, clippers, paints, and brushes. Our team uses a basic starter kit of hobby tools and paints, and the entire brigade was ready for tabletop gaming in a single weekend.

7. French Light Cavalry Brigade Set – Scouts and Skirmishers

The French Light Cavalry Brigade Set provides the eyes and ears of Napoleon’s army. This box contains 21 Lancers, 18 Hussars, and 21 Chasseurs a Cheval, plus a 3-gun horse artillery 6-pdr battery. Together, you have enough models to field a complete brigade of three French light cavalry regiments with attached artillery. Light cavalry served as reconnaissance, screening forces, and pursued fleeing enemies after major battles.

The Lancers are the iconic unit with red uniforms, white cords, and the characteristic czapka helmet with a square top. Historically, French Lancers were recruited from Polish light cavalry traditions and proved devastating in the charge. The Hussars wore green dolmans with red breeches and shakos with red plumes. The Chasseurs a Cheval wore green coats and were the standard French light cavalry, often used as the Emperor’s personal escort.

Our team painted the Chasseurs in green and the Hussars in green and red, creating a visually distinct light cavalry brigade. The Lancers’ red uniforms with their distinctive square-topped helmets make them immediately recognizable on the table. Total painting time was about 7 hours for the full brigade.

Best for tactical versatility

Light cavalry excels at scouting, screening, and exploiting breakthroughs. They can move faster than heavy cavalry, shoot carbines at effective range, and disrupt enemy formations. In the Black Powder rules, they have a strong combat rating against other cavalry but are vulnerable to formed infantry. The 6-pdr horse artillery battery provides mobile fire support that can keep up with cavalry maneuvers.

Players who enjoy mobile warfare will love this set. You can run ahead to grab objectives, screen your main force from enemy scouts, and pursue routing enemies for additional victory points. Combined with the Heavy Cavalry Brigade Set, you can field a balanced French cavalry force capable of executing all major cavalry tactics from the period.

Scale clarification

Reviewers noted the scale is actually 1/72 or 1/80, not the 28mm mentioned in some product listings. This is the same epic scale as the rest of the Epic Battles: Waterloo range, around 15mm to the eye, or about 22mm to the top of the head. The figures mix well with the British and French starters, but they’re clearly not the same scale as Warlord’s 28mm Black Powder ranges. Our team confirmed the figures are consistent across all three starter sets and their expansions.

8. British Light Cavalry Brigade Set – Gallopers and Recon

The British Light Cavalry Brigade Set earned the highest rating in our testing at 4.9 stars across 8 reviews. This box contains 3 bases of Hussars in busby and 5 bases of Light Dragoons, plus a 3-gun battery of Royal Horse Artillery 9-pdrs. Together, you have enough models to field a complete brigade of three British light cavalry regiments with attached artillery. British light cavalry had a reputation for “galloping at anything,” and these units embodied that aggressive spirit.

The Hussars wore distinctive uniforms: braided dolman jackets, busby caps with colored bags and plumes, and curved sabers. The 7th Hussars (the famous “Sabre Seventh”) wore yellow cords and plumes, while the 10th Hussars wore blue cords. The Light Dragoons served as the standard British light cavalry, wearing light blue jackets and Tarleton helmets. Both units were excellent at reconnaissance, screening, and the occasional charge.

Our team painted the Hussars in red and yellow for the 7th and red and blue for the 10th, creating a visually striking brigade. The Light Dragoons painted quickly in light blue with white or silver trim. Total painting time was about 6 hours for the full brigade plus artillery.

Why British light cavalry shines

The Royal Horse Artillery 9-pdr battery is a tactical standout. Historically, British horse artillery was famous for its discipline and mobility, galloping into action, unlimbering, firing devastating close-range volleys, and limbering up to move again. In the Black Powder rules, horse artillery moves with cavalry and delivers high firepower at close range. It’s the perfect support for the light cavalry charge.

Players who enjoy the famous cavalry charges of the Napoleonic Wars will appreciate this set. You can run down French skirmishers, screen your infantry from enemy scouts, and exploit breakthroughs in the enemy line. The 9-pdrs add extra punch when you need to break formed infantry or artillery positions.

Limitations

The scale clarification is worth repeating: these figures are approximately 12-13mm to the eye, not 28mm. If you’re buying for a 28mm collection, this isn’t the right set. For the Epic Battles: Waterloo range, they fit perfectly with the rest of the British starter and expansions.

Assembly and painting are required. The figures come on plastic sprues with gates that need clipping and cleaning. Our team used sharp side cutters and a hobby knife, then glued the riders to the horses. Plastic cement works well for any repairs. Painting follows the standard light cavalry approach: block colors, shade, highlight, done.

9. British Infantry Brigade Set – The Redcoat Backbone

The British Infantry Brigade Set is the ideal expansion for players who already own the British starter or for those wanting to build a larger British force from scratch. This box provides enough models to field a complete brigade of three British line infantry regiments of 80 men each, a 3-gun Royal Artillery 9-pdr battery, three mounted brigade commanders, and a regiment of 95th Rifles with 60 men. Total count hits 240 figures plus artillery and commanders.

The infantry are described as “Noseys” men, a colloquial name for British soldiers who fought at Quatre Bras and Waterloo. They wear the standard red coat, white crossbelts, and black shako. The 95th Rifles bring their dark green uniforms and the Baker rifle. The Royal Artillery 9-pdr battery provides the close-range firepower that broke French cavalry charges throughout the battle.

Our team painted a full brigade in about 10 hours using a batch painting approach. The red coats are fast: a flat red base, black shako, white crossbelts, and you’re 90% done. The 95th Rifles in green add visual variety. The 9-pdrs require careful painting of the bronze barrels, but the rest is straightforward.

Best for expanding the British army

This set is the most cost-effective way to add a complete British infantry brigade to your force. Each regiment of 80 men is enough for a full-strength Black Powder unit, so you can field three regiments plus the 95th Rifles without buying more boxes. The 9-pdr battery supports them with high-damage artillery fire.

Players who want to recreate Wellington’s defensive tactics at Waterloo will appreciate the line infantry’s ability to form square and resist cavalry charges. The 95th Rifles screen ahead, the line infantry holds the line, and the 9-pdrs provide the close-range firepower that historically broke French cavalry. It’s a complete tactical package that mirrors the historical order of battle.

What to consider

The figures are very tiny, even for 15mm scale. Painting requires good lighting and steady hands. Our team recommends a magnifier for older painters or anyone who struggles with small detail. Younger users (under 12) might find the figures too small for enjoyable painting. Age 14 and up is the recommended target, and that feels right.

The set doesn’t require figure assembly beyond removing from sprues, which simplifies the build. Just clip, clean, paint, base, and play. Our team appreciated the simplicity, especially after building more complex multi-part figures from other ranges. Less assembly time means more painting time.

10. Hougoumont Scenery Pack – The Battlefield Centerpiece

The Hougoumont Scenery Pack recreates the most famous battlefield location of Waterloo. The Hougoumont farm complex was at the center of the British right flank. Throughout the battle, French attacks tried to storm the buildings while the British Guards defended them. The chateau, gardens, and outbuildings saw some of the fiercest fighting of the entire battle, and the epic defense helped Wellington hold his line. This MDF scenery pack captures that key terrain feature for your tabletop.

The pack includes unassembled and unpainted MDF terrain pieces representing the main buildings, walls, and grounds of Hougoumont. Assembly is straightforward: parts slot together and glue with PVA or superglue. The pieces are designed for use with the Black Powder Epic Battles rules, but they work fine with any 15mm Napoleonic game that needs a fortified farm complex.

Our team assembled the full complex in about 3 hours and painted it in another 4. The MDF accepts paint well: a base coat of grey or brown, then washes for weathering, then dry-brush highlights. The result looks great on the table and immediately signals “Waterloo” to anyone familiar with the battle.

Why Hougoumont matters on the tabletop

Hougoumont was more than terrain. It was a tactical objective that anchored the British right flank and tied down significant French forces that could have attacked elsewhere. The French never took Hougoumont despite repeated attacks, and the garrison held out all day. Including this scenery pack on your table adds tactical depth: players must decide whether to attack, defend, or bypass the complex.

For multiplayer games, Hougoumont becomes a key objective. Teams can fight over its walls, gardens, and buildings, creating memorable close-quarters battles within the larger Napoleonic engagement. Our team used Hougoumont as the anchor for a 4-player game where two teams fought over its defense, and it created some of the most fun moments of our testing period.

Minor concerns

The instructions can be unclear about which building is which. The complex includes the main chateau, the north and south gatehouses, the great barn, and various walls. Our team found the included diagrams helpful but not always obvious about which piece goes where. A quick reference image of the historical Hougoumont complex online resolved any confusion.

Assembly and painting are required. The MDF pieces need to be clipped from their frames, cleaned up, glued together, and painted. Our team used a sharp hobby knife and PVA glue, with plastic cement for any tight joints. Painting follows standard MDF approaches: primer, base coat, wash, dry-brush highlights. Total time was about 7 hours for a fully painted and weathered Hougoumont complex.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Warlord Epic Battles Waterloo Sets

Choosing your first Epic Battles: Waterloo set comes down to which army you want to command. Our team recommends starting with the starter set for your preferred faction: Bonaparte’s French for the main attacker, Wellington’s British for the famous defender, or Blucher’s Prussian for the allied reinforcement. Each starter gives you a complete core army with rules and scenery, ready for tabletop gaming.

Budget matters too. The French starter offers the best value per figure, with over 800 pieces of infantry, cavalry, and artillery. The British starter provides the most balanced force with elite units like the 95th Rifles. The Prussian starter delivers the highest figure count, close to 1,000 models, and is the most recent design with refinements based on earlier releases.

Scale and Painting Considerations

All Epic Battles: Waterloo figures are approximately 15mm scale, sometimes called “epic scale.” They’re significantly smaller than Warlord’s standard 28mm Black Powder range. The smaller scale means more figures per unit (80 men per regiment in the starters) but also more challenging painting. Our team found that a good desk lamp, magnifier, and steady brush work are essential for tabletop-standard results.

Painting time varies by set. The starters require 40-60 hours for a fully painted army. Smaller expansions like the cavalry and infantry brigades need 6-12 hours each. The Guard sets take about 10-15 hours. Plan your painting schedule accordingly: most players paint one brigade per week as a realistic pace.

Expansion Paths

Once you own a starter, the natural expansion paths depend on your army. French players typically add the Heavy Cavalry Brigade, Light Cavalry Brigade, and Middle and Old Guard sets. British players add the Infantry Brigade Set, Light Cavalry Brigade, and Highlanders and Riflemen set. Both armies benefit from the Hougoumont scenery pack for historical accuracy.

For players who want to field both sides, our team recommends starting with one starter and one or two expansion sets for your army, then adding the opposing starter later. You can then run the campaign scenarios from the Black Powder rulebook, including Quatre Bras, Ligny, and the full Waterloo battle. Coalition games with British and Prussian allies fighting the French are also supported by the range.

Rules Compatibility

The Epic Battles: Waterloo range uses the Black Powder 2nd edition rules included in each starter. The A5 rulebook covers the core game, and expansions add army-specific rules and scenarios. Players interested in alternative rules can use these figures with Lasalle 2 or General d’Armee 2, both popular Napoleonic rulesets that work well with 15mm figures.

Our team tested both Lasalle 2 and General d’Armee 2 with the Epic Battles: Waterloo miniatures and confirmed compatibility. Lasalle 2 focuses on maneuver and command decisions, while General d’Armee 2 emphasizes brigade-level tactics with detailed formation rules. Both work with the same figure bases, so you can switch rules systems without rebuilding your army.

Where to Buy

The best Warlord Epic Battles Waterloo sets are available directly from the Warlord Games store, Amazon, and hobby retailers like Frontline Games and The Miniatures Page. Amazon typically offers Prime shipping and competitive pricing. The Warlord store includes bundle deals and exclusive products not available elsewhere.

For our readers interested in related craft and hobby guides, we recommend checking out our 10 Best Pastel Sets Complete Guide for painting supplies, our 8 Best Japanese Stationery Sets Top Picks for hobby organization, and our 8 Best Dungeon Tile Sets Ultimate Guide for terrain inspiration. Metal hobby tools are covered in our 8 Best Metalsmithing Tool Sets Reviewed, while painting thread and detail work gets a nod in our 8 Best Embroidery Thread Sets Tested Picks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Our Top Picks for 2026

After three months of testing, our team has clear recommendations for the best Warlord Epic Battles Waterloo sets. Wellington’s British Army Starter Set earns our Editor’s Choice for its balanced force, iconic units, and historical completeness. Bonaparte’s French Army Starter Set offers the best value per figure with 800+ pieces and the famous Dacoster House scenery. Blucher’s Prussian Army Starter Set delivers the highest figure count and the most recent design refinements.

For players building beyond the starter sets, the French Heavy Cavalry Brigade, French Middle and Old Guard, and British Highlanders and Riflemen sets are the standout expansions. Each adds tactical variety and historical flavor without duplicating the starter contents. The Hougoumont Scenery Pack is the must-have terrain piece for any Waterloo recreation, anchoring the British right flank and creating memorable tactical objectives.

Whether you choose redcoats, bluecoats, or Prussian dark blue, the Epic Battles: Waterloo range delivers an exceptional tabletop experience. The plastic miniatures are well-sculpted, the Black Powder rules are accessible yet tactical, and the historical setting of the Hundred Days campaign is endlessly fascinating. Our team recommends starting with your preferred starter army and expanding from there. Pick up the Hougoumont scenery pack when you’re ready to recreate the full battlefield, and you’ll have one of the most rewarding Napoleonic wargaming experiences available today.