Hey guys! If you're into the awesome world of wargaming, you know that the quality of your miniatures can really make or break the experience. Specifically, 28mm figures are super popular because they strike a great balance between detail and practicality. So, who are the top dogs making these little guys? Let's dive in and explore some of the best 28mm wargame figure manufacturers out there, covering what makes them stand out, their popular product lines, and why you might want to check them out.

Warlord Games

Warlord Games is a titan in the industry, famous for its extensive historical ranges. If you're a history buff, this is your playground. They cover everything from ancient warfare to World War II, and even into the dark ages! What sets Warlord apart is the sheer breadth of their offerings and the attention to historical accuracy. Each figure is researched meticulously to ensure they match the uniforms, equipment, and even the fighting styles of the periods they represent. This commitment to detail extends beyond just the figures themselves; their terrain and scenery pieces are equally well-crafted, allowing you to create incredibly immersive battlefields.

One of their most popular lines is Bolt Action, which focuses on World War II. It's not just the figures that are great; the game system itself is engaging and accessible, making it perfect for both newcomers and seasoned wargamers. The miniatures range is vast, covering all major combatants and theaters of the war. You can field anything from a small squad of US paratroopers to a massive German Panzer division. Another standout line is Hail Caesar, which brings the battles of antiquity to life. From Roman legions to barbarian hordes, the detail and variety are astounding. The figures are dynamic, capturing the intensity of ancient combat, and the range includes all the key players from the period.

Warlord Games also shines in providing excellent support for their games. They regularly release new supplements, rules updates, and scenarios to keep the gameplay fresh and exciting. Their online community is active and welcoming, offering a great place to find opponents, share painting tips, and discuss tactics. The quality of their figures is consistently high, with crisp details and dynamic poses that make them a joy to paint and play with. Whether you're a history enthusiast looking for accurate representations of historical soldiers or a wargamer seeking a deep and engaging gaming experience, Warlord Games is a manufacturer that consistently delivers.

Perry Miniatures

When we talk about historical accuracy and incredibly detailed sculpts, Perry Miniatures almost always comes up. Run by the Perry twins, who have a background working with some of the biggest names in the industry, this company specializes in historical miniatures, particularly the Napoleonic Wars and the War of the Roses. Their figures are known for their realism and attention to detail, making them a favorite among serious historical wargamers. What truly distinguishes Perry Miniatures is their dedication to historical research. The Perry twins are renowned for their meticulous study of historical sources, ensuring that every uniform, weapon, and piece of equipment is as accurate as possible. This dedication shines through in the quality of their sculpts, which capture the nuances of historical dress and weaponry with incredible precision.

The Napoleonic range is perhaps their most famous, covering everything from the iconic French infantry to the British riflemen and the Prussian cavalry. The sheer variety of poses and troop types available is staggering, allowing you to recreate almost any battle from the period with stunning accuracy. Each figure is sculpted with a level of detail that is rarely seen elsewhere, making them a joy to paint and display. Another popular range is the War of the Roses, which brings the battles of medieval England to life. The figures are dynamic and full of character, capturing the brutal nature of the conflict. From armored knights to archers and men-at-arms, the range includes all the key participants in this pivotal period of English history.

Perry Miniatures also offers a range of support products, including flags, terrain, and painting guides, to help you create authentic and immersive battlefields. Their website is a treasure trove of historical information, with detailed descriptions of the uniforms and equipment of the various armies they produce. The quality of their customer service is also exceptional, with the Perry twins often personally responding to customer inquiries and providing advice. If you're a historical wargamer looking for the most accurate and detailed miniatures available, Perry Miniatures is a manufacturer that you simply cannot afford to ignore. Their dedication to historical research and their commitment to quality make them a true standout in the industry.

Games Workshop (Warhammer)

Okay, so Games Workshop is a giant – like, the giant – in the wargaming world. Known primarily for their Warhammer 40,000 and Warhammer Age of Sigmar universes, Games Workshop offers highly detailed plastic miniatures that are perfect for both gaming and collecting. While they're not strictly historical, their influence on the hobby is undeniable. What sets Games Workshop apart is their ability to create incredibly rich and immersive fictional universes. Warhammer 40,000, with its grim darkness and gothic aesthetic, has captured the imaginations of gamers for decades. The lore is deep and complex, filled with epic battles, heroic characters, and terrifying villains. Similarly, Warhammer Age of Sigmar offers a vibrant and fantastical world, with its own unique pantheon of gods, monsters, and heroes.

The miniatures themselves are renowned for their dynamic poses, intricate details, and high production quality. Whether you're fielding a squad of Space Marines, a horde of Orks, or a legion of Daemons, the models are designed to be visually striking and instantly recognizable. The plastic kits are easy to assemble and customize, allowing you to create unique and personalized armies. Games Workshop also excels in providing a complete hobby experience. They offer a wide range of paints, tools, and accessories to help you bring your miniatures to life. Their Citadel Colour range is particularly popular, with a vast selection of colors and technical paints designed to achieve professional-looking results. They also publish a variety of rulebooks, supplements, and novels to expand upon their universes and provide endless opportunities for gaming and storytelling.

Games Workshop's commitment to community is also noteworthy. They host numerous events and tournaments around the world, providing opportunities for gamers to meet, compete, and share their passion for the hobby. Their online presence is strong, with active forums, social media channels, and a dedicated streaming service. While their products can be more expensive than those of some other manufacturers, the quality and the overall experience make it a worthwhile investment for many wargamers. Whether you're drawn to the grim darkness of the far future or the fantastical realms of the Mortal Realms, Games Workshop offers a world of endless possibilities.

Victrix Limited

Victrix Limited is another fantastic manufacturer specializing in plastic historical miniatures. They are well-regarded for producing high-quality, affordable figures, particularly for the Napoleonic and Ancient periods. If you're looking to build large armies without breaking the bank, Victrix is definitely worth checking out. What makes Victrix stand out is their focus on affordability without sacrificing quality. Their plastic kits are designed to be easy to assemble and paint, making them perfect for both beginners and experienced hobbyists. The level of detail on their figures is impressive, with crisp lines and realistic proportions. They also offer a wide range of options and variations within each kit, allowing you to create diverse and characterful units.

Their Napoleonic range is particularly popular, covering the major combatants of the period, including the French, British, and Russian armies. The kits are designed to be compatible with each other, allowing you to mix and match parts to create unique conversions and variations. They also offer a range of command figures, casualty markers, and other accessories to enhance your battlefield. Victrix also produces a range of Ancient miniatures, including Greeks, Romans, and Celts. These figures are equally well-sculpted and detailed, capturing the look and feel of ancient warfare. The kits are designed to be modular, allowing you to create a variety of different troop types and formations. They also offer a range of siege equipment and fortifications to add even more depth to your games.

Victrix Limited is committed to providing excellent customer service and support. Their website is easy to navigate, and they offer fast and reliable shipping. They also have an active presence on social media, where they regularly post updates on new releases, painting tips, and historical information. If you're a historical wargamer looking for high-quality, affordable plastic miniatures, Victrix Limited is a manufacturer that should definitely be on your radar. Their commitment to quality, affordability, and customer service makes them a true standout in the industry.

Fireforge Games

For those interested in the medieval period, Fireforge Games is a must-know. They produce plastic miniatures primarily for medieval warfare, including ranges covering the Crusades, the Wars of the Roses, and various European armies. Their figures are known for their dynamic poses and detailed sculpts, making them a popular choice among medieval wargamers. What distinguishes Fireforge Games is their focus on bringing the gritty realism of medieval warfare to the tabletop. Their miniatures are designed to capture the look and feel of medieval soldiers, with realistic armor, weapons, and equipment. They also offer a wide range of options and variations within each kit, allowing you to create diverse and characterful units.

Their Crusades range is particularly popular, covering the various factions that fought in the Holy Land, including the Crusaders, Saracens, and Byzantines. The kits are designed to be compatible with each other, allowing you to mix and match parts to create unique conversions and variations. They also offer a range of command figures, siege equipment, and fortifications to enhance your battlefield. Fireforge Games also produces a range of miniatures for the Wars of the Roses, including the Yorkists and Lancastrians. These figures are equally well-sculpted and detailed, capturing the brutal nature of the conflict. The kits are designed to be modular, allowing you to create a variety of different troop types and formations. They also offer a range of character figures and personality models to add even more flavor to your games.

Fireforge Games is committed to providing excellent customer service and support. Their website is easy to navigate, and they offer fast and reliable shipping. They also have an active presence on social media, where they regularly post updates on new releases, painting tips, and historical information. If you're a medieval wargamer looking for high-quality plastic miniatures, Fireforge Games is a manufacturer that should definitely be on your radar. Their commitment to realism, detail, and customer service makes them a true standout in the industry.

Conclusion

So, there you have it, guys! A look at some of the top 28mm wargame figure manufacturers in the business. Whether you're into historical battles or prefer the realms of fantasy and science fiction, there's something out there for everyone. Each of these companies brings something unique to the table, so happy wargaming and may your dice rolls always be in your favor!