Quick answer
Field Ashigaru if you want a cost-effective, numerous backbone for your army; choose Heiho Samurai for commanding massive, spectacular battles with sophisticated tactics.
Understanding the roles
In feudal Japanese wargaming, Ashigaru represent the common foot soldiers that made up the bulk of historical armies, while Heiho Samurai focus on large-scale command and elite tactics. Your choice depends on the scale and style of battle you want to recreate.
Cost and army composition
Ashigaru are budget-friendly at around $29 per unit, allowing you to field larger numbers. Heiho Samurai, at approximately $110, are a bigger investment but provide a complete mass battle system for grand engagements.
Trade-offs at a glance
- Army size & cost: Ashigaru cost less per unit, allowing you to field many more figures for the same budget. Heiho Samurai costs more but provides a complete mass battle ruleset. Consider your budget and desired tabletop scale.
- Historical accuracy vs. spectacle: Ashigaru accurately represent the common soldier majority. Heiho focuses on recreating famous large-scale battles with unique tactical depth. Choose based on whether you value historical composition or grand cinematic battles.
- Gameplay complexity: Ashigaru are straightforward infantry units for standard wargaming. Heiho includes sophisticated systems for formations and mass combat, offering more strategic depth. Pick Heiho if you enjoy complex tactics; stick with Ashigaru for simpler, faster games.
Product facts
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Ashigaru: Ashigaru were the backbone of 16th and early 17th century Japanese armies, accounting for between 60 and 80% of forces. This means you can build a historically accurate army core with many units, perfect for skirmish or small-scale games.
Ashigaru
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Heiho: The Mass Battle Samurai Game: Heiho - The Art of War is a mass battle game that recreates vast, spectacular battles using sophisticated tactical systems unique to Japan. Ideal for players who want to command massive armies and use advanced maneuvers in epic-scale conflicts.
Heiho: The Mass Battle Samurai Game
Which should you choose?
Best for
- Players building a large, cost-effective feudal Japanese army for skirmish or standard games.
- Wargamers who want historically accurate troop composition with 60-80% foot soldiers.
Not for
- Players who want to command massive armies and use sophisticated Japanese tactical systems.
- Those seeking a complete mass battle experience with rules for grand engagements.
