Quick answer

Start by picking a Malifaux keyword box that matches your playstyle and faction. Then assemble the miniatures, study the keyword abilities, and build a crew list that maximizes synergy. The Malifaux Third Edition: Canine Remains keyword box is a solid entry point for Resurrectionist players who want fast, aggressive dogs that support McMourning's Experimental theme.

Choose Your Faction and Keyword

Every Malifaux crew is built around a keyword, which defines the theme and shared abilities of your models. Start by picking a faction that appeals to you—Resurrectionists, Guild, Arcanists, Neverborn, Ten Thunders, Outcasts, or Bayou. Then look at the keyword boxes within that faction. For example, the Resurrectionists have the Experimental keyword, which includes fast, aggressive models like the Canine Remains. The Ten Thunders have the Honeypot keyword, which focuses on manipulation and attrition.

Your keyword choice determines which models you can hire without paying extra. Sticking to one keyword gives you access to powerful synergy abilities that make your crew more effective. Don't worry about picking the 'best' keyword—choose one that looks fun to paint and play.

Assemble Your Miniatures

Malifaux miniatures come unpainted and require assembly. Each keyword box contains several models—for example, the Canine Remains box includes three dog miniatures. Use plastic glue or superglue, and follow the assembly instructions. Take your time to clean mold lines and dry-fit parts before gluing.

A common mistake is rushing assembly and ending up with gaps or misaligned parts. Check the fit of each piece before applying glue. If a model has multiple pose options, choose one that feels dynamic but stable on the base.

Learn Your Keyword Abilities

Each keyword has unique abilities that trigger when you hire models with that keyword. For example, the Experimental keyword allows Canine Remains to benefit from McMourning's healing and buff abilities. Read the stat cards for each model in your keyword box and note how they interact.

A common checkpoint: make sure you understand the difference between 'friendly' and 'enemy' abilities. Some keyword abilities only work on models with the same keyword, so building a mixed crew can weaken your synergy.

Build a 50-Soulstone Crew List

Most Malifaux games are played at 50 soulstones. Start with your keyword box, then add a core box (like Yan Lo, The Spirit Walker) or versatile models to fill out your list. For a Resurrectionist Experimental crew, you might include Canine Remains for speed and scheme running, plus a leader like McMourning.

Don't overload your list with expensive models. Leave room for upgrades and scheme markers. A balanced crew includes a mix of damage dealers, scheme runners, and support models.

Steps to build your first keyword box crew

  1. Pick a faction and keyword: Choose a faction that appeals to you, then select a keyword box within that faction. For example, Resurrectionists have Experimental (fast dogs) and Ancestor (control). Don't overthink it—pick a keyword that looks fun to paint and play.
  2. Assemble the miniatures: Clean mold lines, dry-fit parts, and use plastic glue or superglue. Take your time to avoid gaps. Rushing assembly leads to visible seams and fragile models.
  3. Study keyword abilities: Read each model's stat card and note how abilities trigger when you hire models with the same keyword. Mixing keywords weakens synergy. Stick to one keyword for your first crew.
  4. Build a 50-soulstone list: Start with your keyword box, add a core box or versatile models, and balance damage dealers, scheme runners, and support. Leave room for upgrades and scheme markers. A balanced list is more forgiving for new players.

Product facts

  • Malifaux Third Edition: Canine Remains: Three Canine Remains bring speed, teeth, and Experimental enthusiasm to McMourning's operating room. Faction: Resurrectionists. Keyword: Experimental. This keyword box gives you three fast, aggressive dogs that fit perfectly into an Experimental crew. They are great for scheme running and early pressure, but they are fragile and need support from a leader like McMourning.
  • Malifaux Fourth Edition: Yan Lo, The Spirit Walker: Malifaux Fourth Edition: Yan Lo, The Spirit Walker. Faction: Resurrectionists. Keyword: Ancestor. Yan Lo works to repair the Paths and recover lost history. Yan Lo is a versatile leader for Resurrectionist players who want a more controlling playstyle. His Ancestor keyword offers different synergy than Experimental, so consider your preferred tactics before choosing.
  • Malifaux Third Edition: Dark Dealings: Dark Dealings includes Mr. Graves, Mr. Tannen, and three Depleted. Faction: Ten Thunders. Keyword: Honeypot. This box adds manipulation and attrition to a Ten Thunders crew. The Honeypot keyword focuses on controlling enemy movement and punishing aggressive plays, which is a different playstyle from the fast Experimental keyword.