Quick answer
Start with the Hamelin Core Box, assemble all models, and learn to layer Blight with rats and Stolen before adding any other purchases. Focus your first games on spreading Blight and keeping Hamelin alive.
Why the Core Box is the right starting point
The Hamelin Core Box gives you a complete keyword crew in one purchase. It contains Hamelin, Nix, the Obedient Wretch, three Stolen, and four Malifaux Rats. That mix lets you practice the core Blight mechanics without needing extra models.
Many players rush to add other Plague models, but the Core Box already provides enough variety to learn the crew's rhythm. Master these models first.
Understanding Blight and rat multiplication
Blight is a condition that accumulates on enemy models. Hamelin and his crew spread it, and some abilities become stronger against models with Blight. Rats multiply when they kill models or when certain triggers occur, so your crew grows if you play aggressively.
The challenge is that rats are fragile. Opponents can remove them quickly, so you need to protect your key pieces while letting the rats do their job.
Step-by-step: Building and playing your Hamelin crew
- Assemble all models: Clean mold lines and assemble Hamelin, Nix, the Obedient Wretch, three Stolen, and four Malifaux Rats. Use plastic glue for a strong bond. Check that all models fit their bases before priming.
- Learn Hamelin's card: Read Hamelin's abilities and actions carefully. Note how he spreads Blight and how he can summon or grow rats. Write down the key triggers you want to use each turn.
- Set up a practice board: Play a solo game or with a friend using only the Core Box models. Focus on applying Blight to one enemy model and then using rats to finish it. Don't worry about winning; aim to understand the timing of Blight and rat generation.
- Deploy the Stolen and rats: Use Stolen to scheme and distract, while rats swarm enemy models with Blight. Keep Hamelin and Nix behind the front line. Avoid bunching rats together; spread them to avoid blast damage.
- Add models gradually: After five games, consider adding another Plague keyword model or a versatile Outcast that complements the crew. Check the faction book for options. Only add models that fill a gap you've identified in your games.
Key product details
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Malifaux Third Edition: Hamelin Core Box: Includes Hamelin, Nix, Obedient Wretch, 3 Stolen, and 4 Malifaux Rats; 32mm heroic scale, unpainted plastic. You get a full keyword crew out of the box, so you can start playing and learning the synergies immediately.
Malifaux Third Edition: Hamelin Core Box