Quick answer
The Malifaux Arcanist Starter Box gives you a ready-to-play Arcanist crew with preassembled models, a Fate Deck, and essential play aids—perfect for jumping into Malifaux Third Edition without extra purchases.
Why the Arcanist Starter Box Works for New Players
Starting a new faction can feel overwhelming, but this box simplifies the process. The crew includes Harrison Frodsham, his mechanical companion Harris J-5, and two Gearlings—all preassembled so you can start playing right away. You also get a Fate Deck, General Upgrades, 10 Scheme Markers, and a Measuring Widget, meaning you don't need to buy anything else to play your first game.
The Arcanists are known for their arcane engineering and clever constructs. This box introduces that theme without complex assembly or painting requirements. If you prefer to paint, the unpainted miniatures give you a blank canvas, but the preassembled design saves time and avoids glue mishaps.
What's Missing and What to Add Later
While the Starter Box is a complete entry point, it's not a full crew for competitive play. You'll eventually want to expand with additional Malifaux models that share the Arcanist faction keyword. The box focuses on the core mechanics and a single leader, so you won't have the variety of a larger crew box.
If you're unsure about committing to the Arcanists, this box gives you a low-cost way to test the faction. At a catalog price of $31.05 (compared to $45.00), it's a budget-friendly starting point. Just be aware that you'll need to buy paints separately if you want a finished look.
Decision Rules for the Arcanist Starter Box
- You want to start playing immediately: The preassembled miniatures and included Fate Deck, markers, and widget mean you can open the box and play your first game within minutes. No glue, no painting required.
- You're new to Malifaux or the Arcanist faction: This box teaches you the core mechanics with a straightforward crew. The included play aids reduce setup time and help you focus on learning the game.
- You prefer to customize your crew: The Starter Box gives you a fixed set of models. For more variety, look for a full Arcanist crew box or keyword-specific expansions. This box is a foundation, not a complete collection. Consider adding the Arcanist Core Box or a keyword box like Abra-cadaver for more options.
- You want the best value for your money: At $31.05 (catalog price $45.00), this box offers a significant discount compared to buying models and accessories separately. It's a smart entry point if you're budget-conscious.
What's in the Box
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Malifaux Third Edition: Arcanist Starter Box: Includes Harrison Frodsham, Harris J-5, two Gearlings, a Fate Deck, General Upgrades, 10 Scheme Markers, and a Measuring Widget. Miniatures are preassembled and unpainted. You get everything needed to play your first game out of the box, with no assembly required—ideal for new players who want to focus on learning the rules.
Malifaux Third Edition: Arcanist Starter Box
Is This Box Right for You?
Best for
- New players who want a complete, ready-to-play Arcanist crew with no assembly
- Players who want to test the Arcanist faction without a large investment
- Hobbyists who prefer to paint preassembled miniatures rather than build from sprues
Not for
- Experienced players looking for a competitive, full-size crew out of the box
- Players who want a painted, display-ready set (miniatures are unpainted)
- Those who prefer to assemble and customize their models from scratch