The Horus Heresy is one of the most beloved settings in Warhammer, and with the recent resurgence of Warhammer 30k, there are more box sets than ever to choose from. Whether you're a veteran of the long war or a newcomer drawn by the epic scale of the Siege of Terra, picking the right starter box is crucial. In this buying guide, we'll compare the Siege Assault Battle Group with other popular Horus Heresy boxes to help you decide which one deserves your money.
We'll break down what's inside each box, how they play on the tabletop, and what you get for your budget. By the end, you'll know exactly which 30k army box suits your collection goals and your playstyle. Let's dive into the details.
What is the Siege Assault Battle Group?
The Siege Assault Battle Group is a dedicated Horus Heresy box set that focuses on the brutal close-quarters warfare of the Siege of Terra. It contains a mix of Legion Tactical Squads, Breacher Siege Squads, and a Praetor in Cataphractii Terminator Armor, giving you a solid core for a Legiones Astartes army. This box is designed to be a complete army starter, allowing you to field a legal force right out of the box.
In terms of gameplay, the Siege Assault Battle Group excels at holding objectives and grinding through enemy lines. The Breacher Siege Squads are tough and can shrug off small-arms fire, while the Praetor provides deadly melee support. If you enjoy a methodical, attrition-based playstyle, this box is a fantastic choice.
- Contains a Praetor in Cataphractii Terminator Armor, 20 Tactical Marines, and 20 Breacher Siege Marines.
- Provides a balanced force for Siege of Terra themed games.
- Excellent value for building a core Legion force.
Comparing the Siege Assault Battle Group to Other Horus Heresy Boxes
When you're looking at Warhammer 30k starter sets, you'll often see the Age of Darkness box set as the primary alternative. That box gives you two Legiones Astartes armies, ideal for splitting with a friend or for building two forces. However, the Siege Assault Battle Group is more focused, giving you a single, larger force of one Legion. If you already have a friend to play with, the Age of Darkness box might be better value per model, but if you want a dedicated force for yourself, the Siege Assault box is more efficient.
Another option is the Legiones Astartes box sets that focus on specific units, such as the Spartan Assault Tank or the Kratos Heavy Tank. These are great for expanding an existing army but don't provide a core force. For a new player, the Siege Assault Battle Group offers a complete army out of the box, which is a significant advantage.
- Age of Darkness: Best for two players or starting two forces.
- Specialist boxes (e.g., Spartan, Kratos): Best for expanding an existing force.
- Siege Assault Battle Group: Best for a single, ready-to-play army.
Value for Money: What You Get for Your Budget
Price is a major factor in any Warhammer purchase. The Siege Assault Battle Group typically costs less than buying the models individually, and it includes exclusive parts and upgrade sprues that you can't get elsewhere. For example, the Breacher Siege Squads come with unique shields and weapons, making them highly sought after by collectors.
When comparing to other 30k army boxes, the Siege Assault Battle Group offers a strong price-to-model ratio. You get 41 models in total, which is a substantial army. While the Age of Darkness box has more models, it's also significantly more expensive, and you might not need two full armies. For a single-player purchase, the Siege Assault Battle Group is arguably the best value.
- Includes exclusive Breacher shields and weapons.
- 41 models in total, a complete army core.
- Cost-effective compared to buying separately.
Painting and Customization: A Modeler's Perspective
For hobbyists, the Siege Assault Battle Group is a dream. The models are highly detailed, and the Cataphractii Terminator Armor of the Praetor is a joy to paint. The box also includes transfer sheets with Legion icons, allowing you to customize your army's heraldry. Whether you're painting your Legion in classic colors or creating a custom scheme, this box provides plenty of opportunities.
When it comes to paints, you'll want to have a good range of colors. For example, using a gloss clear coat like Mr. Color Paint C46 Gloss Clear can protect your paint job and give your models a sleek finish. Additionally, contrast paints like Citadel Contrast: Snakebite Leather are excellent for quickly shading leather details on pouches and straps. For metallic armor, you might consider using a semi-gloss varnish to achieve a realistic sheen.
- Use a gloss clear coat to protect your painted models.
- Contrast paints can speed up painting of details.
- Transfer sheets allow for easy Legion customization.
How to Choose the Right Box for You
Ultimately, the choice comes down to your goals. If you're just starting out and want a complete army that you can play immediately, the Siege Assault Battle Group is the best choice. It's also great for collectors who want a themed force for the Siege of Terra. If you're looking to expand an existing collection, a specialist box might be more appropriate.
Consider your budget and your playstyle. If you prefer a defensive, attrition-based army, the Siege Assault Battle Group is perfect. If you want a more mobile or tank-heavy force, you might look at other options. But for most players, the Siege Assault Battle Group offers the best balance of value, content, and playability.
- Assess your playstyle: defensive vs. aggressive.
- Consider whether you need a complete army or just an expansion.
- Think about your budget and long-term collection goals.
In summary, the Siege Assault Battle Group is an excellent choice for anyone looking to start or expand a Horus Heresy army. It offers great value, a complete force, and plenty of modeling opportunities. Whether you're a new player or a veteran, this box is a solid investment. If you're ready to add it to your collection, check out the Warhammer 40000: Death Guard: Foetid Bloat-Drone as a complementary unit to enhance your army's options.
Warhammer 40000: Death Guard: Foetid Bloat-Drone
