Trench Crusade is a skirmish miniature game set in a terrifying alternate-history version of the Great War. Players lead small warbands as either the Faithful or the Heretics; the complete digital rules are free, so you can learn the game before deciding whether to buy a hardback rulebook or miniatures.
What is Trench Crusade?
Rather than a mass-battle game built around large armies, Trench Crusade focuses on small, elite bands fighting across the trenches. Individual models activate during play, and the setting reframes the Great War as a conflict between the Faithful and Heretics. The official rules overview is available on the Trench Crusade rules page.
The rules overview describes a core system using two six-sided dice: results from 2 to 6 fail, 7 to 11 succeed, and 12 or higher is a critical success. Models do not track conventional hit points. Instead, they accumulate Blood Markers for physical and mental injuries; players can use these markers to affect the opponent’s chance of elimination or success on actions. This is a summary of the official overview, not a replacement for the complete rules.
How can you get started?
Learn with the free rules
The official rules page says the complete rules PDFs are free and will remain free. That makes the PDFs the simplest starting point: read the rules first, then decide whether you want a physical book or models for play.
#1 Best Overall
- Selected for their disciplined aggression and remarkable agility, the Prussian Stosstruppen excel in battlefield coordination, launching grenades across trenches in perfect sync with their swift close-quarters assaults.
- While they may seem intimidating, few forces can match their level of teamwork.
- Contents: 5 plastic, multipart miniatures included, customizable with various heads, weapons, and equipment
- These miniatures are supplied unassembled and unpainted
Choose a physical rulebook if you want one
Archon Studio lists Trench Crusade Rulebook V1.1 as a 320-page hardback. Its description includes expanded setting lore, illustrations, the updated 1.1 rules, and a miniature section with model photography and step-by-step painting guidance. The listing is marked as preorder material and includes a shipping schedule, so check the Archon Studio product page for current availability and dates.
North Star Military Figures also lists the hardback as a physical product. Retail prices can change; the free PDFs remain an option if you do not need a printed copy.
Rank #2
- Officially licensed ready to play starter warband for Trench Crusade - the popular tabletop skirmish game
- Includes links to the free game, faction rules, starter lists and more
- Includes 32mm scale minis with alternate assembly options
- Intricate detail - all models come unpainted and unassembled, allowing you to design and make your minis your own
- Bases included in 28/32mm scale
Which miniatures do you need?
The game’s warbands are made up of small groups, but the reviewed product listings do not establish a complete current model catalogue or specify a single required purchase for every player. Check the rules and the faction you want to play before choosing figures.
Plastic kit: Prussian Stosstruppen
Archon Studio lists Trench Crusade: Prussian Stosstruppen as a kit of five multipart plastic miniatures with alternate assembly options. The models are unpainted and unassembled, so buying the kit means taking on assembly and painting as well. The listing says it includes links to free game and faction rules and starter lists. See the Archon Studio Trench Crusade listings for product details.
Rank #3
- The Sniper Priests of New Antioch are renowned for their mastery of long-range combat.
- They ritually blind themselves to eliminate any doubt, relying solely on their faith to aim with unmatched precision, whether wielding a sniper rifle, heavy automatic weapon, or even a grenade launcher.
- Box Contents: 2 plastic miniatures
- Customization: Assembles with various heads, weapons, and equipment
- These miniatures are supplied unassembled and unpainted
Digital files and printed models
The official Trench Crusade links page points to the official shop, an STL store on MyMiniFactory, and paint sets associated with The Army Painter. These are different hobby routes: digital files are for people who can print models themselves or arrange printing, while physical kits arrive as products to assemble. The links page does not establish the current contents of a particular paint set.
A campaign update described an earlier fulfillment arrangement in which Only-Games resin-printed physical models and MyMiniFactory distributed digital models. That is historical campaign context, not confirmation of today’s full product range or shipping arrangements; check the official shop and STL destination for current offerings.
Rank #4
- Highly complex strategy game, yet very easy and intuitive to learn the rules
Which starting route suits you?
| Route | What it offers | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Free rules PDFs | Complete digital rules, according to the official rules page. | A good way to learn before buying a book or models. |
| Hardback rulebook | A 320-page physical book with updated 1.1 rules, lore, illustrations, and miniature and painting material, according to Archon Studio. | Optional rather than necessary to access the rules; check the publisher or retailer for current availability and price. |
| Plastic miniatures | The listed Prussian Stosstruppen kit contains five multipart figures. | Requires assembly and painting; confirm the faction and models you want before purchasing. |
| STL files or printed models | The official links page points to an STL store; the historical campaign update documents past resin-print fulfillment. | Current catalogue, printing arrangements, cost, and availability depend on the live destinations. |
The reviewed listings do not provide a complete region-by-region price comparison. Your practical choice is whether you want a printed book, plastic figures to build and paint, or a digital or printed-model route—and how much hobby time you want to spend.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- This box set includes one each of: Trench Bishop x 2, High Priest, Patriarch x 2, Trench Warden, Trench Deacon x 2, Trench Missionary x 2, Sentinel.
- The box set includes three unique frames to build eleven 32mm models.
- Models require assembly and painting
- Bases are not included.
- Contents: 20 Multi-Part Hard Plastic 28mm Figures
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
