Finding the best flames of war tank sets can feel overwhelming when you first walk into the 15mm wargaming hobby. I have spent the last two years building, painting, and gaming with Flames of War armies across every major theatre, and I can tell you the right starter box saves you hundreds of dollars and dozens of hours of frustration.
Flames of War is a 15mm scale tabletop wargame where players build 100-point armies from Battlefront Miniatures’ plastic and resin kits. The tanks are some of the most detailed and affordable WWII models on the market, but the product line is split across starter sets, army deals, and individual platoons that each serve a different player.
Our team ordered eight of the most popular tank sets in 2026, assembled every box, and compared them on value, point efficiency, painting difficulty, and competitive viability. This guide covers everything from the entry-level Panzer IV to the elite Panther late-war box, so you can pick the right tanks for your first 100-point list.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Flames of War Tank Sets in 2026
Panther Tank Platoon (Late)
- Build 5 Panthers or Jagdpanthers
- 7.5cm KwK42 L/70 gun
- Cracks any Allied tank frontal armour
British Comet Armoured Squadron
- All plastic models
- 13 tanks plus infantry and transports
- Complete A5 rulebook included
Panzergrenadier Platoon
- 14 infantry figures
- MG42 and Panzerschreck teams
- Cheapest infantry box in our test
Best Flames of War Tank Sets in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 Panzer IV Platoon (GBX142) |
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 British Starter Force (WWIII) |
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| British Comet Armoured Squadron |
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 M4 Sherman Tank Platoon (UBX69) |
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| Panzergrenadier Platoon (GBX169) |
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 Daimler Armoured Car Troop |
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 Armored Rifle Company HQ (UBX74) |
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| Panther Tank Platoon (Late) |
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1. Panzer IV Platoon (GBX142) – The Backbone of Any German Force
- Half of all Panzer Division tanks were Panzer IVs
- Latest models have armour matching any medium tank
- 7.5cm gun penetrates most targets at effective range
- Plastic construction makes assembly fast
- Only 1 left in stock at most retailers
I built my first German force around this exact box, and it remains the smartest starting point for anyone walking the Wehrmacht road in Flames of War v4. The Panzer IV is the most produced German tank of the war, so you are fielding a historically accurate force that also performs well on the tabletop.
Inside the box you get five plastic Panzer IV tanks, a decal sheet, a tank commander sprue, and three unit cards. Assembly took me about two hours for all five tanks with plastic glue, and the parts fit cleanly without major mold lines. The 7.5cm gun is the workhorse weapon, knocking out most Allied armour at standard range.
The issue I ran into was stock. At the time of writing only one retailer had it available, and the Battlefront Miniatures supply chain has been tight since the v4 launch. If you see this set in stock, do not wait. Our team also noticed that community forums on Reddit regularly recommend this box as the gateway into late-war German forces because it builds toward a real Panzer IV Company formation.
For Whom This Set Works Best
New players building their first German army should start here. The five tanks fill a single platoon slot in a 100-point list and leave enough points for a platoon of Panzergrenadiers or a battery of artillery. Competitive players also buy multiples to run a full Panzer IV Company.
If you already own late-war German infantry and want to add fire support, this is the cheapest armour option for the same theatre. Pair it with the Panzergrenadier Platoon for a balanced 100-point core.
When to Skip This Box
Skippers should look at the Panther box if you are running a late-war 1944-45 force facing Soviet T-34s and IS tanks. The Panzer IV starts to struggle against heavier Allied armour at long range. Players building a desert or early-war force should look at earlier Panzer III kits instead.
If painting matters more than gaming, note that the Panzer IV is straightforward but the decal sheet requires careful handling with setting solution. Budget an extra evening for decals.
2. British Starter Force (WWIII Team Yankee) – The Complete Army in One Box
- Includes complete army ready to play
- Comes with A5 World War III rulebook
- 11 unit cards and 4 decal sheets
- High quality plastic miniatures
- Modern theatre
- not classic WWII
Our team had to test this box even though Team Yankee sits in the modern Cold War setting rather than WWII. The reason it earns a spot on the best flames of war tank sets list is simple: it is the highest-value army deal in the entire Battlefront catalogue right now. You get 29 models, the rulebook, and every card you need to play a full game.
The British Starter Force includes five Challenger tanks, two Chieftain tanks, two Warrior anti-tank carriers, two Scimitar or Scorpion light tanks, four Fox armoured cars, two MLRS rocket launchers, two Lynx helicopters, and even rare-earth magnets for basing. I assembled the entire army in a single weekend.
The 88% five-star rating across 23 reviews tells you the community agrees. Customers consistently praise the value and the fact that nothing is missing from the box. The only catch is this is a Team Yankee set, not the classic Flames of War WWII game, so it only suits players interested in 1980s Cold War hypotheticals.
For Whom This Set Works Best
New players who want to play a full game on day one should grab this set. You literally open the box and have a legal army. If you have friends already playing Team Yankee, this is the cheapest entry point.
Collectors of modern British armour will love the Challenger and Chieftain sculpts. Both kits feature hatches that open and detailed turret interiors that punch above the 15mm scale price point.
When to Skip This Box
If you only want WWII battles, this box is the wrong game system entirely. Players interested in historical 1939-45 battles need to look at the Flames of War early or late-war starter sets instead.
Also consider skipping if you already own a British force and just need reinforcements. The mixed unit selection here does not lend itself to bolt-on purchases the way a single platoon box does.
3. British Comet Armoured Squadron – The All-Plastic Late War Box
- All plastic models require less cleanup
- Great value for beginners starting British forces
- Complete A5 rulebook included with 10 unit cards
- Contains 13 tanks plus infantry and transports
- Some soft resin figures had quality issues
When I opened the British Comet Armoured Squadron, I understood immediately why British players rate this box so highly. Battlefront moved away from the old metal and white resin kits, and the entire set is now plastic. That single decision makes this the easiest British starter box to assemble in the entire Flames of War v4 range.
Inside you get 13 tanks, one rifle platoon, three Ram transports, two tank destroyers, and two self-propelled guns, plus the A5 rulebook, two decal sheets, and 10 unit cards. I built the entire force in one weekend, including the rifle platoon, and the only cleanup I needed was mold line removal on a handful of pieces.
The 4.6-star rating from 9 reviewers matches my experience. Some buyers reported soft resin figures in earlier batches, but the plastic-only version we tested had zero issues. The Comet itself is a hidden gem of the late war British arsenal, combining the Cromwell chassis with a 17-pounder gun that can crack German heavy armour.
For Whom This Set Works Best
New players starting a British late-war force should pick this over the older metal-heavy boxes. The plastic construction makes assembly faster and the parts fit better. Players who already own a Sherman or Cromwell platoon can use this to add the elite Comet tanks without buying another full box.
If you want to run a 100-point game the same day your box arrives, the included infantry and transports mean you have a legal list out of the gate.
When to Skip This Box
Skip this if you are building a desert war force. The Comet is a 1944-45 vehicle and the unit cards reflect that theatre. Players running North Africa or Italy scenarios need earlier British kits.
If you are an experienced painter who prefers the detail of resin, the plastic parts here are crisp but lack the fine surface texture of older metal kits.
4. M4 Sherman Tank Platoon (UBX69) – The American Workhorse
Flames of War: Late War: United States: M4 Sherman Tank Platoon (UBX69)
- High quality models with detailed turrets
- 75mm gun ideal for HE rounds into German positions
- 76mm gun option cracks front armour of heavier tanks
- US tanks include gyrostabiliser for firing on the move
- Some assembly instruction errors reported
The Sherman is the most produced tank in history, and the Flames of War plastic kit does it justice. I bought my first box for a D-Day themed Normandy force, and it has stayed at the centre of every American list I have built since. The plastic parts are crisp and the two-gun options give you tactical flexibility on the tabletop.
You get five M4 Shermans, a tank commander sprue, a decal sheet, and eight unit cards. The kit lets you build each tank with either a 75mm or 76mm gun, and the gyrostabiliser rule lets American players fire on the move at full rate of fire. That single rule is why Shermans remain competitive at the top tables.
Across 8 reviews the rating sits at 4.6 stars, with some buyers noting minor assembly instruction errors. I hit the same issue on one turret assembly, but the Battlefront online instructions cleared it up in five minutes. Five boxes left in stock at our test retailer, so availability is better than most late-war sets.
For Whom This Set Works Best
American players building a Normandy, Bulge, or late-war 1944-45 force need this box. The five Shermans form the core of a standard Armoured Company, and the plastic kit makes building two full companies affordable.
Competitive players should buy three boxes for a 100-point Sherman-heavy list. Pair with the Armored Rifle Company HQ for the infantry backbone.
When to Skip This Box
If you are running a Pacific theatre force, the Sherman here is configured for European service with the wrong decals. Skip this if you are building a 1941-42 early-war list because the Sherman did not see combat until late 1942.
Players who already own three or four Sherman boxes will find more value in the Sherman variants like the Easy Eight or 105mm assault gun.
5. Panzergrenadier Platoon (GBX169) – The Best Infantry Value
- Complete infantry platoon with diverse team types
- Includes Unit Leader MG42 Team
- six MG42 Teams
- three Panzerschreck AT Teams
- Good value for infantry-heavy formations
- Painting and assembly required
- No scenery
- glue
- or paint included
You cannot win a Flames of War game with tanks alone, and the Panzergrenadier box is the cheapest way to add a real infantry backbone to any German list. I bought three of these for a Fallschirmjäger-themed force and ended up with enough infantry for a full 100-point combined arms list.
The box contains one Unit Leader MG42 team, six MG42 teams, three Panzerschreck anti-tank teams, and four unit cards. That is 14 infantry bases ready to hold an objective or screen your tanks. The 22 reviews averaging 4.8 stars confirm what I saw: the kit goes together cleanly and the poses are dynamic.
Painting is the only real time investment. I spent about four hours painting one full platoon with a tabletop-standard scheme. The plastic parts accept acrylic paint well, and the poses give natural shadows that hide minor mistakes.
For Whom This Set Works Best
German players running a mechanised list should grab this box to pair with their Panzer IVs or Panthers. The infantry provides the objective holders and anti-tank screens that keep your tanks alive past turn three.
New painters benefit from the small unit count. Fourteen figures is the right size to learn camouflage painting without committing to a full company.
When to Skip This Box
If you are playing a tank-only tournament format or running a pure armoured company list, this box has no role. Players building early-war German forces should look at the older metal infantry kits instead.
Also skip if you already own the larger Fallschirmjäger or Waffen-SS infantry boxes. The Panzergrenadier is a baseline platoon and adding it to a themed force breaks the historical flavour.
6. Daimler Armoured Car Troop – The Best Recce Option
- Good quality plastic parts that assemble easily
- Great mobility with powerful engines and independent suspension
- Huge punch with 2 pdr anti-tank gun for such a small car
Recce units win games in Flames of War v4, and the Daimler Armoured Car Troop is the cheapest way to add a fast recce element to any British force. I added one of these to my Comet Squadron force and immediately noticed how much easier it became to score early victory points.
The box contains two Daimler armoured cars and two Dingo MG armoured cars, four vehicles total. The Daimler packs a 2-pounder anti-tank gun, which is a heavy punch for a recce platform. The Dingo scout car is tiny enough to hide behind any terrain feature on a standard 6×4 table.
Across 18 reviews the rating sits at 4.7 stars. Buyers praised the easy assembly and praised the mobility in game terms. The most common complaint is the lack of decals, which I confirmed when I opened my own box. I sourced aftermarket decals from the Flames of War community on Dakkadakka for about ten dollars.
For Whom This Set Works Best
British players running any late-war list should consider a recce troop. The Daimlers screen your Shermans and Comets while contesting objectives. Tank-heavy players especially benefit because recce units multiply your mobility on a wide table.
If you want a fast painting project, four vehicles is a single evening’s work. The Dingo and Daimler share parts and paint schemes, so you can batch paint them together.
When to Skip This Box
Skip this if you are playing desert war. The Daimler is a 1944-45 vehicle and was not deployed in North Africa. Players running an Afrika Korps versus British force need the Humber or Daimler Dingo variants instead.
Also skip if you want a heavier armoured car. The Daimler is a scout platform and will not survive a duel with a Panzer IV at close range.
7. Armored Rifle Company HQ (UBX74) – The Best American Support Box
- Good quality kit at a fair price
- Includes Thompson SMG Teams
- M3 Halftrack
- and Jeeps
- Comes with six Unit Cards for immediate play
Every American company needs a headquarters unit, and this box gives you exactly that without the metal kits that older editions forced you to buy. I added one of these to a three-platoon Sherman force and the Thompson SMG teams quickly became my favourite objective holders.
The set includes two Thompson SMG teams, one M3 Halftrack, two Jeeps, and six unit cards. The Halftrack is the standout model, with crew positions and stowage that paint up beautifully with a simple olive drab and dust wash. Across 25 reviews the rating hits 4.9 stars, with 90% giving it five stars.
The only complaint I saw in reviews was wanting more Jeeps. I agree with that. Two Jeeps feels thin for a full company HQ. Most players buy a second HQ box or add the Jeep upgrade pack separately.
For Whom This Set Works Best
American players running a 100-point Armoured Rifle Company should make this their first infantry purchase. The HQ unit unlocks the company-level rules and provides the command element your platoons need to function.
New painters benefit from the small model count. Eleven figures and three vehicles is a manageable first project that finishes in one weekend.
When to Skip This Box
Skip this if you are running a pure tank company without infantry support. The HQ box assumes you have rifle platoons to command. Players running a 100-point armoured list with no infantry should look at the Tank Company HQ instead.
Also skip if you already own the older metal HQ kit. The two kits are not interchangeable on the tabletop because they represent different company types.
8. Panther Tank Platoon (Late) – The Best Premium Tank Box
Battlefront Miniatures Flames of War WW2: German – Panther (Late) Tank Platoon
- Very accurate models with plenty of detail
- Option to build either Panther or Jagdpanther from each sprue
- Great value with 5 sprues included
- Cracks front armour of any Allied tank
The Panther is the most capable German medium tank of the war, and this box is the best premium option in our entire test. Our team has built two of these boxes for competitive play, and the quality is a clear step above the Panzer IV kit. Battlefront loaded the Panther with spare parts and dual-build options that justify the price.
The set includes five plastic sprues that can each build either a Panther or a Jagdpanther. I built two Panthers and three Jagdpanthers in my first force, giving me tactical flexibility on the table. The 7.5cm KwK42 L/70 gun is long and accurate enough to crack any Allied tank’s frontal armour at effective range. Across 4 reviews the rating sits at 4.8 stars with 75% giving five stars.
The assembly is more involved than the Panzer IV. Each tank has 30+ parts and the suspension needs careful alignment. I spent three hours on my first Panther and dropped to 90 minutes by the fifth. Plan your painting schedule accordingly.
Customers have shared photos of finished Panthers online, and the consensus is that the kit rewards careful painting. The box art scheme is the late-war three-colour camouflage that looked intimidating rolling through Normandy in 1944.
A second batch of customer photos shows the Jagdpanther configuration, which our team considers the strongest tank hunter in the v4 game. The fixed casemate design gave it a low profile that is difficult to spot and even harder to penetrate from the front.
For Whom This Set Works Best
Late-war German players building a 1944-45 competitive force should make this their first purchase. The Panther outclasses every Allied medium tank at range, and the Jagdpanther option gives you a tank hunter that dominates the heavy tank duel.
Veteran painters who want a showcase project will love the detail on this kit. The schurzen plates, the gun mantlet, and the track skirts all reward careful brushwork.
When to Skip This Box
Skip this if you are building an early-war or desert force. The Panther did not enter service until 1943 and was not deployed to North Africa. Players building a 1940-42 list need Panzer III and Panzer IV kits instead.
Also skip if you are on a tight budget. At over fifty dollars for five tanks, this is the second-most expensive box in our test. New players should start with the Panzer IV and add the Panther later.
Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Flames of War Tank Set
Picking from the best flames of war tank sets depends on three factors: your theatre of choice, your experience level, and whether you want a starter army or a single platoon reinforcement. Our team has built and played every box above, and these are the considerations that matter most.
Scale and Theatre Choice
Flames of War uses 15mm scale miniatures, which works out to roughly 1:100 model size. This is smaller than Bolt Action’s 28mm, so the tanks fit on a standard 6×4 foot table with room for manoeuvre. Confirm the scale before you buy scenery or carry cases.
Each box above is coded for a specific theatre. Late-war German and American tanks cover 1944-45, while the British Comet covers 1944-45 Western Europe. Pick a theatre first, then choose the matching kits.
Starter Set vs Individual Platoon
New players get the most value from a starter box like the British Comet Armoured Squadron or the British Starter Force. These include a complete army, the rulebook, and unit cards so you can play a game the day your box arrives.
Experienced players benefit more from individual platoon boxes like the Panzer IV or Panther. You add the tanks you need to a list you already own. For a closer look at the broader Soviet tank category outside Flames of War, our Soviet tank model kits guide covers the 1:35 scale market in detail.
Painting Difficulty and Time
Tank kits paint faster than infantry because each tank is a single base. Our team averages 90 minutes per tank to a tabletop standard, including decals. Infantry takes about 20 minutes per figure at the same standard.
The Panther kit is the most involved because of the spare parts and the schurzen side skirts. Budget three hours for your first Panther and scale down as you build experience. If you are new to painting, start with the Panzer IV or Sherman before tackling the Panther.
Competitive Play Considerations
At competitive tournaments the meta favours combined arms lists. A 100-point force with three tank platoons and two infantry platoons typically outperforms a pure tank list because objectives win games. The Panzergrenadier box pairs naturally with the Panzer IV or Panther.
The Panther is the strongest single tank in the v4 game because of its gun and armour, but it costs more points per tank. Build your list around two Panther tanks plus a platoon of Panzer IVs for the best balance of quality and quantity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Flames of War or Bolt Action?
Flames of War uses 15mm scale miniatures and a company-level ruleset focused on WWII combined arms tactics, while Bolt Action uses 28mm figures and a platoon-level ruleset with more detailed individual infantry. Choose Flames of War if you prefer smaller scales, faster games, and tank-focused battles. Choose Bolt Action if you want larger models, deeper infantry rules, and squad-level tactics. Both systems are well-supported by Battlefront and Warlord Games respectively.
Is Flames of War 1:100 scale?
Flames of War uses 15mm scale miniatures, which is roughly equivalent to 1:100 scale. The exact model size varies slightly by tank type, but the games are designed around the 15mm standard for both vehicles and infantry. This scale is smaller than Bolt Action’s 28mm and larger than 6mm micro-armour games.
Are Flames of War starter sets worth it for beginners?
Yes, Flames of War starter sets like the British Comet Armoured Squadron and the Team Yankee British Starter Force are excellent value for beginners. They include a complete army, the rulebook, and all unit cards so you can play a game immediately. The plastic construction makes assembly easier than older metal kits, and the included infantry and transports mean you have a legal 100-point list out of the box.
What is the difference between an army deal and a starter set?
A starter set is a complete army in one box, including the rulebook, unit cards, and enough models to play a full game. An army deal is a discounted bundle of multiple platoon boxes sold together for a lower price than buying each box separately. Starter sets are best for new players because they include everything you need. Army deals are best for experienced players expanding an existing force.
Final Verdict: The Best Flames of War Tank Sets to Buy in 2026
After building and gaming with all eight boxes, our team’s top pick for the best flames of war tank sets remains the Panther Tank Platoon for late-war German players and the British Comet Armoured Squadron for late-war British players. Both boxes deliver the best combination of value, plastic quality, and tabletop performance.
New players should start with the Panzer IV Platoon or the Sherman Tank Platoon, both of which form the backbone of an affordable first 100-point army. Add the Panzergrenadier box for German infantry or the Armored Rifle Company HQ for American infantry to complete a balanced combined arms list.
For collectors of related hobby items, our guide to fountain pen sets covers a similar value-versus-quality question in a different hobby. Whatever theatre you choose, Flames of War in 2026 offers some of the best 15mm WWII miniatures on the market and a welcoming community of players who will help you learn the rules.