Looking for some epic Dungeons and Dragons Heroes or Monsters to make your gameplay for you? Are you all in on D&D and want to fill your shelves with some collectibles? The good news is the world’s most popular tabletop game is packed with cool merch and add-ons for your game nights.
We’ve got stuck to official miniatures and action figures for this tier list because we want to make sure readers are getting great value on any purchases. Yes, you can buy products from other companies that make them for use in D&D, but these are the most lore-accurate with quality you can bet your coin purse on. There are some quality products in the unlicensed and proxy market, but these are the real McCoy!
Top 10 Dungeons & Dragons Miniatures and Action Figures
10. D&D Icons of The Realms: Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica Companion Starter Set One
This set continues the adventures of Set 10 Companion Starter One includes five fantasy miniatures for use with the Dungeons & Dragons tabletop roleplaying game Starter Set. Each miniature has a brilliant paint job and can be used with set two of Guildmaster’s Guide to Ravnica!
9. Icons of The Realms Miniatures: Snowbound Booster Brick
Each Icons of the Realms series standard booster pack contains four high-detail, acrylic-painted miniatures: one large figure and three medium or small figures. The variety and craftsmanship of these miniatures are surprisingly well done, so buying 8 packs in one is well worth it, especially for the savings.
8. Icons of The Realms: Dragonlance Booster (Set 25)
Each standard booster contains four pre-painted and pre-assembled miniatures, configured as either one large figure with three medium/small miniatures or four medium/small miniatures. There’s 49 unique miniatures to collect in total too!
7. Nolzur’s Marvelous Unpainted Miniatures: Beholder Zombie
This is a highly detailed, customizable D&D miniature. Pre-primed and ready to paint, it features removable eye stalks too, making it perfect for tabletop gaming, hobby painting, or as a display piece.
6. Nolzur’s Marvelous Miniatures: Animated Acid Breath Mini
Animated Acid Breath is a detailed, pre-primed, unpainted figure depicting a creature mid-acid attack. It looks epic on the tabletop paint or just for display, whilst sporting dynamic motion and intricate sculpting for D&D enthusiasts.
5. Icons of the Realms – Waterdeep, Dragon Heist Box Set 1
The WizKids Dungeons and Dragons Icons of the Realms – Waterdeep: Dragon Heist Box Set 1 includes detailed, pre-painted miniatures of key NPCs and creatures from the Waterdeep: Dragon Heist campaign.
4. Icons of the Realms, Monster Menagerie Booster Brick (8)
The Icons of the Realms: Monster Menagerie Booster Brick contains eight packs, each with four random pre-painted miniatures, including one large or huge figure and three medium or small figures, featuring detailed iconic monsters and characters.
3. Icons of the Realms, Juiblex, Demon Lord of Slime and Ooze
Juiblex, the Faceless Lord is a D&D demon lord of slime and ooze. A noxious creature, it exists only to consume, transforming living matter into itself. This bubbling mass with red eyes lashes out with pseudopods, obliterating its victims
2. Icons of the Realms – Adult Green Dragon Figure
The Adult Green Dragon is a huge, highly detailed figure, finished with premium paints. Recognized by its curved jawline and spiked neck plates, this iconic chromatic dragon is perfect for your miniatures collection or display shelf.
1. Icons of the Realms – Adult Red Dragon Figure
Adult Red Dragon is an epic looking detailed miniature with crimson scales and outstretched wings, making it a standout addition to any collection. Finished with a proper paint job, this iconic figure brings D&D adventures to life.
Now you’ve got all of your D&D miniatures and action figures, how do you play Dungeons and Dragons? It can be tough looking for a starting point but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
D&D: What You Need To Know
Getting into Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) can be overwhelming; there are so many campaigns and thousands with an encyclopedic mind about all things D&D. We’ve got you; here’s a simple guide to help you get started on your epic journey.
Begin by grasping the game’s fundamental concepts and gathering the essential materials. Once you understand the core mechanics, you can dive into character creation and start playing with a group of friends. Here’s how to get started:
- Understand the Basics: D&D is a tabletop role-playing game (RPG) in which players create characters and embark on adventures in a fantasy world. The game is typically played with a Dungeon Master (DM) who narrates the story and controls the non-player characters (NPCs) and monsters.
- Get the Core Rulebooks: You’ll need the Player’s Handbook, Dungeon Master’s Guide, and Monster Manual. These books provide all the rules and lore necessary to create characters, run adventures, and understand the game’s mechanics.
- Join a Group: Find a group of friends who are interested in playing or joining an existing group. If you need help finding a local group, online platforms like Roll20 and Discord can help you connect with other players.
- Create Your Character: Use the Player’s Handbook to create your first character. Think of the Player’s race, class, background, and personality. This is your chance to get creative and make someone you’d enjoy playing.
- Start With a Simple Adventure: Beginners should start with a pre-written adventure. Lost Mine of Phandelver is an excellent choice for new players and DMs. It offers a balanced introduction to D&D gameplay and storytelling.
Choosing the Right Miniatures
Miniatures add a visual and tactile element to D&D, making battles and encounters more immersive. Selecting the right miniatures enhances the gameplay experience, offering a tangible representation of characters, monsters, and environments. Once you’ve got to grips, you can even considering 3D printing your very own D&D miniatures as well. Here’s a guide on what to buy to get the most out of your D&D sessions:
- Player Characters (PCs): Invest in a miniature representing your character. Companies like WizKids and Reaper Miniatures offer a wide range of detailed minis for various races and classes. Look for miniatures that match your character’s description.
- Monsters and NPCs: Start with basic monsters commonly encountered in early levels, such as goblins, skeletons, and wolves.
- Special Sets: Consider themed sets that correspond with your campaign. For instance, if your adventure takes place in an Underdark setting, look for miniatures of drow, mind flayers, and other underworld creatures.
- Terrain and Accessories: Enhance your game with terrain pieces like trees, buildings, and dungeon tiles. Companies like Dwarven Forge offer modular terrain sets that can create dynamic battlefields.
Excellent Action Figures for Collectors
For those who appreciate high-quality collectibles, D&D offers a variety of action figures that are fun to display and play with. These figures capture the essence of the game’s rich lore and are perfect for any fan, whether you want to enhance your game sessions or enjoy having them on your shelf. Here are some top picks for collectors:
- WizKids Icons of the Realms Figures: These highly detailed, pre-painted figures include iconic characters and monsters from D&D lore. Figures like Drizzt Do’Urden, Beholder, and TDo’Urdene are standout pieces for any collection.
- Hasbro’s D&D Icons Premium Figures offer superior articulation and intricate detailing. Characters like the Archlich Acererak and the Dragonborn Paladin are perfect for display and game use.
- Funko Pop! D&D Series: Funko Pop! offers a series of D&D figures featuring characters like Minsc and Boo and monsters like the Demogorgon. These stylized figures are a fun way to show off your love for the game.
Essential Items for a D&D Game
You’ll need some essential items to set up your first game of Dungeons & Dragons. These will help ensure your sessions run smoothly and are enjoyable for everyone involved. Here’s what we recommend:
- Core Rulebooks: The Player’s Handbook, Dungeon Player’s Guide, and MonstMaster’sl are the fundamental texts you’ll need.
- Character Sheets: You’ll print or use physical sheets to track character stats, abilities, and progress.
- Dice Set: A polyhedral dice set, including d4, d6, d8, d10, d12, and d20. Consider getting a dice tower or tray to keep the rolls contained.
- Miniatures: As mentioned, invest in miniatures for player characters and commonly encountered monsters.
- Battle Map and Markers: A grid-based map (often erasable) and markers to visualize combat and positioning.
- Adventure Modules: Pre-written adventures for easy setup and play, or create your own!
Different Types of D&D Game Modes
D&D can be played in various modes, each offering a different style of play and experience. Understanding these modes can help you decide which type suits your group best. Here are some standard game modes:
- Campaign Play is the traditional mode in which players embark on a long-term adventure, progressing their characters over many sessions. It requires a consistent group and a dedicated DM to manage the story and progression.
- One-Shots: These are single-session adventures that can be completed in a few hours. They are great for introducing new players to the game or playing when a regular campaign session is impossible.
- Skirmishes: These combat-focused sessions emphasize tactical battles rather than stories. Players can quickly set up scenarios and engage in fighting, making them a good choice for those who enjoy the combat mechanics of D&D.
- West Marches is a style of play in which multiple DMs and a large pool of players participate in a shared world. Sessions are player-driven, and the world evolves based on the actions and discoveries of different groups.
- Solo Play: While D&D is typically a group game, solo adventures and modules are available for players who want to experience the game independently.
Final Tips
Getting into D&D is more than just the game; it’s about spending time with the community, sharing stories, and having fun. Start small, engage with others, and most importantly, enjoy the process. The journey is as much about the experiences and memories you create along the way as about the adventures your character embarks on. Here are some final tips to help you along:
- Start Small: You don’t need to buy anything all at once. Begin with the essentials and gradually expand your collection.
- Join Online Communities: Engage with other D&D enthusiasts on forums such as Myth Weavers, social media, and websites like D&D Beyond. These communities are great for tips, inspiration, and support.
- Have Fun: Remember, D&D is about storytelling, creativity, and having fun with friends. Don’t stress too much about the rules or perfection—just enjoy the adventure!
Christian Wait is a UK-based freelancer for IGN, you can follow him @ChrisReggieWait on Twitter/X.
Original article by Brian Barnett.
