Here are some of the best alternatives to Forge World resin miniatures that will work great for Warhammer 40k and not make your wallet cry.
Whether you’re a Warhammer 40k player looking for cheaper alternatives to Forge World models or a miniature hobbyist searching for premium-quality bits and accessories, these designers have got you covered.
Top Alternative Miniature Brands to Forge World
Take a look at the top premium-quality miniature alternative companies and brands to Forge World that don’t substantially increase their costs for consumers purchasing their products in their own currencies. They have real value these days, along with QC controls and customer service that won’t take weeks to reply to you. You may even find that you like these models better for Warhammer 40k conversions and proxies!
Creature Caster
Creature Caster is known for its high-quality resin miniatures, which can even be used as proxies and alternatives for models and units from multiple different games. They always provide stunning models, and the best part is that you can buy their models in several different currencies for local delivery.
They might be best known for their insane daemons, but they have recently added a lot more to the line. Check out some of their most recent figures here.
Hunter and Retinue
Engines of Annihilation
Void Elemental
For a close-up look at Creature Caster’s quality, check out their Void Elemental model, another one of my personal Top 5 miniatures of all time. With the addition of Cuddlefish color, their webstore is quickly becoming a one-stop shop for tabletop gaming and the miniature painting hobby!
Artel W Miniatures
Artel “W” offers a HUGE selection of miniatures that can be used as Forge World replacements or even out-of-print models that are almost impossible to find. Here are some of their most recent model releases.
The Captive Unleashed model would be absolutely perfect for a Daemonhost replacement.
A ton of Imperial Guard models were essentially taken out of existence. You can still start your favorite Guard faction using this model as a commander.
They also have a ton of Eldar alternatives and for much cheaper! Especially if you want a lot of Warlocks and Farseers without spending a fortune.
They also make things like this Orc band that are just fun and would make awesome display pieces. Be sure to check out their site for something you’re looking for, as their selection of miniatures is massive.
Iron Wolf Minis
Iron Wolf Minis is a resin-casting alternate bit upgrade source for your Knights. From Space Wolves-themed upgrades all the way to Custodes, you can make your Knights one-of-a-kind. They are the resin side of Gadgets Plus on Shapeways and are expanding to fit the whole catalog of minis into their resin casts store here!
Wargame Exclusive
Next, we have Wargame Exclusive. This brand is perfect for finding replacement models you can’t find anywhere else or for those who don’t want to burn a hole in their wallet. You can check out some of their most recent miniature releases.
Take that named Librarian in your Blood Angels Chapter to a whole new level with the Imperial Death Lord.
Like we’ve said before, Forge World likes to put some of their bits on Last Chance to Buy, and once they’re gone, who knows how long it’ll take before they’re back? Wargame Exclusive keeps great alternative bits and models in stock for you to flesh out your army exactly how you want.
They also have a ton of Tau alternatives, so if you’ve been fretting over getting new minis for the faction, they are the place to look!
Not only that but any time a new faction gets updated, they always have some amazing alternatives to make your army stand out. Be sure to visit their webstore as their selection is pretty massive, as they also feature 3d prints now as well.
Taro Modelmaker
If you’re a hobbyist looking to take your larger “miniature” game to the next level, Taro Modelmaker has got you covered. Their collection of high-quality bits and accessories can help you upgrade and customize your Imperial Knights, making them truly unique and eye-catching. Their products are made with precision and care; every bit we’ve ever received from them has been super high-quality and fits extremely well. If you are looking for some fresh upgrades for your next Knight project, check out some of their most recent releases here.
Whether you’re looking for intricate detailing, unique weaponry (like shovels), or just want to add some flair to your miniatures, Taro Modelmaker has something for everyone.
Kromlech
Kromlech is more on the “fun” side of miniature designs and details. They have great-quality figures with uniqueness you can’t find anywhere else. Here is a look at some of the latest products they have been releasing.
They have a really great line of faction-specific Primaris bits that you can either build an entire army with or spice up your current Space Marines! Be sure to check out Kromlech for all your conversions, alternative models, and bits needs.
Pop Goes the Monkey
Pop Goes the Monkey is always dropping some killer alternative bits for almost anything you could think of in Warhammer 40k. They have also recently upgraded to Monkey Resin for their kits so that you can get high-quality resin minis for less.
Even though Pop Goes the Monkey is known for its bit designs, they do have amazing full-model kits, too! Even if you’ve already got most of your army together, spice things up and add that extra level of detail by using these bits. They always produce some of the best new minis and alternatives for the latest in-demand bits and kits. So it’s always good to check out what they’re up to since their massive catalog has almost everything you could need to convert your latest miniature project.
The Best Alternatives to Forge World Miniatures
There are a lot more companies out there that don’t get the spotlight they deserve when it comes to the best alternatives to Forge World. So be sure to try some of these brands the next time you’re looking for model kits or bits, and see how far your hobby dollars go there. You may find out that you like thier models and bits better than the original from Forge World or even Games Workshop in general.
- Creature Caster
- Artel W
- Iron Wolf Minis
- Wargame Exclusive
- Taro Modelmaker
- Kromlech
- Pop Goes the Monkey
Have you bought from these companies before as alternatives to Forge World? What’s your favorite model offered by one of the brands above?
About the Author: Rob Baer
Rob Baer
Job Title: Managing Editor
Founded Spikey Bits in 2009
Socials: Rob Baer on Facebook and @catdaddymbg on X
About Rob Baer: Founder, Publisher, & Managing Editor of Spikey Bits, the leading tabletop gaming news website focused on the hobby side of wargaming and miniatures.
Rob also co-founded and currently hosts the Long War Podcast, which has over 350 episodes and focuses on tabletop miniatures gaming, specializing in Warhammer 40k. and spent six years writing for Bell of Lost Souls.
Every year, along with his co-hosts, he helps host the Long War 40k Doubles Tournament at Adepticon and the Long War 40k Doubles at Las Vegas Open, which attracts over 350 players from around the world.
Rob has won many Warhammer 40k Tournaments over the years, including multiple first-place finishes in Warhammer 40k Grand Tournaments over the years and even winning 1st place at the Adepticon 40k Team Tournament.
With over 30 years of experience in retail and distribution, Rob knows all the products and exactly which ones are the best. As a member of GAMA (Game Manufacturers Association), he advocates for gaming stores and manufacturers in these difficult times, always looking for the next big thing to feature for the miniatures hobby, helping everyone to provide the value consumers want.
While he’s played every edition of Warhammer 40k and Warhammer Fantasy (since 5th Edition) and has been hobbying on miniatures since the 1980s, Titans of all sizes will always be his favorite! It’s even rumored that his hobby vault rivals the Solemnance Galleries, containing rulebooks filled with lore from editions long past, ancient packs of black-bordered Magic Cards, and models made of both pewter and resin.
