Best Forge World Models — What's Worth Buying

Best Forge World Models — What’s Worth Buying

Forge World is Games Workshop’s premium resin division, producing specialist models that sit at the top of the Warhammer hobby in terms of detail, size, and price. For many hobbyists, owning a Forge World model is a rite of passage — a statement piece that elevates an entire collection. But with prices that can reach into the hundreds (or even thousands) of pounds, the question every hobbyist asks is: is it actually worth it?

This guide covers what Forge World is, which models offer the best value, practical advice for working with resin, and honest assessments of whether the premium price tag is justified.

What Is Forge World?

Forge World is a subdivision of Games Workshop based in Nottingham, specialising in resin model kits for Warhammer 40,000, the Horus Heresy, Age of Sigmar, and other GW game systems. Founded in 1998, Forge World originally existed to produce models that were too complex, too niche, or too large for Games Workshop’s standard plastic injection moulding process.

Forge World models are cast in resin rather than the polystyrene plastic used by mainline GW kits. Resin captures finer detail than plastic and allows for more complex shapes, but it’s also more brittle, more difficult to work with, and significantly more expensive to produce in small batches.

Over the years, Forge World has carved out a unique niche: they produce the biggest war machines (Titans, super-heavy tanks), the most detailed character models, upgrade kits that enhance standard GW plastic kits, and the entire Horus Heresy range (which was mostly resin until the 2022 relaunch made plastic kits the core of the range).

Forge World products are sold directly by Games Workshop — these days through the main Warhammer webstore — rather than through independent retailers, so you generally won’t find the usual independent-stockist discounts. Expect to pay full price.

Is Forge World Worth the Price?

This is the question, and the honest answer is: it depends on what you’re buying and why.

Worth it if:

You want a centrepiece model that will be the crown jewel of your collection
You’re buying a model with no plastic equivalent (Titans, certain Dreadnoughts, specific characters)
You’re a Horus Heresy player and need Legion-specific units
You enjoy the challenge of working with resin and want the sharpest possible detail
You’re buying upgrade kits (shoulder pads, doors, etc.) that add character to plastic kits at a reasonable price

Not worth it if:

A plastic equivalent exists that’s nearly as good (many newer GW plastic kits rival Forge World in detail)
You’re a beginner — resin requires experience to clean, assemble, and paint properly
You’re buying purely for tabletop gaming and don’t care about display quality
You’re price-sensitive — there’s no sugar-coating it, Forge World is expensive

Best Forge World Models by Faction

Space Marines

Leviathan Dreadnought: The Leviathan is one of Forge World’s all-time best sellers, and for good reason. It’s a massive, imposing Dreadnought bristling with weaponry that towers over standard Dreadnought kits. The model is beautifully detailed, with multiple weapon options and a dynamic pose. Among Forge World’s big kits it has traditionally been one of the more approachable, making it a popular entry point. Before buying, check whether a plastic version is now available for the game you play, as Games Workshop has been moving popular Heresy-era kits into plastic. Verdict: Highly recommended.

Contemptor Dreadnought: The Contemptor pattern is the classic Horus Heresy-era Dreadnought — more elegant and agile-looking than the boxy Castraferrum pattern, with fluid poses and weapon options for days. Multiple Legion-specific variants exist with unique decorative elements. The basic Contemptor has been released in plastic for the Horus Heresy, but the weapon variants and Legion-specifics remain resin. Verdict: Get the plastic base, add resin weapons.

Deredeo Dreadnought: A heavy fire-support Dreadnought with a distinctive hunched silhouette and devastating long-range weaponry. The Deredeo fills a visual niche no other model covers — it looks genuinely different from every other Dreadnought variant. Verdict: Worth it for the unique aesthetic.

Adeptus Custodes

Telemon Heavy Dreadnought: The Telemon is the Custodes’ answer to the Leviathan — a towering golden war machine of breathtaking detail. It’s one of the most impressive Dreadnought models Forge World has ever produced, with intricate Custodes iconography and a commanding presence on the table. Verdict: The best Custodes Forge World purchase, hands down.

Achillus Dreadnought: Smaller than the Telemon but still magnificent, the Achillus is an aggressive melee-focused Dreadnought with a lance and shield. The dynamic pose and Custodes detailing make it a stunning model. Verdict: Excellent if you want a more affordable Custodes centrepiece.

Custodes Upgrade Kits: Forge World produces shoulder pads, weapons, and decorative elements for standard Custodes kits. These are relatively affordable and add significant visual distinction to your army. Verdict: Best value Forge World purchase for Custodes players.

Astra Militarum / Solar Auxilia

Solar Auxilia Range: The Solar Auxilia are the elite human soldiers of the Horus Heresy era — better equipped and more disciplined than standard Imperial Army troops. Their enclosed void armour gives them a distinctive sci-fi aesthetic that looks nothing like the WW1/WW2-inspired standard Guard. The range has historically been resin, though parts of it have since appeared in plastic, so compare before you buy. Verdict: If you play Heresy, this is must-have. For 40k players, they make incredible counts-as Guard with a unique look.

Malcador Heavy Tank: The Malcador and its variants fill the gap between the Leman Russ and the Baneblade — a super-heavy-adjacent tank that’s large and impressive without breaking the bank. The design is wonderfully archaic, fitting the Imperium’s aesthetic of ancient, barely-understood technology. Verdict: Good value for a centrepiece vehicle.

Titans

Warhound Scout Titan: The “entry-level” Titan is still an enormous model that stands over a foot tall. Building and painting a Warhound is a multi-month project that results in one of the most impressive models in the entire Warhammer range. At several hundred pounds, it’s a serious investment, and prices change regularly, so check the current listing. Verdict: A dream project for experienced hobbyists. Not for beginners.

Reaver Battle Titan: Bigger than the Warhound, the Reaver is a genuinely massive model that dominates any display shelf. It’s also commensurately more expensive and more challenging to build. Verdict: For dedicated Titan collectors only.

Warlord Titan: The ultimate Forge World purchase — a model that stands nearly two feet tall, costs four figures, and requires months of work to assemble and paint. The Warlord is not a model; it’s a commitment. But if you finish one, you will own one of the most impressive miniatures ever produced. Verdict: Once-in-a-lifetime project for the most dedicated hobbyists.

Best Forge World Characters

Forge World produces character models for both the Horus Heresy and Warhammer 40,000. The Primarch series — featuring the demigod leaders of the Space Marine Legions — is particularly noteworthy:

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Horus Lupercal: The Warmaster himself, depicted in magnificent Terminator armour. One of the finest character models FW has produced.
Angron (Heresy-era): A dynamic, savage model that perfectly captures the World Eaters’ Primarch in his pre-daemon form.
Roboute Guilliman (Heresy-era): Stately, commanding, and dripping with Ultramarine iconography. A perfect contrast to his 40k plastic counterpart.
Alpharius: A dynamic pose and the signature hydra motifs of the Alpha Legion.

Primarchs are expensive for a single model, but reasonable by Forge World standards, and the quality is consistently excellent. Prices rise over time and some Primarchs have been re-released or moved in and out of production, so check the current webstore listing rather than relying on an old price.

Forge World vs GW Plastic — Honest Comparison

Games Workshop’s plastic kits have improved dramatically over the past decade. Modern plastic kits — particularly character models and centrepiece units — now rival or even exceed Forge World resin in detail quality. The gap that once justified Forge World’s premium has narrowed considerably.

Where Forge World still wins:

Undercut detail (resin can do shapes that plastic moulds can’t)
Unique models with no plastic equivalent
Horus Heresy Legion-specific kits
The sheer scale of Titans and super-heavies

Where plastic has caught up or surpassed:

Ease of assembly (plastic is infinitely easier to work with than resin)
Structural integrity (resin is brittle; plastic bends and recovers)
Surface quality (less mould release residue, fewer air bubbles, no warping)
Value for money (plastic kits offer far more per pound spent)

Working with Resin — Essential Tips

Forge World resin requires different techniques than plastic. Here’s what you need to know before your first build:

Washing

Every Forge World model must be washed in warm soapy water before assembly. Resin casting uses a release agent (a thin oily coating) that prevents paint from adhering. Use warm water with washing-up liquid, scrub gently with an old toothbrush, and let the parts dry completely. Skip this step and your paint will flake off within weeks.

Mould Lines and Flash

Resin casts have mould lines and flash (thin sheets of excess resin) that need to be removed. Use a sharp hobby knife and fine files. Work carefully — resin dust is harmful if inhaled. Always wear a dust mask when filing or sanding resin, and work in a well-ventilated area.

Warping

Resin parts often arrive slightly warped, especially long, thin pieces like weapons and banners. Fix this by submerging the warped part in hot (not boiling) water for 30-60 seconds, gently bending it to the correct shape, then plunging it into cold water to set. Repeat as needed.

Assembly

Super glue (cyanoacrylate) is the adhesive of choice for resin — plastic cement does not work on resin. For heavy parts or weight-bearing joints, pin the connection using brass rod or paper clips drilled into both surfaces. This is especially important for arms, weapons, and any part that will experience handling.

Priming

Resin benefits from a good primer. Spray primer designed for miniatures (Citadel, Vallejo, etc.) works well on properly washed resin. Apply in thin coats and let each coat dry before adding the next. If the primer beads up or won’t adhere, you haven’t washed the resin thoroughly enough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Forge World models in regular 40k games?

Many do, but not all. Forge World units that are supported in Warhammer 40,000 have datasheets alongside the rest of their faction (check the Warhammer 40,000 app and the Munitorum Field Manual for current rules and points), while others have been moved to Legends, which is fine for casual games but usually not allowed at events. Horus Heresy-only kits use the Horus Heresy rules. Check the current rules for your specific model, and your event pack if you play in tournaments.

Is Forge World resin safe?

Resin dust (from cutting, filing, or sanding) should not be inhaled. Always wear a dust mask when working with resin and clean up dust with a damp cloth rather than brushing it into the air. The solid resin itself is inert and safe to handle.

Why are Forge World models so expensive?

Resin casting is a manual process — each mould produces far fewer copies than plastic injection moulding before it degrades. Combined with smaller production runs, hand-poured casting, and the specialised sculpting required, the per-unit cost is significantly higher than mass-produced plastic kits.

Do Forge World models come with instructions?

Usually, yes — but they’re often minimal compared to GW plastic kit instructions. Larger models like Titans come with detailed assembly guides, but smaller kits may only include a photo or basic diagram. Online build guides and community forums are essential resources.

Can I return Forge World models if they’re defective?

Forge World has a customer service team that handles miscasts, missing parts, and defective products. Contact them with photos of the issue, and they will typically send replacement parts free of charge. Their customer service is generally well-regarded in the community.

What is the best first Forge World purchase?

An upgrade kit or a mid-sized kit such as the Leviathan Dreadnought. Upgrade kits like shoulder pads and weapons are the cheapest way to try working with resin, and the Leviathan has long been one of Forge World’s best-selling big kits (check whether a plastic version suits your game first). Leave Titans until you’re comfortable washing, cleaning, pinning and fixing warped resin parts.

Best Forge World Models — What’s Worth Buying