Building a Spartan Hoplite Army for 28mm Ancients
By Victrix Limited 28mm miniatures | Published: 2026-10-26
Category: Buying Guides
Learn how to build a Spartan hoplite army for 28mm Ancients, from unit selection to basing and painting, with practical decision rules for beginners and veterans.
Quick Answer
Start with a core of 48 Spartan Armoured Hoplites from Victrix, then build around them with supporting troops and command elements to create a flexible, historical 28mm Ancients army.
Why 48 Hoplites Are a Solid Core
The Victrix Spartan Armoured Hoplites set gives you 48 hard plastic figures, which is enough to field a substantial phalanx or two smaller units. This is a great foundation for a 28mm Ancients army because it lets you build a visually impressive battle line without needing multiple boxes right away.
The set includes a myriad of additional parts, giving you hundreds of options for poses, equipment, and command figures. This means you can customize your units to reflect different periods or personal preferences, making your army unique on the tabletop.
Building Around the Core
A Spartan army is more than just hoplites. You'll want to add light troops like psiloi or peltasts for screening, and possibly cavalry for flanking. These units are essential for a balanced force in most 28mm Ancients rulesets, providing flexibility and covering the weaknesses of a purely heavy infantry force.
Also consider adding a general's unit or command stand to lead your army. The extra parts in the Victrix set often allow you to create a distinct leader figure, but you may need to source additional miniatures for a full command group.
Trade-offs: Plastic vs. Metal
Hard plastic miniatures like the Victrix Spartans are durable, easy to convert, and generally more affordable per figure than metal alternatives. However, they require assembly and sometimes cleaning of mold lines. Metal miniatures are heavier and can be more detailed, but they are pricier and can bend or break.
For a core infantry unit, plastic is a practical choice. If you want highly detailed command figures or unique characters, metal might be worth the extra cost.
Decision Rules for Building Your Spartan Army
- Core Unit Size: Start with at least 48 hoplites, which you can field as one large phalanx or two smaller units. This gives you a solid battle line and room to expand.
- Support Troops: Add light infantry (psiloi or peltasts) to screen your hoplites and cavalry to protect flanks. Aim for a ratio of roughly 2:1 hoplites to support troops for a balanced force. Plan your support units before buying to avoid overspending on heavy infantry.
- Command and Characters: Use the extra parts in the Victrix set to create a general's base or command unit. For named characters, consider metal miniatures for extra detail.
- Basing and Movement: Choose a basing system that matches your ruleset. For mass battle games, use multi-based units; for skirmish, use individual bases. Ensure your bases are consistent across the army. Test your basing on a few figures before committing to the whole army.
- Painting and Assembly: Assemble and paint in batches to maintain consistency. Use a simple color scheme (bronze, red, and white) for speed, and add details later if desired. Batch painting saves time and keeps your army looking cohesive.
Key Product
- Spartan Armoured Hoplites 5th to 3rd Century BCE: This set includes 48 intricately designed 28mm hard plastic figures representing Greek Hoplites of Sparta and Laconia from the 5th to 3rd Century BCE, with many additional parts for customization. This gives you a substantial, customizable core for your Spartan army, letting you build multiple units or a large phalanx from a single box.
Spartan Armoured Hoplites 5th to 3rd Century BCE
Who This Guide Is For
Best for
- Beginners to 28mm Ancients who want a straightforward, historical Spartan army
- Wargamers who prefer plastic miniatures for ease of assembly and conversion
Not for
- Players seeking a highly elite, all-cavalry army
- Collectors who prefer metal miniatures for display-quality detail
