Mixing Greek Peltasts and Archers in a 28mm Army
By Victrix Limited 28mm miniatures | Published: 2026-10-21
Category: Comparisons
Compare the roles of Greek peltasts, javelin men, slingers, and archers in a 28mm Ancients army. Learn how to combine these skirmishers to support your hoplites effectively.
Quick answer
For a balanced 28mm Greek army, use peltasts and javelin men as your primary skirmishers and close-combat light troops, and add archers when you need to soften enemy units from a distance before your hoplites engage.
Why skirmisher choice matters in 28mm Ancients
Greek armies of the 5th to mid 3rd Century BCE relied on more than just hoplite phalanxes. Light troops like peltasts, javelin men, slingers, and archers screened the main battle line, harassed enemy formations, and pursued fleeing foes. In 28mm wargaming, choosing the right mix of these skirmishers can decide the skirmish phase and protect your heavy infantry.
Peltasts and javelin men are lightly armed but also effective in close combat, making them versatile. Archers, on the other hand, excel at stand-off shooting but are vulnerable in melee. Slingers offer a middle ground with decent range and impact. Your army composition should reflect your intended tactics and the threats you expect to face.
Trade-offs between peltasts, javelin men, and archers
The Greek Peltasts, Javelin Men and Slingers set provides 60 figures, giving you a large core of skirmishers that can also fight in close combat. This is ideal if you want a single box to build the backbone of your light troops. The Greek archer reinforcement pack offers 12 multipose archers, perfect for adding dedicated ranged firepower without overcommitting to a full unit.
If you field too many archers, you may lack the melee resilience to hold a flank or respond to a sudden charge. Conversely, relying solely on peltasts and javelin men means you have less ability to inflict casualties before the main lines clash. A balanced approach uses peltasts and javelin men for flexible screening and archers for targeted shooting.
How to mix peltasts and archers in your 28mm army
- Peltasts and javelin men as your main skirmishers: Use the 60-figure set to form multiple units of peltasts and javelin men. These troops can skirmish at a distance and also fight effectively in close combat, giving you flexibility to screen your hoplites or pursue broken enemies. This set gives you the numbers to field a complete skirmish line in one purchase.
- Archers for dedicated ranged support: Add one or two units of archers from the reinforcement pack to provide stand-off firepower. Position them behind your peltasts or on a flank to target enemy heavy infantry or cavalry before they reach your line. Archers are vulnerable in melee, so protect them with your peltasts or hoplites.
- Slingers as a specialist option: The 60-figure set includes slingers, who offer a different ballistic profile. Use them against enemy skirmishers or light troops where their impact can disrupt formations. They are less effective against armored targets than javelins. Slingers are a niche choice; consider them if you face many enemy skirmishers.
Product facts
- Greek Peltasts, Javelin Men and Slingers: This 60-figure set represents Greek light infantry from the 5th to mid 3rd Century BCE. Javelin men were used for skirmishing at a distance, mainly coming from the more mountainous areas of Greece. You get a large, versatile force of skirmishers that can also hold their own in close combat, making them the core of your light troop contingent.
Greek Peltasts, Javelin Men and Slingers - Greek archer reinforcement pack: The Greek Archer Reinforcement Pack offers 12 multipose ancient Greek archers, designed for hobbyists and wargamers to customize forces for historical tabletop battles. This small, affordable pack lets you add dedicated ranged units to your army without buying a full box, perfect for reinforcing an existing force.
Greek archer reinforcement pack
Which approach fits your army?
Best for
- Players who want a single-box solution for a versatile skirmish line
- Wargamers who need dedicated ranged firepower to soften enemy units before the hoplite charge
Not for
- Players who prefer an all-melee light infantry force without any archer support
- Those who want to field a purely missile-based army with minimal close combat capability
