StarCraft Tabletop: Which Starter Set Should You Buy?

Starting StarCraft tabletop with a friend? The Two Player Starter Set Founders Edition gives you Terran and Zerg forces, terrain, a playmat, dice and a ruler in one box. If you already know which faction you want, a standard Terran, Zerg or Protoss starter is a more focused way to begin one army.

Before choosing, check the edition: the Protoss standard and Founders Edition boxes contain different units. Here is how to choose a StarCraft Tabletop Miniatures Game starter for your collection, hobby desk and first games.

What is the StarCraft Tabletop Miniatures Game?

It is an officially licensed miniature wargame from Archon Studio, made in partnership with Blizzard Entertainment. You assemble physical miniatures and command Terran, Zerg or Protoss forces across a tabletop battlefield.

This is a miniatures hobby as well as a game. The models come unpainted and require assembly. Painting is optional for casual play, according to the official FAQ, so you can learn with assembled models and paint them over time.

Which StarCraft starter should you choose?

Start with the faction you want to build and play. These are the main combat units listed for the three standard starter sets; bases, cards, tokens and other components are detailed on each product page.

Archon markets each standard starter as a 1,000-mineral army. Army costs and rules can change, so use the latest official downloads when preparing a game. Faction themes are a starting point for choosing models you enjoy, not a guarantee of which army will win.

Is the two-player Founders Edition a good first purchase?

It is worth considering when two people want to start Terran versus Zerg together. Toy Snowman's listed Two Player Starter Set Founders Edition includes both forces, Jim Raynor and Kerrigan, 15 terrain pieces, a cloth playmat, 20 D6 dice, a ruler, cards, tokens and a rules reference.

That shared battlefield equipment is a practical reason to choose this box. If your friend already owns terrain and gaming accessories, or you want Protoss, compare the individual faction starters first.

The two-player armies also differ from the standard single-faction boxes above. Do not treat the two-player set as those two standard starters bundled together; check its complete contents before buying expansions.

What is different about the Protoss Founders Edition?

The standard Protoss starter includes 2 Stalkers. The Protoss Founders Edition instead includes Artanis and a Pylon. Both listings include 6 Zealots, 4 Adepts and 2 Sentries. The Founders Edition listing also includes a ruler and 20 D6 dice.

Choose the standard set if its unit selection fits the army you want. Consider the Founders Edition if Artanis, the Pylon and its included accessories are the draw. The edition name alone does not tell you which box suits your plans.

What do you need for your first game?

• Assembled forces and an opponent. Follow the assembly instructions and arrange a game size together.
• The current rules and unit information. Download these from the official site. The StarCraft Command Center also provides rules, cards and army-building tools.
• A battlefield, terrain and gaming accessories. Check your chosen box for dice, measuring tools and a play surface instead of assuming every starter includes the same extras.
• Assembly supplies. Check the model instructions for suitable tools and adhesive. Set aside painting supplies when you are ready for that part of the hobby.

Do you need to buy a printed rulebook?

No. Official rules are available to download free. A printed book can be convenient at the table, but check the official downloads for later updates, FAQs and revised costs.

Where can you buy StarCraft tabletop miniatures in Canada?

Explore StarCraft tabletop miniatures at Toy Snowman, your Montreal-based Canadian toy and hobby store. Compare starter editions, then browse the units and heroes for your chosen faction. Check each listing for the current CAD price and whether an item is in stock or on preorder.

Product contents and references checked November 8, 2026. Availability, prices and rules may change. Product photos are from Toy Snowman's corresponding listings. Painted models shown on packaging are examples; miniatures are supplied unpainted and require assembly.

Sources and further reading

• Archon Studio: official StarCraft game announcement
• Archon Studio: standard starter sets and faction overview
• Official starter specifications: Terran, Zerg and Protoss
• Official FAQ and rules downloads