Blood Bowl Team Building: How to Choose Your First Team

Quick answer

For your first Blood Bowl team, pick a roster that matches how you like to play: bash teams if you enjoy blocking and attrition, agility teams if you want speed and passing, or hybrid teams if you want a forgiving middle ground. Prioritize a team you can assemble and paint without frustration, and consider secondhand miniatures to keep the initial cost down.

Blood Bowl is one of the most rewarding tabletop games because your team grows with every match. But that first purchase decision can stall new coaches: there are many teams, each with a distinct playstyle, and the miniatures range from simple to complex. This guide gives you concrete decision rules so you can choose a first team with confidence.

We'll cover how to match a team to your temperament, what to look for in a starter set, and how to use secondhand miniatures to test a roster before committing. The goal isn't to find the 'best' team—it's to find the team you'll actually enjoy playing and painting.

Match the team to your playstyle

Blood Bowl teams fall into three broad styles: bash, agility, and hybrid. Bash teams rely on strength and armor to grind opponents down; they're forgiving for new players because you can afford to make mistakes. Agility teams depend on dodging and passing; they reward planning but punish bad dice. Hybrid teams blend both and are a safe first pick if you're unsure.

Think about how you handle risk. If you like controlling the pace and don't mind slow drives, a bash team suits you. If you enjoy high-risk, high-reward plays, an agility team will be more exciting. If you want flexibility, a hybrid team lets you adapt to your opponent.

• Bash: Orc, Dwarf, Chaos Chosen—durable and straightforward.
• Agility: Skaven, Elven Union, Wood Elf—fast but fragile.
• Hybrid: Human, Lizardmen, Necromantic—balanced and adaptable.

Consider miniature availability and complexity

Your first team should be easy to assemble and paint. Some teams have many small, delicate parts, while others are simpler. If you're new to miniature hobbying, look for teams with fewer components per player or monopose options. Secondhand miniatures can be a cost-effective way to try a team, but check the condition and completeness carefully.

For example, the Aeldari: Shining Spears kit is a multi-part plastic set with customization options, but it's designed for Warhammer 40,000, not Blood Bowl. Blood Bowl teams are sold as specific boxed sets. If you're on a budget, secondhand Blood Bowl teams occasionally appear on the secondhand market, but availability varies.

• Check if the team is available as a complete boxed set.
• Secondhand teams may need stripping and reassembly.
• Multi-part plastic kits offer more customization but take longer to build.

Budget for more than just the team

A Blood Bowl starter set usually includes two teams, a pitch, dice, and rules—great value if you're starting from zero. If you already have a pitch and rules, buying a single team box is cheaper. Don't forget hobby supplies: clippers, glue, and paints add to the initial cost. Secondhand miniatures can reduce the team cost, but you may need to invest in stripping supplies.

If you're testing the waters, a secondhand team lets you try a playstyle before buying a full retail box. Just remember that secondhand sales are often final and sold as-is, so inspect photos carefully. New-in-box teams are more predictable but cost more.

• Starter set: best for brand-new players who need everything.
• Single team box: best if you already have a pitch and rules.
• Secondhand: best for trying a team on a tight budget.

Plan for expansion and league play

If you plan to join a league, check which teams are popular locally. Some leagues have team restrictions or encourage variety. A team that's easy to expand with additional positionals gives you room to grow. Most Blood Bowl teams have a standard roster with 12–16 players, and you can add star players later.

Consider the team's long-term potential: some teams start strong but plateau, while others develop into powerhouses. For a first team, a roster with a clear upgrade path and forgiving starting skills is ideal. Talk to local coaches about what they play—it's the fastest way to learn the meta.

• Ask your local league about team restrictions.
• Choose a team with room for positional expansion.
• Star players can fill gaps later.

Decision rules for your first Blood Bowl team

• If you want forgiving gameplay: Choose a bash team like Orc or Dwarf. High armor and strength let you survive mistakes. Best for new coaches who dislike losing players early.
• If you want speed and flair: Choose an agility team like Skaven or Elven Union. You'll rely on dodges and passes. Best for players who enjoy risk and mobility.
• If you're unsure or want flexibility: Choose a hybrid team like Human or Lizardmen. They can adapt to different opponents. Best for players who want a balanced start.
• If budget is tight: Look for a secondhand team or split a starter set with a friend. Check condition carefully; secondhand sales are often final.

Secondhand miniatures to consider

• Age of Sigmar Melusai Blood Sisters HIY-23: Secondhand product, sold as-is, final sale. Purchased from clients through the Secondhand Store Program. New-in-box Games Workshop product is also available at 15% off MSRP. If you're comfortable with secondhand and want a project, this is a low-cost way to get miniatures. But it's not a Blood Bowl team—check suitability before buying.
• Warhammer 40,000 Canoptek Spyder HJA-24: Secondhand product, sold as-is, final sale. Purchased from clients through the Secondhand Store Program. New-in-box Games Workshop product is also available at 15% off MSRP. Another secondhand option for hobbyists, but again not a Blood Bowl team. Use these for conversion practice or if you play multiple systems.

Who should choose which team

Best for

• New coaches who want a forgiving team with simple assembly.
• Players on a budget who are open to secondhand miniatures.
• Hobbyists who enjoy customizing and painting a team over time.

Not for

• Players who want a pre-painted, ready-to-play team out of the box.
• Coaches who refuse to play against certain team styles.
• Collectors who only want new-in-box, sealed product.

Your first Blood Bowl team doesn't have to be perfect—it just has to get you on the pitch. Pick a playstyle you enjoy, keep the assembly manageable, and consider secondhand options to test the waters. Once you've played a few matches, you'll know exactly what you want from your next team.