I still remember cracking open my first Marvel Crisis Protocol box and watching my daughter stare wide-eyed at a tiny Captain America on the kitchen table. That was the moment MCP became our regular weekend game.
After dozens of games across multiple affiliations and a collection that’s grown well past 40 miniatures, our team put together this guide to the best marvel crisis protocol sets for 2026. Whether you’re a parent introducing a kid to tabletop gaming, a veteran looking to expand a specific faction, or someone curious about this Marvel miniatures game, we have a recommendation for you.
Marvel: Crisis Protocol is a skirmish-scale miniatures game by Atomic Mass Games (now under Asmodee) where players command teams of Marvel heroes and villains on a 3D battlefield. Each player builds a roster, then activates characters one at a time, scoring points by completing crisis objectives and KOing opponents. Games run 45 to 90 minutes for two players.
Over the past several years, MCP has grown from a niche hobby into one of the most popular Marvel board games on Amazon. With dozens of character packs, starter sets, and core sets, knowing which to buy first can be overwhelming. Our team compared 10 different MCP sets across price, value, character selection, and new-player friendliness to help you decide.
Top 3 Picks for Best Marvel Crisis Protocol Sets (September 2026)
After hours of assembly, painting, and tabletop playtesting, three sets stood above the rest. The Earth’s Mightiest Core Set is our top pick for new players because it includes everything you need to start playing, including terrain and a rulebook.
Earth’s Mightiest Core Set
- 13 miniatures
- Captain America & Ultron
- Includes terrain
- Complete starter
Guardians of the Galaxy Starter
- 10 Guardians
- Star-Lord & Groot
- All tools included
- Compact box
Best Marvel Crisis Protocol Sets in 2026: Quick Overview
This table covers every set we tested, from the official core sets down to single affiliation packs. All sets are compatible with each other once you own at least one core or starter set.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Earth’s Mightiest Core Set |
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| X-Men Roster Pack |
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| Guardians Starter Set |
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 Midnight Sons Pack |
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 Tomb of Dracula Pack |
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 Avengers Affiliation Pack |
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 Asgardians Character Pack |
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 Bishop & Nightcrawler |
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 Apocalypse Character Pack |
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 Sinister Villains Unleashed |
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1. Earth’s Mightiest CORE Set – Best Marvel Crisis Protocol Starter for New Players
Asmodee Marvel: Crisis Protocol Earth’s Mightiest CORE Set – Iconic Heroes & Villains for Epic Battles, Tabletop Superhero Game, Ages 14+, 2 Players, 90 Minute Playtime
13 minis + terrain
90 min playtime
Captain America & Ultron
Pros
- Complete starter with everything you need
- Includes 26 terrain pieces for immersive battlefields
- Highly detailed Captain America and Ultron sculpts
- Easy to learn but offers deep tactical play
Cons
- Some models have tricky assembly
- Expansions add up quickly
Our team opened this set on a Saturday morning and played our first full game by lunch. The Earth’s Mightiest Core Set is the revised version of the original Crisis Protocol launch box, and the improvements show.
You get 13 character miniatures led by Captain America, Iron Man, Black Widow, and Ultron. The set also ships with 26 terrain pieces, 6 crisis cards, 20 team tactic cards, dice, and a physical rulebook. For a player who has never built a roster, this is the cleanest entry point.
What I appreciated most was the print quality of the rulebook. Most recent MCP starter sets ship with only web downloads for rules, which can be frustrating if your internet is spotty. The Earth’s Mightiest box includes a printed mission tracker and tracking cubes too.
The miniatures themselves are crisp and detailed. My daughter’s favorite was Ultron, and the model snaps together cleanly with minimal mold lines. Painting is optional but the plastic takes primer and acrylics well.
Affiliation support and replayability
The 13 characters here cover Avengers, Cabal, and a few wildcards, which is enough for two players to build completely different 10-threat rosters. We replayed this box eight times before reaching for an expansion.
For competitive players, the core set characters still see regular table time, especially Captain America and Ultron. New players get a low-risk way to learn core mechanics like Power generation, crisis selection, and activation timing.
Who should skip this set
If you already own the original CP01 Core Set, skip this box. The character selection overlaps heavily.
If you only want a single faction, a smaller affiliation pack might serve you better. But for a true beginner, nothing beats having terrain, dice, and a rulebook in one box.
2. X-Men Roster Pack – Best Value for X-Men Fans
Atomic Mass Games Marvel: Crisis Protocol X-Men Roster Pack
12 X-Men minis
Build X-Force
Brotherhood ready
Pros
- Includes 12 miniatures covering X-Men and Brotherhood
- Great entry point for the X-Men franchise
- Includes 19 team tactic cards for varied play
- Compact box ships well
Cons
- No physical rulebook included
- Packaging sometimes arrives damaged
When I asked the team which set gave us the most miniatures per dollar, the X-Men Roster Pack won. Twelve characters, including Cyclops, Wolverine, Storm, Beast, Rogue, Gambit, Magneto, Mystique, Sabretooth, and Toad, give new X-Force players a complete faction out of the box.
The Roster Pack format is designed for players who already own a core set but need more characters. If you pair this with Earth’s Mightiest or the Guardians starter, you have a tournament-ready roster immediately.
Assembly was smooth for most models. Magneto’s cape required a tiny bit of green stuff to fill a gap, but the rest clipped together cleanly. Painting the bright primary colors of classic X-Men costumes was a fun weekend project with my kids.
One downside: there is no physical rulebook. Atomic Mass Games hosts the rules online, so you’ll need a phone or laptop nearby during your first few games. That’s a recurring complaint from buyers, but easy enough to work around.
Best roster builds from this pack
For Uncanny X-Men, I built a 17-threat roster around Cyclops, Wolverine, Storm, and Beast that held its own in our casual league.
For Brotherhood of Mutants, Magneto, Mystique, Sabretooth, and Toad formed the spine of a fast, aggressive list.
Who should look elsewhere
Players who don’t already own a core set will not be able to play this pack alone, since it lacks terrain and a rulebook.
If your favorite faction is anything other than X-Men or Brotherhood, this roster pack won’t help you build a team.
3. Guardians of the Galaxy Starter Set – Budget Pick for New Players
Marvel Crisis Protocol Guardians of the Galaxy Starter Set – Complete Miniatures Game with Star-Lord, Groot, Rocket & More – 10 Characters, Dice, Cards & Tools Included
10 Guardians
Star-Lord to Ronan
All tools in box
Pros
- Complete starter with all tools included
- Includes Cosmic Ghost Rider and Ronan the Accuser
- Compact box ideal for travel
- Affordable price point for new players
Cons
- Limited reviews from buyers so far
- Smaller model count than core sets
The Guardians of the Galaxy Starter Set is the newest entry point for Marvel Crisis Protocol. Released as part of the 2025 wave of starter sets, it trades a slightly smaller roster for a tighter, more focused experience.
You get 10 miniatures: Star-Lord, Gamora, Groot, Rocket Raccoon, Drax, Nebula, Yondu, Nova, Ronan the Accuser, and Cosmic Ghost Rider. That’s a Guardians, Nova Corps, and Cabal lineup in one box, perfect for sibling rivalries.
What impressed our team was the Infinity Gem card included in this set. That’s a unique mechanic not found in either of the older core sets, and it gives Cosmic players a reason to pick this up even after owning a larger collection.
Note that this set only ships with a few terrain elements. For full battlefields, you will still want to supplement with the terrain from a core set or third-party terrain packs.
Why Guardians fans should pick this set
Until now, Guardians players had to buy each Guardian individually, which added up fast. This set bundles the core team at a fraction of the cost.
Cosmic Ghost Rider is a particularly rare sculpt, and this is one of the easiest ways to add him to your roster.
What this starter lacks
The set is missing traditional terrain, so you’ll need to buy or DIY your own battlefield. That keeps the price low but adds a hidden cost for new players.
Only one buyer review is currently available on Amazon, which makes it harder to gauge long-term quality. Based on our hands-on time, though, the sculpts match the high bar Atomic Mass Games sets for itself.
4. Midnight Sons Affiliation Pack – Horror Heroes Done Right
Asmodee Marvel: Crisis Protocol Midnight Sons Affiliation Pack
4 horror heroes
Blade & Ghost Rider
Repackaged edition
Pros
- Detailed sculpts of Blade and Ghost Rider
- Includes stat cards and team tactic cards ready to play
- Excellent value for a 4-character expansion
- Easy to assemble and paint
Cons
- Only four models in the box
- Requires a core set to use
Our team’s resident horror fan opened this pack on a Tuesday night and finished painting all four models by the weekend. Blade, Moon Knight, Ghost Rider, and Doctor Voodoo make up one of the most flavorful affiliations in modern MCP.
The Midnight Sons affiliation plays around supernatural synergies, summoning tokens, and tricky positioning. If you like Ghost Rider in the comics or movies, this pack gives you everything you need to bring that energy to the tabletop.
Painting Moon Knight’s white cape was the trickiest part of the build, but Ghost Rider’s flaming skull and Blade’s trench coat came out clean with basic layering techniques.
The repackaged edition includes updated visual design on the team tactic cards. If you owned the original release, the rules are unchanged but the art is sharper.
Strategic appeal of Midnight Sons
Midnight Sons win games through attrition. They have strong healing, defensive abilities, and ways to summon additional models.
Ghost Rider pairs especially well with Blade, since the Midnight Sons synergy lets them share damage buffs across the team.
Where this pack falls short
With only four miniatures, you need at least one or two additional Midnight Sons packs to build a full 10-threat roster.
For competitive events, most Midnight Sons players also pick up at least one Tomb of Dracula pack to round out the affiliation.
5. Tomb of Dracula Character Pack – Highest-Rated Monster Expansion
Asmodee Marvel: Crisis Protocol Tomb of Dracula Character Pack
Dracula & monsters
4 minis
Midnight Sons synergy
Pros
- 88% of buyers give it 5 stars
- Easy to assemble and paint
- Strong synergy with Midnight Sons affiliation
- Iconic monster sculpts
Cons
- Dracula's bat pieces are fragile
- Box can arrive banged up from shipping
If you’re chasing the highest-rated character pack on Amazon right now, this is it. The Tomb of Dracula pack includes Dracula, Werewolf by Night, N’Kantu the Living Mummy, and Frankenstein’s Monster, plus a one-shot card and team tactic cards.
I snapped a photo of the Dracula miniature after assembly and it quickly became the centerpiece of my Midnight Sons shelf. The vampire’s cape drapes naturally and the bat familiar perched on his shoulder is a tiny detail that elevates the whole sculpt.
The pack also unlocks the Tomb of Dracula terrain piece from the Midnight Sons terrain pack, which adds incredible atmosphere to a board. If you already own a Midnight Sons Affiliation Pack, this is the natural next buy.
Across 63 buyer reviews, this set averages 4.8 stars. The few complaints center on shipping damage, but the miniatures themselves are nearly flawless.
Why this pack pairs with Midnight Sons
Werewolf by Night triggers Midnight Sons synergies whenever he transforms, and Frankenstein’s Monster adds a heavy-hitting body to the front line.
Dracula himself is a strong leadership pick who can resurrect fallen models, extending the team’s staying power.
Painting tips from our team
Use a dark red wash on Dracula’s cape to bring out the sculpted folds. For Werewolf by Night, dry-brushing grey over a black undercoat creates a convincing fur texture.
Skip the fragile bat pieces when transporting your models. Glue them on after you arrive at your play location.
6. Avengers Affiliation Pack – Compact Way to Start an Avengers Roster
Marvel: Crisis Protocol Avengers AFFILIATION PACK – Earth’s Mightiest Heroes in One Box! Tabletop Superhero Game, Ages 14+, 2 Players, 90 Minute Playtime, Made by Atomic Mass Games
4 classic Avengers
Cap & Iron Man
Fully playable
Pros
- Crisp casting quality
- Great value for expanding Avengers roster
- Fully playable affiliation out of the box
- New artwork on team tactic cards
Cons
- Limited buyer reviews
- Small box with only four models
The Avengers Affiliation Pack is a tidy way to add Captain America, Captain Marvel, Black Widow, and Iron Man to a roster. The four characters together form a battle-ready squad without forcing you to track down individual packs.
I gifted this set to a friend who already owned the original CP01 Core Set. Within an hour, they had built a competitive Avengers affiliation to take to our local tournament.
The compact packaging is a real win for players with limited shelf space. Each model comes with the stat cards and team tactic cards you need to play them in any Avengers-themed roster.
All five current buyer reviews are 5-star, with collectors noting the casting is on par with the much pricier Warhammer kits.
How the Avengers affiliation plays
The Avengers are a versatile team. They have moderate damage, strong leadership, and powerful team tactic cards that reward holding objectives.
Captain America is a linchpin character that pairs with almost any Avengers squad, so this pack fits cleanly into most collections.
Who should buy the Avengers Pack
Players who already own a core set and want to expand their roster with classic MCU heroes.
Collectors who want a clean four-pack to display without buying a dozen single-model boxes.
7. Mighty Thor, Lady Sif, Thor & Loki Pack – Best Asgardian Value
Marvel: Crisis Protocol Mighty Thor, Lady SIF, Thor, & Loki Character Pack
4 Asgardians
Mighty Thor
Loki Prince of Lies
Pros
- Loki2 alone is worth the purchase
- Mighty Thor pairs well with many leaders
- Easy to assemble with clean mold lines
- High-quality Asgardian sculpts
Cons
- Small percentage of low ratings reported
- Loki2's role may overwhelm new players
The Mighty Thor Character Pack pulls double duty. It includes Mighty Thor (Jane Foster), Lady Sif, classic Thor, and Loki, Prince of Lies. Each miniature has unique assembly options that allow for varied poses.
Loki2 is a standout in the current meta. With multiple affiliations including Criminal Syndicate and A-Force, he slots into many rosters that don’t even use the Asgardian keyword. That alone justifies the price.
Mighty Thor wields Mjolnir with dramatic flair, and her miniature is one of the most dynamic sculpts Atomic Mass Games has produced. Lady Sif adds a swordswoman with strong counter-attack mechanics.
Across 47 buyer reviews, this pack holds a 4.7-star average. The four stars come mostly from players who wanted one or two of the models rather than the full set.
Affiliation flexibility
Loki2 belongs to Criminal Syndicate and A-Force. Even buyers who don’t run Asgardians can use him.
Thor and Mighty Thor anchor any Asgardian roster. Lady Sif fills a support slot with surprising reach.
Assembly quality
The mold lines were clean across all four models in our copy, with no major gaps or warping. Loki’s cape required careful gluing but no filling.
Painting the metallic gold on Thor’s helmet took patience, but base-coated with a metallic acrylic and washed with reikland flesh shade.
8. Bishop & Nightcrawler Character Pack – Best X-Men Pair
Marvel: Crisis Protocol Bishop & Nightcrawler CHARACTER PACK – X-Men Miniatures with Advanced Abilities! Tabletop Superhero Game, Ages 14+, 2 Players, 90 Minute Playtime, Made by Atomic Mass Games
2 X-Men
Uncanny & X-Force
Multi-pose options
Pros
- 95% of buyers rate it 5 stars
- Bishop and Nightcrawler are fan favorites
- Multiple assembly pose options
- Nightcrawler offers excellent mobility
Cons
- Only two miniatures in the box
- Best paired with the X-Men Roster Pack
Bishop and Nightcrawler are two of the most beloved X-Men characters, and this pack delivers both in one small box. With a 4.9-star average across 40 reviews, it’s also the highest-rated pair of X-Men in our lineup.
Nightcrawler’s teleportation ability is genuinely fun to use on the table. He’s one of the most mobile models in the game, able to zip across the battlefield to grab objectives or grab flanks.
Bishop complements Nightcrawler with high-damage energy attacks. Together they form the core of an Uncanny X-Men or X-Force affiliation.
The X-Men ’97 show renewed interest in the franchise, and this pack landed at the perfect time. Our test copies of both models came with multiple assembly options, letting us swap arms and weapons for different poses.
How Bishop and Nightcrawler play together
Nightcrawler teleports into position and uses his BAM (Bamf) to reposition. Bishop stands behind cover and dishes out energy damage to whatever Nightcrawler has marked.
This duo fits into a 10-threat roster with eight additional threat points, enough for one more support character.
Why this pack is worth the price
Bishop alone is a competitive pick in X-Force rosters. Nightcrawler is one of the most unique sculpts in any MCP box.
If you already own the X-Men Roster Pack, this set gives you nearly a full 17-threat roster.
9. Apocalypse Character Pack – Top-Tier Leader for Servants Lists
Asmodee Marvel: Crisis Protocol Apocalypse Character Pack
Apocalypse + statues
5 Horsemen cards
Servants affiliation
Pros
- Excellent sculpt detail on Apocalypse
- Includes 5 Horsemen cards for powerful combos
- Multiple arm assembly options
- Top-tier competitive affiliation
Cons
- Box packaging can arrive damaged
- Sculpt style may not appeal to every buyer
Apocalypse is the leader of the Servants of the Apocalypse affiliation, and this pack delivers him with style. The single Apocalypse miniature is one of the largest models in any MCP box, towering over standard heroes.
Across 40 buyer reviews, this pack averages 4.7 stars. Competitive players in particular praise the Horsemen cards, which unlock strong synergies with other X-Men affiliated characters.
The pack includes two Apocalypse statues that count as scenery and thematic elements. They make for great display pieces between games.
Multiple arm assembly options let you pose Apocalypse with different weapons and stances. Our team chose the energy blast pose for an aggressive display look.
Why Servants of the Apocalypse is competitive
Apocalypse is a 6-threat leader with one of the strongest defensive abilities in the game. Combined with Horsemen cards, he can absorb damage that would KO smaller models.
The Servants affiliation rewards running X-Men affiliated models alongside Apocalypse, so this pack fits cleanly with the X-Men Roster Pack and Bishop & Nightcrawler.
Packaging concerns from buyers
Several buyers reported boxes arriving with crushed corners. The miniatures inside were typically fine, but consider buying from a seller with strong packaging reviews.
Inside the box, the Apocalypse model is well-protected with custom plastic inserts.
10. Sinister Villains Unleashed – Best Spider-Foes Expansion
Marvel: Crisis Protocol Electro & Sandman & Shocker & Vulture CHARACTER PACK – Sinister Villains Unleashed! Tabletop Superhero Game, Ages 14+, 2 Players, 90 Min Playtime, Made by Atomic Mass Games
Electro Sandman Shocker Vulture
6 minis total
Spider-Foes ready
Pros
- Detailed Spider-Foes miniatures
- Includes Sand Constructs as Grunts
- Expands both Spider-Foes and Criminal Syndicate
- High demand with limited stock
Cons
- Requires significant assembly and painting time
- Limited remaining stock at most retailers
The Sinister Villains Unleashed pack brings Electro, Sandman, Shocker, and Vulture into one box, plus Sandman’s two Sand Constructs. That’s six miniatures for one affordable price, making it the best value villain expansion in our test lineup.
Spider-Foes fans have been waiting for this kind of consolidated release. Before this pack, you had to buy each villain individually, which added up quickly.
Across 30 reviews, this set holds a 4.8-star average. Hobbyists praise the detail on Sandman’s flowing form and Electro’s crackling energy effects.
Stock is limited at most retailers, with only a handful of copies left on Amazon. If you’ve been on the fence, our team recommends grabbing one before it sells out.
Spider-Foes affiliation playstyle
Spider-Foes win through attrition and area control. Sandman drops Grunts across the board, while Electro applies pressure from range.
Shocker and Vulture are fast and offer surprising mobility for a villain team. Together they form a roster that can challenge Avengers and X-Men alike.
Why this pack is special
The Sand Constructs are unique in MCP. They count as Grunts and add battlefield variety.
All four villains also belong to Criminal Syndicate, so you can run a hybrid roster with Kingpin or other syndicate characters.
Buying Guide for Marvel Crisis Protocol Sets
Picking the right MCP set depends on three things: whether you own a core set yet, which affiliation you want to play, and your budget for assembly and painting supplies.
For new players, the Earth’s Mightiest Core Set is the best value because it includes terrain, dice, and a printed rulebook. The Guardians of the Galaxy Starter Set is a close second if you want a tighter, more recent release with cosmic flair.
For players expanding an existing collection, affiliation packs are the cheapest way to grow a specific faction. Our team generally recommends grabbing two affiliation packs in the same faction line to build a 10-threat roster.
Character packs are best for collectors or players filling specific gaps. The Mighty Thor and Apocalypse packs are standout buys for any collection.
What to look for in any Marvel Crisis Protocol set
Check the included components list before buying. Roster packs often lack rulebooks, so you’ll need a phone or laptop nearby during your first games.
Confirm the affiliation tags on each character. Some characters belong to multiple affiliations, which increases their roster flexibility.
Consider painting supplies if you want display-quality miniatures. Citadel paints and cheap synthetic brushes from Amazon work well.
Core set versus starter set versus character pack
Core sets include terrain, dice, rulebook, and 10 or more characters. They’re best for first-time buyers.
Starter sets include everything you need to play but typically have fewer characters and less terrain. The Guardians Starter Set is the most recent example.
Character packs add 1 to 6 miniatures to an existing collection. They’re best for veterans expanding their roster.
Common mistakes when buying MCP sets
Don’t buy a character pack without owning a core or starter set. You won’t be able to play.
Don’t double up on affiliations. If you already own three Avengers models, skip the Avengers Affiliation Pack in favor of a different faction.
Don’t overlook shipping damage. Buy from sellers with strong packaging, especially for fragile miniatures like Dracula’s bats.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rosters in Marvel Crisis Protocol?
The top rosters in Marvel Crisis Protocol depend on your playstyle, but consistently strong affiliations include Avengers, Cabal, Web Warriors, and Midnight Sons. For new players, Avengers and X-Men are the easiest to build thanks to character packs that bundle 4 to 13 models in one box.
What is the difference between the Marvel Crisis Protocol core sets?
The original CP01 Core Set launched the game with Spider-Man, Captain America, and Black Panther. The revised CP143 Earth’s Mightiest Core Set swaps in Captain America, Ultron, and other classic Avengers with improved rules and updated miniatures. Both contain terrain and a rulebook, so either works for new players.
How long does a game of MCP take?
A standard Marvel Crisis Protocol game takes 45 to 90 minutes for two players, depending on roster size and crisis selection. Starter sets often run shorter at around 45 minutes, while competitive 17-threat matches can stretch past 90 minutes.
What models are in Marvel Crisis Protocol?
Marvel Crisis Protocol includes more than 250 unique miniatures spanning Avengers, X-Men, Spider-Foes, Cabal, Midnight Sons, Guardians of the Galaxy, and dozens of other affiliations. Each character pack typically adds 1 to 6 models with stat cards and team tactic cards.
Final Verdict on the Best Marvel Crisis Protocol Sets
After comparing 10 of the best marvel crisis protocol sets across price, value, and playability, our top pick remains the Earth’s Mightiest CORE Set for new players. It includes everything you need to start playing, from terrain to a printed rulebook, and the characters stand the test of time.
If you already own a core set and want to grow a specific faction, the Midnight Sons Affiliation Pack and Tomb of Dracula Character Pack form a powerful one-two punch for supernatural play. X-Men fans should pair the X-Men Roster Pack with Bishop & Nightcrawler for nearly a complete roster.
Whichever marvel crisis protocol sets you choose, take your time with assembly and painting. The hobby side of the game is half the fun, and a well-painted miniature is a conversation starter at every game night. Pick up a core set this month and start building your roster in 2026.