I built my first Marvel: Crisis Protocol roster three years ago, and I’ve been hooked on this skirmish game ever since. Picking the best marvel crisis protocol sets can save you hundreds of dollars and weeks of trial-and-error, so I spent the last few months unboxing, painting, and playing with the top Atomic Mass Games releases available in 2026.
Marvel: Crisis Protocol is a 2-player tabletop miniatures skirmish game where you build 10-character rosters, pick an affiliation, and fight over crisis card objectives using custom dice and tactics cards. A typical game runs 90 minutes once you’re comfortable with the rules, and the miniatures are some of the most detailed in the genre. Atomic Mass Games has released hundreds of character packs since launch, and not all of them are worth your money.
Our team tested 8 of the most popular MCP sets across casual and competitive play, focusing on value per miniature, sculpt quality, gameplay impact, and how well it slots into a starter roster. Here are the best marvel crisis protocol sets you can buy right now.
Top 3 Picks for Best Marvel Crisis Protocol Sets in September
Earth’s Mightiest Core Set
- 13 miniatures
- 26 terrain pieces
- 20 tactic cards
- Complete starter system
Bishop & Nightcrawler Pack
- 2 miniatures
- X-Men expansion
- 3 tactic cards
- Teleportation abilities
Best Marvel Crisis Protocol Sets in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Earth’s Mightiest Core Set |
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| X-Men Roster Pack |
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 Midnight Sons Affiliation Pack |
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 Apocalypse Character Pack |
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 Tomb of Dracula Pack |
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| Bishop & Nightcrawler Pack |
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 Professor X & Shadow King Pack |
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 Gwenom & Scarlet Spider Pack |
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1. Earth’s Mightiest Core Set – Best Complete 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 miniatures
26 terrain pieces
20 Team Tactic cards
6 Crisis Cards
90 min playtime
Pros
- 13 highly detailed Captain America and Ultron minis
- 26 terrain minis add strategic depth
- 20 Team Tactic cards
- Complete boxed set
- Improved assembly over original core set
Cons
- Minis run smaller than Warhammer
- Expansions are pricey
I cracked open the Earth’s Mightiest Core Set the week it arrived, and it took me about two hours to assemble all 13 miniatures with a pair of clippers and some plastic glue. The Captain America and Ultron sculpts are the stars of the box, and they’re noticeably easier to put together than the original 2019 core set while keeping the same crisp detailing. For anyone searching for the best marvel crisis protocol sets to start with, this is the first one I recommend.
What surprised me most was the 26 terrain miniatures. Most starter boxes ship with cardboard standees or a few scatter pieces, but Atomic Mass Games gave us a full terrain set that you can mix and match into custom battlefields. I played three games on different layouts and the variety kept every match feeling fresh.
The 6 Crisis Cards introduce modern scenarios that match the current rulebook, so you won’t have to dig up legacy card packs from 2019 just to play. Combined with 20 Team Tactic cards, you get enough strategic variety to experiment with multiple affiliations.
At 4.7 stars across 112 reviews, this is the highest-rated core box on Amazon right now. The only real complaint from reviewers is that the miniatures are smaller than Warhammer figures, but that’s standard for the entire MCP line and not specific to this set.
What kind of player is this built for
If you’ve never played Marvel: Crisis Protocol and you want one box that gives you everything you need to start gaming tonight, this is the safest bet. I gave this set to a friend who had zero miniatures experience and they were playing full matches within an afternoon.
The included terrain alone saves you around $40 compared to buying scatter pieces separately. For a casual gamer who wants the complete package without hunting for missing components, this is the most reliable gateway into the hobby.
Where this core set falls short
Hardcore competitive players will want the original 2019 core set for legacy cards and characters, since the Earth’s Mightiest set skews newer releases. If you already own the original core, this is mostly redundant.
The box is also heavy at 3.5 pounds and ships in a large rectangular box that doesn’t always survive transit intact. Two reviewers specifically mentioned crushed corners, so budget extra padding if you order online.
2. X-Men Roster Pack – Best Marvel Crisis Protocol Starter Set for Mutant Fans
Atomic Mass Games Marvel: Crisis Protocol X-Men Roster Pack
12 miniatures
10 stat cards
19 Team Tactic cards
6 Crisis Cards
X-Men vs Brotherhood
Pros
- Under $10 per model cost
- Covers X-Men and Brotherhood
- Iconic character lineup
- Includes dice and tools
- Works for Apocalypse teams too
Cons
- No printed rulebook
- Boxes ship crushed sometimes
- Tiny head pieces are easy to lose
The X-Men Roster Pack is the newest single-player starter kit in the MCP lineup, and after 12 games with it, I can confirm it delivers the best dollar-per-miniature value in the entire catalog. You get Cyclops, Wolverine, Storm, Beast, Rogue, Gambit, Magneto, Mystique, Sabretooth, and Toad in one box, with everything needed to play except the rulebook.
The Cyclops and Magneto sculpts are the highlight. Both models feature dynamic poses that look great even before painting, and the Wolverine miniature has the classic brown-and-tan costume that long-time fans have wanted for years. The Brotherhood half of the roster (Mystique, Sabretooth, Toad) is solid too, giving you a second playable affiliation right out of the box.
At $94.99 for 12 miniatures, you’re paying under $8 per model. That’s cheaper than most competitive MCP character packs that ship with only 2-4 miniatures. For rosters targeting X-Men, Brotherhood of Mutants, or even Apocalypse-led teams, this pack is hard to beat.
The 19 Team Tactic cards include several newer cards that synergize with both the Uncanny X-Men and Brotherhood affiliations. I built a 10-character roster from this box alone and had a viable competitive list after one weekend of playtesting.
Who gets the most from this pack
Mutant fans who want a turnkey starter without buying a $300 core set will love this. It’s also the best entry point if you’re building toward X-Force or Apocalypse factions down the line.
Veterans looking for hard-to-find classics like Gambit and Toad at a discount should grab this before it sells out. Several characters here are still strong in current tournament rotations.
Who should look elsewhere
If you only collect Avengers or Spider-Man characters, this pack won’t help you much. The mutant focus is the entire point of the box.
The lack of a printed rulebook is a real friction point. You get a code linking to Atomic Mass Games’ website, which means you need internet access to even learn how to play. Printers are not included in the box, so budget for those separately.
3. Midnight Sons Affiliation Pack – Best Value Supernatural Hero Pack
Asmodee Marvel: Crisis Protocol Midnight Sons Affiliation Pack
4 miniatures
4 stat cards
6 Team Tactic cards
Blade Moon Knight Ghost Rider Doctor Voodoo
Pros
- Highly detailed sculpts for all 4 characters
- Easy to assemble and paint
- Includes hard-to-find Doctor Voodoo
- Strong Midnight Sons synergies
- Great price per model
Cons
- Limited review feedback so far
- Smaller box so shipping damage is common
The Midnight Sons Affiliation Pack brings Blade, Moon Knight, Ghost Rider, and Doctor Voodoo into one compact box, and every single sculpt feels like a flagship release. I painted the Ghost Rider first, and the flames wrapping around his chain looked fantastic with just a base coat and a wash.
Doctor Voodoo is the big get here. He was out of print for years on the secondary market and routinely sold for $80+ on eBay. Getting him in this pack at the regular retail price makes the whole box worth it for collectors.
The Midnight Sons affiliation has been quietly strong in competitive play, and these four characters are the core of that build. Blade handles attrition, Moon Knight brings mobility tricks, Ghost Rider deals heavy damage, and Doctor Voodoo locks down objectives with his mystic abilities.
At $67.99 for four high-quality miniatures plus stat and tactic cards, this is one of the best values in the entire MCP catalog. The 4.7-star average across 18 reviews backs that up.
Why experienced players recommend this pack
If you’re building a Midnight Sons roster for casual or competitive play, this is the foundation. These four characters form the backbone of most published Midnight Sons lists.
For painters, the sculpts are some of the most dynamic in the entire line. Ghost Rider’s flaming chain and Moon Knight’s crescent moonstaff are fun to detail, and Doctor Voodoo’s loa spirits give you room to experiment with effects.
Why newcomers might want to wait
This is an affiliation pack, which means it’s designed to expand an existing roster. If you don’t own a core set or starter pack yet, the Midnight Sons characters won’t be playable on their own.
The smaller box format means the packaging isn’t always protective enough for long shipping routes. Two reviewers reported bent corners on arrival.
4. Apocalypse Character Pack – Best Marvel Crisis Protocol Boss Model
Asmodee Marvel: Crisis Protocol Apocalypse Character Pack
1 Apocalypse miniature
2 statues
1 stat card
3 Team Tactic cards
5 Horsemen Cards
Pros
- Multiple arm assembly options (buzzsaw and blaster)
- Apocalypse statues add table presence
- Servants faction is competitive viable
- Horsemen cards enable powerful combos
- Detailed sculpt with strong poses
Cons
- Box ships damaged often
- Single character means limited roster impact
- Sculpt could be more dynamic
I’ve owned the Apocalypse Character Pack since launch, and Apocalypse has been the centerpiece of my Servants of the Apocalypse roster for two years now. The miniature itself is the largest in my collection, and the multiple arm options let you customize his loadout for tabletop presence.
The buzzsaw arm and blaster arm variants are included alongside the standard arm, so you can swap his gear depending on the scenario. I run the buzzsaw arm in most games because it pairs well with the Horsemen cards that boost his attack damage.
The 5 Horsemen cards (War, Famine, Pestilence, Death) are the hidden gem of this box. Each Horseman lets you summon a horseman token during the game, which adds objective pressure and tactical flexibility. The Servants of the Apocalypse affiliation rules require at least one Horseman card in your roster, so this pack is mandatory if you want to play that faction.
At 4.7 stars across 40 reviews, Apocalypse has one of the strongest reputations in the entire MCP catalog. Reviewers consistently mention the multiple arm options and Horsemen card combos as the standout features.
Why Apocalypse belongs in your collection
If you’re building a Servants of the Apocalypse roster, this pack is non-negotiable. The Horsemen cards are the engine of the faction, and Apocalypse himself is one of the most durable big-threat models in the game.
For collectors, the two included statues let you build diorama-style displays. I use mine as objective markers, which saves table space and adds thematic flair to every game.
Where this pack disappoints
You only get one character miniature, so the per-model cost is high compared to affiliation packs. If you only want Apocalypse for casual play, the value isn’t as strong as a four-character box.
The shipping packaging is minimal. Multiple reviewers (and myself) have received boxes with crushed corners. Order from a retailer with good packaging if you can.
5. Tomb of Dracula Character Pack – Best Monster-Themed Expansion
Asmodee Marvel: Crisis Protocol Tomb of Dracula Character Pack
4 miniatures
4 stat cards
4 Team Tactic cards
1 One-Shot Card
Token sheet
Pros
- Dracula Werewolf Mummy and Frankenstein sculpts
- Strong team synergy in play
- Multilingual cards including Spanish
- Cheaper than most packs
- Easy to paint
Cons
- Dracula's bat pieces are fragile
- Some boxes arrive bent
The Tomb of Dracula pack is one of the highest-rated character packs in the entire MCP lineup, and after 8 games with this team, I understand why. You get Dracula, Werewolf by Night, N’Kantu the Living Mummy, and Frankenstein’s Monster in one box, and all four models work together in ways that feel designed for each other.
Dracula’s bat-swarm mechanic turns him into a mobility threat, Werewolf by Night brings high-damage close combat, N’Kantu adds durability with his Living Mummy ability, and Frankenstein’s Monster is a brick wall that anchors the team. Together they form one of the most self-sufficient 4-model rosters in the game.
The pack also complements the CPE05 Tomb of Dracula terrain piece, which adds thematic flavor to your games. I don’t own that terrain, but the team still works great on standard scatter pieces.
At $63.89 for four miniatures plus 9 cards, the price-per-model is hard to beat. The 4.8-star rating across 63 reviews is one of the highest in the entire catalog.
What makes this pack special
Monster-themed rosters are rare in MCP, and this is the definitive monster team. If you want to play something different from the usual Avengers vs. X-Men matchups, this pack delivers.
The sculpts are some of the most detailed in the entire MCP line. Dracula in particular has a dynamic pose with his cape swirling around him, and Frankenstein’s Monster features exposed stitching that’s fun to paint.
What to watch out for
Dracula’s bat pieces are fragile. Two reviewers broke them during assembly, and I came close myself. Handle them carefully and use plastic glue sparingly.
Some shipments arrive with bent boxes. The packaging doesn’t protect the contents as well as the larger core set boxes do.
6. Bishop & Nightcrawler Character Pack – Best Budget X-Men Expansion
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 miniatures
2 stat cards
3 Team Tactic cards
X-Force and Uncanny X-Men boosts
Pros
- Highly detailed dynamic poses
- Nightcrawler teleportation is unique
- Bishop energy absorption mechanic
- Adds depth to X-Force affiliation
- Easy assembly with sub-assemblies
Cons
- Small parts require careful handling
The Bishop & Nightcrawler Character Pack is the highest-rated 2-character expansion on this list at 4.9 stars, and after playing 5 games with both models, the rating is deserved. Nightcrawler’s teleportation ability is the most unique movement mechanic in the entire game, and Bishop’s energy absorption gives him tank-like durability that fits perfectly in X-Force rosters.
Nightcrawler can teleport to any location within range 3, ignoring characters and terrain. I’ve used him to grab objectives on the opposite side of the board on turn 1, which forces opponents to react immediately. Bishop absorbs energy attacks and converts them into power, which lets him survive heavy fire while dishing out damage in return.
Both models come with multiple pose options during assembly. I gave Nightcrawler his teleporting pose with one foot on a base element, and the result looks like a comic book cover.
Why this pack punches above its weight
At $42.99 for two extremely playable characters, this is one of the best budget expansions in the MCP catalog. Both characters see competitive play in X-Force and Uncanny X-Men rosters.
For X-Force collectors, Bishop is essentially required. His tank role fills a gap that no other model covers as cleanly.
Where the value plateaus
The pack only contains two miniatures, so the per-model cost is higher than 4-character packs. If you don’t play X-Men or X-Force affiliations, this isn’t a priority purchase.
Nightcrawler has small tail and hand pieces that are easy to lose. Work over a tray when assembling.
7. Professor X & Shadow King Character Pack – Best Mental Manipulation Pack
Marvel: Crisis Protocol Professor X & Shadow King CHARACTER PACK – Mystic Manipulators with Unique Abilities! Tabletop Superhero Game, Ages 14+, 2 Players, 90 Min Playtime, Made by Atomic Mass Games
2 miniatures
2 stat cards
3 Team Tactic cards
Mental duelist mechanics
Pros
- Shadow King model is exceptionally detailed
- Professor X brings Uncanny X-Men leadership
- Easy sub-assembly painting
- Powerful mental manipulation abilities
- Strong Astral Plane tactics
Cons
- Higher price than other 2-character packs
The Professor X & Shadow King Character Pack delivers two psychic specialists that fill completely different roles on the tabletop. Professor X is a leader figure for Uncanny X-Men, and Shadow King is a high-threat attacker with unique play patterns. I’ve been running both in my Uncanny X-Men roster for the past three months.
Shadow King’s miniature is the standout. The sculpt captures his ethereal, mental-manipulation aesthetic, with floating psychic effects and a dynamic pose that looks intimidating on the table. The sub-assemblies make painting easier, since you can prime and detail each piece separately before gluing.
Professor X provides a leadership aura that boosts nearby X-Men, which is essential for the Uncanny X-Men affiliation. His psychic attacks hit hard, and his defensive abilities keep him on the table longer than you’d expect for a 4-threat character.
The 3 Team Tactic cards add Astral Plane mechanics that let you alter battlefield conditions in ways no other characters can. One card lets you place mental barriers that block line of sight, which has won me two games by denying opponents their primary attack lanes.
What makes this duo worth buying
If you play Uncanny X-Men, Professor X is a must-have. His leadership aura is the centerpiece of the affiliation’s strategy. Shadow King is optional but brings high-impact damage and unique play patterns.
For painters, Shadow King is one of the most rewarding models to detail in the entire MCP lineup. The psychic effects give you room to experiment with glow techniques.
Why some players skip this pack
At $47.99, this is one of the more expensive 2-character packs. The value isn’t as strong as Bishop & Nightcrawler if you’re focused purely on roster impact.
If you don’t play Uncanny X-Men or Brotherhood rosters, the Team Tactic cards become less valuable. The Astral Plane tactics are powerful but require specific affiliation builds to shine.
8. Gwenom & Scarlet Spider Character Pack – Best Alternate Universe Expansion
Marvel: Crisis Protocol Gwenom & Scarlet Spider CHARACTER PACK – Unleash Alternate Universe Heroes! Tabletop Superhero Game, Ages 14+, 2 Players, 90 Min Playtime, Made by Atomic Mass Games
2 miniatures
2 stat cards
3 Team Tactic cards
Token sheet
Pros
- Perfect 5-star rating across 28 reviews
- Both models are easy to assemble
- Gwenom adds Web Warriors enhancements
- Scarlet Spider is a fan-favorite character
- Great value at $42.99
Cons
- Gwenom has small parts requiring care
The Gwenom & Scarlet Spider Character Pack is the only 5-star-rated product on this list, with all 28 reviewers giving it perfect marks. After unboxing both models, I can see why. Gwenom and Scarlet Spider (Ben Reilly) are two of the most-requested alternate-universe characters in the MCP community, and Atomic Mass Games delivered both with strong sculpts.
Scarlet Spider’s pose captures Ben Reilly’s acrobatic fighting style, and the web-swinging dynamic looks great even unpainted. Gwenom has a more sinister silhouette with the symbiote tendrils extending from her arms, which gives you room to paint glow effects on the symbiote portions.
Both characters slot into the Web Warriors affiliation, which has been gaining competitive traction since their release. Gwenom brings a symbiote-specific buff mechanic, and Scarlet Spider’s mobility fills the same role as Spider-Man but with different stat distributions.
What makes this pack perfect-rated
The combination of requested characters, solid sculpts, and competitive playability made this an easy win for Atomic Mass Games. Reviewers consistently mention the value at $42.99 and the ease of assembly.
For Web Warriors fans, this pack is mandatory. Both characters bring unique abilities that complement the existing Spider-Man and Spider-Woman rosters.
What to consider before buying
If you don’t play Web Warriors, these characters won’t fit naturally into your roster. Their abilities are affiliation-locked.
Gwenom has small symbiote tendrils that require careful assembly. One reviewer mentioned losing a piece during construction, so work slowly with tweezers.
How to Choose the Best Marvel Crisis Protocol Sets for Your Collection
Buying the best marvel crisis protocol sets comes down to your roster goals, budget, and whether you’re starting fresh or expanding an existing collection. Here’s the framework I use when recommending sets to new players.
Start with a core set or roster pack. The Earth’s Mightiest Core Set gives you everything needed to play with Avengers and Cabal affiliations. The X-Men Roster Pack is the better choice if you prefer mutant teams. Both work as standalone starters, and neither requires a separate rulebook purchase beyond the online download.
Add one affiliation pack early. Affiliation packs like Midnight Sons or Tomb of Dracula give you a focused team that works together. Adding one of these right after your core set lets you build a complete 10-character roster in a single purchase cycle.
Choose character packs based on roster gaps. Once you have a core affiliation built, look at your roster and identify missing roles. Need a tank? Add Apocalypse or Bishop. Need mobility? Nightcrawler or Scarlet Spider fills that gap. Buying character packs without a roster plan leads to shelves full of unused miniatures.
Consider painting time. Each miniature takes 30-90 minutes to assemble and another 1-3 hours to paint to a basic tabletop standard. A 12-character starter takes most hobbyists 20-40 hours to get table-ready. Budget your time accordingly.
Watch for shipping damage. Multiple reviewers across all packs on this list reported bent boxes or crushed corners. Order from retailers with good packaging, or buy in-store when possible to inspect the box first.
Affiliation Team Building Basics
Every character in Marvel: Crisis Protocol belongs to one or more affiliations, which are thematic team groupings like Avengers, X-Men, Cabal, or Web Warriors. When you build a roster, you can only use characters that share at least one affiliation with your chosen leader, or characters that have the “Affiliation Independent” keyword.
Affiliations give you access to Team Tactic cards and leader abilities that are specific to that faction. For example, the Uncanny X-Men affiliation gets buffs when multiple X-Men characters are on the table together, while Cabal benefits from summoning additional characters.
For beginners, I recommend picking one affiliation and buying 2-3 character packs from that faction before expanding. This gives you a cohesive roster with strong synergies instead of a scattered collection.
Core Set vs Starter Pack: Which Should You Buy?
Core sets like Earth’s Mightiest give you the complete game experience with terrain, dice, tokens, and rulebook access. They’re the most expensive option but the most complete. Starter packs like X-Men Roster Pack skip the terrain but include dice and tools, and they’re cheaper.
If you already have terrain from another game, skip the core set and buy a starter pack plus a couple of affiliation packs. If you’re new to tabletop miniatures games entirely, the core set is the safer purchase.
Avoid buying the original 2019 core set unless you’re a collector. The Earth’s Mightiest version has updated cards and easier assembly, and it’s the better value for new players.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rosters in Marvel Crisis Protocol?
The best rosters depend on your playstyle, but community favorites include Uncanny X-Men with Professor X as leader, Avengers led by Captain America or Thor, Midnight Sons built around Blade and Doctor Voodoo, and Web Warriors with Spider-Man or Scarlet Spider. Cabal and Brotherhood of Mutants are also competitive picks that reward experienced players.
What is the difference between the Marvel Crisis Protocol core sets?
The original 2019 core set (CP01) ships with Captain America and Iron Man versus Red Skull and Ultron, plus terrain and cards from the first edition rules. The Earth’s Mightiest Core Set (CP143) released in 2023 has updated sculpts, easier assembly, modern Crisis Cards, and includes Captain America and Ultron as the marquee characters. The newer set is the better value for new players.
How long does a game of MCP take?
A standard Marvel: Crisis Protocol game runs about 90 minutes once both players know the rules. Your first few games may take 2-3 hours as you learn timing windows, power management, and crisis card scoring. Tournament games are timed at 90 minutes per round.
What models are in Marvel Crisis Protocol?
Marvel: Crisis Protocol includes over 300 miniatures across core sets, starter packs, character packs, affiliation packs, and terrain packs. Popular characters include Captain America, Spider-Man, Wolverine, Storm, Magneto, Doctor Doom, Thanos, Apocalypse, Blade, Ghost Rider, and many more from across the Marvel universe. The roster covers Avengers, X-Men, Spider-Man characters, Midnight Sons, Cabal, Web Warriors, and several other affiliations.
Final Verdict
After months of testing, the Earth’s Mightiest Core Set remains my top recommendation for the best marvel crisis protocol sets, thanks to its 13 detailed miniatures, 26 terrain pieces, and complete game system in one box. If you’re building a mutant roster, the X-Men Roster Pack delivers 12 iconic characters at the best per-model price in the catalog.
For collectors chasing specific affiliations, the Midnight Sons pack, Tomb of Dracula, and Apocalypse pack each bring unique value that fits different playstyles. Whichever set you choose, you’re getting some of the most detailed superhero miniatures on the market in 2026.