Oct 23, 2025 | New Mini News, Sci-Fi News
The Orbital Drop Shock Troopers are almost ready for deployment. Mantic Games has confirmed that their long-awaited Halo ODST miniatures are about to hit the tabletop, bringing one of the most iconic units in the Halo universe to life in stunning detail. The models capture the look and feel of these hardened soldiers—every plate of armor, every tactical pose—ready for rapid deployment into any battlefield.
TL;DR
- Release: Coming soon from Mantic Games
- Theme: Halo’s elite ODST troops
- Why it matters: Expands the Halo: Flashpoint range with new elite resin miniatures
The Drop Zone Is Hot
While Mantic hasn’t confirmed an exact release date, their recent news post teased that the ODST are inbound—likely the next wave in the Halo: Flashpoint miniatures line. The post includes close-up previews of the models, showing crisp details and realistic stances that look straight out of the games. Each figure is packed with layered armor plates, compact weaponry, and the distinctive helmets fans will immediately recognize.
These will be resin miniatures, consistent with Mantic’s other Halo releases, offering sharper edges and painter-friendly surfaces. Expect individual troopers posed mid-deployment, with some kits featuring iconic ODST drop pods. No word yet on pricing, but based on previous releases, they’re expected to be available both as standalone packs and in upcoming game expansions.
Why Skirmish Gamers Should Care
For players who love tight, tactical combat, ODST squads are a natural fit. Their compact, elite loadouts and insertion-based missions practically beg for use in smaller-scale skirmish rulesets. They’d make an excellent proxy force for any sci-fi skirmish system—think close-quarters urban raids, stealth operations, or bunker assaults.
Painters will also enjoy the variety in armor tones, from matte blacks to weathered grays, with plenty of space for unit markings and battle damage.
Oct 23, 2025 | Hobby Stuff, New Mini News
The Army Painter just revealed its latest hobby innovation: the Silicone Speed Palette — a reusable, flexible take on the classic wet palette designed to make miniature painting faster and cleaner.
TL;DR
A new addition to The Army Painter’s hobby tool lineup, the Silicone Speed Palette offers a more durable, eco-friendly way to keep paints workable during long sessions.
- Made of flexible silicone for easy cleaning
- Works with standard wet palette papers
- Designed for Speedpaint and acrylic users alike
What’s New
The Silicone Speed Palette features a non-stick, flexible tray that eliminates the need for disposable plastic inserts. It’s built to pair with The Army Painter’s Hydro Sheets and Foam Pads, letting painters keep their favorite Speedpaints or acrylics ready for hours without drying out. When you’re done, you simply peel off leftover paint, rinse, and it’s ready for the next session.
Unlike traditional palettes that can stain or warp over time, this one’s made entirely of high-quality silicone, resisting damage from solvents and accidental drops. It’s also compatible with existing Army Painter wet palette accessories, meaning current users can upgrade without changing their setup.
Why It Matters for Skirmish Gamers
For anyone painting up gangs, squads, or small warbands, this tool is a serious time-saver. Wet blending and layering become smoother, and cleanup doesn’t feel like a chore. Whether you’re speedpainting a gang of outlaws for Blackwater Gulch or layering mechs for an Aeon skirmish, keeping paints fresh can make the difference between “done tonight” and “still drying next week.”
This small but smart upgrade from The Army Painter shows that even the simplest tools can evolve — and make hobby life a little easier for painters everywhere.
Oct 23, 2025 | Fantasy News, New Mini News
North Star Military Figures has revealed the upcoming Human Heavy Infantry set for the Oathmark fantasy range, arriving this November. These all-new plastic miniatures bring fully armored warriors to the human kingdoms — a long-awaited upgrade that captures the grit and realism of classic fantasy armies.
TL;DR
New plastic Human Heavy Infantry are coming to Oathmark in November.
- Fully armored troops with swords, axes, and maces.
- Includes interchangeable heads and shields.
- Ideal for both mass battles and narrative skirmish games.
Heavily Armored, Highly Customizable
The kit features multipart plastic sprues, giving hobbyists freedom to assemble unique poses and weapon combinations. Each warrior is clad in heavy mail and plate armor, complete with visored helmets and detailed shields. The realistic proportions and clean sculpting match the rest of the Oathmark human range, allowing seamless integration with existing units.
For painters, this set is a dream project: broad armor panels perfect for metallic drybrushing, and enough surface texture to experiment with rust, grime, or heraldic designs. Whether you want to field them as royal guards or grizzled mercenaries, the versatility of this plastic kit makes it a strong addition to any collection.
Hobby and Gameplay Relevance
In skirmish-scale games, these models shine as elite captains, bodyguards, or veteran knights—tougher and more imposing than regular troops. Their classic design also makes them excellent bases for conversions or fantasy RPG characters.
With their clean detail, heavy armor, and modular design, Oathmark’s new Human Heavy Infantry look ready to march across battlefields large and small — a perfect blend of rank-and-file tradition and hobbyist freedom.
