XCOM Aliens 2: Resin vs Plastic Miniatures Compared

Same Aliens, Two Materials

If you're building an alien force for XCOM: The Miniatures Game, the Aliens 2 set gives you six 32mm-scale monopose models: two Seekers, two Floaters, and two Chryssalids. Both the resin and plastic versions include the same characters and the same bases, but they differ in material, price, and when they ship. This comparison breaks down those differences so you can pick the right pre-order for your table.

What You Get in Both Sets

• XCOM: The Miniatures Game - Aliens 2 (Resin): Contains six 32mm scale high quality, multi-part monopose resin models. Confirms the resin set delivers the same six alien types as the plastic set, so your choice comes down to material and logistics.

  

• XCOM: The Miniatures Game - Aliens 2 (Plastic): Contains a HIPS (high impact polystyrene) multi-part monopose model kit featuring six 32mm scale models. Shows the plastic set uses standard hobby plastic, which may be easier to assemble and modify than resin.

  

Resin vs Plastic: Key Differences

• Material: Resin set uses high-quality resin; plastic set uses HIPS (high impact polystyrene). Resin often holds finer detail but can be more brittle; plastic is more flexible and easier to glue.
• Price: Resin set: $31.50 (compared to $45.00). Plastic set: $25.90 (compared to $35.00). Plastic is $5.60 cheaper.
• Release date: Resin set ships November 2026; plastic set ships January 2027. Choose resin if you want them sooner.
• Assembly: Both require assembly. Multi-part monopose models go together in a fixed pose, so no posing options are included.
• Bases: Both include 4x 30mm plastic bases and 2x 40mm plastic bases, plus 4x resin flying stands (for the Floaters and Seekers).
• Safety: Both are not toys and are not suitable for children under 14 due to small parts and choking hazard.

Which Material Should You Choose?

Pick the resin set if you want the models as early as possible (November 2026) and prefer the crisper detail resin typically offers. It's also the better choice if you plan to paint them as display pieces. The plastic set is cheaper and ships later (January 2027), but HIPS is more forgiving for beginners and easier to convert if you want to modify poses.

Both sets include the same flying stands and bases, so your decision hinges on material preference, budget, and patience. If you're ordering other items alongside a pre-order, note that the entire order will be held until the pre-order items arrive.

Pre-Order Details to Know

• XCOM: The Miniatures Game - Aliens 2 (Resin): This is a pre-order. Shipping is expected to start November 2026. The resin set arrives two months earlier than the plastic set, which matters if you're planning games for late 2026.
• XCOM: The Miniatures Game - Aliens 2 (Plastic): This is a pre-order. Shipping is expected to start January 2027. The plastic set ships later, so factor that into your hobby schedule if you need models for a specific event.

Safety and Assembly Notes

• Not a toy: Both sets are labeled as not toys and are not suitable for children under 14 years of age due to small parts and choking hazard.
• Requires assembly: You'll need to assemble the multi-part monopose models. No glue or paint is included.
• Unpainted: Models come unpainted, so you'll need hobby paints to finish them.