Yes, if you paint fantasy miniatures and want bright, saturated metal tones in one box instead of buying single pots. The Vallejo Game Color Metallics set is an eight color box built for armor, weapons, and trim that need to read clearly on a tabletop model, not for the muted, historical metal tones that Vallejo's Model Color metallic range specializes in. If you paint historical or scale armor, keep reading before you buy, because that companion range covers that ground better. These colors belong to the Vallejo Game Color range inside the wider Vallejo brand lineup.
What is in the box
The set packs eight metallic colors into Vallejo's small dropper bottles: Silver, Chainmail Silver, Polished Gold, Glorious Gold, Bright Bronze, Brassy Brass, Hammered Copper, and Tinny Tin.
Seven of those eight are confirmed entries in the Game Color line as it currently sits in the catalog. Chainmail Silver is the exception: it did not turn up under that exact name in the range, so treat it as its own color rather than assuming it matches a similarly named silver already in the lineup, and do not buy expecting it to duplicate a pot you already own.
| Color | Type | What it is for |
|---|---|---|
| Silver | Metallic | Base steel tone for blades, buckles, armor plate |
| Chainmail Silver | Metallic | A brighter, more reflective silver for standout highlights |
| Polished Gold | Metallic | Clean bright gold for trim, jewelry, ornate edging |
| Glorious Gold | Metallic | Deeper, warmer gold that reads closer to antique brass |
| Bright Bronze | Metallic | Warm bronze for highlights over darker metal base coats |
| Brassy Brass | Metallic | Mid tone brass for fittings, buckles, and casings |
| Hammered Copper | Metallic | Reddish copper for pipework, wiring, and worn metal accents |
| Tinny Tin | Metallic | Pale, slightly dull tin tone for utilitarian gear and pewter |
Between the golds and bronzes you get real separation instead of near duplicates. Polished Gold and Glorious Gold sit far enough apart to layer one over the other for depth, and the same is true of Bright Bronze against Hammered Copper.
Coverage gaps
There is no black or gunmetal in the set, so you will still want a dark metallic on the side for weapon barrels or heavy machinery, since every color here leans warm and bright. There is also no metallic wash or shade paint included, and metallics benefit heavily from a targeted wash in the recesses to stop them looking flat. Budget for a dark wash separately, whether that comes from Vallejo's own wash line or another brand's shade paint. Finally, this is a fantasy focused set: if you paint grimdark or realistic armor, the saturation here will look too clean and toylike until you tone it down with glazes.
Who this suits
Painters building bright fantasy armies, orc warbands, dwarf holds, or anything where gold trim and shining steel need to pop under tabletop lighting will get full use out of every bottle. It also works well as a top up for anyone who already owns a Vallejo Model Color set and wants punchier metals without duplicating what they have.
Who should skip it
If your projects are historical miniatures, weathered vehicles, or realistic scale armor, look at Vallejo's Model Color metallic range instead. That line runs cooler and more muted, closer to how real steel, iron, and gunmetal actually behave under normal light, where the Game Color set here is tuned for stage lighting and readability at arm's length on a game table.
Buy it
Vallejo Game Color Metallics set on Amazon(affiliate link)
FAQ
Does this set replace Vallejo Model Color metallics?
No. Game Color metallics are brighter and more fantasy leaning, Model Color metallics are muted and better suited to historical or realistic work. Painters who do both eventually own colors from each range.
Is Chainmail Silver the same as plain Silver in this set?
They are sold as two separate colors in the box, and you should not assume they match a similarly named pot from another Vallejo line. Test them side by side on a spare model before committing to one for a whole army.
Do I need a metallic wash for these paints to look good?
You do not strictly need one, but a dark wash over any metallic pulls out recesses and stops the finish looking flat. It is the single biggest improvement you can make after basecoating with this set.
How does this compare to Citadel's metallic range?
Citadel's metallics cover similar ground with different names and a slightly different formula. If you are converting a scheme between the two brands, check the Citadel to Vallejo conversion chart for the closest color by measured match rather than guessing from names, or read the Citadel vs Vallejo comparison for a wider look at both ranges.