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World War II wargames offer a fascinating blend of history, strategy, and miniature modeling, and among these, Bolt Action stands out. Developed by Warlord Games, Bolt Action is a 28mm skirmish wargame that allows players to recreate small-scale battles from this monumental conflict.
In this overview, we’ll explore what Bolt Action is, its basic gameplay mechanics, and why it’s a popular choice for wargaming enthusiasts. Additional articles about getting deeper into Bolt Action can be found linked at the bottom.
Introduction to Bolt Action
Bolt Action is a World War II skirmish game where players command small platoons of soldiers, vehicles, and heavy weapons in a variety of scenarios. Unlike larger wargames that require vast armies, Bolt Action focuses on smaller engagements, typically involving about 30-50 soldiers per side. This smaller scale makes the game more accessible and quicker to play, allowing for multiple games in a single evening.
One of the key reasons Bolt Action stands out is its balance between historical accuracy and enjoyable gameplay. The game captures the essence of World War II tactics and battles without becoming bogged down in overly complex rules. This balance makes it appealing to both history buffs and gamers looking for a fun and engaging experience.
Basic Gameplay Mechanics
The core of Bolt Action’s gameplay revolves around its unique activation system using Order Dice. Each unit in the game is represented by an Order Die, which is placed into a dice bag at the start of each turn. Players take turns drawing dice from the bag, and the color of the die determines which player can activate a unit. This random activation system ensures that no two games are the same and adds a layer of strategy and unpredictability.
Game Setup
A typical Bolt Action game starts with players agreeing on a scenario and setting up the battlefield according to the mission’s requirements. The standard game size is 1000 points, which usually translates to a platoon of infantry, a few heavy weapons, and a vehicle or two. Players then deploy their forces on the table, often using terrain pieces to create a realistic and challenging battlefield.
Orders and Actions
When a player draws an Order Die, they assign one of six possible orders to a unit: Fire, Advance, Run, Ambush, Down, or Rally. Each order dictates the unit’s actions for that turn. For example, the Fire order allows a unit to remain stationary and fire all its weapons, while the Advance order lets a unit move and then fire at a reduced effectiveness.
Movement and Combat
Movement in Bolt Action is straightforward, with infantry units typically moving 6 inches on an Advance order and 12 inches on a Run order. Vehicles have different movement rules, depending on their type and terrain. Combat involves declaring targets, rolling to hit and damage, and applying modifiers based on factors like cover, range, and unit experience.
A distinctive feature of Bolt Action is the use of Pin Markers. Whenever a unit is hit by enemy fire, it receives a Pin Marker, which represents the unit’s loss of cohesion and morale. Pin Markers negatively affect a unit’s ability to perform actions, making morale management a critical aspect of gameplay.
Game Turns
Each game turn in Bolt Action consists of players drawing Order Dice and activating their units until all dice have been drawn. Once all units have acted, the turn ends, and a new turn begins with all Order Dice placed back into the bag. This process continues until the mission objectives are achieved or a predetermined number of turns have passed.
Why Choose Bolt Action?
Bolt Action’s appeal lies in several unique aspects that make it a standout wargame:
1. Manageable Game Size
The skirmish-level scale of Bolt Action means you don’t need a massive collection of miniatures to play. This makes it more accessible and less intimidating for newcomers to the hobby. The smaller game size also allows for quicker setup and playtime, making it easier to fit games into a busy schedule.
2. Unique Gameplay Mechanics
The Order Dice activation system adds a layer of unpredictability and excitement to each game. This mechanic ensures that no two games are alike and keeps players on their toes, as they must adapt their strategies based on the random draw of the dice.
3. Extensive Support and Variety
While not a Games Workshop product, Bolt Action is highly supported with a vast range of models, vehicles, and sourcebooks. Players can choose from various armies, including US Marines, German Afrika Korps, and British 8th Army, among others. Additionally, campaign books allow players to explore different theaters of war and historical battles, adding depth and variety to the game.
4. Immersive Scenarios
Bolt Action offers immense scope for creating immersive and historically accurate scenarios. Whether you’re recreating iconic battles like Iwo Jima or inventing fictional scenarios such as German landings on British shores, the game provides endless possibilities. This variety keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging, ensuring that players can continually find new challenges and experiences.
Bolt Action and The Dirty Half Dozen
It was my love for Bolt Action, combined with my love for Games Workshop’s classic Mordheim, that inspired me to create The Dirty Half Dozen, a small skirmish campaign game set in World War Two. You can download the game for free here, no strings attached.
The Bottom Line
Bolt Action is an exceptional World War II wargame that combines historical accuracy with engaging gameplay mechanics. Its manageable game size, unique activation system, extensive support, and immersive scenarios make it a fantastic choice for both new and seasoned wargamers. By understanding the basics and gathering the necessary supplies, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the thrilling and strategic world of Bolt Action. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a strategy game lover, Bolt Action offers a rich and rewarding wargaming experience.
