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Introduction

The world of miniature wargaming is vast, intricate, and endlessly fascinating, and at its heart lies games like Bolt Action. Set against the backdrop of World War II, Bolt Action allows players to recreate historic battles, devise their own skirmishes, and delve deep into the tactical intricacies of warfare from the period. But beyond the tactics and dice rolls, there’s a captivating blend of history, artistry, and community that makes this hobby truly unique. Getting started in Bolt Action can lead you to exciting games and lifelong friendships. 

Starting your own Bolt Action army can feel like a daunting endeavor. The myriad of choices, from selecting a faction to mastering the rules, can be overwhelming. But fear not! Building your army is a rewarding journey, one where you’ll not only immerse yourself in historical wargaming but also discover hidden talents, from painting to strategic planning. 

This guide aims to provide a roadmap for new players, helping you navigate through initial choices, assembly hurdles, gameplay nuances, and community engagement. Whether you’re a history buff, a miniature painting enthusiast, or someone looking for a new hobby challenge, there’s a place for you in the Bolt Action community. 

Choosing Your Faction

In the theater of Bolt Action, your army’s identity is intrinsically tied to the faction you select. This choice will shape your tactical approach, the miniatures you’ll paint, and the historical narratives you’ll re-enact. With the myriad of options available, it’s essential to consider several factors before deciding on a faction. Let’s break down the process to help you make an informed choice for World War II wargaming.

Overview of Major Factions in Bolt Action

At its core, Bolt Action classifies the warring entities of World War II into the two main alliances: the Allies and the Axis. Many people will quibble about what is the best Bolt Action army for beginners, but in my opinion it all comes down to what excites you–be it a theater of war, the look of a tank, or a historic tie to a soldier. 

Allies:

British & Commonwealth: Renowned for their disciplined infantry, wide array of support options, and iconic vehicles like the Cromwell or Churchill tanks. Their historical expanse across various theaters offers diverse playing options.

Soviet Union: Known for their masses of infantry, relentless T-34 tanks, and the ferocious Cossack cavalry. Their resilience and adaptability can overwhelm opponents.

United States: Fielding a mix of elite units like the airborne and technologically advanced tanks such as the Sherman, the U.S. forces boast versatility and firepower.

Others: There are also factions like the French Resistance, Chinese forces, and others, allowing players to explore lesser-known aspects of WWII.

Axis:

Germany: Possessing arguably the most technologically advanced units and tanks like the Panther and Tiger, the German Wehrmacht and SS troops offer a mix of elite units and robust vehicles.

Italy: Often underestimated, the Italian forces offer a unique blend of fast-moving vehicles, varied infantry, and a distinct Mediterranean flavor to the game.

Japan: Specializing in aggressive infantry tactics, bonsai charges, and jungle warfare, the Japanese forces introduce a wholly different strategic depth.

Factors to Consider

Playstyle Preferences: Each faction has a distinct style. Do you play Bolt Action because you prefer a fast, aggressive playstyle, striking the enemy quickly? Or are you more inclined towards a methodical, defense-oriented approach? Understanding what kind of tactics you enjoy can guide you towards a faction that resonates with your strategy. Read our article on Miniature Wargaming Strategy for a more in-depth guide.

Historical Interest or Personal Connection: Many players are drawn to a particular faction due to personal or familial ties to WWII. Others may have a keen interest in a specific theater or campaign. For instance, if you’ve always been fascinated by the Eastern Front, the battles between Germany and the Soviet Union might appeal to you. Personally, my grandpa fought in the 333rd Regiment of the 84th Infantry, so that’s where I started when I got into historical gaming.

Model Aesthetics and Availability: While gameplay is crucial, for many, the joy of wargaming also lies in assembling and painting miniatures. Consider the aesthetics of the models. Do you prefer the sleek design of the German Panther or the rugged look of the American Sherman? Furthermore, availability can be a factor. While some factions have a plethora of models available, others might be a bit limited. 

You’ll find that the more common units are, well, more easily available, while the less common might not even be made outside of kitbashing them yourself. Bolt Action army books give rules for a whole host of vehicles that Warlord Games (or Perry, or whoever) have ever created models for.

Test Before Committing

Before diving in and purchasing your first army, consider testing a few factions, if possible. Some local gaming stores or clubs might have test armies available for newcomers. Trying out a faction can give you a feel for its tactics, strengths, and weaknesses. Additionally, discussions with veteran players can provide invaluable insights.

Budgeting and Buying Smartly

Diving into the world of Bolt Action, with its intricate models and expansive game sets, can be as exhilarating as it is daunting, especially when considering costs. As with any hobby, it’s easy to get carried away. However, with a little foresight and smart purchasing decisions, you can build a formidable army without breaking the bank.

(It’s also worth noting that, when it comes to miniature wargames, Bolt Action ranks among the very cheapest that there are, model-for-model.)

Here’s how to approach your Bolt Action investment wisely.

The Importance of Setting a Budget

Assess Your Financial Comfort: Before anything else, determine how much you’re willing and able to spend. Bolt Action, while rewarding, is a hobby. It shouldn’t compromise essential expenses. Set a reasonable budget that aligns with your financial situation.

Plan for the Future: Consider not just the initial investment, but also future expansions. Will you be content with a single faction or foresee branching out? Anticipating future expenses helps in better allocation of funds.

Starter Sets and Their Benefits

Cost-effective Entry: Warlord Games often releases starter sets which offer a selection of basic units, rules, dice, and sometimes even terrain. These sets are typically priced at a discount compared to buying components separately.

Balanced Forces: Starter sets are designed with balanced gameplay in mind. They provide newcomers with fairly matched forces, ensuring an enjoyable introductory experience. If you’re trying to get started and don’t have anyone to play with, consider a two-player starter set, like A Gentleman’s War or Band of Brothers. If you know which nation you want, buy the American, British, German, etc, starter boxes themselves.

Ease of Assembly: For the beginner, these sets often include simplified assembly instructions, making the modeling process less intimidating.

Finding Deals

Online Retailers: Many third-party online stores offer discounts on Bolt Action products–I almost always buy from Amazon because I like the fast shipping. Subscribe to newsletters or join hobby forums to stay updated on sales.

Local Stores and Clubs: Friendly local game stores (FLGS) sometimes have loyalty programs or seasonal sales. If I’m too anxious to get a model I really want, I know that just down the road is one of my favorite local game stores, and they’ve got me covered. Additionally, joining a wargaming club can offer group-buying opportunities, where members pool resources to secure bulk discounts.

Second-hand Markets: Websites, forums, or social media groups dedicated to miniature trading can be goldmines. eBay can be a great place to buy bulk armies for pennies on the dollar. Veteran players often sell or trade miniatures, which can be a cost-effective way to acquire units.

Prioritizing Purchases

Core Units First: Before getting that impressive-looking tank or elite squad, ensure you have the foundational units for your army. These core troops will form the backbone of your force.

Niche Units Later: Specialized units, while enticing, might not always be essential in your early games. It’s wise to understand the game mechanics thoroughly before integrating these units.

Rules and Sourcebooks: While miniatures form the crux of your army, don’t overlook the importance of rulebooks. They guide gameplay and offer scenarios that can enhance the Bolt Action experience. Consider buying the latest edition of the core rulebook and, if budget allows, the army-specific book for your chosen faction.

Avoid Impulse Buys

With the plethora of miniatures available, impulse purchases can be a real threat to your budget. Stick to your game plan. Wishlist items and revisit the list after some time to see if you’re still keen on them.

Research and Historical Context

The allure of Bolt Action by Warlord Games is not just in its strategic gameplay or the art of miniature painting; it’s deeply rooted in the history it represents. The game offers a gateway into the tumultuous era of World War II, with its varied theaters of war, dynamic personalities, and epochal battles. Understanding the historical context not only enriches the gameplay but also deepens the respect and appreciation for the events and individuals that shaped the world.

One of the main reasons I jumped so heavily into Bolt Action, if I can go off on a tangent, is because I was dipping my toe into the online community and some asked the question “How should I base my US Marines? They’re fighting in the Pacific.” I was expecting the answer to be “sand” or something similar, but the reply came back “That depends entirely on which island they’re on.” And the conversation turned into one I could totally picture my grandpa talking late in the evening, about grass on this island and black sand on that island.

Here’s how to weave history into your Bolt Action experience.

The Benefits of Understanding Historical Context

Enhanced Gameplay: Knowing the strategies, strengths, and weaknesses of your army in a historical context can inform your in-game tactics. For instance, understanding the Blitzkrieg tactics can shape how you use German panzer divisions in the game.

Narrative Depth: Beyond mere gameplay, the Bolt Action wargame is about stories. With historical knowledge, you can recreate actual battles, like the Normandy landings or the Battle of Stalingrad, adding layers of narrative depth to your skirmishes.

Respect and Remembrance: By learning about the real-life events, challenges, and sacrifices, players foster a sense of respect. The miniatures become more than just game pieces; they represent real individuals who once stood on the world’s battlefields.

Recommended Resources

Books: There’s a plethora of literature on WWII. Some recommended reads include:

• “The Second World War” by Antony Beevor
• “With the Old Breed” by Eugene B. Sledge, which provides a firsthand account of the Pacific War’s brutality.
• “Stalingrad” by Antony Beevor, detailing one of the war’s most ferocious battles.

Documentaries: Visual insights can offer a different perspective. Series like “World War II in Colour” or “The World at War” provide comprehensive overviews.

Museums: If accessible, WWII museums can offer tangible insights. For instance, visiting the Imperial War Museum in London or the National WWII Museum in New Orleans can be an enlightening experience.

Websites: Dedicated websites like the WWII Database or Facebook groups like the Bolt Action group provide articles, timelines, and detailed information about various aspects of the war.

How Historical Accuracy Can Enhance Gaming Experience

Scenario Play: With historical knowledge, players can design scenarios based on actual events. For instance, you could recreate the Siege of Bastogne, where the 101st Airborne Division held off German advances, testing the resilience of the American troops against the might of German armor.

Modeling and Painting: Understanding the uniforms, insignias, and vehicle markings of the era can make your miniatures historically accurate. For instance, painting the correct camouflage pattern on a Tiger tank or ensuring the proper badges on British paratroopers adds authenticity.

Tactical Implementation: Knowing the tactics employed historically can inform your gameplay. For example, the Soviets often used human wave attacks, where sheer numbers overwhelmed the enemy. This could be a strategy you adopt in the game when playing as the Soviet Union.

Assembly and Painting

Transitioning from the vast panorama of World War II history to the intimate detailing of individual miniatures, assembly and painting is where the tactile artistry of Bolt Action comes alive. It’s where your army begins to take shape, character, and color. For many, this phase is both therapeutic and rewarding, a chance to express creativity and immerse oneself in the miniature world. Whether you’re a seasoned modeler or a novice, here’s a guide to ensure that your army stands out on the battlefield.

Assembly Basics

Tools of the Trade:

• Cutting Tools: Sprue cutters or hobby knives are essential for removing pieces from sprues and cleaning up flash.
• Glue: Plastic cement for plastic models and super glue for metal or resin.
• Tweezers & Pliers: For holding small pieces or bending parts.

Follow Instructions: Most kits come with a guide. Always review it thoroughly before starting, identifying all parts and understanding how they fit together.

Dry Fitting: Before gluing, always dry fit parts. This ensures a proper fit and can help rectify any issues before permanent attachment.

Patience: Rushing can result in misaligned parts. Take your time, ensuring each piece is securely and correctly placed.

Painting: Turning Plastic to Life

Priming: Always prime your models. Priming helps paint adhere better and provides a consistent base. Black, white, or gray are common choices, each influencing the final color differently.

Basic Techniques:

• Basecoating: This is your model’s main color. Ensure even coverage without obscuring details.
• Washing: Using diluted shades, this technique settles into recesses, highlighting details and giving depth.
• Dry Brushing: Lightly brushing with minimal paint can highlight raised areas

• Color Selection: Research the historical colors of the army you’re representing. Companies like Vallejo and Citadel offer paints that match WWII era uniforms, tanks, and equipment.
• Layering and Detailing: Fine brushes are key for details like insignias, facial features, or badges. Layering helps in achieving gradients and realistic effects on uniforms or equipment.
• Sealing: Once satisfied, seal your miniatures with a varnish. This protects the paint job from wear and tear during gameplay.

For the most basic and comprehensive introduction to miniature painting, check out this video from Goobertown Hobbies.

Personalization and Creative Liberties

Historical vs. Creative: While historical accuracy adds authenticity, remember it’s your army. Feel free to take creative liberties, maybe painting a unique camouflage pattern or designing your own insignia.

Basing: The base of the model offers additional creative space. Use materials like sand, static grass, or miniature tufts to recreate various terrains.

Dioramas: For those looking to further enhance their army’s narrative, creating small dioramas or vignettes can provide context. Imagine a medic attending to a wounded soldier or officers poring over a map.

Continuous Learning

The hobby aspect of Bolt Action is a continuous learning process. Engage with online communities, watch tutorials, or attend workshops. There’s always a new technique to learn, a trick to adopt, or inspiration to draw from.

Some of my favorite YouTube paint tutorials for Bolt Action come from Pete the Wargamer and Duncan Rhodes, but the GOAT of Bolt Action painting is Sonic Sledgehammer. On his channel you can find virtually every type of unit from every faction.

Understanding the Rules

As you’ve journeyed from the first spark of interest to assembling and painting your army, the next logical step is delving into the game mechanics. Bolt Action’s rules provide the structure and strategy that make each battle engaging and unique. Grasping them will not only amplify your enjoyment but will also offer a competitive edge. Here’s a primer on navigating the rules of Bolt Action and mastering the game’s fundamentals.

Familiarize with the Core Rulebook

Initial Read-through: Before diving deep, skim the entire rulebook. This gives an overview of the game’s flow, major mechanics, and various phases. It’s like surveying a battlefield before engagement.

Understand Turn Sequence: Grasping the order of operations – from the Command Phase to the Assault Phase – is crucial. Each phase offers distinct actions and strategies.

Key Mechanisms: Focus on the game’s main mechanics, such as the Order Dice system, which adds an element of unpredictability and strategy to each turn.

Refer Often: Keep the rulebook nearby during initial games. It’s natural to forget or misinterpret rules, and a quick reference can resolve uncertainties.

Utilizing Army-Specific Rules and Units

Nation Special Rules: Each nation has unique rules reflecting their historical tactics, strengths, and weaknesses. For instance, the German “Blitzkrieg” ability or the U.S. “Fire and Maneuver” rule. Familiarizing yourself with these can offer strategic advantages.

Unit Profiles: Every unit, from infantry squads to heavy tanks, has specific rules detailing their movement, weapons, and abilities. Knowing these intimately helps in deploying them effectively on the battlefield.

Engage with Scenarios and Advanced Rules

Starter Scenarios: Many rulebooks offer beginner scenarios, which simplify game mechanics to help new players grasp the basics. These are excellent starting points.

Advanced Mechanics: Once comfortable, introduce advanced rules like off-table artillery, night fighting, or weather conditions. These add layers of complexity and realism to battles.

Custom Scenarios: Drawing from history or your imagination, design unique battle scenarios. Maybe recreate a lesser-known skirmish or hypothesize a “what if” battle.

Learn from Others

Watch Battle Reports: Available on platforms like YouTube, battle reports are play-throughs by seasoned players. Observing them can offer insights into strategies, rule interpretations, and gameplay flow. Some of the best Bolt Action battle reports come from Tabletop CP, Modelling for Advantage, and The Ministry of Miniatures.

Join Gaming Groups: Local or online Bolt Action communities can be invaluable. Engage in discussions, ask questions, and participate in group games. Nothing beats hands-on learning.

Attend Workshops: Some gaming stores or conventions offer Bolt Action workshops, where veterans teach rules, strategies, and nuances.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Solo Play: If you’re hesitant about playing with others initially, try solo games. Play both sides to the best of your ability. This helps in internalizing rules and strategies.

Friendly Matches: Engage in casual games with friends or club members. The emphasis here is learning, not necessarily winning.

Debrief After Battles: Post-game discussions, analyzing key moments, decisions, and rule applications, can be enlightening. It helps in understanding mistakes and refining strategies.

Developing Tactics and Strategy

Beyond the tangible aspects of assembling and painting, and the framework of the rules, lies the intangible but critical realm of tactics and strategy. This is where Bolt Action transcends from being a mere game to a challenging mental exercise. Just like real-world generals, players must think several steps ahead, anticipate opponents, and leverage their strengths while minimizing weaknesses. Here’s a guide to honing your tactical prowess and strategic insight in Bolt Action.

Know Your Army

Strengths and Weaknesses: Every army, be it the determined Soviets or the disciplined Germans, has its strengths and weaknesses. Recognize them. Are they fast-moving? Resilient? Exceptional at ranged combat?

Synergy: Understand how different units within your army can complement each other. For instance, infantry can screen for tanks, or snipers can eliminate pesky enemy officers disrupting your plans.

Master the Terrain

Cover Benefits: Terrain features, such as forests, buildings, or hills, provide cover. Use them to shield your troops or obscure the enemy’s line of sight.

Ambush Points: Identify potential ambush spots on the battlefield. A well-placed machine gun or anti-tank unit can change the course of the battle.

Objective Placement: In scenarios with objectives, their placement can dictate the flow of the battle. Protect yours and strategize to capture or neutralize the enemy’s.

Flexible Planning

Initial Strategy: Start each game with a broad strategy. Perhaps a flanking maneuver with infantry, while tanks engage frontally.

Adaptability: No plan survives contact with the enemy. Be ready to pivot based on the situation. If a flank is collapsing, can you reinforce it or perhaps counter-attack elsewhere?

Anticipate Opponents: Try to think from your opponent’s perspective. What’s their most likely move? How can you counter it?

Utilize Combined Arms

Infantry: While they might not have the firepower of tanks, infantry units are versatile. Use them to capture objectives, screen more valuable units, or swarm isolated enemies.

Armor: Tanks and other armored vehicles can be game-changers. Yet, they are not invincible. Protect them from anti-tank units and use their mobility and firepower judiciously.

Support Units: Snipers, mortar teams, and machine-gun squads can play pivotal roles. Place them in optimal positions where they can disrupt enemy formations.

Psychological Warfare

Order Dice: The unique Order Dice system in Bolt Action can play mind games. Sometimes, not activating a certain unit immediately can make your opponent second-guess your intentions.

Feints: Sending a small force to pretend to be the main assault can divert your opponent’s attention, allowing your primary force to strike where least expected.

Force Concentration: By focusing your forces on a particular segment of the battlefield, you can achieve local superiority, overwhelming the enemy bit by bit.

Continuous Learning

Post-Game Reflection: After each game, reflect on key decisions, turning points, and mistakes. What could you have done differently?

Engage with the Community: Discuss strategies with fellow players, share experiences, and seek feedback. The Bolt Action community is a treasure trove of tactical insights.

Expanding and Diversifying Your Army

As your journey in Bolt Action progresses, the allure to grow and diversify your army becomes almost inevitable. Perhaps you’ve mastered your initial force’s strategies or yearn for more complexity and flexibility in your games. Expanding and diversifying not only enriches your gameplay experience but also provides a broader canvas for the hobby aspect, from assembly to painting. Here’s a guide to effectively branch out and enhance your Bolt Action army.

Identifying Your Playstyle

Self-reflection: Are you aggressive, favoring swift assaults? Or are you more methodical, relying on ranged engagements and positioning? Recognize your preferred playstyle.

Match Units to Strategy: If you favor hit-and-run, consider mobile units like armored cars. If defense is your stronghold, invest in heavy artillery or fortified units.

Historical Campaigns as Inspiration

Study Major Battles: Battles like Stalingrad or the Normandy landings offer a wealth of units and tactics to explore. They can inspire army expansion directions.

Special Units: Elite units, such as the German Fallschirmjäger or the British SAS, can introduce unique tactics and aesthetics to your force.

Exploring Different Factions

Allied and Axis Powers: If you started with an Allied army, consider delving into the Axis powers, or vice versa. Each faction offers a distinct playstyle and historical context.

Lesser-Known Forces: Countries like Finland, Hungary, or China can provide unique units and challenges, diversifying your game experiences.

Reinforcements and Variants

Unit Variants: Many units in Bolt Action have multiple variants. For tanks, this could mean different weapon loadouts or armor configurations.

Support Units: Expanding on your support units—like medics, forward observers, or engineers—can offer new tactical dimensions.

Investing in Terrain and Scenery

Enhance the Battlefield: While not “units”, buildings, bridges, or trenches can significantly impact strategies and the look of your games. I’ve 3D printed much of my terrain–I recommend Printable Scenery–but Sarissa makes some incredible MDF stuff as well.

Interactive Terrain: Features like destructible buildings or fortifications can be both fun and strategic additions.

Merging Historical with Fictional

What-If Scenarios: Ponder on alternative history. What if Germany invaded Britain? This can justify new unit types or alliances in your army.

Custom Units: Create units or heroes that fit within the Bolt Action universe but stem from your imagination. Ensure they are balanced and your opponent agrees to their inclusion.

Engage with the Community

Army Lists and Strategies: Discuss with fellow players. Share your planned expansions and seek feedback. Maybe someone has tried a similar approach and can offer insights.

Trading and Swapping: Sometimes, diversifying can be as simple as trading units with a friend. It’s economical and can introduce you to units you hadn’t considered.

Conclusion

Embarking on the journey of Bolt Action is a fusion of historical appreciation, tactical gameplay, and artistic expression. From selecting your very first unit to developing intricate strategies and fostering a vibrant community, each step offers unique joys and challenges. As you dig deeper, remember that it’s not just about winning battles, but also about the friendships formed, the stories created, and the knowledge gained. 

Whether you’re a seasoned general or a novice commander, the world of Bolt Action continually unfolds, promising endless adventures on and off the tabletop. Dive in, learn, share, and most importantly, enjoy every moment.