Bolt Action is a World War II miniature wargame where players command armies from the period, engaging in tactical battles on a tabletop battlefield. Players use detailed miniatures representing soldiers, vehicles, and tanks to fight in historically inspired scenarios. The game focuses on strategic movement, combat, and resource management, with an emphasis on historical accuracy and tactical depth.
Players
2 or more (Recommended: 2 players)
Genre
Miniature Wargame, Historical, Strategy
Game Variants
Campaigns
Bolt Action offers various campaign books, such as Campaign: D-Day: Overlord, which provide historical scenarios and missions for players to recreate famous battles of World War II.
Skirmish Games
Smaller scale games focusing on fewer units and tighter scenarios, which can be quicker to play and suitable for those new to the game.
Siege and Urban Warfare
Expanded rules and scenarios for battles in urban environments or during sieges, adding new challenges and strategies to the game.
Tank War
A variant that focuses on armored warfare, where players build and command tank-heavy armies and engage in tank-specific battles.
Theatres of War
Additional rulebooks and supplements that introduce new theatres of war, such as the Pacific Theatre, with unique units, scenarios, and tactics.
About
Game Play
In Bolt Action, players build armies from a selection of historical forces, each with unique units and abilities. Games are typically played on a tabletop with a grid or measured terrain. Players alternate turns activating units, moving them across the battlefield, and engaging in combat using dice rolls to determine the outcomes of attacks and actions. The game includes a variety of scenarios and objectives, with victory often requiring players to achieve specific mission goals or eliminate enemy forces.
New to the game
Watch Tutorials and Battle Reports
Look for video tutorials and battle reports online. They offer practical demonstrations of gameplay and strategies, making it easier to grasp the rules and tactics.
Start with a Starter Set
Purchase a Bolt Action starter set or battle box, which includes miniatures, rules, and scenario guides to help you begin playing. These sets are designed to provide a balanced introduction to the game.
Read the Rulebook
Familiarize yourself with the core rulebook to understand the basic mechanics and gameplay. Many starter sets come with an introductory rulebook or quick-start guide.
Join a Local Gaming Group
Find a local gaming club or community that plays Bolt Action. Joining a group can provide hands-on learning and help you get advice from experienced players.
Build and Paint Miniatures
Start by assembling and painting your miniatures. This hobby aspect adds to the enjoyment of the game and helps you become more invested in your army.
Game history
Bolt Action was first published by Warlord Games in 2012, designed by Alessio Cavatore.
The game has gained popularity for its historical accuracy and tactical depth. It reflects battles of World War II through detailed miniatures and scenarios, with various expansions and supplements released over the years to cover different aspects of the conflict.
The game has evolved with additional rulesets and variants to enhance gameplay and cater to a wide range of historical interests.
Hints and tips
Know Your Army List
Familiarize yourself with the strengths and weaknesses of your chosen units. Properly understanding your army’s capabilities will help you make strategic decisions during the game.
Utilize Cover and Terrain
Use the battlefield terrain to your advantage. Position units in cover to protect them from enemy fire and use the terrain to create chokepoints and ambushes.
Plan Your Orders
Managing your order dice efficiently is key to success. Plan your moves and actions carefully to maximize your tactical advantage and avoid leaving units exposed.
Focus on Objectives
Always keep your mission objectives in mind. While engaging the enemy is important, ensuring you complete the mission objectives will often lead to victory.
Adapt and React
Be flexible with your tactics. The dynamic nature of Bolt Action means that situations can change rapidly, so be prepared to adapt your strategy as needed.
useful websites
The official site for Bolt Action by Warlord Games, offering information about the game, product listings, rules, and updates. It includes links to buy miniatures, rulebooks, and expansions.
A fan-maintained Bolt action Reddit providing detailed information on game rules, units, strategies, and lore. It serves as a comprehensive resource for players seeking in-depth knowledge.
Offical Bolt Action store
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