Getting Started: Bolt Action

“You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you.”
            - Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, June 6, 1944 – D-Day

Bolt Action is a game of WWII tabletop combat, that lets you and your friends take command of Allied or Axis forces, in a variety of interesting objective-based scenarios. Bolt Action boasts beautiful, unpainted, plastic and metal miniatures of historically accurate troops, tanks, artillery weapons, and gun emplacements. Players create an army roster to an agreed point value, chosen from their collection of miniatures. Games are played on a 6ft by 4ft play surface, that is intended to be covered by beautiful terrain such as hedges, farms, crumbling buildings, bunkers, or even the forest.

If you are interested in starting your own army to deploy against the enemy, continue reading for a beginner buyer’s guide.

The first purchase a new player will want is a copy of the core rules. This single book contains everything you need to know to play a game of Bolt Action, as well as the essential army lists from which players will build a roster. Take some time to read through the rules, perhaps even watch a learn to play video, and then decide which faction you would like to collect (American Allied Forces, British Allied Forces, Russians, German Axis Forces, etc…)

Now you are ready to start your collection. We recommend starting by purchasing the starter set for which ever faction you have chosen. This will provide you with enough troops to play a game of Bolt Action against another player’s collection, usually consisting of a few infantry squads, some special weapons, and a couple of vehicles (tanks, half-tracks, armored vehicles, etc..). Alternatively, you may choose two buy a two-player starter set which includes two smaller opposing forces, some order dice, pin markers, a quick start guide, and some light terrain. These sets are also perfect to split with a friend. We also recommend buying a set of “order dice” that match your faction, and a set of regular 6-sided dice, if you don’t already own some.

If you are new to miniatures war gaming altogether, then you will also want to purchase the necessary equipment to assemble and paint your forces. We recommend a can of spray primer, a bottle of super glue, some brushes, and a set of paints that match the theme for your chosen faction. Different types of flocks and base effects can also be used to give your miniatures a beautiful scenic finish. Be sure to message us or come in for a visit at the Outpost, if you would like to ask any questions or inquire about a game demo.