Bolt Action (2012) Board Game

Bolt Action is a tabletop wargame set in World War II, focusing on infantry and armored combat. It was first released in 2012 by Osprey Games and has since gained a dedicated following among historical wargamers. The game was designed by Alessio Cavatore and Rick Priestley, both well-known figures in the wargaming community.

Game Components of Bolt Action

28mm-sized miniatures representing various armies such as the Soviet Union, British Empire, United States, German Third Reich, and Empire of Japan.

Command dice for unit orders.

Pin markers for tracking unit morale and effectiveness.

Rulebooks, including the core rulebook and various supplements and expansions.

Terrain and scenery for battlefield setup.

Army-specific books detailing unit stats and special rules.

How To Setup Bolt Action

Setting up Bolt Action involves preparing the battlefield with terrain and scenery, deploying units according to the chosen scenario or mission, and determining the order of play using the command dice system. Players start by setting up their armies on the table, ensuring that the terrain reflects the specific campaign or battle being recreated. Each unit is placed according to its deployment rules, and the command dice are randomized in a bag to determine the order in which units will act.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Command Dice System: Players draw dice to determine which units can act, with each die allowing one of six orders: Advance, Fire, Run, Rally, Down, or Ambush.

Unit Experience: Units have three levels of experience: Inexperienced, Regular, and Veteran, affecting their durability, morale, and damage output.

Pinning System: Units hit by enemy fire take pin markers, which affect their morale and ability to perform actions.

Shooting Mechanics: Units hit on a d6 roll of 3 or more, with modifiers for distance, movement, cover, and pin markers.

Game Objective

The objective varies by scenario but generally involves defeating the enemy army or completing specific mission objectives such as holding key positions or destroying enemy assets.

Player Experience

Bolt Action is known for its accessible and fun gameplay, making it ideal for introducing new players to historical wargaming. The game has a strong focus on gameplay over historical accuracy, which can appeal to those looking for a more arcade-like experience. However, this also means it may not be the best fit for players seeking a highly realistic historical simulation.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple and intuitive rules make it accessible to new players.

High Replayability: Numerous scenarios, expansions, and army options ensure a lot of variety.

Community Support: Strong community and regular releases of new content.

Historical Setting: Brings World War II to life on the gaming table.

Cons

Lack of Historical Accuracy: The game prioritizes gameplay over strict historical realism.

Generic Weapon Profiles: Weapons are simplified, which may disappoint those seeking detailed historical accuracy.

Community Toxicity: Like many wargaming communities, it can have its toxic elements.

Personal Thoughts on Bolt Action

Bolt Action is perfect for those looking to dive into World War II wargaming without getting bogged down in overly complex rules. It’s great for veteran wargamers transitioning from other systems like Warhammer 40,000, as well as for newcomers to the hobby. While it may not satisfy the cravings of hardcore historical enthusiasts, it offers a fun and engaging way to experience the drama and strategy of World War II battles. If you’re after a game that’s easy to learn, fun to play, and rich in thematic content, Bolt Action is an excellent choice.

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