Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED
For wargame and military history fans, Bolt Action is a tactical and detailed immersion into World War II battlefields.
Highlights
- Amazing and highly customizable miniatures
- Realistic and engaging combat system
- Freedom to build unique armies
- Varied scenarios and high replayability
Keep in mind
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- Time-consuming setup and assembly
- High price for official miniatures
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Bolt Action is a miniature wargame that puts you in command of epic World War II battles. Designed by veterans Alessio Cavatore and Rick Priestley, the game offers detailed rules to recreate historical conflicts in various settings, from the ruins of occupied France to the deserts of North Africa and the jungles of the Pacific. You can choose from major powers or smaller nations, building your army with almost limitless options. The action point mechanic and chit-pull system ensure dynamic gameplay where every decision can turn the tide. With detailed miniatures and a realistic combat system, Bolt Action is perfect for strategy and history lovers.
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
In English
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An Introduction to Bolt Action
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Bolt Action! Rules part 1 - order dice
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More Bolt Action Assembly tips
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What you need to set em up
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Rules question - cover
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Bolt Action 2nd Edition Assaulting
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DotRT Infantry Formations and High Explosives
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Introducing the Generic Reinforced Platoon
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Bolt Action Normandy Cafe Terrain Build Part 1 (lower level)
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Bolt Action-My essential units when building a generic reinforced platoon
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DotRT Painting Tutorial American Infantry
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DotRT Vlog Tactics Talk-Episode 1
Best player count
BGG community vote
2
BEST
3
REC
4
REC
5
OK
6
OK
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Where to Buy
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Osprey Games, Osprey Publishing, Warehouse Games GmbH, Warlord Games
Designer
Alessio Cavatore, Rick Priestley
Artist
Anna Bereza, Mark Owen, Paul Sawyer, Peter Dennis, Warwick Kinrade
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
1,670owners
170wishlist
28want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
How many players can play Bolt Action?
Bolt Action is designed for 2 players but can be adapted for up to 6 with expansions or custom scenarios.
How long does a game last?
Games typically last 2 to 3 hours, depending on the scenario and players' experience.
Do I need to buy official miniatures?
No! Bolt Action is 'miniature agnostic,' meaning you can use miniatures from any manufacturer.
Is it hard to learn?
The game has a learning curve, but the rulebook is well-explained. We recommend starting with simple scenarios.
Can I play solo?
The game is focused on duels, but there are expansions and house rules to add a solo mode.
What are the most popular expansions?
Expansions like 'Armies of Germany' and 'Armies of the United States' add more units and scenarios.
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