Box Contents

The Warlord Games German Pioneers is a plastic and metal kit containing:

• 31 German infantry
• 21 Rifles
• 15 SMGs
• 5 LMGs
• 5 Sniper Rifles
• 1 Flamethrower
• 1 AT Rifle
• 1 Sturmpistole-42
• Goliath remote mine
• Various items of equipment including gas masks, satchel charges, hand grenades, pistols, backpacks, and wire cutters.

The List – SMG Pioneer Storm

Breakdown

Notes and Analysis

The objective of this list is two part – 1) use as many of the components from a single box of infantry as possible and 2) make a List that work at a competitive level. Please in mind, this List was written using only the content of a single box of infantry.

Similar to the original US Rangers and the Soviet Siberian Veterans, the German Pioneer kit is a mix of plastic sprues and additional metal bits. The box comes with five of the Blitzkrieg German plastic sprues plus the metal Pioneer bits. If you are not a fan of those Blitzkrieg German bodes/arms/heads/weapons, than you need to look elsewhere. Sure the metal additions to this box give you a Pioneer feel but it’s the same basic Early War German models. With that out of the way, let’s dive into the list!

In a bit of a surprise turn, the product photo on the Warlord Games website gives us a pretty solid Platoon structure and is, honestly, the same direction that I was going to take. Goliath Team, Lt, Flamethrower Team, three squads of Pioneers. Six dice, 500pts. The difference in our list is the equipment for our three squads.

If you are playing Pioneers, you want to get into your opponent’s face. We have access to a pile of SMGs and we are going to use them. Thus, two of our three Pio squads are six men, six SMGs. These are dedicated close assault squads to storm across the battlefield. You’ll have to play tight, use cover and make sure you don’t throw these expensive Vets away needlessly. To help cover the assault, our third Pioneer Squad of six men with an LMG can pin down the enemy as you move up the table. Keep the Lt close to your two assault squads to assist with any Order Checks. Right behind the Lt and the SMG Squads, keep that Flamethrower Team running forward as well. We want to overwhelm our opponent with three terrifying units that they don’t want to get close. If the enemy focuses fire on the Flamethrower, we will have 12 SMGs making it through. If they focus on a Pioneer Squad, the Flamethrower will get through. Concentrate your assault, and go.

Because it’s in the box and because it’s iconic, our sixth unit is the Goliath Demolition Team. In a 500pt game, the demo charge on the Goliath will be more than enough to destroy any enemy vehicle on the table. It’s not the most reliable AT option and by all accounts an AT Rifle Team would be the “better” pick. But what are we talking about here? You have the Goliath. Use it. (Well, at least use it once or twice and then switch it out). One upside of the Goliath is the unit is still three Vets with rifles. They can hold an objective and provide pinning fire at 24″ as well.

We left a lot of options on the table. The AT Rifle has long been a personal favorite of mine and in any other list I would have included it. But in this? I mean, we are compelled to include the Goliath. Even though it is, sadly, terrible. We also have bits to make a Sniper Team and bodies to spare. We also didn’t include the Sturmpistole-42. A terrifying Pioneer-exclusive weapon for a whopping 30pts. It’s rare that you have so much let over from a single box. Usually you don’t have many choices with a 1 Box, 1 Army list – but not with this box. You have a heap of other units you could build. I’m impressed.

If you like the plastic Blitzkrieg German infantry this box is a great pick. You get all those Early War models plus a heap of additional gear, heads and weapons. It’s a solid pick to start or expand a German Platoon.

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What’s Next?

Consider these additions to your 500pt 1 Box Army:

• Flammpanzerwagen – If you are playing Pioneers you’ll want some additional flamethrower power. How about two Vehicle Flamethrowers on a half-track? It’s as assaulty as you get and will look great on the table next to your 251/1s.
• Box of Grenadiers – To turn your Early War Pioneer into Late War Sturmpioneer all you need is a box of plastic Grenadiers. The metal Pioneer bits should work just fine and now you’ll have access to Panzerfausts as well. It’s a whole new kit that provides more options to consider for your force.
• SdKfz 251/1 with Panzerbuchse 41 – Let your Pioneer ride in style with the rarely seen Pioneerwagen. Sure it’s expensive but having a considerable AT asset in the Transport slot of your Platoon should not be overlooked. Consider adding a Flamethrower to the squad of Pioneers aboard and you have a terrifying unit flying up the table. Of course this may end up as a pure bullet-magnet but that’s why you bring more than one!

– Andrew