Sept. 1, 2012 – Warlord Games and Osprey Publishing release Bolt Action: First Edition.

Sep. 22, 2016 – The release of Bolt Action: Second Edition.

April 17, 2024 – the day that Warlord Games confirmed the release date for Bolt Action: Third Edition.

Sep. 26, 2024 – The release of Bolt Action: Third Edition.

It’s been 12 years, 24 Campaign books, 8 Armies of… books and 2 full Editions since Bolt Action took the historical wargaming world by storm. And I’ve been there every step of the way.

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I started with Bolt Action after seeing a preview at GenCon 2012. I still vividly remember these two incredible demo tables – one the Battle for Berlin and the other Carentan (right out of Band of Brothers). I was blown away. It was only weeks later that our entire gaming group placed an order – over the phone – with Warlord Games. With that began my twelve-year journey with Bolt Action.

And with todays’ momentous news – a journey that shows no signs of stopping! Third Edition has been confirmed! All gas. No brakes. Good vibes only. Get hype and stay up.

You can read the full release from Warlord and join in my sheer excitement.

A few major highlights:

• Alessio Cavatore is taking the helm as lead writer.
• Still uses d6s, pin markers, templates, Order Dice, etc.
• “A brand-new, completely re-worked army list selection system…”
• “…completely overhaul unit profiles, special rules, and points…”
• Existing Armies of… books no longer valid. New Third Edition Rulebook has starter lists for the Big Five and PDFs for other nations.
• Campaign… books still valid, but units will be updated in new Armies of… books.
• Still using d6s, pin markers, templates, order dice, etc.
• As of today, no more books or FAQs for Second Edition.
• More details to come starting in July.

And there we have it. Some of the biggest news to the hit the historical wargaming scene since well, Bolt Action. The hype is real my friends.