Today we’re taking a closer look at the recently announced (and currently available for pre-order) Bolt Action Starter Set. In a similar style to the Introductory Sets for Warhammer 40,000 and Age of Sigmar, this box is unlike anything we’ve seen previously from Warlord Games and is designed from the ground up to be the ideal introduction to Bolt Action for new players. Let’s review the contents of this latest starter set and attempt to answer the question of how well it achieves its goal of inspiring new players to get into the hobby.

Note: The Starter Set is scheduled for release on Nov. 30, 2024. We have not seen the box in person so this article is based solely on the information provided in Warlord’s article announcing the set and its store page.

What’s in the box?

The Starter Set contains “all you need to get started”, including:

• The Bolt Action Field Manual (full color, 68 page book)
• 12 Plastic German Grenadiers
• 12 Plastic US Rangers
• Plastic Ruined Farmhouse
• Cardboard tokens:
  • 6″ ruler
  • 15 pin markers
  • Vehicle damage token
  • German 251/1 Half-track
• Double-sided Gaming Mat
• Six Order Dice (three grey and three olive drab)
• Eight d6
• Dice Bag
• Cardboard Insert that doubles as an in-game Bunker

It’s clear from this list that Warlord has taken care to provide gamers with just about everything they need to start playing Bolt Action. All of the “extras” beyond just the Field Manual and models, like the cardboard tokens, gaming mat, some terrain, dice, and dice bag, go a long way to helping newcomers start playing as quickly, and with as few additional purchases, as possible. Priced at only $68, less than many new board games, Warlord has done a great job packing this kit with value for new gamers.

Of particular interest in the Field Manual. This booklet is structured around a series of missions that help players learn the rules of Bolt Action. Each mission introduces new mechanics and builds on the previous missions. We don’t know exactly how detailed and comprehensive this streamlined presentation of the rules is but it is certain to give new players a great foundation on which to develop further mastery of the game.

I am especially excited that each mission shows the players exactly which models are needed and how to build them from the included sprues. One of the most common questions from new players is “I just purchased a starter box, how should I build my models?” It’s great seeing Warlord providing guidance for those new players with easy-to-follow building guides that provide step-by-step instructions.

This approach of just building models for each mission encourages players to get their forces on the table and rolling dice fast. It is entirely possible for two people to get their first models built and play through a couple of missions in a single afternoon or play all six missions in a day or weekend of gaming. I cannot stress enough how rare and refreshing it is to see a wargaming company, especially for a historical game, use this ultra-digestible format. It is exciting to see Warlord explicitly attempting to capitalize on all of the enthusiasm around the release of Third Edition and encouraging new people to get into the game. More players are always welcome!

What’s not in the box?

Honestly? Not much. As mentioned in the announcement article “glue, modelling tools and paints are not included.” And really those about the only things missing from this kit to get new players into the game. To start playing all you would really need are clippers to remove parts from the sprues and glue to assemble your models. While the inclusion of some basic hobby supplies would have been nice so that players would not need to purchase anything beyond this box to get started, it is a completely understandable decision. It’s fair to think that many people who purchase this box may be new to Bolt Action but not necessarily new to wargaming. Those people do not need those additional supplies and leaving them out helps keeps the cost of the box down.

Concluding Thoughts

Based on the information we’ve seen so far I think Warlord has knocked it out of the park with the new Starter Set. Third Edition has made Bolt Action more approachable than past editions and this box makes it easier to get into the hobby than ever before. It’s important for us experienced Bolt Action players to remember that this box is not necessarily for us – and that’s okay! Offering a set like this helps grow the game and all Bolt Action players, veteran or inexperienced, should be excited about that.