Box Contents

The Wargames Atlantic Italian Infantry box a plastic kit containing:

• 32 Italian Infantry
• 45 Rifles
• 10 SMGs
• 5 LMGs
• 2 MMGs
• Standard helmets, pith helmets, Alpine hats, caps and feathers for Bersaglieri
• Backpacks, pouches, pistols, grenades, canteens, etc.

The Machine Gun Platoon List

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 works at a semi-competitive level. Please in mind, this list was written using only the content of a single box of infantry.

New Edition, new 1 Box, 1 Army! This particular 500pt army list was created using the Wargames Atlantic Italian Infantry. Remember that is army list was built using only the contents of a single infantry box. Our unit options may be limited but it’s always fun to see what we can squeeze out of a single $30 kit. This particular kit has enough bits to make your Italian Infantry as either regular Army, Alpini, or Bersaglieri. As of writing there is no difference rules-wise between Alpini or Bersaglieri. I certainly expect this to change once we move past the PDF Minor Nation Army Lists. So for now, feel free to go with whatever “flavor” you like the look of!

Thematically we are leaning leaning way in on the Defensive Strategy Army Special Rule. Our 500pt Army list packs five LMGs and two MMGs. We are pouring on the small arms fire at 36″. This army list excels in missions that have full (or partial) deployment. You want your MGs full setup before the game begins. As an Italian player, not only can you start units already in Ambush (amazing for those MMG Teams), your opponent cannot Run during the first turn on the game meaning you will have extra time to get serious MG shots down range. You’ll need to decide if you want to spread out that fire across multiple targets or focus on one or two enemy units and really put on some hurt. With the To Hit modifier changes in Third Edition you will have no trouble loading Pins onto your enemy.

This force is not particularly mobile. But it doesn’t have to be. This is a force designed to keep your opponent at range. You do not want to get involved in any firefights with 12″. Get into cover, and hold the line. Honestly the only thing we need to worry about is enemy armor. There is zero, zero, AT in this list. Sadly there are no AT options in the Italian Infantry box. This list is screaming for something to threaten armor. An AT Rifle or Light Howitzer would do the trick. Even a Flamethrower Team. In a 500pt game you won’t see a ton of enemy vehicles but you should be prepared to deal with Armor 8 and well, we got nothing. That being said, any soft-skins are going to have a bad time against this list.

This army list comes in at a respectable 7 Order Dice and you shouldn’t get out activated by your opponent. Focus fire on the biggest threats (anything that can deal significant close assault damage) and pray you don’t go up against an Armored Car or Light Tank! Even with the big gap in AT, this is a solid list that showcases an excellent Wargames Atlantic kit. If you want to represent the Kingdom of Italy fighting in Europe, the Eastern Front, or North Africa this is the box for you.

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What’s Next?

Consider these additions to your 500pt 1 Box Army:

• Autoblinda AB41 – At only 100pts for an Armor 7, dual direction steering, Recce Armored Car with a turret Light Autocannon (co-ax MMG) and rear-turret MMG the Autoblinda is a 1+ pick for all Italian players. I’ve used one for many years and now with how Armored Platoons work I need to add at least one more to my collection. There is also the option to swap the Light Autocannon for x2 MMGs but with the vehicle MGs only firing half shots, I wouldn’t recommend it.
• L6/40 – If you are going to run an Autoblinda you’ll need a second vehicle to fill the Armored Platoon. Now, you can always take a second Autoblinda and upgrade it to a Command Vehicle (a valid pick). Or if you want some variety, go with the free Command Vehicle upgrade on the L6/40. This little recon tank is perfect to pair with the Autoblinda. Although not as quick (being fully tracked) it has Recce and brings a turret Light Autocannon to bare for the bargain price of 100pts. Note it does have One-Man Turret and is Vulnerable but it’s just so cute.
• AT – As mentioned you need some AT. Something. Anything to at least Pin enemy armor. Simple and each pick is a Anti-Tank Rifle. Only 25pts Reg and with the boost to 48″ range you can put a Pin on King Tiger from across the table. If you want something with a bit more pop go for a Anti-Tank Gun or Howitzer.
• Mortars – Indirect HE is king in Third Edition. A single Medium Mortar added to the existing Heavy Weapons Platoon would go a long way to giving this list some much needed indirect support. Or, a pair of Light Mortars added to the Rifle Platoon (or all three)!

– Andrew

Return to 1 Box, 1 Army.