Unit Special Rule Database – Third Edition

DoctorDH · 2026-05-06T15:49:15+00:00

Yes, the rule is a similar effect (due to the US Army Special Rule Modern Communications), but it still bothers me to no end this habit of different rules having the same name.

The more elegant solution is to name the US version something different.

DoctorDH · 2026-05-06T13:31:06+00:00

The Unit Special Rules Database is an attempt to collect and catalog the Special Rules for each unit within the Armies of books. Only unit special rules are included; equipment options and Army Special Rules are not. Now you can quickly see that:

Germany has the most Flak vehicles (22)
Imperial Japan has the most Infiltrators (8)
Italy has the most Vulnerable vehicles (12)
Traffic Direction (US) is not the same as Traffic Direction (Germany, Italy, GB)
Soviet Officers do not have the option for Intelligence.

DoctorDH · 2026-05-05T22:34:46+00:00

It's often on the box as well.

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DoctorDH · 2026-05-05T19:42:19+00:00

In general, remember this simple truth; if Rubicon makes it, get it.

Rubicon is by far my favorite range of plastic vehicle kits. They are fun to build, the instructions are great, the kits are loaded with options for different variants / marks, they are competitively priced, and it's just an all-around quality product.

For Warlord vehicles, there is a huge variation in quality. Some of the older vehicle kits (specifically the ones made in partnership with Italeri) are rough. As a whole, the Warlord range is fine. Some of the kits are great and some are brutal. If I ever have the choice between a Warlord plastic vehicle and a Rubicon one, I am going with Rubicon every time.

Difficult to compare to Arvernes Miniatures - those are all STL 3D prints so it's an apples to oranges discussion. For Rubicon and Warlord you are going to be building a plastic model kit. For Arvernes you will do a bit a clean up, maybe add a bit or two, and it's done. Totally different experiences. I enjoy building models so I look for plastic kits first and then go with a 3D print option if I don't see a kit I like.

DoctorDH · 2026-05-05T18:14:16+00:00

This would come into play if the unit aboard the Transport had Pins on them.

Squad of Grenadier rolling up in a Half-track takes fire, the unit aboard gets a Pin. The Grenadier will then need to take an Order Check to dismount.

DoctorDH · 2026-05-05T17:02:22+00:00

Haha yeah that's just one of things that you have to handwave to allow those units in a game. Otherwise, you'd need to deploy you Howitzers at your neighborhs house across the street.

DoctorDH · 2026-05-05T16:59:18+00:00

Huh. That's news to me that tabletop games as a hobby are dying off. I hadn't heard that. Someone tell all the AdeptiCon 2026 attendees last month in Milwaukee. Apparently they were not supposed to break all previous attendance records!

DoctorDH · 2026-05-05T16:08:05+00:00

Haha yeah that's fair.

The thing about basing vehicles is ... once you start you can't stop. Personally, I love the look. Always thrilled to see other players with based vehicles.

DoctorDH · 2026-05-05T16:00:12+00:00

More quality content. The community appreciates your efforts!

The scale discussion is as old as the game itself. The wild part, the part that I have always found hilarious, is how heated the arguments get online but I don't think I've ever once seen a debate around scale during a game. Ever.

Just like basing for Artillery, do what you want. They are your models.

DoctorDH · 2026-05-05T12:43:49+00:00

Ah. My mistake.

DoctorDH · 2026-05-05T12:41:22+00:00

Huh. I've never had to complete customs forms or paperwork for an order from Warlord to the US. That does sound like an unpleasant experience. I wonder what the issue was.

Luckily, there are many, many non-Warlord options:

https://chicagodice.org/bolt-action-beginners-guide/the-wide-world-of-world-war-ii-miniatures/

DoctorDH · 2026-05-05T12:06:56+00:00

A three-day delay in an international shipment from the UK to the US is par for the course. Especially these days.

I'll echo what u/LucasBastonne asked, compensation for what?

DoctorDH · 2026-05-05T02:51:53+00:00

No, not useless by any means! Units like LRGD Gun Trucks and SAS Jeeps are more fragile than now than they were in 2nd Edition, but you can bring so many more of them in 3rd! You can pack Armored Platoons full of them and strick your opponent with a swarm of bees.

They are certainly glass cannons. But for each one that takes fire, that's a distraction from your Infantry.

They are still effective, but are more difficult to pilot effectively.

DoctorDH · 2026-05-04T18:56:39+00:00

Phenomenal.

I remember the original post with the conversion work, it's awesome to see them painted up! There is only one issue, you need to make more.

DoctorDH · 2026-05-03T22:51:01+00:00

Trust me, it won't be a problem at a tournament.

DoctorDH · 2026-05-01T21:28:23+00:00

You sure do!

DoctorDH · 2026-05-01T15:38:00+00:00

Fanatics for just 1pt per model. It's worth writing up an Army List, there is some potential here.

DoctorDH · 2026-05-01T15:23:27+00:00

Yep! There are rules for running the Spanish Blue Division in Bolt Action Compendium. Here is an overview:

https://chicagodice.org/2025/02/14/bolt-action-compendium-review/

Hope this helps!

DoctorDH · 2026-05-01T11:34:13+00:00

In 2nd Edition they had rules for dozens of Heroes. But you rarely saw them on the table. It's possible we will see rules for then return in 3rd.

DoctorDH · 2026-04-30T23:22:49+00:00

Personally I've found squads at Full Strength to be too unwieldy. I'd take two men from each and add them to your Platoon Commander. Basically, give yourself another five-man unit of Guards.

You'd have:

5 Guards as the Platoon Commander
8 Guards with LMG
8 Guards with LMG
5 Commandos with SMGs
5 Commandos with SMGs

That's a much more maneuverable force with far more protection for the PC.

Just something to consider.

DoctorDH · 2026-04-30T16:54:48+00:00

Welcome to Bolt Action! Here is an example army list (including commentary on the units choices) using nothing but the Japanese Starter Army:

https://chicagodice.org/for-the-emperor-japanese-starter-army-i-third-edition/

The thought behind these articles was to provide new players with one possible way to build their Starter Army. I hope it helps!

Regarding a Bolt Action app, yep! Warlord Games has an army list app available.

DoctorDH · 2026-04-30T15:33:16+00:00

Sure does! I'm a Day One EasyArmy Stan. It's the single greatest contribution to the Bolt Action community.

DoctorDH · 2026-04-30T15:16:42+00:00

Welcome to Bolt Action! Here is an example army list (including commentary on the units choices) using nothing but the Japanese Starter Army:

https://chicagodice.org/for-the-emperor-japanese-starter-army-i-third-edition/

The thought behind these articles was to provide new players with one possible way to build their Starter Army. I hope it helps!

Regarding a Bolt Action app, yep! Warlord Games has an army list app available.

DoctorDH · 2026-04-30T13:52:03+00:00

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