My favourite tanks by far are the Panzerkampfwagen I and II. I was kinda surprised they’re hard to find, tho. These bad boys overran the French and the polish, and both served all the way up to the end of the war, and a little bit after. Also, the Pzkw I was (possibly) the first ever command tank. Both these tanks were well liked by their crew, and they look fantastic IMO. I was very surprised to see the Bolt action starter kit for Blitzkrieg Germans included a Pzkw IIII, not a II.
becouse most people dont think of the panzer I as the "superior german enginering" It is a tank with almost no armor 1 man turret (while on game it isnt represented becouse reasons) and lacking also armament being only armed with 2 machineguns (while in game thats awesome irl not that much) similar problems on the panzer 2 one man turret ligth armor and armament but it performed quite better it wasnt a good tank irl
For Brits I like to recommend the Stuart, might be my 8th Army bias showing though. I don't even need the 6 machine guns BS or whatever it is, I just think it's a cute cheap tank with a couple MGs for suppressing infantry and a light AT gun for killing transports and armored cars. I love my Honey!
I'm also a T-34/85 supporter - in the starter box, and has a heavy AT gun rather than a medium AT gun. Has the option for tank riders as Soviets and though it's a bit pricey at 235 pts, it's definitely workable and a solid beginner tank. Also come on... Soviets without my T-34?! A travesty indeed
Have to agree ,we think pretty similar in regards to these choices. The panzer 4 was the first German tank I got and crunching the numbers was hands down the best bang for the buck. Can totally endorse for any aspiring German commanders out there.
For me, gotta be the Sherman. Reliable, decently armoured, roomy (by tank standards), and featured a diverse range of variants for nearly any task. As has been said, the best tank is the one that makes it to battle to begin with.
I’m sorry I’m not seeing any Baneblade or Kratos recommendations. And we all know how important the baneblade was countering German aggression during 44.
Couldn't agree more on the Soviet T34/85. Early War, I'm Also a big fan of the T-60 joined by a BA10 armored car. Late war, it's hard to argue with an IS-2. That big HE shell makes it a real threat.
KV-2 for my Soviets followed by the JSU-152. Then for my Germans it would be the Brummbar followed by it's smaller brother StuH 42. Then for my Americans it would either be the M4A3 105mm Sherman or the M-36 B1 Jackson. Other than the StuH 42 and 105mm Sherman they are not true beginner tanks, but they all can pretty much put a hurting on infantry since that is what makes up a majority of any platoon that is in Bolt Action.
Depends a bit on time period. I prefer early war Brits, so a fan of the Cruiser A9 CS, 2 mini turret MMGs and a main turret light howitzer with coaxial MMG gives a punchy (and cheap) anti infantry option.
I'd say sure, something middle of the road until you get a handle on what sort of playstyle you want to run with. The Sherman, up-gunned Panzer III, and Cromwell have almost identical base stat-lines and points costs, can dual other tanks and won't ruin the game if a lucky shot knocks them out. Although the Panzer IV with a heavy AT gun is a great value pick for 235 points for what it brings, it's probably worth spending 40pts for the heavy gun and S9 armour. Really iconic good looking plastic kit. Will it earn it's points back? Maybe. The mask slips a bit with the Japanese recommendation, the Japanese have suicide anti-tank teams and that changes everything. You don't need your tank to knock out their tank (in fact it's really unlightly with japans plastic tank) so you can pick up some great value MMG platforms. But to be fair you can do the same with all the other axis factions that get easy access to panzerfausts and this is very common competive list building.
I actually really like the M18 Hellcat for the Americans, because it requires some careful positioning, but it is a lot smaller than a Sherman while carrying a heavy AT gun. Doesn't have a gyrostabilizer but it's cheap and can basically be mobile AT to leave your artillery slot open for an actual artillery piece.
For the Japanese i think the best beginner thank in the Shinhoto Chi Ha because it has good AT for fighting the Americans and can take a Sherman out relatively easily. Plus it still has two mmgs
The best beginning tanks are the medium tanks you are thinking about when you are thinking about the faction. T-34/85, Panzer IV. H, M4 Sherman. However I disagree with the cromwell. Without the american extra rules compared to the sherman its rather weak. Its not particularly good against infantry, and it is really bad against what some opposing factions can bring. Yeah its a good basis, but It really wont excel at any game and at that point why even bring it when you can get more artilerry and better anti tank guns for its price. But If I would have to choose one it would be a Churchill. It has the advantage of being a really scary lump of steel on the battlefield which is close indestructible if your opponent is underprepared. The best tanks overall, Imo are not in the tank slot. Get me a Puma, an AEC mark III, a greyhound. Cheap, fast, recce. They pack a punch and can get out of any situation. I rarely fill my tank slot but when I do, I take moving machinegun nests. This is an infantry focused game. You kill more infantry you do better. Pz. I, Pz II., Luchs are my choices. I let my fausts, or Artilerry take on armor.
Bang on, recce is the best amour in the game. But the argument will be that this is beginners advice so accessibility and a plastic kit will be a factor. Unless you're playing Japan for some reason. But doesn't the plastic multi part Churchill come in the new British starter set? With the Churchill AVRE being 290pts? It's my go to British tank at the moment. I've just picked up the warlord AEC mark III, what an ugly chunk of resin. From the stats it looks like an British Puma with HE 2 for 5 more points, who knew. Pumas have annoyed me for years and now I've got my own!
I took a guess before you said them and I was all correct except for Japan. Haven’t played or played against so I just said Chi-Ha but there you go. Way to go MG
I love my M15 when I play with my Marines against Japan. It kills the small Tanks and 7+ vehicles and then it starts butchering Infanry. As a late war German, I wouldn't worry too much about other tanks. You got Panzerfaust. Which Sherman wants to paly with this little thing? ;) Nice video otherwise! Good advise for new people! Greetings from Germany.
I love the 95 I do tend to veteran it these days. The increased chance to pass the order test makes me more likely to attempt to order rather than rally.
Love running my Veteran Sherman with Gyro-stabilizers. The one thing I’m not sure is worth it is pintle mounted guns that leave you open topped when you fire them.
I don’t know anything about this game or which tanks are good in it, but the PzIII is the most aesthetic tank of WWII. The J, L, or M model with the 5cm gun.
I didn't get along with the T-34/76 right away: initially, I found it much easier to use the T-28 and KV-1S. Both of these tanks have very firm ideas of what they want to be doing: the T-28 wants to be mowing down every infantryman in sight, and the KV-1S wants to be aggressive: it wants to get right up into the enemy's face to engage enemy tanks, shells bouncing harmlessly off its armour, and if gunfire doesn't work, it's still 50 tons of steel, more than capable of crushing most enemy units under its treads. The T-34/76, by comparison, isn't so sure what it wants to be, but, having had some time to get to know it, I tend to think of it as a combined-arms tank. Its armour and gun are nothing special, but, as you mentioned, the Soviets, deep down, want to be playing the infantry game. A T-34/76 can deliver a squad of Tank Riders into the heart of the fray (or as close to the fray as terrain and enemy fire will allow, anyway), and provide them with fire support once they're there.
As i imagine this is going to be for major armies for the french i would say the AMC-35 as it doesnt have the one man turret rule and it isnt slow is just your normal ligth tank Or if you want to get use to the one man turret rule the best would be the renault ft-17 as it is quite cheap so it will help you familiarice with the french tanks (slow and one man turret rule) while not being a burden being quite cheap at i think it is 35 points for a armored mg
I just bought a box of waffen ss infantry (first ever bolt action box!) and I was wondering what tank would be best suited? I know they had some great ones. I was thinking a tiger 1 just for the shock and awe factor.
Back when the recon rule meant you could move after shooting... the M18 Hellcat was the best way for the Americans to get a heavy anti-tank gun on the battlefield. You're right though, for beginners I think for the US the basic Medium anti-tank gun Sherman is the best choice. Not the BEST anti-tank, but the extra High Explosive definitely makes up for it and would give a beginner a "good" tank that could help them in any situation... never mind the number of machine guns and that great .50cal that can also be the anti-aircraft gun. I do hate the fire rule though. Too many WWII wargames make it so the Sherman is like that. However that was a complete myth perpetrated by a really poorly written book by an American tank mechanic and the bias of SOME German guns able to kill a Sherman with a single hit at any angle. Even Flames of War finally dropped that "Ronson" rule eventually...
While the Sherman is iconic and a great tank, there are 2 that you should consider instead. The M3 Stuart (especially with the extra LMG's) is an infantry killer. Or, you can go with the M24 Chaffee. Same Sherman gun, gives up a single armor. Not only that but both can be taken in a British army as well. And the M3 in a Soviet list.
What about the Italians, French and the Polish they have their own unique armor? Have you never faced them before? I once saw a guy kill tons of stuff with the small polish tank (TKS).
Which French? Early war/Vichy, Free French North Africa, and post-liberation France are entirely separate factions with their own army special rules and minimal to no overlap (Bolt Action 3E should just put French in the core book and make them sub-factions like China gets). For Early/Vichy, I've actually heard some serious suggestions to take advantage of how cheap the FT is and field a tank platoon focused on them (cheap only if you get a half dozen 3D printed). It's only 35 points each ( 190 points for a set of five once you add the command vehicle+no radios rule) to get an order dice and MMG immune to small arms. Non-tank platoon forces that don't have Panzerfausts typically only have a few units who can deal with opposing armor and five lady tanks can overwhelm them long enough for your artillery (you have two!), infantry, and mortar to take out those options. I suspect this is particularly silly in lower point games where it's even less likely to have multiple anti-armor options and the value of France's free stuff is even better. North Africa: Literally has zero tank options. Post-liberation: Literally takes form American list, even getting gyro-stabilizers according to errata. As for Poland, it basically has the same options as early French, but lacks the options make use of the cheapness. While I don't have experience, I suspect Italy is easy: The M14/41 is literally identical to pre-errata Stuart aside from being fieldable as veteran, and the pre-errata Stuart was crazy good.
@@kanrakucheese I meant early war france/vichy. Poland can have the cheapness in tank platoon the same cost renault and 55 points hotchkiss with 2 turret each with mmg. And you have a TKS which is technically in armored cars section in most of the platoons although it costs 70 with mmg it has recce and it is easy to hide due it`s size. TKS is great due to it`s many possible which can confuse the opponent. You can also pay more points to give TKS light autocannon. Italy has basically the same thing with it`s tankettes L3 cheaper even than the renault with many options and the cheap options for M13/40 125 points for the light at gun coax mmg and two hull mmg and you can also buy pintle mmg to have four mmg on a 140 points 8+ light tank
Japan best tank is MORE infantry to tanking the battle. I'm so tired of see my Chi-Ha blow up in every game. They just not worth the money. Even if you want to using their wreck as cover. There are other options cheaper and provide bigger cover.
There are no such thing as a beginner tank in Bolt Action. Medium tanks are the way to go if adding a tank to your army. As tanks are pretty much the same across every faction unlike 40k then they don't define how you play your army.
My favourite tanks by far are the Panzerkampfwagen I and II. I was kinda surprised they’re hard to find, tho. These bad boys overran the French and the polish, and both served all the way up to the end of the war, and a little bit after. Also, the Pzkw I was (possibly) the first ever command tank. Both these tanks were well liked by their crew, and they look fantastic IMO. I was very surprised to see the Bolt action starter kit for Blitzkrieg Germans included a Pzkw IIII, not a II.
becouse most people dont think of the panzer I as the "superior german enginering"
It is a tank with almost no armor 1 man turret (while on game it isnt represented becouse reasons) and lacking also armament being only armed with 2 machineguns (while in game thats awesome irl not that much)
similar problems on the panzer 2 one man turret ligth armor and armament but it performed quite better it wasnt a good tank irl
@@blecao 2 machineguns are great irl too, since most battles didn't involve tanks fighting other tanks
For Brits I like to recommend the Stuart, might be my 8th Army bias showing though. I don't even need the 6 machine guns BS or whatever it is, I just think it's a cute cheap tank with a couple MGs for suppressing infantry and a light AT gun for killing transports and armored cars. I love my Honey!
I personally love the T34/85 as it was the first tank that i could recognise from any angle or in any photo.
I'm also a T-34/85 supporter - in the starter box, and has a heavy AT gun rather than a medium AT gun. Has the option for tank riders as Soviets and though it's a bit pricey at 235 pts, it's definitely workable and a solid beginner tank.
Also come on... Soviets without my T-34?! A travesty indeed
Have to agree ,we think pretty similar in regards to these choices. The panzer 4 was the first German tank I got and crunching the numbers was hands down the best bang for the buck. Can totally endorse for any aspiring German commanders out there.
For me, gotta be the Sherman. Reliable, decently armoured, roomy (by tank standards), and featured a diverse range of variants for nearly any task. As has been said, the best tank is the one that makes it to battle to begin with.
Though I do love the Matilda (woof!), The Sherman is my first and true tank love.
I’m sorry I’m not seeing any Baneblade or Kratos recommendations. And we all know how important the baneblade was countering German aggression during 44.
Couldn't agree more on the Soviet T34/85. Early War, I'm Also a big fan of the T-60 joined by a BA10 armored car. Late war, it's hard to argue with an IS-2. That big HE shell makes it a real threat.
At my club we often play bigger games at 1250pts.
I take a Churchill AVRE and an AEC MK3
Absolutely Love my Churchill 3.
KV-2 for my Soviets followed by the JSU-152. Then for my Germans it would be the Brummbar followed by it's smaller brother StuH 42. Then for my Americans it would either be the M4A3 105mm Sherman or the M-36 B1 Jackson. Other than the StuH 42 and 105mm Sherman they are not true beginner tanks, but they all can pretty much put a hurting on infantry since that is what makes up a majority of any platoon that is in Bolt Action.
Thank you!
2:40 Sherman
7:44 Cromwell
11:11 Zhe Germanzzz - Panzer 4
15:00 for THA MOTHERLAND - T-34
Depends a bit on time period. I prefer early war Brits, so a fan of the Cruiser A9 CS, 2 mini turret MMGs and a main turret light howitzer with coaxial MMG gives a punchy (and cheap) anti infantry option.
I'd say sure, something middle of the road until you get a handle on what sort of playstyle you want to run with. The Sherman, up-gunned Panzer III, and Cromwell have almost identical base stat-lines and points costs, can dual other tanks and won't ruin the game if a lucky shot knocks them out.
Although the Panzer IV with a heavy AT gun is a great value pick for 235 points for what it brings, it's probably worth spending 40pts for the heavy gun and S9 armour. Really iconic good looking plastic kit. Will it earn it's points back? Maybe.
The mask slips a bit with the Japanese recommendation, the Japanese have suicide anti-tank teams and that changes everything. You don't need your tank to knock out their tank (in fact it's really unlightly with japans plastic tank) so you can pick up some great value MMG platforms. But to be fair you can do the same with all the other axis factions that get easy access to panzerfausts and this is very common competive list building.
I actually really like the M18 Hellcat for the Americans, because it requires some careful positioning, but it is a lot smaller than a Sherman while carrying a heavy AT gun. Doesn't have a gyrostabilizer but it's cheap and can basically be mobile AT to leave your artillery slot open for an actual artillery piece.
Any chance you can do a video on artillery in game. I'm hoping to make a list around 155 howitzer once I save up
For the Japanese i think the best beginner thank in the Shinhoto Chi Ha because it has good AT for fighting the Americans and can take a Sherman out relatively easily. Plus it still has two mmgs
My favorite irl tank would be the hetzer I like how weird it looks.
gotta love that gothic imperial wolfenstein like warhammer terrain in the background
The best beginning tanks are the medium tanks you are thinking about when you are thinking about the faction. T-34/85, Panzer IV. H, M4 Sherman. However I disagree with the cromwell. Without the american extra rules compared to the sherman its rather weak. Its not particularly good against infantry, and it is really bad against what some opposing factions can bring. Yeah its a good basis, but It really wont excel at any game and at that point why even bring it when you can get more artilerry and better anti tank guns for its price. But If I would have to choose one it would be a Churchill. It has the advantage of being a really scary lump of steel on the battlefield which is close indestructible if your opponent is underprepared.
The best tanks overall, Imo are not in the tank slot. Get me a Puma, an AEC mark III, a greyhound. Cheap, fast, recce. They pack a punch and can get out of any situation.
I rarely fill my tank slot but when I do, I take moving machinegun nests. This is an infantry focused game. You kill more infantry you do better. Pz. I, Pz II., Luchs are my choices. I let my fausts, or Artilerry take on armor.
Bang on, recce is the best amour in the game. But the argument will be that this is beginners advice so accessibility and a plastic kit will be a factor. Unless you're playing Japan for some reason.
But doesn't the plastic multi part Churchill come in the new British starter set? With the Churchill AVRE being 290pts? It's my go to British tank at the moment.
I've just picked up the warlord AEC mark III, what an ugly chunk of resin. From the stats it looks like an British Puma with HE 2 for 5 more points, who knew. Pumas have annoyed me for years and now I've got my own!
I took a guess before you said them and I was all correct except for Japan. Haven’t played or played against so I just said Chi-Ha but there you go. Way to go MG
Well done on getting most of them right! And the chi-ha is a great tank as well :)
I have to admit my favorite tank in WW2 is the KV-2. Have to show some love to the Russian Death Fridge
i have one for bolt action it goes big Stonk
I love my M15 when I play with my Marines against Japan. It kills the small Tanks and 7+ vehicles and then it starts butchering Infanry. As a late war German, I wouldn't worry too much about other tanks. You got Panzerfaust. Which Sherman wants to paly with this little thing? ;)
Nice video otherwise! Good advise for new people! Greetings from Germany.
I love the 95 I do tend to veteran it these days. The increased chance to pass the order test makes me more likely to attempt to order rather than rally.
Love running my Veteran Sherman with Gyro-stabilizers. The one thing I’m not sure is worth it is pintle mounted guns that leave you open topped when you fire them.
I don’t know anything about this game or which tanks are good in it, but the PzIII is the most aesthetic tank of WWII. The J, L, or M model with the 5cm gun.
Nice. I'm a StuG man myself
I love the Pz 3 too! But my personal favourite is the mighty tiger :D
I didn't get along with the T-34/76 right away: initially, I found it much easier to use the T-28 and KV-1S. Both of these tanks have very firm ideas of what they want to be doing: the T-28 wants to be mowing down every infantryman in sight, and the KV-1S wants to be aggressive: it wants to get right up into the enemy's face to engage enemy tanks, shells bouncing harmlessly off its armour, and if gunfire doesn't work, it's still 50 tons of steel, more than capable of crushing most enemy units under its treads.
The T-34/76, by comparison, isn't so sure what it wants to be, but, having had some time to get to know it, I tend to think of it as a combined-arms tank. Its armour and gun are nothing special, but, as you mentioned, the Soviets, deep down, want to be playing the infantry game. A T-34/76 can deliver a squad of Tank Riders into the heart of the fray (or as close to the fray as terrain and enemy fire will allow, anyway), and provide them with fire support once they're there.
As i imagine this is going to be for major armies for the french i would say the AMC-35 as it doesnt have the one man turret rule and it isnt slow is just your normal ligth tank
Or if you want to get use to the one man turret rule the best would be the renault ft-17 as it is quite cheap so it will help you familiarice with the french tanks (slow and one man turret rule) while not being a burden being quite cheap at i think it is 35 points for a armored mg
I just bought a box of waffen ss infantry (first ever bolt action box!) and I was wondering what tank would be best suited? I know they had some great ones. I was thinking a tiger 1 just for the shock and awe factor.
Back when the recon rule meant you could move after shooting... the M18 Hellcat was the best way for the Americans to get a heavy anti-tank gun on the battlefield. You're right though, for beginners I think for the US the basic Medium anti-tank gun Sherman is the best choice. Not the BEST anti-tank, but the extra High Explosive definitely makes up for it and would give a beginner a "good" tank that could help them in any situation... never mind the number of machine guns and that great .50cal that can also be the anti-aircraft gun. I do hate the fire rule though. Too many WWII wargames make it so the Sherman is like that. However that was a complete myth perpetrated by a really poorly written book by an American tank mechanic and the bias of SOME German guns able to kill a Sherman with a single hit at any angle. Even Flames of War finally dropped that "Ronson" rule eventually...
While the Sherman is iconic and a great tank, there are 2 that you should consider instead. The M3 Stuart (especially with the extra LMG's) is an infantry killer. Or, you can go with the M24 Chaffee. Same Sherman gun, gives up a single armor. Not only that but both can be taken in a British army as well. And the M3 in a Soviet list.
What about the Italians, French and the Polish they have their own unique armor? Have you never faced them before? I once saw a guy kill tons of stuff with the small polish tank (TKS).
Not faced them yet myself, but I also tend to stick to the major factions with these beginner videos to keep things simple for new players :)
Which French? Early war/Vichy, Free French North Africa, and post-liberation France are entirely separate factions with their own army special rules and minimal to no overlap (Bolt Action 3E should just put French in the core book and make them sub-factions like China gets).
For Early/Vichy, I've actually heard some serious suggestions to take advantage of how cheap the FT is and field a tank platoon focused on them (cheap only if you get a half dozen 3D printed). It's only 35 points each ( 190 points for a set of five once you add the command vehicle+no radios rule) to get an order dice and MMG immune to small arms. Non-tank platoon forces that don't have Panzerfausts typically only have a few units who can deal with opposing armor and five lady tanks can overwhelm them long enough for your artillery (you have two!), infantry, and mortar to take out those options. I suspect this is particularly silly in lower point games where it's even less likely to have multiple anti-armor options and the value of France's free stuff is even better.
North Africa: Literally has zero tank options.
Post-liberation: Literally takes form American list, even getting gyro-stabilizers according to errata.
As for Poland, it basically has the same options as early French, but lacks the options make use of the cheapness.
While I don't have experience, I suspect Italy is easy: The M14/41 is literally identical to pre-errata Stuart aside from being fieldable as veteran, and the pre-errata Stuart was crazy good.
@@kanrakucheese I meant early war france/vichy. Poland can have the cheapness in tank platoon the same cost renault and 55 points hotchkiss with 2 turret each with mmg. And you have a TKS which is technically in armored cars section in most of the platoons although it costs 70 with mmg it has recce and it is easy to hide due it`s size. TKS is great due to it`s many possible which can confuse the opponent. You can also pay more points to give TKS light autocannon. Italy has basically the same thing with it`s tankettes L3 cheaper even than the renault with many options and the cheap options for M13/40 125 points for the light at gun coax mmg and two hull mmg and you can also buy pintle mmg to have four mmg on a 140 points 8+ light tank
I agree with your Japanese tank as I like dual MMGs
The bots swarmed this one... get your shit together youtube.
you seemed to have forgotten the M14 🤨
Don’t care. Buying an IS-2. It’s my favorite
Japan best tank is MORE infantry to tanking the battle. I'm so tired of see my Chi-Ha blow up in every game. They just not worth the money. Even if you want to using their wreck as cover. There are other options cheaper and provide bigger cover.
There are no such thing as a beginner tank in Bolt Action. Medium tanks are the way to go if adding a tank to your army. As tanks are pretty much the same across every faction unlike 40k then they don't define how you play your army.
Dakka M3A1 Stuart.. FULL STOP..... No other tank means anything.... FULL Stop
Favorite tank: the hellcat. Is it good? Not really. But it knows how to fuck
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