Ep.58 Bolt Action V3 Review & a Welsh Farewell to V2 | Tabletop Tommies Bolt Action Podcast

In this exciting episode, Jonny and Phil finally get their hands on the highly anticipated Bolt Action Version 3. They kick things off by reflecting on the Welsh Open, where the transition from V2 to V3 highlighted some significant differences in gameplay.
The hosts delve into the changes introduced in V3, starting with the revamped HQ units and their crucial role in maintaining unit cohesion amidst the new pinning mechanics. They also discuss the streamlined shooting rules, cover saves, and the redefined assault mechanics, providing their insights on how these changes impact gameplay and strategy.
Phil and Jonny share their experiences with various units, including the newfound importance of regular troops and the tactical benefits of half-tracks. They touch on the updated vehicle movement rules, the new damage tables, and the implications for artillery and indirect fire weapons.
As they explore the new platoon structures and army composition rules, the hosts consider the broader impacts on list building and tournament play. They also discuss the balance between historical accuracy and gameplay mechanics, offering their thoughts on the evolving meta in Bolt Action V3.
Join Jonny and Phil as they navigate the exciting new landscape of Bolt Action V3, sharing their tips, strategies, and predictions for the future of the game. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a newcomer, this episode is packed with valuable insights to enhance your Bolt Action experience.
Don't forget to check out the English Open at Warfare in November for a chance to compete in one of the first two-day V3 tournaments in the UK!
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[@thestoicsteve]

Thanks for covering v3 and its main diffs from v2. Looking forward to receiving the new rule book.

[@WoodImp]

Looking forward to listening to this, sat in my hotel room, waiting for the open day tomorrow!

[@TabletopTommies]

See you there!

[@zellak-pr7pu]

interesting to see that BA V3.0 is now more like AT-43 and using the cover save mechanic ! No comebacks from Rackham as they are dead.

[@TheKenthor]

If you hadn't had to look up half tracks, I would have. Thanks for your diligence.

[@TabletopTommies]

You're very welcome. Thanks for listening!

[@TikitheHutt]

I'll be missing Bolt Action 2nd Edition. I'm excited for the new Platoon types of 3rd.

[@aWOLtrooper]

Great discussion.

[@garybuchan3601]

Great cast and great chat lads, am jumping back in for V.3🎉

[@TabletopTommies]

Thanks, come on in, the water's fine!

[@arkenhemnall6224]

Ya, frustrating for me, I always played the Gerries took +2 guys with free Stg44 and using the additional snap to so that I could either inflict 3 pins on a target unit in one go or pulling key units behind cover before getting humped by the other side. Everyone will be doing this now, so my game play is watered down wih the new rules. I guess adapt and survive. I'm still 50/50 on the new rules. Love the force organisation, but watering down the effects of pins and having kills much more prevalent, and with no minus mod for long range shooting (why oh why?...) just makes it feel very 40K, especially with the cover saves. Also I agree that you just shoot away knowing that most stuff is in range. Nerfing of close combat and why do pins make no difference in combat too? My 2 defining aspects that I used to promote BA are the random dice mechanism and pins stacking. Now not so much. I've actually started my own version of what I hoped 3rd ed would be, I've called them the '3 point No' version. We'll see how we go. I enjoy aspects of the 3rd, but the good bits of 2nd feel lessened. I guess play like mad and review nearer Xmas.

[@TheKenthor]

I heard in an interview with Marcus Vine that Rapid Fired was changed because the US was getting a 95 percent win rate in play testing. My math agrees with yours and I really liked the old rule, so I'm not sure how I feel about it.

[@TabletopTommies]

Graph fans can expect a video soon looking at the exact odds, but I in summary i think this was a misstep from them that hopefully gets reverted in the armies of book, mainly for making the US feel like a unique nation to play. Jonny

[@TheKenthor]

@@TabletopTommies Looking forward to the graph. My math isn't the best.

[@arkenhemnall6224]

I like the fact that the US gets the extra dice, I would have approached is differently to be honest but it works here. To make the US different to the UK infa try they should have it that the Brits only get it if they remain stationary, but that they get to re-roll scores of a 1 or something. They also should have another class of weapon called 'Rapid Firing weapon' or something that applies to Garands, BARs, LMGs etc whereby if they get a 6 to hit in combat they count as having the Tough Fighter rule and can roll another dice. That would really lift the US a bit and make them different enough to the British. Hey ho, maybe in BA 4th edition 😂

[@ZhukovsBoots]

I like the rules in general but I'll mis the reenforced platoon.

[@TabletopTommies]

I'm feeling similar, but it will always be an option for club games and unique tournaments... Jonny

[@tidgit5954]

G'day lads i need a bit of help plz my m8 is me getting back BA with the new V3 as it is Gary Morgan do i 1 pretend not to be at home or 2 not pick up the phone or 3 move back Australia lol

[@TabletopTommies]

Don't tell everyone and ruin his competitive cred, but if you put a bren in a buffalo, he won't know how to counter it! Works every time... Jonny

[@tidgit5954]

@@TabletopTommies thx i will give it a go lol.he has been kicking my ass for 30 years