Want to slice through the battlefield like a katana? The Bolt Action Japanese starter army is your gateway to commanding an army that excels in close combat and relentless attacks. Itβs designed to give you a solid foundation with a mix of infantry and support units that sharpen the Japanese Armyβs strengths.
In this post, weβll guide you on building and leading your first Japanese force. Youβll learn how to master their special rules and strategies to carve your way to victory.
Whatβs Inside the Box?
Inside the Bolt Action Japanese starter box, youβll find everything you need to get started with a solid force on the tabletop. This set includes:
- 48 Plastic Infantry: These troops form the backbone of your army. With options for rifles, SMGs, and LMGs, you can outfit your soldiers to match your strategy.
- One Metal Medium Machine Gun Team: This team provides steady fire, keeping the enemy pinned down while your troops advance.
- One Metal Medium Mortar Team: Perfect for hitting enemies from a distance, this mortar team helps soften up the opposition before your infantry moves in.
- One Metal Officer: This figure leads your forces, helping you keep your troops in line and ready for action.
- One Plastic Type 97 Chi-Ha Medium Tank: This tank adds some serious firepower to your army and can be set up for different roles depending on what you need.
Setting Up Your Core Infantry
Your Japanese force starts with its infantry. The 48 plastic infantry models in the starter set give you plenty to work with.
Equip most of your troops with rifles. These guys are the backbone of your army. Youβll need lots of them to push forward and take ground.
Throw in a few SMGs for those close-quarter battles. These weapons are great when you need to hit hard up close.
Youβll also want to add a light machine gun or two. These help you pin down the enemy and protect your advancing troops.
Placing Your Officer
Your metal officer keeps the troops in line. Where you put him matters.
- Central Location: Keep your officer in the middle of your army. This way, he can help more units stay focused and in the fight.
- Lead the Charge: If youβre planning an attack, have your officer near the front. Heβll keep the morale up when things get tough.
Using Mortar and Machine Gun Teams
Your mortar and machine gun teams are there to support your infantry. Set up your mortar where itβs safe but keep the enemy in your sights. Use this team to soften up targets before your infantry moves in.
When it comes to the machine gun, position it to cover key areas. You want to pin down the enemy as your troops advance to their territory.
Deploying the Type 97 Chi-Ha Tank
The Type 97 Chi-Ha tank is your key to adding some serious firepower to your army. Itβs built to back up your infantry and cause problems for the enemy. When setting it up, think about what youβre facing. Equip it with a light howitzer if you need to clear out infantry, or go with an anti-tank gun if youβre expecting to face armored vehicles.
Keep the tank close to your troops. Itβs there to support them, not charge off on its own. By sticking with your infantry, the tank can protect them and make sure they stay safe while advancing.
Donβt let the tank get cut off from the rest of your force. Without infantry around, itβs easy for the enemy to surround it and take it out. And, keep the tank close to your main force so it can help break through enemy lines.
Handling Enemy Vehicles
Many players struggle with how to handle enemy vehicles when your army doesnβt have strong armor or anti-tank (AT) choices. You can always use the Type 97βs anti-tank gun in such a situation.
If destroying or neutralizing the tank is unlikely, then working around it is often the best strategy. Tanks are usually the most expensive part of any enemy list, so just issue a βDownβ order to whoever it targets. Doing so will ensure that a significant portion of the enemyβs points accomplishes nothing most turns.
Tip: If you plan on expanding your force later, consider adding the suicide anti-tank teams. Theyβre cheap, effective, and can take down even the toughest vehicles if they get close.
Expanding Your Army
Once youβve got your core troops and a tank in place, itβs time to think about whatβs next. Maybe you want more infantry to overwhelm your opponent. Or perhaps adding another Type 97 Chi-Ha tank sounds like a good plan. Letβs explore the options.
- Add More Infantry: Picture your troops swarming the battlefield, outnumbering the enemy at every turn. More infantry means more bodies to hold objectives and push forward.
- Double up on Tanks: Imagine your opponentβs face when they see not one, but two tanks rolling toward them. A second tank boosts your firepower and gives you more tactical options.
- Bring in Artillery: Need to soften up a tough position? Adding a mortar team or an anti-tank gun can make a big difference.
Conclusion
Building your first Japanese force in a Bolt Action wargame is fun and exciting. The starter army gives you a strong group of infantry, support teams, and a tank to start. Whether you want to rush the enemy with Banzai charges or focus on a strategy, you have what you need.
If you want to bring more life to your army, consider picking up some miniature painting supplies. Online painting tutorials can help you learn new techniques to personalize your army. There are many ways to expand beyond the starter set. When you're ready, you can expand your army with your choice of miniatures.
