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I am looking to get into a WW2 Table top, so far I have only really seen Bolt Action and Flames of war. Not sure if they are the same game just saw the Bolt action models in store.

What are the differences in the two games.

And is this a expensive hobby to get into?

The difference is scale. Bolt Action is a 28mm scale game that focuses on a reinforced platoon. Flames of War is a 15mm scale game that focuses on a reinforced company.

The cost varies, depending on the specific army and figures you decide to focus on. But you won't be spending as much as you would to start a new GW army.


Another WW2 game that gets mentioned frequently is the Battlegroup series (i.e. Kursk, Normandy, etc...). It's distributed by Plastic Soldier Company, and that company makes both 15mm and 20mm figures. While I haven't seen the game played, my guess is that the game is playable at either scale.

 Alphabet wrote:
I am looking to get into a WW2 Table top, so far I have only really seen Bolt Action and Flames of war. Not sure if they are the same game just saw the Bolt action models in store.

They're different games in different scales from different companies. Flames of War is 15mm (1/100 scale) and produced by Battlefront Miniatures of New Zealand. Bolt Action is 28/30mm (roughly the size of Warhammer 40K models) and is a collaboration between Osprey Publishing and Warlord Games.

 Alphabet wrote:
What are the differences in the two games.

I've never played Bolt Action, but from what I understand it is more of a squad-based game whereas Flames of War is based more on a company level.

 Alphabet wrote:
And is this a expensive hobby to get into?

For Flames or War, price can vary according to the type of company played (armour, infantry, etc.) and whether or not there's plastic miniatures or third party miniatures that you can use. For example, a 1,750 point Herman Göring Panzerkompanie that I'm planning on doing for for Flames of War using Battlefront and Plastic Soldier Company miniatures should cost me just under $300.

I play both, the games play entirely differently, I find FoW to be a bit more detailed and comppex a system, whereas Bolt Action might as well be called 1940K (except its even more simplified than 40K). FoW is probably on par with 40k cost wise, whereas I find Bolt Action cheaper (I just bought a 2000 pt army for $200).

chaos0xomega wrote:
I play both, the games play entirely differently, I find FoW to be a bit more detailed and comppex a system, whereas Bolt Action might as well be called 1940K (except its even more simplified than 40K). FoW is probably on par with 40k cost wise, whereas I find Bolt Action cheaper (I just bought a 2000 pt army for $200).

FOW can be done alot cheaper than a 40k force ,i have built several complete forces for under 150 Dollars.

 col. krazy kenny wrote:

chaos0xomega wrote:
I play both, the games play entirely differently, I find FoW to be a bit more detailed and comppex a system, whereas Bolt Action might as well be called 1940K (except its even more simplified than 40K). FoW is probably on par with 40k cost wise, whereas I find Bolt Action cheaper (I just bought a 2000 pt army for $200).

FOW can be done alot cheaper than a 40k force ,i have built several complete forces for under 150 Dollars.

As I mentioned above, it depends on what kind of force you choose to build.

Both games can be cheap. Both games can and are played at many scales and both games are fun.

I would say Bolt Action is more fun for players in my experience but I do like flames of war for a more competitive game.

Bolt action is far cheaper to get into though. But it all depends what kind of game you are after?

The biggest thing to remember when getting into a game is player base. Check to see what the local players are playing.

 Ghaz wrote:
The biggest thing to remember when getting into a game is player base. Check to see what the local players are playing.

It's worth noting that this is particularly important if you're thinking about getting into Flames of War. The game is divided into three eras, and a tank that costs 100 points in one era might cost 200 points in another. If you decide that you want to play Flames of War, then you need to make sure that the initial force list you build is in an era that's being played by your local group.

Ok guys thanks for that, I'll have to ask around my local groups.

Flames of War interests me alot atm, as the larger scale just seems something right up my street.
Considering having my own Company also seems so cool.
Are the rules etc online?
And what is the standard point game for FoW?

No, the rules for Flames of War are not online but the pocket rulebook only cost ₤7.

As for 'standard' points level, that's up to the individual groups but is usually between 1,000 to 2,000 points.

If you're interested in Flames of War, you might want to check out the 'Boot Camp' videos on the official site to get a feel for how the game plays.