Early War is finally marching back into Flames Of War. Veterans have asked for this era since fourth edition landed.
Now we have firm dates, products, and a clear plan. Moreover, the pitch leans into fast battles, quirky tanks, and fresh tactics. Consequently, Spring 2026 is shaping up to be busy.
What’s Being Launched And When
Battlefront announced “Blitzkrieg: Invasion of France, 1940” on November 9, 2025. The supplement brings Early War to the fourth edition rules from Spring 2026. Furthermore, this is the first active Early War support in eight and a half years. The headline release window begins in February 2026 with a hardcover book and two starters.
The 145 page hardcover covers German, French, and British forces. Additionally, it includes formation lists, unit histories, color photos, and hobby guides. Painting and basing help are baked in to jumpstart projects. Therefore new armies can hit both the table and the display shelf.
The “Maginot Line” starter pits Germans against the French. The German force brings four Panzer III tanks, three Panzer II tanks, and two 3.7cm gun teams. Meanwhile, the French force fields five Somua S-35 tanks, three Hotchkiss H-39 tanks, and a Motor Fusiliers Platoon. You also get an A5 rulebook, a quickstart guide, eleven unit cards, and ten dice.
The “Dunkirk” starter matches Germans against the British. The German side includes a Motorised Rifle Company HQ, two Motorised Rifle Platoons, and two StuG assault guns. In response, the British bring five A13 tanks, three Light Mk VIC tanks, two 2pdr gun teams, and a Rifle Platoon. Again, the box adds the A5 rulebook, a quickstart guide, eleven unit cards, and ten dice.
Post-Launch Roadmap And Ongoing Support
Battlefront will follow with three army deals through late Spring 2026. The line includes a British Rifle Company, a French Combat Company, and a German Light Tank Company. Moreover, they will ship troops, dice, tokens, objectives, decals, and many blisters and boxes. Consequently, players can round out lists without hunting old stock.
Support continues into late summer 2026 with a classified project. The codename is “Barbarossa,” which strongly hints at what comes next. Additionally, Battlefront directs fans to BattlefrontGroup.com and Battlefront-Community.com for updates. So the pipeline already looks sustained and focused.
Why Early War Here Feels Distinct
Peter Simunovich calls France 1940 his favorite period. He frames it as a moment of possibilities and divergent playstyles. Therefore each nation demands a different touch than mid or late war. It highlights mobile warfare at its earliest gaming expression.
Chris Townley emphasizes the unique tabletop feel. Tanks and kit are smaller and lighter, so movement and angles matter. Even heavy hitters like the Char B1 and Matilda II are modest beside later Shermans and T-34s. However, the era is not just tech, since rapid tactical evolution defines the battles.
Wayne Turner underscores this as the first Early War dive for current rules. He spotlights German, French, and British formations for 1940. Additionally, he namechecks France’s signature tools like the Char B1, Somua S-35, and the 47mm anti-tank gun. Therefore players can field rare vehicles that vanish from later fronts.
Retail signals are strong according to Rob Villnave. Stores report real excitement since the early teasers began. Moreover, players want a fresh theater with tactical, combined-arms play and unusual nations. It feels different and fun, and stores are ready.
Finally, Anthony from Adventures Games & Hobby sells the vibe perfectly. Early War feels like the wild west of tank warfare. You can run strange and experimental designs and try to make them shine. In short, Early War is Best War.
Summary
This reveal locks Early War into the fourth edition era with intent. The book, the two starters, and the army deals create a full on-ramp. Moreover, the roadmap points to deeper content later in 2026. Therefore new players and returning vets both get something meaningful. So dust off those S-35s, line up your Panzers, and get ready to sprint across France.
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