The new Late War Italy French army deal looks like a smart entry point.
However, it is not just a pile of infantry. Instead, it gives new Flames of War players several usable formation paths. For budget-minded hobbyists, that kind of box matters. This is a summary of a community post found here.
Italy French Tirailleurs Offer Three Practical Starting Paths
The Compagnie De Tirailleurs Rifle Company army deal is pitched as an affordable Flames of War entry. It includes the A5 rulebook, four command teams, twelve M1903 rifle teams, and four bazooka teams. Also, you get four M1919 LMG teams, a Goum leader, and six Goum rifle teams. The support side adds three 57mm guns, six 75mm pack howitzers, unit cards, tokens, and objectives. There is also a Forces of War unlock code, which helps keep the savings rolling. The first build uses the Compagnie De Tirailleurs formation, which fits the box most naturally.
It fields five formation units, with two rifle platoons, 57mm anti-tank guns, and 75mm pack howitzers. Meanwhile, M10 Tank Destroyers cover another objective lane and can use Improvised Artillery for a second template. M5 Stuarts support assaults, while M3A1 Spahi Recon gives Spearhead pressure where missions allow it. Also, Mohamed Oufkir makes a Tirailleurs Rifle Platoon Rally and Counterattack on 2+.
That version costs a listed $296, making it the cheapest route.
The second path uses the Goum formation, leaning harder into infantry mass and mountain-war flavor. It brings five formation units, including two large Goumier platoons, Scouts, Sappers, and Tirailleurs for depth. Mortars and P-47 Thunderbolts provide templates, while M10s handle AT12 fire at range. However, Churchills add the heavy armor and AT10 needed to support or lead assaults. Augustin Guillaume then improves a Goumier platoon’s Counterattack to 2+ near the formation commander.
This build is pricier at $409, but it looks tougher and more flexible.
Finally, the 7e Régiment de Chasseurs d’Afrique command card formation goes all in on M10 Tank Destroyers. It maxes its formation break with four units, including two full M10 platoons and one large platoon.
Again, Improvised Artillery turns one M10 group into a defensive artillery template. M5 Stuarts and infantry round out the force, while Oufkir supports the Tirailleurs. That list costs $428 and feels like the most tank-destroyer-focused option.
Summary and Final Thoughts
Overall, this army deal looks better than a simple starter bundle. It gives French players three distinct routes: infantry balance, Goum pressure, or M10 firepower. However, the best part is how each list grows from the same core box. The Tirailleurs path is cheapest, while the Goum list has the most board presence.
