Bolt Action fans, the Soviets are back and better than ever in the Third Edition of Armies of the Soviet Union.
Pre-orders are rolling, and we’re diving deep into what’s changed, what’s improved, and which units have been reshaped from their original appearances. From commanding Officers to terrifying NKVD squads, there’s a lot to chew on if you’re planning to storm the table with Mother Russia. And yes, those iconic Soviet kits like the Victory Banner and SN-42 body armour are getting their own shine too. Let’s march through the changes and see how these units have evolved for the new edition.
Officer Teams: Command with Firepower
Starting with the backbone of any Soviet force, the Officer Team has seen a dramatic upgrade. Your Third Edition Officer can now be flanked by up to four comrades, each fully armed with rifles, SMGs, or pistols. But it’s not just about firepower. They can also pick up SN-42 body armour if commanding Engineers and carry the Victory Banner, giving them real staying power. This makes them versatile: they can sit back and anchor morale for your force, or dive into the thick of combat as hard-hitting squads targeting high-priority enemies. The Soviet twist really comes into play here, making Officers not just leaders, but lynchpins of your strategy.
NKVD Squads: Fear and Fanatics
Next up, the NKVD Squad. These political enforcers are brutal and versatile, able to excel at both ranged and close-quarter fighting. With rifles and LMGs for mid-range firepower, or a wall of SMGs for up-close slaughter, they are a staple of Hammer & Sickle forces. The addition of Guard Dogs is a huge tactical win, letting them spot Hidden units at 24 inches while gaining the Tough Fighters rule. These squads are designed to keep your troops in line, punish enemy advances, and make any opponent think twice before pushing forward.
Scout Squads: Sneaky and Fast
Scout Squads had a bit of a reputation shake-up early in Third Edition. They were feared for their mass Infiltrator abilities, but now the rules have been reined in slightly. Each Platoon can still have one 4-man unit of Infiltrators, but the default Scouts now get Scouts Lead the Way, similar to American Rangers, and Behind Enemy Lines to make Outflanking easier. They remain fast, deadly, and able to turn up where your opponent least expects. Whether darting across the table or harrying the flanks, they are still the sneaky specialists every Soviet player loves.
Banners and Breastplates: Morale and Survivability
Finally, we can’t forget the Victory Banner and SN-42 body armour. The Victory Banner is simple but effective: a morale boost to any unit in range that can see it, turning your standard bearer into a morale anchor for the army.
Meanwhile, SN-42 body armour is perfect for Engineer Platoons or Veteran squads, making them very hard to kill with standard anti-infantry weapons. The trade-off is mobility, so pairing them with transports is highly recommended. These pieces of iconic kit create not only a thematic look for your army but also meaningful tactical options on the table.
Final Thoughts
Third Edition Armies of the Soviet Union is shaping up to make the Red Army more flexible, more resilient, and more fun to play than ever. Officer Teams are versatile, NKVD Squads are terrifying, Scouts remain fast and unpredictable, and the iconic banners and armour bring both style and substance. Whether you’re aiming for a morale-focused army or a hard-hitting strike force, the updates provide exciting new ways to dominate the battlefield. The Red Army is ready to march, and Mother Russia never looked this deadly.
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