Blitzkrieg is a lean starter, but the German side wants room to grow.
This bootcamp guide gives new Flames of War players smart paths to 100-point games. Instead of pushing one “correct” purchase, it compares starter sets, army deals, and direct expansion. Because of that, it feels useful for players still learning whether they prefer infantry, tanks, guns, or combined arms. This is a summary of a Battlefront Community article found here.
Panzer 38(t)s, Infantry, and 8.8s Create Several Upgrade Routes
The first route combines the Blitzkrieg starter with the Dunkirk two-player set. Dunkirk adds a German infantry company with headquarters, two platoons, two Pak 36 guns, and two Panzer III or StuG vehicles. Since Blitzkrieg already gives players Panzer 38(t)s, the guide builds two formations: a Panzer 38(t) Tank Company and a Motorised Rifle Company.
That matters, because two formations make the army harder to break. The infantry can sit on objectives, while the mobile Panzer 38(t)s do the maneuver work. Meanwhile, added 8.8cm Heavy AA Guns provide AT14, which gives the list real deterrence against tougher tanks.
The second path uses the Maginot Line starter, which brings three Panzer III or StuGs, four Panzer IIs, and two Pak 36 guns. Here, the guide builds toward a Medium Tank Company with Panzer IIs, Panzer IIIs, Panzer IVs, or Panzer 38(t)s. To finish the 100-point force, it adds Panzer 38(t)s, a 10.5cm Artillery Battery, 8.8cm Heavy AA Guns, and an Infantry Platoon.
This version feels like the teaching list. You get different tanks to test, infantry for objectives or assaults, artillery for pinning, and 8.8s for long-range protection. However, the tanks remain the active piece that pushes for objectives.
The third option expands through the Light Tank Company Army Deal. That box includes Panzer III or StuGs, Panzer IIs, Panzerjäger I or 15cm sIG33 self-propelled guns, Panzer I or command tanks, infantry, and 8.8cm guns. Paired with Blitzkrieg, it needs no extra purchases.
In practice, this route gives a flexible Panzer 38(t) force with infantry support, dual-purpose 8.8s, and mobile 15cm artillery.
Finally, the guide offers a direct-buy route using more Panzer 38(t)s, Panzer IVs, infantry, and 8.8s. That version keeps things focused, with large tank platoons, artillery templates, and strong anti-tank cover. For more details, read the original article, Bootcamp: Blitzkrieg – German Force Expansion.
Summary and Final Thoughts
Overall, this is a practical growth guide for Early War German players. The best part: each route teaches a different lesson. Dunkirk adds infantry structure, Maginot adds mixed tank experience, and the army deal adds breadth quickly. Meanwhile, the direct Panzer 38(t) path rewards players who already know what they enjoy. If you are moving beyond starter games, this keeps expansion sensible and playable.
