The upcoming Armies of France book continues expanding the French roster for Bolt Action: Third Edition.
Several familiar units are receiving meaningful upgrades, while completely new choices are joining the army. Meanwhile, older options from campaign books are being folded into one dedicated French volume. For French players, the result looks considerably broader than simply updating existing profiles. This is a summary of a community post found here.
Bolt Action French Units Add More Firepower, Mobility, and Close-Combat Options
Armies of France marks the first time France has received an entire standalone Bolt Action army book. Previously, French forces shared their army book with several other Allied nations. Consequently, Warlord has considerably more space to expand the roster and revisit older profiles. Some Bolt Action French Units return from previous campaign and theatre supplements. However, others are completely new, while existing troops have been reworked for Third Edition. The Dragons Portés VB Group is one of the most interesting additions. This compact squad can field up to four VB grenade launchers. Therefore, it can throw out several one-inch HE templates using either direct or indirect fire.
That gives a relatively small unit some surprisingly nasty anti-infantry potential. Moreover, the squad can take motorcycles for additional mobility. Players can instead mount them in transports and take advantage of the Motorised rule. As a result, the VB Group looks useful for commanders who want mobile fire support without committing to heavier weapons.
Moroccan Goumiers have received an even more substantial improvement. These auxiliaries now combine Fieldcraft with Tough Fighters, making them particularly threatening once the fighting becomes close and messy. Their weapon selection remains fairly restrained, with rifles and only a single optional LMG. However, their special rules mean they do not need piles of automatic weapons to become dangerous. Squads can reach 12 models and can be fielded as either Regular or Veteran troops. Consequently, commanders can build them as a sizeable utility unit or invest in a harder elite version. Their Fieldcraft should also help them use terrain aggressively before their Tough Fighters ability becomes relevant. From a hobby perspective, the combination of traditional clothing and French equipment also creates plenty of conversion opportunities. Warlord is already teasing a future kitbashing feature specifically for them.
Finally, French commanders gain access to British cruiser tanks that previously sat outside this particular army book. These vehicles expand an already diverse selection of early-war French armour. More importantly, they provide relatively inexpensive platforms carrying proper light anti-tank guns. That reduced cost comes with Unreliable, so players are trading consistency for cheaper mobile firepower. Still, they should fit nicely into forces representing the closing stages of the Battle of France.
Hobbyists with British collections also gain the advantage of models that can potentially serve in two armies. Overall, these additions suggest the new book is interested in expanding playstyles rather than merely updating points and wording. The French can bring mobile grenade teams, dangerous irregular infantry, and inexpensive Allied armour alongside their familiar equipment.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the latest Bolt Action French Units give the army some genuinely interesting new tools. The VB Group adds unusual mobile HE firepower, while Goumiers now look legitimately dangerous up close. Meanwhile, British cruiser tanks offer another inexpensive armoured option with an appropriate drawback. Most importantly, the standalone book finally gives France enough space to develop beyond its older shared-army treatment.
