The new Soviet Force Expansion options make the British vs Soviet Starter Set a surprisingly flexible starting point.
The box naturally favors T-80 Shock Tanks, but it can support several very different army builds. Meanwhile, BMP-3s and BRDM-based vehicles give new players useful mobility, missiles, and reconnaissance from the start. Most importantly, each route reaches 100 points without wasting much of the starter’s contents. This is a summary of a community post found here.
Three Soviet Force Expansion Paths Build Very Different 100-Point Armies
The Soviet half contains five T-80 sprues, three BMP-3 sprues, and three BRDM-2 family sprues. Naturally, the T-80 Shock Tank Company is the most obvious first formation. Expanding it to 100 points costs another $278 and produces six units toward Formation Last Stand.
Five core units are hit on 4+, giving the army noticeably better survivability than standard Soviet formations. Additionally, Afgantsy BMD infantry share that improved protection from enemy fire.
The T-80s provide the main assault punch, while BMP-3s bring missiles that can fire while moving. Meanwhile, BMD-2s and Spandrels add even more guided anti-tank fire. The 2S9 Nona battery is especially handy because it ranges in on a 4+. Better still, its direct-fire weapon reaches Anti-tank 20 within 20 inches. Tunguskas provide serious air defence with missiles reaching 64 inches. However, their Anti-tank 10 cannons can also shred lighter vehicles when aircraft are absent. BMP-3 reconnaissance units supply Spearhead, helping the army establish aggressive positions quickly.
The second option uses a standard T-80 Tank Battalion and costs only $155 beyond the starter.
This list also has six formation units but concentrates on nine T-80s supported by BMP-3 infantry. BRDM-2 reconnaissance vehicles provide Spearhead, while SA-9 Gaskins handle air defence. Air support becomes the real attraction, with two Hinds and two SU-25 Frogfoots included. Hinds bring Anti-tank 24 missiles, while Frogfoots attack heavy armour with Anti-tank 27 weapons. Alternatively, players can double down on either aircraft type by purchasing an additional box.
Finally, the BMP Motor Rifle Battalion costs just $153 to complete and reaches seven formation units. This is arguably the most flexible Soviet Force Expansion because it can attack or defend comfortably. T-80s still deliver the heavy punch, while BMP-3s provide mobile missile fire.
Meanwhile, BMP-2s offer stationary missiles or Anti-tank 10 autocannon support. Spandrels can target enemy air defences before SU-25s arrive against priority tanks. The T-80 reserve unit is particularly nasty because it can enter with a 14-inch Tactical move. It can then fire Anti-tank 22 missiles another 48 inches, creating an enormous potential reach from reserve. Consequently, opponents cannot assume distant armour is safe just because the T-80s started off-table.
Overall, the Shock Company offers the most elite combined-arms package, but it also costs considerably more. The regular T-80 Battalion keeps the focus on tanks while adding strong aviation. Meanwhile, the BMP Motor Rifle Battalion gives the best mixture of infantry, missiles, reserves, and formation depth for relatively little extra money.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Soviet Force Expansion choices make excellent use of the starter rather than replacing its contents immediately. The Shock Company rewards players wanting elite units and layered support. Meanwhile, the standard T-80 Battalion delivers straightforward armoured aggression with strong aircraft backing. The BMP Motor Rifle route offers the broadest flexibility and the lowest expansion cost. For a new Soviet commander, that makes the starter a much stronger foundation than its model count first suggests.
