Flames of War for Beginners – Army Building and Point Levels Explained
Flames of War for Beginners – Army Building and Point Levels Explained
Flames of War is a fast-paced 15mm World War II miniatures game where tanks, infantry, and artillery clash across cinematic battlefields. If you’re new to the system, this guide breaks down flames of war beginner basics—how points work, how to build your first list, and what you need to start playing. By the end, you’ll understand how to move from starter boxes to balanced armies that perform well in both casual and competitive games.
Internal Link: Explore complete army deals and starter sets here: Flames of War Armies at Tistaminis
Quick Summary
- Scale: 15mm miniatures—armies look like real battle formations while still fitting on a 6’×4’ table.
- Army building: Points control balance; games typically range from 50 to 100 points.
- Goal: Create a historically themed force that plays smoothly, mixing tanks, infantry, and artillery.
How Points Work in Flames of War
Every unit in Flames of War costs points based on training, motivation, and equipment. Instead of hundreds of models, you’re commanding platoons and support teams that each represent several squads or vehicles. This means your choices matter: elite units are smaller but tougher, while conscript formations bring more firepower for the cost.
Typical Point Levels:
- 50 points: Fast learning games, often from starter sets. Expect a few tanks and infantry platoons.
- 75 points: Standard pickup game size—enough for combined arms play without overwhelming turns.
- 100 points: Full tournament level; balanced forces, strong support, and multiple objective types.
Building Your First Flames of War Army
The game uses force organization charts tied to period books (e.g., Mid-War, Late War). Each force has HQ, Combat, and Support slots. Here’s how to start structuring a balanced list for your chosen nation:
Step 1: Pick an Era and Nation
Flames of War splits into Early War (1939–41), Mid-War (1942–43), and Late War (1944–45). Each has distinct vehicles and balance. Late War is currently the most supported and beginner-friendly, with army boxes and missions ready to go.
Step 2: Choose Your Core Formation
Your formation defines how your army fights. Examples include:
- Armoured Company: Tank-heavy with mobility and punch—fast but fragile when isolated.
- Infantry Company: Durable, objective-holding core with limited anti-tank punch but great defense.
- Mechanized Company: Balanced blend of infantry and vehicles; flexible for learning missions.
Step 3: Add Support Teams
Support covers artillery, air, recon, and anti-air options. These fill weaknesses and add tactical flexibility. Common beginner picks include a 105mm artillery battery or armored recon patrol for spotting and harassment fire.
Step 4: Fill Out with Specialists
Sniper, flamethrower, and engineer units add scenario play. Minesweepers, for instance, shine in defensive missions, while assault pioneers excel in town fights.
Example Beginner Armies (Late War 75 Points)
U.S. Armored Company
- HQ: 2x Sherman (Regular)
- 2x Sherman Platoons (3 tanks each)
- 1x Armored Rifle Platoon
- 1x 105mm Sherman Platoon
- 1x M10 Tank Destroyer Platoon
- 1x Recon Patrol (2 vehicles)
German Panzergrenadier Company
- HQ: 2x Panzergrenadier Stands
- 2x Panzergrenadier Platoons in Sd Kfz 251s
- 1x Panzer IV Platoon (3–4 tanks)
- 1x 7.5cm Anti-Tank Gun Platoon
- 1x Nebelwerfer Battery (Rocket Artillery)
- 1x Recon Patrol
British Rifle Company
- HQ: 2x Rifle Teams
- 2x Rifle Platoons
- 1x Sherman or Cromwell Tank Platoon
- 1x 25-pdr Artillery Battery
- 1x 6-pdr AT Gun Platoon
- 1x Universal Carrier Patrol
Tips for New Flames of War Players
- Start small: Play 50-point games to learn morale, shooting, and movement before adding more units.
- Balance arms: Include at least one tank platoon, one infantry platoon, and one artillery piece for flexibility.
- Use cover: Position units behind terrain—survivability is as important as offense.
- Know your morale: Keep commanders near units; failed motivation checks can swing games.
- Paint in stages: Prime everything, basecoat tanks and infantry together for consistency.
Common Beginner Mistakes
- Overloading armor: Tanks are great, but too many reduces your board control and objective holding power.
- Ignoring artillery: Indirect fire is key for clearing dug-in infantry.
- No recon: Recon denies ambushes and spots targets—essential for offense.
- Neglecting infantry: Only infantry can hold objectives in many missions—never skip them.
Image Suggestions
- Hero banner: Mixed tank and infantry force advancing through countryside terrain.
- Army flat lay: Starter box contents painted and arrayed by platoon.
- Gameplay shot: Artillery barrage mid-table, smoke markers and objective tokens visible.
FAQs – Flames of War Army Building (tap + to expand)
Start at 50–75 points. This lets you learn movement, shooting, and morale without being overwhelmed by unit count.
Pick a force that matches your playstyle. U.S. for balanced mobility, Germans for elite precision, British for artillery and defense, Soviets for massed armor and infantry.
Starter sets include a quick-play rulebook, dice, and templates—enough to start playing. The full rulebook expands missions, special rules, and national traits.
Most 75-point games finish in 90 minutes or less. Higher-point battles may take two hours depending on terrain and mission complexity.
No—each list must match its period (Early, Mid, Late War) for balance. Mixing eras breaks point calibration.
No, but they’re recommended. Even one tank platoon adds mobility and anti-armor punch to your force.
Check out our curated army bundles and starter boxes here: Flames of War Armies at Tistaminis.
Ready to Command?
With just a starter set and a few expansions, you can field a complete Flames of War army that captures WWII tactics in miniature. Start small, learn positioning and morale, then grow your collection into full-scale operations.
Build your force today: Flames of War Armies at Tistaminis