GTM #138 - Dust Tactics: Revised Core Set

“Reload!” Lara shouted at the officer. A Blackhawk advanced rapidly toward them.

“Reload!” Lara repeated, but she turned to find the officer unresponsive, his chest a charred ruin. Lara pushed his corpse aside and grabbed the ammo as the walker loomed overhead, red guns blazing.

Welcome to the alternate universe of Dust Tactics. The year is 1947, and the Allied and Axis forces are still clashing on the battlefield. Since the discovery of a revolutionary and mysterious ore source that fuels elite troops and massive combat walkers, combat is more brutal than ever before.

Dust Tactics, the tactical miniatures game of strategic combat for 2–4 players, has some impressive developments in its near future. The upcoming Dust Tactics: Revised Core Set is the perfect introduction for new players, and an excellent expansion for veterans. Additionally, with a new point system being implemented and the release of the Dust Tactics Unit Card Upgrade Pack and the Dust Tactics Terrain Tile Set, it’s an exciting time to be a Dust Tactics player!

The Revised Edition of Dust Tactics:

Packaged in a smaller and more compact box, the Dust Tactics: Revised Core Set features new cover art and includes an updated rulebook, a scenario book, six custom dice, two double-sided terrain posters, ten unit cards, nine double-sided hazard squares, two ammo crates, two anti-tank traps, and all-new, never-before-released miniatures!

Fresh troops are ready to join their fatigued brethren in the fight against a relentless enemy. The Allied and the Axis forces both receive three units, one walker, and one hero in the revised edition of Dust Tactics. With astonishing abilities and firepower, it will be a struggle deciding which side you want to fight for. 

The new Allied walker Blackhawk possesses the terrifying “All in One” ability, which allows it to increase its rate of fire to roll twice the normal number of attack dice once during the game. While the Allies’ new unit, Death Dealers, are equipped with a full arsenal of weaponry, The Hammers can combine their Jump ability with their movement of two to quickly traverse across the battlefield. The Allied Hell Boys can deal critical damage to any Axis walker with their two Flamethrowers. The new Allied hero, Sergeant Major William Springfield, is aptly nicknamed “Rhino” as his Berserk ability sends him into an animalistic rage. Use this ability once per game to re-roll his failed attacks for that round, as well as the attacks for whichever squad he joins.

While the Axis is cautious of these new Allied troops, they know their new units are equally powerful. The new Axis hero, Lara Walter, is ready to lead these new troops. She can share her Assault ability with any squad she joins to use once per game; Assault allows Lara to double a unit’s movement value, regardless of any actions taken that round. Speed is also present in the Hans, the Axis’ first Scout Vehicle. Deploy him during the game’s first round to take advantage of his ability to move two extra squares. Although the Heavy Flak Grenadiers and the Heavy Laser Grenadiers are less swift, they are Damage Resilient and possess a powerful Burst Weapon and Laser Weapon, respectively.

The New Official Point System:

Earlier this year, players were introduced to the official Dust Tactics tournament rules (visit the Dust Tactics support page on www.FantasyFlightGames.com for details) that featured unique army point costs for all the units available to date. The Dust Tactics community lauded these changes, saying it made a great game even better. 

Following on the success that the tournament rules have enjoyed, the decision was made to adopt the tournament army point system for the Dust Tactics game overall. This change allows for even more dynamic game design and overall Dust Tactics play experience. Players can use the army point cost sheet found on the support page or pick up the affordable Dust Tactics Unit Card Upgrade Pack if they prefer a set of updated cards.

New Base Game Expansions:

The Dust Tactics Unit Card Upgrade Pack includes unit cards for all the units released before Operation “SeeLöwe” including unit cards for all preview miniatures available from Dust Tactics Game Night Kits. All have been updated to the new army point costs featured in the Revised Core Set. The Dust Tactics Terrain Tile Set includes 12 double-sided terrain tiles which feature snow, warehouse, water, and bridge locations. Also included is the Operation: Blue Thunder campaign book as well as three bonus scenarios to play on massive maps that are 12 tiles in size. With these exciting new ways to play Dust Tactics, there’s never been a better time to join the fight!