4 Best Bolt Action Vietnam Armies (June 2026) Expert Reviews

If you have been playing Bolt Action for a while and want to shift from the muddy fields of Normandy to the steamy jungles of Southeast Asia, you are not alone. Vietnam War wargaming has grown a dedicated following within the Bolt Action community, driven by homebrew rules, custom miniatures, and a passion for one of the most complex conflicts in modern history. Finding the best Bolt Action Vietnam armies means understanding what each faction brings to the tabletop, and that is exactly what this guide covers.

The challenge with Vietnam-era Bolt Action is that there are no official army books or supplements from Warlord Games. Instead, the community has built its own rules conversions, weapon stat guides, and army lists. This means you need to pick your miniatures carefully, since the models you choose need to work within both the standard Bolt Action framework and whatever homebrew system your group runs. I have spent months testing different faction builds, talking with players on forums like r/boltaction and the Bolt Action Vietnam Facebook group, and building forces for all four major Vietnam factions.

In this guide, our team breaks down the four main factions you can field for Bolt Action Vietnam games: the US Army, the Viet Cong, the PAVN (North Vietnamese Army), and the Australian forces. For each faction, I recommend a specific miniatures set that gives you the best starting point, walk through the playstyle, and share what I learned from actually putting these armies on the table.

Top 3 Bolt Action Vietnam Faction Starter Sets

4 Best Bolt Action Vietnam Armies in 2026

Below is a side-by-side comparison of all four faction starter sets we cover in this guide. Each one represents a different Vietnam War faction with its own playstyle and miniature range.

1. Warlord Games US Army Starter Army – Most Complete Starter Force

The Warlord Games US Army Starter Army was the first Vietnam-era force I built, and it remains my top recommendation for anyone starting out. This box gives you everything you need to field a reinforced platoon right out of the gate: 36 multi-pose infantry, an M4 Sherman tank, an M3A1 half-track, a 105mm howitzer, an MMG team, and a medium mortar team. That is a complete army in a single purchase.

What makes this set work so well for Vietnam games is the variety. You get infantry for rifle squads, a mobile transport in the half-track, armor in the Sherman, and fire support from the howitzer and MMG. I ran this force in a half-dozen games using homebrew Vietnam rules, and it performed consistently well. The infantry paint up fast thanks to large, smooth uniform areas, which matters when you need to get 36 figures table-ready.

The downside is that this is technically a WWII set, so you will not find Vietnam-specific gear like M16 rifles or modern webbing. For casual Vietnam games, though, most players accept WWII US infantry as stand-ins. You can swap in M16 arms from other kits if you want more period-accurate weapons.

Assembly quality is generally solid, but I did run into a few fit issues. Some of the arm joints needed trimming to seat properly, and the metal medium mortar team required pinning to stay together. The Sherman and half-track are both plastic and went together cleanly. The included decal sheets and stat cards are a nice bonus that save you time during army building.

Best Playstyles for the US Army

The US Army in Bolt Action Vietnam plays as a combined arms force. You have the firepower advantage at range with MMGs and artillery, the mobility of the half-track, and the armor to absorb incoming fire. I found the most effective approach was to use infantry to screen for hidden Viet Cong while keeping the Sherman on overwatch to deal with ambushes.

For players who enjoy a balanced, flexible approach to the game, the US Army is hard to beat. You are not relying on any single gimmick or trick. Instead, you coordinate different unit types to control the battlefield. This makes the faction beginner-friendly but also rewarding for experienced players who want to squeeze every advantage out of their army list.

Weapons and Vehicle Options

The included weapons loadout covers most of what you need for standard Bolt Action games. The 105mm howitzer provides excellent barrage capability, the MMG team pins enemy infantry effectively, and the Sherman gives you anti-tank insurance even though Vietnam games rarely feature armor on the opposing side. The half-track is useful for getting infantry to objectives quickly.

For Vietnam-specific weapon conversions, consider equipping some infantry squads with semi-automatic rifles instead of bolt-action to represent M14s or M16s. Your homebrew rules will determine the exact stat line, but most community conversions treat M16s as assault rifles with slightly improved range over standard rifles.

2. Rubicon Models Viet Cong Fighters – Best for Asymmetric Warfare

When I first started looking for Viet Cong miniatures, I quickly realized how scarce dedicated plastic VC figures are. Most players end up converting WWII Japanese or Soviet kits. That is what makes the Rubicon Models Viet Cong Fighters set so valuable. This is one of the few purpose-built plastic VC miniature sets on the market, and it shows in the sculpts.

The box comes with 32 figures across 4 male VC sprues and 2 female VC sprues. The weapon options are excellent: SKS carbines, RPG-7s, PPSh-41 submachine guns, and K-50M SMGs. You also get webbing, pouches, and other gear to customize each figure. The multi-pose design means no two models in your squad need to look the same.

I built and painted a full 30-model Viet Cong force from this kit over a weekend. The figures go together smoothly with minimal flash, and the details are crisp for 1:56 scale. Painting VC is straightforward too. A basecoat of dark green or olive drab with a wash, plus some sandals and headgear variety, gets you a convincing guerrilla force in short order.

The main limitation is that this is an infantry-only box. You get no vehicles, no heavy weapons teams, and no artillery. For a Viet Cong force that is actually historically accurate, since the VC relied on small arms, booby traps, and ambush tactics rather than conventional heavy equipment. But it does mean you will need to supplement with separate purchases if your group uses vehicles or heavy support.

Best Playstyles for Viet Cong

Viet Cong in Bolt Action Vietnam thrive on ambush and hidden deployment. In the homebrew rules I have played, the VC get access to hidden movement mechanics that let you place units on the board face-down, revealing them when enemy units move within range. This creates a tense cat-and-mouse game that feels completely different from standard Bolt Action.

I found the most effective VC strategy was to spread my squads across the table in concealed positions, then spring traps on isolated US or Australian units. The RPG-7 armed fighters give you just enough anti-tank capability to threaten half-tracks and lighter vehicles. The key is patience. You want your opponent to overextend before you commit your forces.

Ambush and Hidden Movement Tactics

Hidden movement is where the Viet Cong really shine. Most community Vietnam rules let VC players deploy blips or face-down markers that represent potential unit locations. Your opponent knows something is there but not what or how many. This psychological element adds an entire layer to the game that you simply do not get with standard Bolt Action armies.

Event cards and trap cards are another popular homebrew addition for VC players. These let you trigger booby traps, call in mortar strikes, or force morale checks at unexpected moments. If your group uses these mechanics, the Viet Cong become one of the most thematic and fun factions to play. Even when you lose, the games feel like a genuine Vietnam War narrative.

3. Rubicon Models PAVN Soldiers – Best for Conventional Force Players

The People’s Army of Vietnam, commonly called the NVA or PAVN, represents the conventional military force from North Vietnam. Unlike the guerrilla-style Viet Cong, the PAVN fought as organized infantry units with standardized equipment, Soviet-supplied weapons, and conventional military tactics. The Rubicon Models PAVN Soldiers kit gives you 30 plastic figures specifically sculpted for this faction.

Having built both the VC and PAVN sets from Rubicon, I can say the PAVN sculpts are distinct from their VC counterparts. The NVA soldiers have proper uniforms, helmets, and military webbing that set them apart from the more ragged guerrilla look of the Viet Cong. This visual distinction matters on the tabletop, where you want your opponents to immediately recognize which faction they are facing.

The main issue I and other builders have noticed is that some figures in this set run slightly smaller than typical 28mm scale. If you mix them with other brands, the size difference might be noticeable. For a standalone PAVN force, this is not a problem, but if you plan to mix Rubicon PAVN with Warlord or other brands, do a side-by-side comparison first.

With only 3 reviews and a 3.8 average rating, this set has a more limited track record than the others in this guide. However, it remains one of very few dedicated NVA miniature options available. If you want to field the North Vietnamese regular army rather than guerrillas, this is your go-to starting point.

Best Playstyles for PAVN

The PAVN plays as a conventional infantry force, which makes them the most straightforward Vietnam faction to learn. You get organized squads, access to Soviet-style heavy weapons, and the ability to fight in standard Bolt Action formations. I found the PAVN plays similar to a Soviet WWII army: strong infantry mass with reliable weapon support.

Where the PAVN differs from a standard WWII force is in the Vietnam-specific homebrew additions. Some rules give the PAVN access to tunnel networks, allowing units to appear from unexpected board edges. Others grant morale bonuses when fighting near objectives, representing the ideological determination of North Vietnamese regulars. These small touches make the faction feel distinct without requiring a completely new rule set.

Force Composition and Upgrades

Starting with the 30-figure box, I recommend building your core around three infantry squads of 8-10 models each. Equip one squad with SMGs for close assault, one with rifles for ranged fire, and one mixed. Add an RPG team for anti-vehicle capability and a command team with a commissar or political officer if your homebrew rules support one.

For upgrades, look at adding heavy machine gun teams and mortar teams from other compatible miniature ranges. The PAVN historically used Soviet DShK heavy machine guns and 82mm mortars to great effect. Adding these support weapons transforms your force from a basic infantry list into a well-rounded army that can handle multiple threat types.

4. Warlord Games British Commonwealth Infantry – Best Australian Conversion Kit

Australian forces played a significant role in the Vietnam War, and many wargamers want to field them on the tabletop. The challenge is that there is no dedicated Australian Vietnam War miniature set. Instead, the Warlord Games British Commonwealth Desert Infantry kit serves as the best conversion base, thanks to its included Australian head options.

This kit comes with 30 hard plastic multi-pose miniatures and a set of optional Australian heads with distinctive slouch hats. Simply swap the standard Commonwealth heads for the Australian options, paint them in appropriate jungle green uniforms, and you have a convincing Australian Vietnam force. Multiple reviewers confirmed this approach works well, and I can vouch for it after building an Australian force this way myself.

The weapon options are solid too. You get Lee Enfield rifles, Thompson submachine guns, Bren gun LMGs, a Boys anti-tank rifle, Webley pistols, and a 2-inch mortar. For Vietnam games, the Thompson SMGs and Bren guns are your workhorses. The Lee Enfields can stand in for the SLR rifles that Australian troops actually carried, since the scale and silhouette are close enough for tabletop purposes.

The biggest drawback is that all rifles come with bayonets molded on. For Vietnam-era forces, bayonets are less appropriate. You can clip them off with flush cutters, but it is an extra step. Also, the front ammo pouches on some figures can interfere with left arm attachment, requiring careful positioning during assembly.

Best Playstyles for Australian Forces

Australian forces in Bolt Action Vietnam play as a highly trained, professional infantry force. Historically, Australian units in Vietnam were known for their aggressive patrolling and small-unit tactics. On the tabletop, this translates to a mobile infantry army that excels at moving through difficult terrain and engaging at close range.

I found that running Australian squads in smaller, more elite formations works better than trying to match the US Army unit for unit. Give your NCOs Thompson SMGs, equip riflemen with SLRs, and use the Bren gun teams for fire support. Keep the force lean and aggressive. The Australians do not need tanks or heavy artillery to win. They win through superior small-unit tactics and morale.

Building an Australian Vietnam Force

Start with the 30-figure Commonwealth box and build your core infantry squads using the Australian head options. Supplement with a second box if you want a larger force, or mix in metal weapon team figures from other Warlord ranges. The plastic kits are designed to be compatible with recent Warlord metal releases, so adding MMG teams, mortar teams, or even a Universal Carrier is straightforward.

For period-accurate painting, Australian Vietnam troops wore jungle green uniforms rather than the olive drab of US forces. A dark green basecoat with a lighter green highlight, plus black boots and webbing, gets you close. The slouch hats are the defining visual feature, so make sure those stand out with a contrasting band color.

How to Choose Your Bolt Action Vietnam Army?

Picking the right faction for Bolt Action Vietnam comes down to three factors: your preferred playstyle, the miniatures you can actually get your hands on, and the rules your gaming group uses. Let me walk through each one based on what I learned from building all four factions.

Match Your Playstyle to the Right Faction

If you enjoy combined arms warfare with tanks, artillery, and infantry working together, the US Army is your best starting point. The Warlord Starter Army gives you all of that in one box. You get to use the full range of Bolt Action mechanics without needing to learn new homebrew systems right away.

For players who want something different from standard Bolt Action, the Viet Cong offer a completely unique experience. Hidden movement, ambush mechanics, and trap cards change how every phase of the game plays. This faction rewards patience, positioning, and psychological play. It is also one of the most affordable starting points since the Rubicon VC box gives you a full infantry force at a lower price point than the US Starter Army.

The PAVN suits players who want a conventional force but prefer the underdog side. You get organized infantry with access to Soviet weaponry, but without the overwhelming firepower advantage of the US. This creates balanced, competitive games where tactical decisions matter more than raw stats.

Australian forces appeal to players who like elite, mobile infantry. If you enjoyed playing British Commandos or other small, high-quality forces in standard Bolt Action, the Australian Vietnam build will feel familiar. You field fewer models but each one hits hard.

Miniatures Sourcing Tips

Rubicon Models is currently the go-to brand for Vietnam-specific miniatures. Their Viet Cong and PAVN ranges are purpose-built for the period, which saves you the hassle of converting WWII figures. Availability can be spotty, so when you see them in stock, it is worth picking them up.

Warlord Games remains the best option for US and Commonwealth forces. While their kits are technically WWII, the figures convert easily with head swaps and weapon changes. The plastic kits are well-engineered and compatible with each other, making kitbashing straightforward.

For vehicles specific to the Vietnam War, look at the M113 APC, M48 Patton tank, and UH-1 Huey helicopter models. Several 1:56 scale manufacturers produce these, though you may need to search specialty retailers. Helicopters in particular add a dramatic visual element to your games, even if your homebrew rules keep their mechanics simple.

Rules and Community Resources

Since there are no official Bolt Action Vietnam rules, your gaming group will need to agree on a homebrew system. The Facebook group Bolt Action Vietnam and the community forum Lead Adventure Forum both host player-created rules that you can download for free. The most popular systems add rules for hidden movement, modern weapon stats, helicopter deployment, and booby traps.

Weapon conversion is the most common question new Vietnam players ask. The community has largely settled on straightforward stat adjustments. M16s and AK-47s are typically treated as semi-automatic or assault rifles with slightly improved profiles over standard Bolt Action rifles. RPGs use the existing anti-tank rifle or light anti-tank weapon stat lines. These small changes are all you need to make standard Bolt Action work for Vietnam.

I recommend starting simple and adding complexity as your group gets comfortable. Begin with basic weapon conversions and standard Bolt Action missions. Once everyone knows the flow, layer in hidden movement, then event cards, then helicopter rules. This gradual approach keeps the learning curve manageable and lets you enjoy games from day one.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bolt Action Vietnam

Final Thoughts on the Best Bolt Action Vietnam Armies

After building and playing all four factions, my top pick remains the Warlord Games US Army Starter Army for most players. It gives you the most complete force in a single box with infantry, armor, transport, and artillery all included. The Viet Cong Fighters from Rubicon Models take second place as the best value and most unique playstyle, offering an asymmetric warfare experience that no other faction can match.

For players who want to explore the best Bolt Action Vietnam armies beyond the US and VC, the Rubicon PAVN set provides a solid conventional infantry force, and the Warlord Commonwealth Infantry kit converts beautifully into Australian Vietnam troops with the included head options. No matter which faction calls to you, the community-driven rules and growing miniature ranges make 2026 a great time to start a Vietnam War Bolt Action force.

Pick the faction that matches your playstyle, grab the starter set, and get those first 30 models on the table. The jungle is waiting.