Tabletop wargaming thrives on imagination. Some games pull you into grimdark futures, others into sprawling fantasy realms. But few blend history and science fiction as seamlessly as Konflikt ’47 by Warlord Games. Built on the familiar foundations of Bolt Action, Konflikt ’47 starts with the battlefields of World War II and twists them with speculative “Weird War” technology — towering walkers, armored werewolves, psychic commandos, and experimental energy weapons.

The premise is simple but irresistible: in 1947, World War II has dragged on, fueled by breakthroughs from mysterious rift technology. The nations of the world rush to weaponize these discoveries, deploying monstrosities and machines straight out of pulp magazines while still relying on the tried-and-true backbone of WWII armies.

This creates a unique hobby experience: you can field your familiar Sherman or Panzer IV alongside a hulking mech or a squad of supernatural shock troops. It’s history with a twist — grounded enough to be familiar, wild enough to capture the imagination.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the factions of Konflikt ’47 and the flavor they bring to the battlefield.

United States

The U.S. Army represents adaptability and technological innovation. Their baseline looks much like a late-war American force: reliable infantry squads, Shermans, and plentiful support weapons. Where they shine in Konflikt ’47 is in their application of rift-tech: advanced walkers like the Kodiak and Bruin, jump infantry squads equipped with rocket packs, and heavily armed heavy infantry in powered armor.

The U.S. excels at mobile firepower and combined arms. They can fight conventionally but have enough experimental tools to surprise their opponents.

Germany

If any faction embodies the dark science side of Konflikt ’47, it’s the German army. Building off their already formidable reputation for elite troops and advanced weapons, the Germans deploy horrifying biological experiments and cutting-edge walkers. The Totenkorps are reanimated soldiers, cheap and relentless. The Schreckwulfen bring werewolf shock troops to the front lines, tearing through infantry with terrifying speed. Their Spinne walkers provide mobility and resilience.

German armies are small but deadly, often relying on elite infantry and monstrous troops to carry the fight. They are less forgiving than other factions but deliver a powerful thematic punch.

Soviet Union

The Soviets are masters of brute force — both human and experimental. Their conventional forces mirror the massed infantry and armor of late-war Red Army tactics, but with a weird-war twist. The Ursus infantry are terrifying bear-human hybrids in heavy armor, ideal for shock assaults. The Soviets also experiment with psychic soldiers, able to disrupt enemy forces in strange and unsettling ways.

Where the U.S. favors balance and Germany relies on elites, the Soviets thrive on overwhelming numbers and raw power. They can flood the battlefield with infantry and reinforce them with some of the most fearsome rift-tech troops.

United Kingdom & Commonwealth

The British bring their characteristic ingenuity and resilience into this alternate war. They make extensive use of Guardian armored infantry, squads protected by advanced suits that give them staying power on the battlefield. Their walkers are more refined than some of their counterparts, emphasizing practicality and combined arms support.

British armies often rely on versatile infantry supported by precise, effective technology. They may not have the sheer numbers of the Soviets or the monstrous experiments of Germany, but they thrive on balanced, dependable units that can adapt to a variety of situations.

Japan

The Japanese forces in Konflikt ’47 are steeped in both desperation and innovation. Cut off from much of their industrial capacity late in the war, Japan turns heavily to rift-tech to counter Allied advances. Their scientists experiment with psychic warriors, pushing human minds to dangerous new limits. They also deploy unusual mechanized constructs and infantry enhancements designed to maximize the strength of smaller forces.

Japanese armies tend to be more specialized, often combining traditional infantry with shock units that rely on speed and unconventional abilities. They may not have the heavy armor of other nations, but they excel in asymmetric tactics, unusual psychic powers, and daring assaults.

Italy

Italy’s forces in Konflikt ’47 reflect both their resource challenges and their opportunistic embrace of rift-tech. Their conventional troops and armor are less dominant than those of Germany or the U.S., but rift-based enhancements give them surprising bite. Italian forces experiment with light walkers and infantry modifications to close the technological gap.

Italian armies are often seen as “jack of all trades” forces, leaning on flexibility and creative use of rift-tech units to offset weaker conventional options. They can be unpredictable opponents, with unusual combinations of units that catch enemies off guard.

Why Play Konflikt ’47?

What makes Konflikt ’47 so compelling is the blend of the familiar and the fantastic. If you’re already invested in Bolt Action, much of your collection carries over. If you’re new, you get the thrill of historical armies spiced with speculative science fiction. The game’s rules strike a balance between tactical depth and cinematic fun, and the hobby side offers endless opportunities for creativity — from historically accurate paint schemes to wild pulp-inspired conversions.

At its heart, Konflikt ’47 is about taking the “what if?” of WWII and running with it. If you’ve ever wanted to see zombies clash with Sherman tanks, or psychic soldiers duel while mechs stomp across the battlefield, this is your game.