Operation Uranus: The Battle for Stalingrad – A Bolt Action Narrative Campaign

After several quiet years for Bolt Action in Victoria, a small group of long-time players set out to rebuild the local scene and introduce new players to the game. With the support of BC Hobbies, who provided a dedicated community gaming space in a high-traffic mall location, the group chose to focus on an engaging, narrative-driven campaign format designed to welcome both veteran players and newcomers alike.
Operation Uranus is a multi-month Bolt Action narrative campaign centered on the brutal fighting in and around Stalingrad. Rather than a traditional one-day tournament, the event emphasizes historical scenarios, evolving storylines, and flexible attendance, allowing players to participate week-to-week as their schedules allow. The campaign launched with a large, cinematic six-player battle set in Stalingrad and has since expanded into weekly linked engagements reflecting the shifting momentum of the Soviet counteroffensive.
One of the standout strengths of the campaign has been its community outreach. Hosted in a busy mall environment, the tables consistently attract walk-in traffic, with spectators stopping to watch, ask questions, and learn about tabletop wargaming. Players make a point of welcoming visitors, explaining the game, and inviting interested individuals to join the group’s Facebook page. Nearly every session includes kids and families captivated by the terrain and miniatures, making this campaign an excellent public showcase for Bolt Action as an accessible, visually engaging historical game. The success of Operation Uranus has already led to plans for future narrative campaigns, including another multi-month event in the spring and a large-scale desert-themed campaign planned for the fall.