Wargames Illustrated WI463 July 2026 Edition

OBSERVATION POST

This month’s reviews take in a new set of Samuri rules, and the latest ‘Armies of…’ book for Bolt Action.

RELEASE RADAR

Dom Sore uses his Release Radar to highlight loads of new stuff in the world of wargaming.

QUICK FIRE

In this month’s Quick Fire, James Morris tells us all about the second Midgard Moot event.

COVER MOUNT FOCUS: KONFLIKT’47 TOTENKORPS

This month’s Freebie Frame is brought to you by Warlord Games, and features six zombie-like Totenkorps for Warlord’s weird-World War Two game Konflikt’47.

REIMAGINING THE HISTORICAL GLADIATOR GAME

Frank Sultana and N.R. Jenzen-Jones share insight into the history of the gladiators that inspired Blood on the Sands, and WI interviews author Harry Sidebottom, whose writing inspired the game designers.

USING THE IMPERIAL JAPANESE AND BRITISH 8TH ARMY PAINT SETS FROM THE ARMY PAINTER

Matt Parkes takes on two different painting challenges with the latest Historical Warpaints.

BOLT ACTION’S PLASTIC-GUN REVOLUTION

Warlord Games’ move to plastic support weapons is a significant shift for the Bolt Action range. James spoke with Gabrio Tolentino, the man in charge of Warlord’s plastics, about the challenges and rewards that come with the material switch.

SALUTE 53 PAINTING COMPETITION WINNERS

Our visual roundup of some of the best entries from this year’s Salute painting competition.

SHOW REPORT: PARTIZAN 2026

Salute might be the UK show that gets the most attendees through its doors, but Partizan’s the one with the most impressive wargaming demo and participation games, especially when it comes to historical splendour. Let’s take a look!

THE ARMY PAINTER’S SOVIET UNION HISTORICAL SET

Matt returns with a guide to using another of the Army Painter’s Historical paint sets.

YARKSHIRE GAMER’S THE SIEGE OF FORLI 1499

We look at Ken Reilly’s impressive ‘What if?’ Italian Wars game from Salute 53, which won him the Best Large Scale Game award at the show.

COVER MOUNT FOCUS: THE WALKING FRONT

Rubén Torregrosa uses The Army Painter’s Speedpaints and Ammo by Mig’s IONIC range to get his grim group of Freebie Frame Totenkorps zombies ready for battle at pace.