Campaign: Fortress Budapest for Bolt Action Review

Published by Osprey Games under license for Warlord Games’ Bolt Action, Campaign: Fortress Budapest follows the standard format for the series. Penned by Bryan Cook, it aims to provide players with the tools to refight the pivotal battles in and around the Hungarian capital. Today, we’re deploying reinforcements to the Eastern Front, specifically focusing on one of the most brutal and often overlooked sieges of World War II: the battle for Budapest. Warlord Games, through their popular Bolt Action system, brings this desperate conflict to the tabletop with Campaign: Fortress Budapest.

Bolt Action, for those new recruits, is a 28mm platoon-level World War II wargame known for its dynamic order dice activation system, creating friction and uncertainty on the battlefield. Campaign supplements like this one delve into specific historical battles or theatres, offering new scenarios, units, and theatre selectors to recreate the unique challenges and forces involved.

But before we dissect the book itself, it’s crucial to understand the grim historical backdrop. The Siege of Budapest was a maelstrom of urban warfare, a desperate struggle fought street by street, house by house, sewer by sewer, often compared in its ferocity to Stalingrad.

Note: The book was provided to us by Warlord Games/Osprey as a review copy

The Historical Cauldron: Hungary and the Siege of Budapest (Late 1944 – Early 1945)

Red Army in Budapest, 1945

By the autumn of 1944, the tide on the Eastern Front had irrevocably turned against the Axis powers. The Red Army, vast and vengeful, was pushing relentlessly westward. Romania had switched sides in August, opening a huge gap in the southern sector of the front and exposing Hungary, Germany’s increasingly reluctant ally.

Hungary, under the authoritarian rule of Regent Miklós Horthy, had joined the Axis invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941, hoping to regain territories lost after World War I. However, as German fortunes waned, Horthy began seeking a separate peace with the Allies. Hitler, unwilling to lose Hungarian resources (particularly oil) and strategic depth, launched Operation Margarethe in March 1944, occupying Hungary to ensure its continued compliance. When Horthy announced an armistice with the Soviets in October 1944, the Germans responded swiftly with Operation Panzerfaust, deposing Horthy and installing the violently anti-Semitic and fanatically pro-Nazi Arrow Cross Party under Ferenc Szálasi. Hungary was now firmly chained to the collapsing Reich.

Meanwhile, two powerful Soviet Fronts (Army Groups) under Marshals Rodion Malinovsky (2nd Ukrainian Front) and Fyodor Tolbukhin (3rd Ukrainian Front) converged on Hungary. Their strategic objective was clear: capture Budapest, knock Hungary definitively out of the war, and open the road to Vienna and southern Germany.

The initial Soviet offensive towards Budapest began in late October 1944. Fierce resistance, particularly from mobile German Panzer divisions rushed to the area, stalled the first direct assault. Malinovsky and Tolbukhin were forced to reconsider their approach. Instead of a head-on attack, they opted for a massive encirclement.

By late December 1944, the pincers of the 2nd and 3rd Ukrainian Fronts snapped shut west of Budapest, trapping the city’s garrison and nearly a million civilians. Hitler, obsessed with holding ground and designating cities as “Fortresses” (Festung) to be defended to the last man, forbade any breakout attempts. Budapest was to become Festung Budapest.

Trapped inside were approximately 70,000-80,000 German and Hungarian soldiers. The German contingent included Heer units, Waffen-SS troops (notably elements of the 8th SS Cavalry Division Florian Geyer and the 22nd SS Volunteer Cavalry Division Maria Theresia), and Luftwaffe ground personnel. The Hungarian defenders comprised Royal Hungarian Army soldiers and gendarmes, university assault battalions, and Arrow Cross militia – a mixed bag of varying quality and motivation. Commanding the besieged forces was SS-Obergruppenführer Karl Pfeffer-Wildenbruch.

The Soviet forces surrounding the city were numerically superior and possessed overwhelming advantages in artillery and air power, although urban combat would somewhat negate these. The Soviets, having learned bitter lessons in cities like Stalingrad, prepared for a methodical, brutal reduction of the pocket.

Campaign Book overview

Excellent illustrations featuring new line of miniatures from Warlord Games are included in the book

1. Historical Background: The book begins, as it should, with a concise overview of the historical campaign. While not as exhaustive as a dedicated history book (nor should it be), it effectively sets the scene, covering the political situation, the opposing forces, the encirclement, the key phases of the battle (including the Konrad relief attempts), and the final breakout. It provides essential context for the scenarios and units that follow.

2. New Scenarios: This is the heart of any campaign book. Fortress Budapest offers a range of scenarios (typically around 12 in these books) designed to reflect the specific challenges and nature of the fighting. You can expect scenarios covering:

   • The initial Soviet assaults on the city outskirts.

   • Desperate street fighting in Pest and Buda.

   • The German Konrad relief attempts, potentially involving tank clashes outside the city.

   • Special operations like sewer fighting or attempts to capture key strongpoints (like the Castle District).

   • The final, doomed breakout attempt.

   • These scenarios often include special rules to represent factors like limited visibility, rubble, house-to-house fighting, starvation, random bombardments, or the presence of desperate militia. Some scenarios might be linked, forming a mini-campaign where results affect subsequent battles.

3. New Units & Theatre Selectors: This is often where campaign books really shine for players looking to expand their forces. Fortress Budapest introduces new units and army list options (Theatre Selectors) for the key participants:

   • Germany: Expect options representing the specific mix of Heer and Waffen-SS units involved, including battle-weary Panzergrenadiers, SS Cavalry troopers fighting dismounted, Luftwaffe ground troops pressed into service, and potentially Volkssturm or other ad-hoc formations. Specific named units or formations involved historically might get unique rules or access to certain support options. Theatre selectors will likely reflect the constraints of the siege (limited heavy equipment, reliance on infantry) or the armoured spearheads of the Konrad operations.

   • Hungary: This is a major focus. The book significantly expands options for the Royal Hungarian Army, likely including regular Honvéd infantry, specialist assault pioneers, gendarmes, the distinct Vannay Battlegroup (known for fierce resistance), University Assault Battalions, and potentially Arrow Cross Militia. New vehicles or Hungarian variants might also feature, like the Zrínyi assault gun. Theatre selectors will allow players to field specifically Hungarian forces reflecting different stages of the war or the siege itself.

   • Soviet Union: New options might include specialised urban assault engineers (storm groups), naval infantry involved in crossing the Danube, and potentially rules reflecting their overwhelming artillery support. Theatre selectors could focus on the massive combined-arms forces assaulting the city or the mobile groups tasked with blocking relief attempts.

   • Romania: While Romania switched sides before the siege proper began, Romanian forces were heavily involved in operations in Hungary alongside the Soviets during the Debrecen campaign and the push towards Budapest. The book includes options for representing these Romanian forces fighting alongside the Soviets against their former allies.

4. Special Rules: Beyond scenario-specific rules, the book introduces theatre-wide rules capturing the flavour of the Budapest campaign. This could include rules for:

   • Urban Combat: Enhanced rules for fighting in built-up areas, building demolition, rubble.

   • Supply Shortages: Representing the dwindling resources of the besieged garrison.

   • Desperation: Rules reflecting the do-or-die attitude of defenders or the fury of Soviet assaults.

   • Sewer Fighting: Specific mechanics for subterranean movement and combat.

   • Axis Allied Mistrust: Potential rules reflecting coordination issues between German and Hungarian units (though often they fought effectively side-by-side).

Presentation:

As is standard for Osprey/Warlord Games publications, the book is typically a softcover, full-colour volume. It features a mix of historical photographs, maps, colour illustrations of uniforms and equipment (often by Peter Dennis), and photos of beautifully painted miniatures and wargaming tables showcasing the scenarios and units in action. The layout is generally clear and functional, making it easy to find the rules and information needed.

Siege of Budapest with Soviet armored forces and desperate Hungarian defenders

Bringing the Siege of Budapest to the Table

So, how does Campaign: Fortress Budapest translate this brutal history into a playable Bolt Action experience?

The scenarios are key. They move beyond the standard symmetrical pitched battles found in the main rulebook, forcing players into asymmetric situations common in historical sieges. Expect defenders to be outnumbered but holding fortified positions, attackers needing to cross dangerous open ground or clear buildings room by room, and relief forces racing against the clock. The special scenario rules add layers of theme and challenge – fighting through rubble significantly slows movement, limited visibility makes snipers even more potent, and random bombardments can disrupt the best-laid plans.

The new units and Theatre Selectors are arguably the biggest draw for many players. For German players, it offers ways to field late-war formations specific to this desperate battle, perhaps mixing elite SS veterans with hastily trained Luftwaffe ground crew. Soviet players gain specialised tools for city fighting. But it’s the Hungarian players who benefit most, receiving a significant expansion that allows them to field diverse and characterful forces truly representing their nation’s contribution (or plight) in this period. The inclusion of Romanians fighting for the Allies adds another interesting dimension to Eastern Front gaming.

These new units and selectors encourage players to build armies that feel appropriate for the setting. A German force selected using a Fortress Budapest selector will likely look and play differently from a German force geared for the open steppes of 1943 or the hedgerows of Normandy. It encourages thematic army building, which is a huge plus for historically-minded gamers.

However, the brutal nature of the siege presents challenges for scenario balance. Urban warfare scenarios, especially sieges, can sometimes become static or heavily favour the defender dug into buildings. Good scenario design (which these campaign books usually strive for) uses objectives, specific victory conditions, and asymmetric forces to keep things engaging and offer both sides a path to victory, even if historically one side was clearly doomed. The key is making it a fun and challenging game that evokes the historical situation, not necessarily a perfect simulation resulting in the historical outcome every time.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Historical Focus: Successfully shines a light on a lesser-known but incredibly intense campaign of WWII.

• New Content: Provides a wealth of new scenarios, units, and rules, significantly expanding options for German, Hungarian, Soviet, and Romanian players.

• Thematic Depth: The scenarios and rules effectively capture the brutal flavour of urban siege warfare on the late Eastern Front.

• Hungarian Army Expansion: A much-needed boost for players wanting to field Hungarian forces, giving them unique units and flavour.

• Presentation: High-quality Osprey/Warlord Games production values with engaging text, artwork, and photos.

Weaknesses:

• Niche Appeal? While fascinating, the Budapest siege might be less familiar or appealing to players focused on other theatres like Normandy or North Africa.

• Scenario Balance: As with any historical scenario set, achieving perfect balance while remaining true to the source material can be difficult. Some scenarios might feel very challenging for one side.

• Requires Existing Rules: Like all campaign books, it requires the main Bolt Action rulebook to play.

Who Is This Book For?

Campaign: Fortress Budapest is highly recommended for:

• Bolt Action players interested in the Eastern Front: This offers a deep dive into a crucial late-war campaign.

• Players looking to field Hungarian armies: This book is almost essential, providing the most comprehensive Hungarian army options for Bolt Action.

• Gamers who enjoy urban combat scenarios: The book is packed with scenarios and rules tailored for desperate city fights.

• Historical wargamers: Anyone fascinated by the Siege of Budapest will appreciate the effort to translate this history into a playable format.

Players solely focused on Western Front or Pacific Theatre actions might find less immediate use for it, unless they are looking to branch out or are drawn in by the specific units or the nature of the siege warfare described.

Conclusion: Storming the Danube Banks

Campaign: Fortress Budapest is another strong entry in the Bolt Action campaign series. It takes a complex, brutal, and historically significant siege and provides players with the framework to explore it on the tabletop. The book successfully balances historical detail with engaging game mechanics, offering numerous new scenarios that capture the desperate flavour of the fighting.

The expansion of the Hungarian forces is a particular highlight, finally giving this Axis minor nation its due within the Bolt Action system. While the subject matter is grim, the scenarios promise tense, challenging games full of the narrative moments Bolt Action excels at creating – a desperate defence against overwhelming odds, a last-ditch tank charge to relieve comrades, or a bitter struggle for a single ruined building.

If you have any interest in the late war Eastern Front, urban warfare, or fielding Hungarian forces, Campaign: Fortress Budapest deserves a place on your shelf. It’s a well-researched, well-presented supplement that provides hours of challenging gameplay and a sobering glimpse into one of World War II’s most ferocious battles.

Now, grab your Panzerschrecks and PPSh-41s, commanders – the battle for Budapest awaits!