“Blood Red Skies” is a high-flying aerial combat experience set during World War II, produced by the well-known Warlord Games. It has quickly become popular among war gamers for its unique mechanics, historical accuracy, and accessibility.

In this guide, we’ll explore Blood Red Skies. Keep reading as we break down the gameplay mechanics and provide tips to help you get started with this Warlord Games classic.

A Brief History of Warlord Games

Founded in 2007, Warlord Games has become one of the leaders in the tabletop wargaming industry. It is known for its high-quality miniatures and richly detailed historical games. From Bolt Action, a ground-based World War II game, to Black Powder, focused on the Napoleonic era, Warlord Games has consistently delivered immersive gaming experiences.

The introduction of Blood Red Skies was a natural expansion for Warlord Games, allowing players to take their World War II gaming to the skies. Andy Chambers, a veteran of the industry known for his contributions to Warhammer 40,000, oversaw its development. This has given Blood Red Skies a polished feel and a well-balanced ruleset that appeals to both new players and seasoned veterans.

What is Blood Red Skies?

Blood Red Skies is a World War II-themed miniature aerial combat game where players take command of squadrons of fighter aircraft. Unlike traditional wargames focusing on ground combat, Blood Red Skies shifts the battlefield to the skies. Players can recreate historical dogfights with iconic planes like the Messerschmitt Bf 109 and the P-40 Wargawk. The game is designed to be easy to pick up, and deep enough to offer endless tactical possibilities.

Published by Warlord Games, Blood Red Skies brings a strategic twist to tabletop wargaming by emphasising mobility, pilot skill, and tactical decision-making over simple dice rolling. With quick setup times and a fast-paced rule system, players can engage in thrilling combat without spending hours learning the ropes.

The Gameplay: How Blood Red Skies Stands Out

Blood Red Skies is more than just a game of miniatures; it’s a game of positioning, strategy, and taking calculated risks. Take a look at how the game works:

Core Mechanics

At its core, Blood Red Skies uses a unique combat system that discerns it from other wargames. Here’s what you need to know:

Advantage System
One of the most distinctive features of Blood Red Skies is its “Advantage” mechanic. Instead of simply moving and shooting, aircraft have
three possible states: Advantaged, Neutral, and Disadvantaged.

For example, an advantaged plane is pointing up and has better control over the battlefield, it can also choose when to attack or disengage. Meanwhile, a disadvantaged plane is vulnerable and at risk of being shot down due to its diving position. A neutral plan positioning is level.

Pilot Skill
Every aircraft in Blood Red Skies is represented by a card that includes its speed, firepower, and agility.

Higher-skilled pilots have a greater chance of outmaneuvering opponents, while lower-skilled pilots can still pose a threat with the right tactics. This adds a layer of strategy where choosing when to use a skilled pilot versus when to sacrifice a lesser one can be critical.

Simple But Deep Rules
While the mechanics of Blood Red Skies are easy to grasp, mastering the game requires a deep understanding of maneuvering and positioning.

Turns involve players moving their aircraft, attempting to gain advantageous positions over enemies, and engaging in aerial combat. The rules strike a balance between accessibility and depth, making it suitable for casual play but also rewarding deeper tactical thinking.

Setting Up the Battlefield

Setting up a game of Blood Red Skies is straightforward, making it ideal for both newcomers and veterans of Warlord Games’ other offerings.

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

1. Select your Squadron: Players choose their aircraft, typically consisting of around six planes per squadron.

2. Build your Force: Each plane and pilot costs points, so players agree on a point limit for their game and build their squadrons accordingly. This allows for balanced games, regardless of the aircraft models available.

3. Set Up the Map: The game is played on a flat surface, usually representing the sky over historical battlegrounds. Players can use additional terrain pieces like clouds or islands, which add complexity to the battlefield.

4. Start Flying: Once set up, players alternate moving their aircraft, engaging in dogfights, and attempting to control the skies. The game typically lasts between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the squadrons and the number of players.

Tips for Mastering Blood Red Skies

Here are some tips to help you become a better commander in Blood Red Skies, These tips are useful for experienced wargamers and those new to aerial combat games.

1. Control the Advantage: Always keep an eye on the advantage states of both your planes and your opponent’s. Maintaining the advantage will give you control over when and where to strike.

2. Use Terrain Wisely: Although the game occurs in the sky, clouds resembling terrain can offer cover and create opportunities for strategic maneuvers. You can use this terrain to break the line of sight or reposition.

3. Balance your Squadron: Mix skilled pilots with lower-cost rookies to create a versatile squadron. Rookies can engage in risky maneuvers or serve as distractions, while your skilled aces can focus on delivering decisive blows.

4. Learn your Aircraft’s Strengths: Each plane in Blood Red Skies has unique attributes like speed, firepower, and agility. Understand the strengths and weaknesses of your aircraft and use them to your advantage.

Miniature Models and Components

Warlord Games are known for their detailed miniatures, and Blood Red Skies is no exception. The game features beautifully crafted 1/200 scale models of iconic World War II aircraft. Each model comes with a base that integrates the advantage state of the plane, making it easy to track each aircraft’s status during gameplay.

In addition to aircraft miniatures, the game also includes:

• Flight Stands: These special stands support the aircraft models and display their advantage states.

• Dice and Markers: These components keep track of conditions like “Boom” tokens, representing damage inflicted on a squadron.

• Pilot cards and Aircraft Cards: These contain all the stats you need to know for each pilot and aircraft, providing a quick reference during gameplay.

Community and Events

One of the best parts of Blood Red Skies is the community surrounding the game. Many hobbyists gather at local gaming halls, conventions, and online forums to share strategies, paint their miniatures, and organise tournaments. Warlord Games also supports organised play events, allowing players to compete and connect with others who share their passion for historical wargaming.

Community support is a key part of keeping the game alive, with fans regularly creating custom scenarios, campaigns, and even new aircraft cards. These contributions keep Blood Red Skies fresh and engaging, ensuring that there’s always something new to try.

Conclusion: Why Blood Red Skies Is a Must-Try

Blood Red Skies is a top choice for those interested in the thrill of aerial combat and the rich history of World War II. It combines Warlord Games' expertise in historical wargaming with fast-paced gameplay, detailed miniatures, and a dynamic community. The blend of strategy and skill makes it both a challenging and rewarding game. Plus, the beautiful miniatures add an extra layer of immersion.

Whether you are a veteran of tabletop wargames or new to miniatures, Blood Red Skies offers a unique experience. Shop our range now for up to 20% off RRP.