Quick answer

Choose Heroes of the Falklands for modern small-unit commando raids, Noville Bastognes Outpost for desperate WWII armor-infantry defense, or Heroes in Defiance for early-war French tank battles.

What each companion book brings to the table

Each Lock n Load Tactical companion book adds a new campaign with its own historical flavor and tactical challenges. The setting isn't just window dressing—it changes how you play: the terrain, the units, and the objectives all shift your decisions.

Noville Bastognes Outpost puts you in the Ardennes in December 1944, where fog and mud are as dangerous as the Germans. Heroes in Defiance re-creates the 1940 French campaign, where you command Char B1 bis and Hotchkiss H35s in desperate roadblocks. Heroes of the Falklands jumps to 1982, with Royal Marines and Paras fighting over hills and settlements in the South Atlantic.

Tactical depth vs. historical novelty

If you want the tightest, most brutal infantry and armor fights, Noville is a strong pick: the fog and mud force you to plan around visibility and terrain, not just firepower.

Heroes in Defiance offers a different kind of challenge—you have heavier tanks but face overwhelming odds. It rewards careful positioning and knowing when to hold or retreat.

Heroes of the Falklands is the most modern setting of the three, with commando raids and small-unit actions that feel distinct from the WWII titles. If you're tired of the same old European theater, this is the freshest change of pace.

Price and value

All three companion books are priced between $16 and $19, with a comparable value of $24.99. Heroes in Defiance is the cheapest at $16.24, while Heroes of the Falklands is the most expensive at $18.49. Noville sits in the middle at $17.99.

The price difference is small, so your decision should be based on the setting and scenarios that excite you most, not the cost.

Decision rules

  • Pick Heroes of the Falklands if...: You want a modern setting with commando raids and small-unit tactics. The scenarios emphasize speed, stealth, and surprise over heavy armor. Expect a faster, more mobile game than the WWII books.
  • Pick Noville Bastognes Outpost if...: You enjoy desperate defensive battles where weather and terrain are your enemies. The fog and mud add a layer of unpredictability that rewards careful planning. This is the most challenging book for armor movement—be ready to adapt.
  • Pick Heroes in Defiance if...: You want to command early-war French tanks like the Char B1 bis and Hotchkiss H35s. It's a unique historical scenario that you won't find in many other games. If you already own other French or early-war modules, this adds a fresh perspective.
  • If you're still undecided...: Consider which historical period you find most interesting. All three books offer high-quality scenarios, so your personal preference is the best tiebreaker. You can't go wrong—each book is a solid addition to your collection.

Product facts

  • Lock 'n Load Tactical: Noville Bastognes Outpost Companion Book: Noville Bastognes Outpost focuses on the defense of Noville in December 1944, where fog cuts visibility and mud can immobilize tanks. If you enjoy tense, weather-driven scenarios where terrain and visibility are as important as firepower, this book delivers a unique challenge.

    Lock 'n Load Tactical: Noville Bastognes Outpost Companion Book

    Lock 'n Load Tactical: Noville Bastognes Outpost Companion Book

  • Lock 'n Load Tactical: Heroes in Defiance Companion Book: Heroes in Defiance re-creates the 1940 French campaign, with units like the Char B1 bis and Hotchkiss H35s defending road junctions and villages. This is the pick if you want to command early-war French armor in a desperate, outnumbered fight that rewards tactical positioning.

    Lock 'n Load Tactical: Heroes in Defiance Companion Book

    Lock 'n Load Tactical: Heroes in Defiance Companion Book

  • Lock 'n Load Tactical: Heroes of the Falklands Companion Book: Heroes of the Falklands covers the 1982 conflict, from the initial Argentine occupation to the British counteroffensive, including raids on Darwin Hill and Top Malo House. It offers a modern, commando-style experience with small-unit actions that stand apart from the WWII titles.

Fit guidance

Best for

  • Players who want a modern, commando-style tactical experience: Heroes of the Falklands
  • Players who enjoy desperate defensive battles with weather and terrain challenges: Noville Bastognes Outpost
  • Players interested in early-war French armor and unique historical scenarios: Heroes in Defiance

Not for

  • Players who prefer a traditional WWII Western Front setting with familiar units—consider other Lock n Load Tactical modules instead