Quick Answer
Choose Storming the Gap if you want the first battles of World War III with fast platoon-level combat; pick Blood and Fury if you're ready for the full Cold War confrontation with NATO's heaviest armor.
What Each Companion Book Delivers
Storming the Gap is the first volume in the World At War 85 series, focusing on the Warsaw Pact's initial push across the inner German border. It's designed for battles that are decided in the time it takes to lose a formation, making it a good entry point for players new to the system.
Blood and Fury is a companion book that expands the scope to the wider Cold War turned hot. It brings the full weight of NATO's armored response, including Abrams and Leopard 2s against T-80s, with infantry and attack helicopters adding layers of tactical depth.
The Real Trade-off: Scope vs. Speed
The main trade-off is between the focused, fast-paced battles of Storming the Gap and the broader, more complex engagements of Blood and Fury. Storming the Gap emphasizes quick decisions and formation losses, while Blood and Fury introduces more unit types and longer-range armor duels.
If you're new to World At War 85, starting with Storming the Gap gives you the core experience without overwhelming you. If you already own the core rules and want to expand your scenarios and forces, Blood and Fury adds the iconic NATO and Warsaw Pact hardware you've been waiting to field.
Which One Should You Pick?
- New to World At War 85: Start with Storming the Gap. It's the first volume and focuses on core mechanics with fast, formation-level decisions. You'll learn the system without the extra complexity of helicopters and heavy armor.
- Veteran looking for more: Choose Blood and Fury. It expands the battlefield with NATO's heaviest tanks and adds tactical variety. You'll get scenarios that test your combined-arms coordination.
- Budget or collection building: If you can only get one now, Storming the Gap is the lower-priced entry point. If you already have it, Blood and Fury is the natural next step. Consider your collection goals: start with the first volume or jump to the expanded content.
Product Facts
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World At War 85: Storming the Gap Companion: Storming the Gap is the first volume in the World At War 85 series, featuring fast platoon-level combat where a battle is decided in the time it takes to lose a formation. This makes it an ideal starting point for players who want to learn the system with shorter, decisive scenarios.
World At War 85: Storming the Gap Companion
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World At War 85: Blood and Fury Companion Book: Blood and Fury covers the Cold War turning hot, with Abrams and Leopard 2s against T-80s, plus infantry and attack helicopters. It adds the iconic heavy armor and combined-arms depth that veteran players will want for larger, more complex battles.
World At War 85: Blood and Fury Companion Book
Who Should Buy Which
Best for
- Players new to World At War 85 who want a focused, fast-paced introduction
- Collectors who want the first volume of the series to build from
Not for
- Players who already own Storming the Gap and want new heavy armor units—choose Blood and Fury instead
- Those seeking the most comprehensive scenario variety without owning the core rules
