Translating WWII Tank Armour Into Tabletop Wargaming: How Realism Meets the Table

In WWII, tank warfare was deadly, complex, and evolving at a breakneck pace. From the lightly armoured early-war Panzer IIs to the hulking late-war Panthers and IS-2s, both offensive firepower and armour protection saw radical changes. Real tank crews didn’t just rely on thick armour—they used tactics like angling their vehicles, going hull-down behind terrain, or positioning to encourage glancing blows. But how do we, as wargamers, bring those layers of complexity into our miniature games?

That’s exactly the question explored in my latest YouTube video. We look at how several major WWII wargames approach the representation of tank armour, including Flames of War, Rapid Fire!, What-a-Tanker! and Chain of Command. Each of these games takes a different stance on how armour is modelled—some use it as a “save,” others calculate penetration directly, and some abstract the whole process for the sake of fast, cinematic play.

We also dive into the history behind real-world tank armour innovations, like sloped armour, side-skirts, and spaced plating. Understanding these developments can not only enrich our gameplay but deepen our appreciation for the tank crews who risked everything during the war.

Whether you're a seasoned tabletop tactician or just starting out in historical gaming, this video offers a thoughtful and engaging look at how we recreate tank warfare on the tabletop. It’s packed with hobby discussion, rules comparisons, and respectful historical reflection.