Uploaded August 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Casualty removal is one of the oldest and most familiar mechanics in tabletop wargaming, but what happens when we take a closer look at the role of medics and casualty recovery on the battlefield? In this video, I explore how different wargame rulesets approach the theme of field medicine, wounded soldiers, and battlefield recovery, and how these rules can dramatically change the flow of a game.
From Bolt Action’s medic rolls and Infinity’s tense “unconscious” state to the Apothecaries of Warhammer 40,000 and the wounded leader rules in Chain of Command, there are many fascinating ways designers bring this part of warfare onto the tabletop. I’ll also discuss how larger-scale systems like Battlegroup abstract recovery through morale, and how games like Saga blend healing into special abilities.
Do medic rules only make sense in small skirmish games, or could they work in bigger, army-sized battles? Let’s dive into the mechanics, explore their impact on play, and ask whether field medics deserve a bigger place in wargaming.
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Casualty removal is one of the oldest and most familiar mechanics in tabletop wargaming, but what happens when we take a closer look at the role of medics and casualty recovery on the battlefield? In this video, I explore how different wargame rulesets approach the theme of field medicine, wounded soldiers, and battlefield recovery, and how these rules can dramatically change the flow of a game.
From Bolt Action’s medic rolls and Infinity’s tense “unconscious” state to the Apothecaries of Warhammer 40,000 and the wounded leader rules in Chain of Command, there are many fascinating ways designers bring this part of warfare onto the tabletop. I’ll also discuss how larger-scale systems like Battlegroup abstract recovery through morale, and how games like Saga blend healing into special abilities.
Do medic rules only make sense in small skirmish games, or could they work in bigger, army-sized battles? Let’s dive into the mechanics, explore their impact on play, and ask whether field medics deserve a bigger place in wargaming.
Join this channel to get access to perks:
youtube.com/channel/UC-OyOZpU-R7PNBOFwP4mu3g/join
