A World at War: Second World War in Europe and the Pacific — Prices

GMT Games, Rawstone · Board game · 2003
Ludopedia 7.6 BGG 1–6 · best 4 Solo 1440–2880 min Weight 4.8/5
Buy · from US$ 159.64
rating Ludopedia
7.6 rating BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS

If you're someone who dreams of rewriting the history of World War II, *A World at War* is your ultimate playground! This colossal wargame puts you in global strategic command, offering a deep and detailed simulation of the conflict in all its aspects. The experience is immersive and challenging, perfect for those seeking a serious dive into military strategy and diplomacy. It's a game that rewards meticulous planning and adaptability.

Highlights
  • Deep strategic simulation
  • Impressive global scale
  • Crucial decisions every turn
  • Huge replayability
  • Rich historical details
Keep in mind
  • Very long playtime
  • Complex and dense rules
  • Steep learning curve
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Get ready to dive headfirst into World War II with *A World at War*, a game that elevates military strategy to a new level! Inspired by classics like *Rise and Decline of the Third Reich* and its successors, this edition brings together everything you need to simulate the global conflict in a single box. Here, the battlefield is vast and detailed, with marines and paratroopers clashing against infantry and armor, while aircraft carriers and submarines duel with cruisers and battleships. In the skies, army and carrier planes crisscross with bombers, interceptors, and even ultra-fast jets. The decision is yours: what to build and where to deploy it? Every tactical choice is crucial, but don't think the war is limited to weaponry alone. The struggle extends to other fronts, such as diplomacy in foreign parliaments, research into new technologies in your secret labs, and guerrilla operations behind enemy lines. Seize every advantage you can get! Will you risk everything to research the atomic bomb, or do you prefer a safer strategy, fortifying your beaches and installing anti-aircraft defenses near your factories? With so many elements in play, any well-executed strategy can lead to victory. Think carefully, commander!

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

5 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

1–6 players
1 OK
2 BEST
3 REC
4 BEST
5 REC
6 REC

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Categories

Families

Components: Map (Continental / National scale) Continents: Europe Country: Belgium Country: China Country: France Country: Germany Country: Italy Country: Japan Country: Soviet Union Country: United Kingdom Country: USA Digital Implementations: VASSAL History: World War II (Africa) History: World War II (Eastern Front) History: World War II (Pacific) History: World War II (Western Front 1940) Players: Wargames with Rules Supporting Only Two Players Region: Pacific Ocean Series: Third Reich (Avalon Hill and others) War Level of Command: Strategic
Publisher GMT Games, Rawstone
Designer Bruce Harper
Artist Mark Simonitch, Rodger B. MacGowan

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

1,731owners
502wishlist
93want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
What is the average playtime for A World at War?
Get ready for a marathon! A full game can take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours, meaning between 1440 and 2880 minutes. This is definitely not for the faint of heart or those with limited free time!
How many players can play?
The game is designed for 1 to 6 players, but the most classic and intense experience usually happens with 2 players, controlling the Allies and the Axis.
What is the complexity level of the rules?
This is a 'heavyweight' wargame, with a BGG complexity rating of 4.768/5. The rules are dense and detailed, requiring dedication to master. It's not a game for beginners to the genre.
What are the main components of the game?
Expect a gigantic map on a continental/national scale, hundreds of counters representing military units (infantry, armor, planes, ships), dice for combat resolution, and various markers to track resources and status.
Who is A World at War recommended for?
It's highly recommended for experienced wargame enthusiasts who are looking for a deep and detailed strategic simulation of World War II. If you love planning complex military campaigns and don't mind the long duration, this is for you.
Is it possible to play solo?
Yes, it is possible to play solo, controlling both sides or using specific single-player rule variants. However, the strategic interaction with another player is where the game truly shines.

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