Afrika Korps

The Avalon Hill Game Co · Board game · 1964
7.0 Ludopedia 6.3 BGG 2 · best 2 180 min Weight 2.2/5
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7.0 rating Ludopedia
6.3 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

If you're into military history and want to try a classic wargame without getting bogged down in complex rules, Afrika Korps is an excellent choice. It offers an engaging simulation of Rommel's North African campaign, with gameplay that balances luck and strategy, ideal for tactical duels between friends. It's a classic that has aged well and still delivers a lot of fun.

Highlights
  • Accessible for wargame beginners
  • Engaging historical simulation
  • Intense tactical duels
  • High replayability
  • Classic wargame components
Keep in mind
  • Dated visuals
  • Two-player only
  • Can be a bit long
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Get ready to relive Erwin Rommel's legendary desert campaign! Afrika Korps, released in 1964 by Avalon Hill, is a fun and accessible historical wargame, perfect for newcomers to the genre. It puts two players in command of either the Allied or Axis forces, simulating the clashes between Rommel's Panzerarmee Afrika and the British Eighth Army in North Africa during World War II, from April 1941 until the decisive Battle of El Alamein in late 1942.

In this game, you'll dive into the tactical complexity of one of history's most famous campaigns. The 44x14 inch mounted board represents the vast desert landscape, where military units from both sides, represented by die-cut counters, move on a hexagonal grid. Each turn, which simulates a month of conflict, initiative can switch hands, forcing both generals to quickly adapt to battlefield conditions. Mechanics include dice rolling to determine combat results, movement points to control unit advances, and a combat results table based on ratios, adding strategic depth. With variable setup and zones of control, each game offers a unique challenge, making you understand why Rommel called North Africa 'a tactician's paradise; a logistical officer's nightmare.' It's a game that, despite its age, still delivers an engaging experience and a great starting point for military history enthusiasts.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

4 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

Duel · 2 players
2 BEST

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Categories

Families

Country: Egypt Country: Germany Country: Italy Country: Libya Decades: The 1940's Digital Implementations: VASSAL History: World War II (Africa) Players: Two-Player Only Games Players: Wargames with Rules Supporting Only Two Players Region: North Africa Theme: Deserts War Battlespace: Land Warfare War Level of Command: Operational
Publisher The Avalon Hill Game Co
Designer Charles S. Roberts
Artist Jean Baer

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

2,547owners
108wishlist
17want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
How many players can play Afrika Korps?
Afrika Korps is exclusively a two-player game, where one controls the Axis forces and the other, the Allied forces.
What is the average playtime for a game?
A game of Afrika Korps typically lasts between 3 to 4 hours, depending on player experience and the depth of tactical decisions.
What is the complexity level of Afrika Korps?
It's considered a low to medium complexity game for a wargame, being one of Avalon Hill's titles recommended for beginners in the genre. On BGG, it has a weight of 2.2449/5.
What are the main components of the game?
The box includes a mounted mapboard of North Africa, die-cut Axis and Allied military unit counters, a combat results table, a time record card, a die, and the rulebook.
Is Afrika Korps a good game for someone new to wargames?
Yes, it is often cited as an excellent entry point into the world of wargames due to its relatively simple rules and straightforward gameplay, without sacrificing tactical depth.
Does the game have any expansions or additional content?
Afrika Korps is a standalone game and does not have official expansions released. However, its replayability is high due to the strategic nature and campaign variability.

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