Airborne Commander

StrataMax Games · Board game · 2015
— Ludopedia 7.0 BGG 1 · best 1 Solo 30 min Weight 1.9/5
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— rating Ludopedia
7.0 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

Airborne Commander is an excellent exercise in survival and risk management for those wanting a quick, thematic solo experience. The deck-building system with 'disorganized' cards creates constant tension, forcing you to choose between aggression and efficiency. It’s a card-based wargame that delivers great value in a short timeframe, perfect for those seeking a tactical challenge that doesn't take up the whole table. The historical setting is well-integrated into the mechanics, making every session a story of resistance.

Highlights
  • Tense deck-building mechanics
  • Fast and intense gameplay
  • Immersive historical artwork
  • Excellent solo challenge
Keep in mind
  • Can be punishing for poor choices
  • Card draw luck factor
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About the game

What you do in a play session

If you enjoy a solo challenge that puts you in the shoes of a WWII commander, Airborne Commander is a solid pick. You take charge of the 101st Airborne Division during the D-Day landings. The game is an intense deck-building experience where every decision counts: you start with a limited group of soldiers and must recruit reinforcements from the drop zone while facing off against German defenses. The core of the experience is risk management. You must balance your cards across the battlefield, support areas, and reserves. Any enemy unit you fail to neutralize clutters your deck with 'disorganized' cards, turning your survival into a true test of patience and strategy. Combat is diverse, ranging from small arms and bazookas to artillery support and air strikes. You’ll need to decide whether to prioritize firepower to clear targets or bring in high-ranking officers for extra actions. Your goal is to secure 12 victory points, but be careful: if your troops become too disorganized or lack command, it’s game over. The game features detailed illustrations that provide a great historical atmosphere, helping you immerse yourself in the tension of Normandy. It’s a fast-paced, dynamic game that doesn't forgive sloppy mistakes. If you enjoy card games with a military theme that demand constant tactical thinking, Airborne Commander offers a very satisfying 'deck survival' experience. It’s the kind of game you set up quickly, play a tense 30-minute session, and even if you lose, you’ll want to reshuffle and try a different strategy next time. The game's weight is accessible, but the depth of choices ensures you always feel the burden of command. Get ready to jump behind enemy lines and see if you have what it takes to complete your objectives before everything spirals out of control.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

5 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

Solo · 1 player
1 BEST

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Country: France Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Players: Solitaire Only Games Players: Solitaire Only Wargames Players: Wargames with Solitaire Rules Region: Normandy (France)
Publisher StrataMax Games
Designer Aaron Lauster
Artist Lon Brauer

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

703owners
301wishlist
78want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
Is the game for one player only?
Yes, Airborne Commander is designed exclusively as a solo experience.
How long does a game take?
On average, 30 minutes, making it ideal for tight schedules.
Is it hard to learn the rules?
No, the game weight is moderate (around 1.9/5), making it easy to pick up but challenging to master.
Do I need expansions to play?
No, the base game is complete, and the second printing already includes extra cards from previous campaigns.
Is the game heavily luck-dependent?
There is luck in card draws, but your deck management is what determines long-term success.
What is the main objective?
You need to accumulate 12 victory points by eliminating enemies and capturing objectives before your troop collapses.

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