Cover of the game Axis Empires: Ultimate Edition

Axis Empires: Ultimate Edition

Decision Games (I) · Board game · 2023
Ludopedia
— Ludopedia
BoardGameGeek
8.9 BoardGameGeek
Players
2–4 · best 3
Play Time
900–3600 min
Weight
Weight 4.4/5
Year
Year 2023
Minimum age
Minimum age 12+
Buy · from US$ 468.70
— rating Ludopedia
8.9 rating BoardGameGeek
Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

If you are a fan of strategic wargames and alternate history, this is the 'Holy Grail'. The box is a massive amount of content that allows you to simulate almost any WWII scenario, with a depth that very few games reach. It is a long-haul experience, perfect for those who want to get lost in planning and strategy for days on end.

Highlights
  • Vast and immersive historical content
  • Brilliant alternate history system
  • Detailed naval and air simulation
  • Classic Krieg design elegance
Keep in mind
  • Extremely long playtime
  • Steep learning curve
  • Requires massive table space
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Get ready for the ultimate World War II experience. Axis Empires: Ultimate Edition is not just a game; it is an interactive encyclopedia of historical possibilities that combines the classics Totaler Krieg and Dai Senso into one monumental package. If you have ever wondered what would happen if history had taken different turns—like a victorious Germany in 1917 or a scenario where the Tsar still ruled Russia—this is your playground. The game offers unprecedented creative freedom through the Dice of Decision II system, allowing you to build entirely new global campaigns, connecting Europe and the Pacific into an alternate-history narrative that you write yourself.

Beyond the strategic depth, the Ultimate Edition includes the Schiffskrieg expansion, which raises the bar for naval and air simulation. Forget abstract support units; now you must manage ships, from cruisers to entire fleets, as well as air bases, making control of the oceans and skies a vital part of your strategy. With 550 cards, new maps, and refined rules, the game retains that classic Krieg series elegance but with an extra layer of detail that will satisfy even the most demanding strategists. It is a dense, robust game made for those who are not afraid to invest dozens of hours into a single epic campaign. Whether you are dealing with 'Separate Peace' diplomacy or surprising your opponent with 'Fortunes of War' cards, the experience is one of total immersion. If you love strategic-level wargames that challenge your long-term planning skills and enjoy exploring historical 'what-ifs,' this title is, without a doubt, the pinnacle of your collection.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

7 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–4 players
2 BEST
3 BEST
4 BEST

Soundtrack

Ambience suggested by Melodice

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Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Categories

Families

Series: Krieg (Decision Games) War Level of Command: Strategic
Publisher Decision Games (I)
Designer Alan Emrich, Thomas Prowell
Artist Joe Youst, Thomas Prowell

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

473owners
277wishlist
32want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
How long does a game take?
Grab some coffee! As a global strategic-level game, a session can take anywhere from 15 to 60 hours depending on the chosen scenario.
Is this game for beginners?
Definitely not. With a weight of 4.39/5, it is aimed at wargame veterans who already master concepts of logistics and complex movement.
Do I need the previous games to play?
No, the Ultimate Edition is a complete, standalone package containing everything you need.
How many players work best?
The game shines at 2 players for intense duels, but works well with up to 4, splitting the responsibilities of the Axis and Allied powers.
What does the Schiffskrieg expansion add?
It replaces abstract naval units with actual ships and air bases, requiring you to manage the real positioning of these forces on the map.

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