Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED
If you love vehicular combat and want to swap asphalt for waves, Boat Wars gives you the same high‑octane thrill on water.
Highlights
- Intense combat
- Colorful components
- Scenario flexibility
Keep in mind
- Measurement learning curve
- Translation dependency
Rules manual not indexed yet
Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.
About the game
What you do in a play session
Boat Wars transports the high‑octane action of Car Wars from the gritty streets of 2038 to the choppy waves of a futuristic seascape. As an official expansion, it supplies full rules for piloting, building, and battling with boats and hovercraft, using measured movement and dice rolls to settle outcomes. The set ships colorful counters for every vehicle and a large blue‑water map that can host two to eight fleets. Each game can be a quick scenario, a tactical mission, or a link in a larger campaign, letting you craft naval warfare narratives as intense as any road duel. Movement is measured, so precision matters as much as strategy, while combat mirrors Car Wars' brutal damage and maneuver rules. Though the core mechanics are easy to pick up, the variety of construction options and mission types give enough depth for 90‑minute sessions that stay fast‑paced. Perfect for fans of miniatures, wargames, and sci‑fi settings, Boat Wars offers a refreshing splash for anyone who already loves Car Wars or wants vehicular combat off the ground.
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Best player count
BGG community vote
2
OK
3
OK
4
OK
5
OK
6
OK
7
OK
8
OK
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
Loading playlist...
Where to Buy
Prices monitored daily
Finding best prices...
Prices unavailable at this time.
Price history — last 6 months (lowest new offer)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability subject to change.
Alert enabled!
Join the BoardGamesBot deals group
Get the best board game deals every day — without message spam.
Join the WhatsApp groupGame details
Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Steve Jackson Games
Designer
Charles Oines, David N. Searle, David W. Dyche, Gary L. Canterbury, Ken Scott, Michael Lee Merritt
Artist
Charlie Wiedman, Guy Burchack
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
439owners
11wishlist
3want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
How many players can join?
From 2 to 8 players, depending on the scenario selected.
What is the typical playtime?
Around 90 minutes, though it can vary with missions or campaigns.
Do I need the Car Wars base game?
Yes, Boat Wars is an expansion that builds on Car Wars' rules and components.
What components are included?
Colorful counters for boats and hovercraft, a large blue‑water map, and a rulebook.
Is the game complex?
Basic mechanics are easy, but measured movement and vehicle construction add strategic depth.