Boat Wars

Steve Jackson Games · Board game · 1988
— Ludopedia 5.8 BGG 2–8 90 min Weight 3.1/5
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— rating Ludopedia
5.8 rating BGG
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
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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.

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–8 players
2 OK
3 OK
4 OK
5 OK
6 OK
7 OK
8 OK

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Animals: Sharks Game: Car Wars
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

5 questions
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.