Cataclysm: A Second World War

GMT Games · Board game · 2018
8.6 Ludopedia 7.5 BGG 2–5 · best 3 90–600 min Weight 4.0/5
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8.6 rating Ludopedia
7.5 rating BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS

If you enjoy complex wargames with high replayability, Cataclysm is your go-to for crafting your own version of World War II!

Highlights
  • Deep and strategic simulation
  • Freedom to create history
  • Random action mechanic
  • High replayability guaranteed
Keep in mind
  • High complexity
  • Long playtime
  • Extensive language dependency
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Get ready to rewrite history! In Cataclysm: A Second World War, you're not just reliving WWII, but shaping it from 1933 onwards. Forget chronological order and fixed turns; here, action happens when event and action counters are randomly drawn, requiring you to be ready to improvise and plan ahead. Lead entire nations, not just armies. Diplomacy, domestic political support, economy, and building military forces are crucial. The war itself is uniquely simulated: units have no numerical values, and combat is resolved with dice rolls where the highest result matters, with the option to invest more resources to increase your odds – but no guarantee of victory. The game offers incredible freedom to explore alternative scenarios: what if the Soviet Union focused on long-range bombers? What if Japan invaded Siberia? Or if Germany attacked Great Britain? Cataclysm is an invitation to create your own narrative of a global conflict, where every decision counts and the course of history is in your hands. It's a complex and immersive game, ideal for those seeking a deep and strategic experience on the WWII theme, with a duration that can vary significantly depending on the players' pace.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

8 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–5 players
2 REC
3 BEST
4 REC
5 REC

Soundtrack

Ambience suggested by Melodice

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Continents: Asia Continents: Europe Country: France Country: Germany Country: Italy Country: Japan Country: Soviet Union Country: United Kingdom Country: USA Digital Implementations: VASSAL Region: Atlantic Ocean Region: Pacific Ocean War Level of Command: Grand Strategy
Publisher GMT Games
Designer Scott Muldoon, William Terdoslavich
Artist Charles Kibler, Rodger B. MacGowan, Terry Leeds

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

1,809owners
578wishlist
83want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
What is the average playtime for Cataclysm?
Playtime can vary significantly, from 90 minutes for shorter scenarios to 600 minutes (10 hours) for full campaigns, depending on the number of players and the depth of the game.
How many players can participate?
The game is designed for 2 to 5 players, encouraging team play or different alliances.
Is this a difficult game to learn?
Yes, Cataclysm is considered a complex game, with a medium-high weight (3.94/5 on BGG). It requires dedication to understand all the strategic nuances and mechanics.
Is combat based on luck or strategy?
Combat involves dice rolling, but strategy comes into play with preparation, resource allocation to improve odds, and choosing where and when to fight.
Do I need to be a history buff to play?
While the theme is World War II, the game focuses more on strategy and creating alternate scenarios. Historical knowledge helps, but isn't strictly necessary to enjoy it.
Is the game heavily language-dependent?
Yes, the game has a high language dependency, with many cards and components that need to be read and understood for gameplay.

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