Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS
A gripping tactical wargame for those obsessed with the Eastern Front.
Highlights
- High-level tactical combat
- Solid ruleset consistency
- Stunning 3rd edition art
- Great historical immersion
Keep in mind
- Requires careful rule reading
- Complexity for newcomers
Rules manual not indexed yet
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Get ready to witness one of the greatest tank battles in history! In Storms of Steel: Kursk 1943, you dive straight into the heart of the Eastern Front during World War II. Following the German setback at Stalingrad, Axis forces attempt a massive counter-offensive against the growing Soviet pressure. On one side, you have cutting-edge German technology capable of long-range destruction; on the other, the sheer brute force of Soviet mass production, which keeps pouring onto the battlefield. This is the second standalone title in the acclaimed Conflict of Heroes series, which is great news for fans of Academy Games, as the learning curve remains smooth. The gameplay focuses on platoon-sized tactical engagements, where every piece on the hex grid represents something vital: from infantry squads to heavy combat vehicles or crewed artillery. Your goal is straightforward: capture strategic objectives to amass victory points (VPs) before time runs out. The Third Edition brings stunning visual upgrades, featuring highly detailed maps and a massive array of new counters, plus much better box organization thanks to Game Trayz inserts. It's a high-tension experience where resource management and tactical positioning on the hex grid determine the fate of entire armies. If you crave military simulation with solid rules and a touch of tactical chaos, this is definitely for you.
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
In English
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Harsh Rules: Learn to Play - Storms of Steel - Part 1 REVISED
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Harsh Rules: Learn to Play - Storms of Steel - Part 1
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Harsh Rules: Learn to Play - Storms of Steel - Part 4
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Harsh Rules: Learn to Play - Storms of Steel - Part 3
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Watch as Uwe shows you how he packs his game away after a session
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Bare Bones Wargaming: Wounded Tiger!
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Harsh Rules: Learn to Play - Storms of Steel - Part 5 - REVISED
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Harsh Rules: Learn to Play - Storms of Steel - Part 5
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Harsh Rules: Learn to Play - Storms of Steel - Part 7
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Harsh Rules: Learn to Play - Storms of Steel - Part 6
Best player count
BGG community vote
2
BEST
3
OK
4
OK
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Academy Games, Inc., ASYNCRON games, Banana Games, Ediciones MasQueOca, Fox in the Box, Giant Roc
Designer
Gunter Eickert, Uwe Eickert
Artist
Matt W White, Pavlos Germidis, Steve Paschal
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
1,520owners
237wishlist
45want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
How long does a game last?
It can range from 60 to 240 minutes, depending on the intensity of the combat.
How many players is this game for?
It works great for 2 to 4 players.
Is the game very complex?
It's an expert-level game. While the system is consistent with others in the series, the tactical depth requires focus.
Do I need to own other games in the series to play this?
No, this is a standalone title, but the rules are compatible with the series.
Is the game in English?
The game is in English, so a translation sheet or cards is recommended for easier play.
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