Cover of the game D-Day at Tarawa

D-Day at Tarawa

Decision Games (I) · Board game · 2014
Ludopedia
7.8 Ludopedia
BoardGameGeek
8.2 BoardGameGeek
Players
1 · best 1
Players
Solo
Play Time
120–420 min
Weight
Weight 3.7/5
Year
Year 2014
Minimum age
Minimum age —
Buy
7.8 rating Ludopedia
8.2 rating BoardGameGeek
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS

A brutal, historical solo wargame for fans of pure simulation.

Highlights
  • High-fidelity historical simulation
  • Very fluid card-driven system
  • Immersive and tense solo experience
  • Very realistic combat scale
Keep in mind
  • Requires attention to detail and tables
  • May require card translation
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About the game

What you do in a play session

If you're the type who prefers tackling a historical challenge without needing company, D-Day at Tarawa is your next obsession. Based on John Butterfield's revolutionary system from the classic D-Day at Omaha Beach, this game delivers platoon and company-scale combat that is pure historical adrenaline. Here, you take command of the invading American forces and must face off against Japanese defenders, who are controlled by the game system itself. The setting is Betio Island, November 1943, during one of the most brutal and decisive confrontations in the Pacific Theater of WWII. The game recreates the tension of an extremely contested landing, where the survival of the defenders is minimal against the American advance. Featuring a detailed hexagon grid map, you manage your units through a card-driven system that dictates the pace of battle. It is a dense and deep simulation that captures the brutality of the conflict, where every move counts toward clearing the island. Prepare for a journey of pure strategy, where the fate of hundreds of soldiers rests in your hands. It's the perfect game for those seeking a high-fidelity historical wargame with card mechanics that maintain constant tension from start to finish.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

3 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

Solo · 1 player
1 BEST

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Categories

Families

Country: Kiribati History: World War II (Pacific) Players: Games with Solitaire Rules Players: Solitaire Only Games Players: Solitaire Only Wargames Players: Wargames with Solitaire Rules Series: D-Day (Decision Games)
Publisher Decision Games (I)
Designer John H. Butterfield
Artist Joe Youst, Larry Hoffman

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

1,880owners
515wishlist
105want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
Is the game truly for one person?
Yes! It was specifically designed to be played solo, with the system controlling the enemy.
What is the difficulty level?
It's an expert-level game. Expect serious and strategic simulation.
Do I need to know English to play?
The game has moderate language dependency, so a translated table helps a lot.
How long does a game last?
It can vary from 2 to 7 hours, depending on the intensity of the battle.
Is the map detailed?
Yes, it uses a hexagon grid to allow precise unit movement.
What's in the box?
One map, two counter sheets, and 55 command cards.

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