# Fields of Despair: France 1914-1918

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2017
- **BGG Rating**: 7.8
- **BGG Rank**: #4471
- **Players**: 1-2 (Best with: 2)
- **Duration**: 180 min
- **Weight**: 3.07 / 5
- **Designers**: Kurt Keckley
- **Artists**: Charles Kibler, Joel Toppen, Rodger B. MacGowan, Terry Leeds
- **Publishers**: GMT Games
- **Categories**: Wargame, World War I
- **Mechanics**: Dice Rolling, Hexagon Grid, Secret Unit Deployment, Solo / Solitaire Game

## Verdict
If you're a fan of tactical wargames and love a good bluff, Fields of Despair will hook you with its unparalleled 'fog of war'!Innovative block systemConstant bluffing and deceptionStrategic depthImmersive WWI themeRobust solo modeLong, dense playtimesSteep learning curveModerate language dependencyHIGHLY RECOMMENDED

## Description
Alright, wargame enthusiasts! If you're into a solid dose of strategy and the tension of World War I, Fields of Despair: France 1914-1918 is right up your alley. This is a block wargame for 1 or 2 players, set on the Western Front, where you take command of either the Allies or the Central Powers. The name of the game here is strategy, with battles on land, sea, and air, plus economic and technological decisions that can turn the tide of war back home. 

What really makes Fields of Despair shine is its block system, which takes the 'fog of war' to a whole new level. Forget standard combat values of 1 to 4; here, the range goes from zero to twenty! This means a single block can hide a devastating force, allowing you to bluff and deceive your opponent without giving away your strategy with stacks of units. Movement is super fluid, and you can 'break' or 'combine' blocks during the movement phase – for example, a block with a value of 16 could split into two 8-value blocks, or vice-versa. And there are 'Deception' blocks (zero-value) to further confuse things! 

The fog of war doesn't lift even after initial contact. Your blocks remain hidden, even in the same hex as the enemy, until you decide to allocate an air squadron for reconnaissance or send your men across no man's land. Get ready for a 22"x34" mounted board, a bunch of colored blocks and stickers, various counters, and wooden cubes for economic points. It also comes with a rule book, a playbook with scenarios and examples, and individual player boards for economic and tech tracking. Oh, and there are player aids for both solo and 2-player modes. It's a game that will test your strategic mind and your ability to outwit the enemy!

## FAQ
### What is the ideal player count for Fields of Despair?
The game is designed for 2 players, but it also offers a super well-implemented solo mode, perfect for those who want to dive into strategy without relying on an opponent.

### How long does a game of Fields of Despair take?
Prepare for a longer session! A full game can take anywhere from 3 to 4 hours, so set aside ample time for your Western Front campaign.

### Is Fields of Despair a complex game for wargame beginners?
It has a complexity rating of 3.07/5 on BGG, placing it in the heavier game category. It's not ideal for wargame newcomers, but for those with experience, it's a rewarding challenge.

### What are the main components of the game?
You'll find a large mounted board, over 140 blocks with stickers for units, 240 various counters, wooden cubes for economic points, individual player boards, a rule book, and a playbook with scenarios.

### What makes Fields of Despair's block system so unique?
Unlike most block wargames, combat values here range from 0 to 20. This, combined with the ability to break and combine blocks and use 'Deception' blocks, creates a deep and constant 'fog of war,' where the enemy's true strength is always uncertain.

### Do I need a lot of table space to play?
Yes, the 22"x34" mounted board is considerable, and you'll also need space for individual player boards, cards, and components. A good-sized table is recommended.

## Price Comparison
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