Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS
A brutal and deep simulation of the Vietnam War for hardcore wargame lovers.
Highlights
- High-level historical simulation
- Incredible faction asymmetry
- Dynamic card system
- Unbeatable strategic depth
Keep in mind
- Very heavy for beginners
- Extremely long play sessions
Rules manual not indexed yet
Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.
About the game
What you do in a play session
If you think war is just about bullets and bombs, Fire in the Lake is here to show you it's much deeper than that. This fourth installment in GMT's acclaimed COIN series is a masterclass in complexity and realism regarding the chaos of South Vietnam. Here, the battle isn't just fought in dense jungles, but also within the corridors of power in Saigon and during diplomatic conferences. Players find themselves at the heart of a board where politics, media, and guerrilla warfare intertwine brutally. You might be commanding US heliborne operations or attempting communist infiltration in the south, but get ready: GMT's card system ensures every game is an unpredictable mess. With heavy historical events like the Tet Offensive and military escalation, the game demands high-level strategic thinking. It's an insurgency simulator where area control and political influence are just as lethal as direct combat. If you enjoy deep, asymmetric wargames that don't hold your hand, this is your next mandatory challenge.
Expansions
Published additional content
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
-
Fire in the Lake Tutorial
-
Fire in the Lake - Tru'ng Playthrough - Introduction
-
FitL - intro
-
Fire in the Lake Games in the Classroom
-
GMT Fire in the Lake sample fast turn of one player
-
Harsh Rules Breakdown: Fire in the Lake - Part 1
-
FitL - '64a
-
Fire in the Lake Games in the Classroom AAR
-
Fire in the Lake - Tru'ng Playthrough - Episode 2
-
Fire in the Lake - Tru'ng Playthrough - Episode 1
-
Harsh Rules Breakdown: Fire in the Lake - Part 4
-
Harsh Rules Breakdown: Fire in the Lake - Part 2
Best player count
BGG community vote
1
REC
2
REC
3
REC
4
BEST
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
Loading playlist...
Where to Buy
Prices monitored daily
Finding best prices...
Prices unavailable at this time.
Price history — last 6 months (lowest new offer)
Alert enabled!
Join the BoardGamesBot deals group
Get the best board game deals every day — without message spam.
Join the WhatsApp groupGame details
Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
GMT Games, Devir
Designer
Mark Herman, Volko Ruhnke
Artist
Chechu Nieto, Mark Simonitch, Rodger B. MacGowan
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
8,523owners
2,344wishlist
379want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
What is the average playtime?
Prepare the coffee! The game takes about 3 hours, but can go much longer depending on the scenario complexity.
Is it too hard for beginners?
Yes, it's a heavy game. If you've never played the COIN series, prepare for a steep learning curve.
Can I play solo?
Absolutely! It has specific rules for solo mode, making it an excellent solitaire wargame.
How many players can play?
The game supports 1 to 4 players, with different faction dynamics.
Do I need to know a lot of history to play?
It's not mandatory, but understanding the Vietnam War context helps greatly with immersion.
Does the game require translation?
Yes, most editions are in English and the content is quite textual and dense.
Other Games You'll Like
Based on mechanics and theme
Liberty or Death: The American Insurrection
Andean Abyss
A Distant Plain
Cuba Libre
Colonial Twilight: The French-Algerian War, 1954-62
Gandhi: The Decolonization of British India, 1917 – 1947
Mr. President: The American Presidency, 2001-2020 – 2nd Edition
Mr. President: The American Presidency, 2001-2020