BoardGamesBot
Sign in

Flat Top

The Avalon Hill Game Co, Battleline · Board game · 1977
— Ludopedia 7.4 BGG 2 · best 2+ 360 min Weight 4.2/5
Buy
— rating Ludopedia
7.4 rating BGG
Buy
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS

For tabletop generals who crave ultra-detailed historical simulation. Flat Top is a beast of complexity and authenticity.

Highlights
  • Meticulous naval/air simulation
  • Strategic tension with hidden movement
  • Deep historical immersion
  • Replayability with variable scenarios
Keep in mind
  • 6h+ playtime demands patience
  • Complexity intimidates newcomers
  • Requires homemade translation
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

Flat Top is an epic wargame plunging into Pacific naval/air battles of WWII. You command the 1942 US or Japanese fleet, managing carriers to submarines, with each hex covering 20 nautical miles and each turn representing one hour of combat. Brace for depth: beyond fights, you’ll handle weather, supplies, air searches, and even aircraft fatigue. Hidden movement means paper logs are crucial to track forces—and guess enemy positions. With 1,300 counters and a massive map (44” x 28” assembled!), Flat Top is a meticulous historical simulation. Perfect for complex planning fans unafraid of 6+ hour matches. Pro tip: clear your table—and schedule.

Best player count

BGG community vote

Duel · 2 players
2 REC

Where to Buy

Prices monitored daily

Finding best prices...

Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Mechanics

Dice Rolling Events Grid Movement Hexagon Grid Hidden Movement Line of Sight Movement Points Paper-and-Pencil Scenario / Mission / Campaign Game Secret Unit Deployment Simulation Variable Set-up

Categories

Aviation / Flight Nautical Wargame World War II

Families

Country: Japan Country: Papua New Guinea Country: Solomon Islands Country: USA Islands: Guadalcanal Players: Two-Player Only Games Players: Wargames with Rules Supporting Only Two Players Region: Pacific Ocean War Battlespace: Amphibious Warfare War Battlespace: Naval warfare
Publisher The Avalon Hill Game Co, Battleline
Designer S. Craig Taylor
Artist Rodger B. MacGowan

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

2,535owners
218wishlist
38want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
How long does a game take?
Brace for marathons: each scenario takes 6h+, and campaigns can span days.
Is it beginner-friendly?
Not at all. The 4.2/5 BGG weight warns: it’s complex even for veterans.
How many maps are included?
4 maps combining into a massive 44” x 28” South Pacific theater.
Can I play solo?
Strictly 2-player, though fans have crafted solo variants.
Are there expansions?
None official, but the community designs alternate scenarios.
What’s the learning curve like?
Steep as a cliff. Expect to study the rulebook like a military manual.

Other Games You'll Like

Based on mechanics and theme

7 games
Carrier: The Southwest Pacific Campaign – 1942-1943 Tokyo Express: The Guadalcanal Naval Campaign – 1942 Carrier Battle: Philippine Sea Midway Fire in the Sky: The Great Pacific War 1941-1945 Squad Leader Pacific War: The Struggle Against Japan, 1941-1945 (Second Edition)
More details on BoardGameGeek and BoardGamePrices