Holdfast: Russia 1941-42

Worthington Publishing, LLC · Board game · 2014

— Ludopedia 7.6 BGG 1–2 · best 2 Solo 180 min Weight 2.1/5

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— rating Ludopedia

7.6 rating BGG

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Our Verdict

FOR GENRE FANS

Holdfast: Russia 1941-42 is that wargame that embraces you with the complexity of the Eastern Front without drowning you in rules. It's perfect for those who want a dense strategic experience, with the tension of block wargame's fog of war, and one that still fits into a single game night. The interplay between supplies, weather, and the constant threat of enemy forces creates an engaging narrative every game.

Highlights

Accessible block wargame
Fog of war tension
Impactful strategic decisions
Full campaign in one evening
Well-implemented historical theme

Keep in mind

Dice rolling luck factor
Learning curve for newcomers
Strictly 2-player focus

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About the game

What you do in a play session

Get ready to dive into the brutality of the Eastern Front with Holdfast: Russia 1941-42, the inaugural title in the 'Campaigns of World War II' series. This strategic block wargame puts you in command of either German or Soviet forces during the invasion of Russia, replicating the challenges and twists of the campaign. Featuring a wooden block system, the 'fog of war' is very real: you never truly know the enemy's exact strength until engagement, adding a delightful layer of tension and bluffing.

While the objective is clear, execution is far from simple: hold two of the three key victory cities by game's end. But make no mistake, Russia is no walk in the park! Mud and supply issues are a constant headache, the threat of German armor is always looming, and winter… oh, the Russian winter! It brings a surge of life to Soviet resources and manpower, turning the tables dramatically.

With clean mechanics and a manageable number of units, Holdfast: Russia 1941-42 allows you to play the entire campaign in a single session, without getting lost in overly complex rules. It's a strategic experience that balances accessibility with depth, perfect for those seeking a wargame that doesn't demand a PhD in military history but still delivers an engaging and challenging simulation. Will you be able to 'Hold Fast' against the adversities of war in the East?

Gallery

Box and component photos

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Best player count

BGG community vote

1–2 players

1 REC

2 BEST

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Publisher Worthington Publishing, LLC

Designer Grant Wylie, Mike Wylie

Artist Sean Cooke

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

405owners

164wishlist

42want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions

How long does Holdfast: Russia 1941-42 take to play?

The game has an average duration of 180 minutes, which is about 3 hours. It's a strategic wargame that can be played in a single evening session.

How many players can play Holdfast: Russia 1941-42?

It is strictly a 1 to 2-player game, most commonly and balanced for two players, who take on the roles of German and Soviet forces.

What is the complexity level of the game?

With a BGG weight of 2.125/5, Holdfast: Russia 1941-42 is considered medium complexity. It offers strategic depth without being overly rule-heavy, making it accessible for those with some board game experience.

What are the main components of the game?

The game uses wooden blocks to represent military units, a hex map for movement, and dice to resolve combat and events. The 'fog of war' provided by the blocks is a key feature!

Who will enjoy Holdfast: Russia 1941-42?

Fans of historical wargames, especially those interested in World War II and the Eastern Front, will love it. It's ideal for those looking for a two-player strategy game that combines accessibility with significant tactical and strategic decisions.

Is there a lot of luck involved in the game?

As it uses dice rolling for combat, there is an element of luck. However, strategy in movement, supply management, and unit positioning is crucial and significantly mitigates the luck factor, rewarding good decisions.