New Cold War

VUCA Simulations, HIT Games · Board game · 2025
— Ludopedia 7.5 BGG 1–4 · best 4 Solo 150–180 min Weight 3.2/5
Buy
— rating Ludopedia
7.5 rating BGG
Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

New Cold War is a treat for fans of political strategy games with a touch of betrayal. The experience of starting as allies and ending as rivals is the highlight, creating delicious tension at the table. With a long runtime and great depth, it rewards those who plan every move carefully. If you enjoy geopolitical simulations, you'll feel right at home.

Highlights
  • Engaging and constant political tension
  • Brilliant hidden objective system
  • Dynamic alliance and betrayal mechanics
  • Surprisingly robust solo mode
Keep in mind
  • Long sessions require time commitment
  • Moderate learning curve
  • Interaction can be quite aggressive
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About the game

What you do in a play session

If you enjoy games that blend heavy geopolitics with constant tension, 'New Cold War' drops you right into the eye of the storm. Spanning from 1989 to 2019, the game puts you in charge of one of four global powers: Russia, China, the US, or the EU. The premise is fascinating because it starts with a bloc-based dynamic—red vs. blue—where cooperation is essential to survive the early events. However, don't be fooled: this is a 'every player for themselves' situation in disguise. As the game progresses and victory nears, backstabbing becomes the most viable strategy, as only one power can claim the new world order.

The core mechanic is card-driven, ensuring that every session feels different and forces you to manage resources like military strength, international prestige, and even UN Security Council vetoes. You'll need to control the media and expand your global footprint, all while chasing your hidden objectives. These secret goals keep the table tense, as you never truly know how far your 'ally' is advancing behind the scenes.

The design is robust, with a playtime that can reach three hours, perfect for those who love long-term planning and watching the board state shift drastically. Beyond the standard multiplayer mode, the game includes a well-tuned bot system for those looking to tackle the challenge solo. If you enjoy games that demand negotiation, strategic betrayal, and a keen eye for the big picture, this title offers a deep and highly thematic experience on the global stage.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

9 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

1–4 players
1 REC
2 OK
3 OK
4 BEST

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Categories

Families

Components: Map (Global Scale) History: Cold War Players: Games with Solitaire Rules
Publisher VUCA Simulations, HIT Games
Designer Andoni Orive, Igor Plaza
Artist Pablo Bazerque

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

560owners
367wishlist
40want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
How long does a game last?
Expect an epic session: the game takes between 150 and 180 minutes.
Can I play it solo?
Yes! The game includes a well-designed bot system for the solo mode.
Is it a cooperative game?
It's semi-cooperative. You start as allies, but victory is strictly individual.
What is the complexity level?
With a weight of 3.24, it's a mid-to-heavy strategy game, perfect for those familiar with wargames.
How many players is it best for?
It shines with 3 or 4 players, where the politics and negotiation become much more intense.
Is it hard to learn?
The card-driven mechanics help guide your actions, but the deep strategy takes a few games to master.

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