—
rating
Ludopedia
7.1
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED
If you enjoy wargames that get straight to the point, with a historical naval theme and quick games, Port Arthur is quite a catch!
Highlights
- Accessible naval simulation
- Fast and tense games
- Interesting tactical decisions
- Quality components
Keep in mind
- Dice luck dependency
- Requires translated materials
Rules manual not indexed yet
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Get ready to relive a piece of naval history with Port Arthur, a two-player game that throws you right into the Russo-Japanese War of 1905. Take command of Japan and plan amphibious landings in Manchuria, or defend the Russian coastlines against the invading tide, far from home and awaiting reinforcements. Each game is a tense and fast-paced race across the seas, where you use your naval forces to strike the enemy and dominate the strategic waters around Japan. Decisions are crucial every turn, and success in combat depends on your willingness to take risks, considering the speed and gunnery capabilities of your ships. Port Arthur is part of the "Combat Rations" series, known for accessible wargames that are easy to learn, feature great art, and high-quality components. If you enjoy wargames that get straight to the point, with few rules but plenty of tactical decisions, and don't mind a bit of luck from the dice that can turn the tide, this one's for you. Will you rewrite history and send the Russian fleet to the bottom of the ocean, or will you manage to defend the empire against the Japanese advance? The choice is yours!
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
Best player count
BGG community vote
2
BEST
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Bonsai Games, Nuts! Publishing, Draco Ideas, Ergo Ludo Editions, Fox in the Box, Geronimo Games, Schwerkraft-Verlag
Designer
Yasushi Nakaguro
Artist
Maud Chalmel
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
How many players does Port Arthur support?
Port Arthur is strictly a two-player game.
How long does a game session last?
Games typically take between 50 and 75 minutes, depending on the players' familiarity with the rules.
Is the game very complicated to learn?
No, it's part of the "Combat Rations" series, which focuses on being easy to learn and quick to play, with a medium weight of 2.08 on BGG.
Does it require a lot of table space?
No, the "Combat Rations" series games are known for their small footprint, meaning they don't take up much space.
What kind of players will enjoy Port Arthur the most?
Players who enjoy naval-themed wargames, seek quicker games with impactful tactical decisions, and don't mind an element of luck.
Are the components good quality?
Yes, the "Combat Rations" series is praised for its high-quality art and components.
Do I need to know English to play?
There is a moderate language dependency. It's recommended to have a translated player aid or cards to facilitate gameplay, especially for events and card abilities.
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