Reds! The Russian Civil War 1918-1921

GMT Games, GaGa Games · Board game · 2001
1–2 · best 2 Solo 360 min Weight 3.1/5
100.0 rating Ludopedia
7.3 rating BGG
Buy
100.0 rating Ludopedia
7.3 rating BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS

If you're a fan of historical wargames and seek a deep strategic challenge, Reds! is a perfect fit for simulating the chaotic Russian Civil War.

Highlights
  • Deep historical simulation
  • Variety of units
  • Chaotic activation system
  • Huge detailed map
  • Impactful historical leaders
Keep in mind
  • Long playtime
  • Steep learning curve
  • Two-player only
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

Get ready to dive into the turmoil of the Russian Civil War with Reds! The Russian Civil War 1918-1921, a robust two-player wargame that recreates the dramatic events from August 1918 to early 1921. The game puts you in command of the Red (Bolshevik) forces or a complex coalition of White, Anarchist, Nationalist, and Allied intervention forces, fighting for control of a vast territory stretching from Poland to eastern Siberia, and from the Arctic to Central Asia. The massive hexagonal map sets the stage for the movement of an impressive array of units, from full armies and brigades to Cossack cavalry, Muslim partisans, and the iconic armored trains. You'll also encounter historical leaders like Trotsky (with his famous train!), Frunze, Denikin, and Wrangel, each adding a unique flavor to your strategy. To simulate the chaos and unpredictability of this multifaceted conflict, the activation order of factions and commands is determined by a chit-pull system. Additionally, the crucial logistics phase and random event tables for each side ensure that every game is a unique and challenging experience. Reds! is an invitation for strategists looking for a realistic and immersive depiction of one of the most titanic and unusual campaigns in modern history.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

1 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

1–2 players
1 REC
2 BEST

Where to Buy

Prices monitored daily

Finding best prices...

Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Categories

Families

Country: Estonia Country: Latvia Country: Lithuania Country: Poland Country: Russia Country: Ukraine Decades: The 1920's History: Russian Civil War Interwar period (Nov. 1918 - Aug. 1939) Players: Wargames with Rules Supporting Only Two Players War Level of Command: Strategic
Publisher GMT Games, GaGa Games
Designer Ted Raicer
Artist Mark Simonitch, Rodger B. MacGowan

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

1,696owners
236wishlist
45want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
What is the average playtime for Reds!?
Get ready for a strategic marathon! A full game of Reds! can take around 6 hours, so it's a game to dedicate a good amount of time and dive right in.
How many players can play Reds!?
Reds! is a classic two-player wargame, where one player commands the Red forces and the other the various White and allied factions. It's an intense strategic duel!
What is the complexity level of the game?
With a BGG weight of 3.10/5, Reds! is considered a medium to high complexity game. It requires dedication to learn the rules and master the strategic nuances, ideal for experienced wargamers.
Are the components of good quality?
Yes! The game comes with a 22x34 inch map, a sheet with 240 counters, and two player aid cards, in addition to the rulebook. The quality is as expected for a GMT Games wargame.
Is Reds! language dependent?
Yes, the game has moderate language dependency. The rules and event card texts are in English, so it's good to be familiar with the language or have a translated aid.
Who is Reds! recommended for?
Reds! is highly recommended for fans of historical wargames who love deep and complex simulations, especially those interested in the Russian Civil War. If you're looking for a strategic challenge and don't mind long games, this is your game!

Other Games You'll Like

Based on mechanics and theme

8 games