Cover of the game Sixth Fleet: Modern Naval Combat in the Mediterranean

Sixth Fleet: Modern Naval Combat in the Mediterranean

Hobby Japan, Victory Games (I) · Board game · 1985
Ludopedia
— Ludopedia
BoardGameGeek
7.0 BoardGameGeek
Players
2 · best 2
Play Time
360–1200 min
Weight
Weight 3.3/5
Year
Year 1985
Minimum age
Minimum age 12+
Buy
— rating Ludopedia
7.0 rating BoardGameGeek
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS

For tabletop generals who love historical detail and aren't afraid of all-day sessions. A naval sim so rich it's just missing the ocean spray!

Highlights
  • Ridiculous strategic depth
  • Asymmetric phases create tension
  • 14 varied scenarios
  • Bluffing with hidden units
Keep in mind
  • Requires patience and time
  • Complex rules for newbies
  • Basic components (it's vintage!)
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

In Sixth Fleet, you command the US or Soviet fleet in naval battles over Mediterranean control. Organize ships into task forces, manage scarce air resources, and protect your supplies – without logistics, your fleet becomes easy prey. Each 8-hour turn (yes, it's hardcore!) splits into sub, surface, and air phases where you pick your actions. Detect enemies, plan amphibious assaults, and, if daring, use optional nuclear rules. With 14 scenarios ranging from 1 hour to days of play, Sixth Fleet is a naval wargame as detailed as a military manual but with pure strategy thrills. Pro tip: keep your subs hidden and carriers alive!

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

5 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

Duel · 2 players
2 BEST

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Country: Soviet Union Country: USA Players: Two-Player Only Games Players: Wargames with Rules Supporting Only Two Players Region: Mediterranean Sea Series: Fleet (Victory Games)
Publisher Hobby Japan, Victory Games (I)
Designer Joseph M. Balkoski
Artist James Talbot, Ted Koller

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

1,695owners
96wishlist
21want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
How long does a game take?
Scenario-dependent: from 1h (intro) to 20+ hours (advanced). Stock up on coffee!
Need military history knowledge?
Nope, but it helps appreciate details. Rules cover everything.
Is USA vs USSR balanced?
Yes, but with historical differences: USA has more carriers, USSR more subs.
Non-English speakers need help?
Yes, components are in English, but a translated cheat sheet works.
Includes board or is it print & play?
Originally came with map board and counters, but many use digital versions now.

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