# Steel Wolves: Germany's Submarine Campaign Against British & Allied Shipping – Vol 1 1939-43

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2010
- **BGG Rating**: 7.7
- **BGG Rank**: #6466
- **Players**: 1 (Best with: 1)
- **Duration**: 60-9000 min
- **Weight**: 4.03 / 5
- **Designers**: Brien J. Miller, Stephen C. Jackson
- **Artists**: Brien J. Miller
- **Publishers**: Compass Games, Spielworxx
- **Categories**: Nautical, Wargame, World War II
- **Mechanics**: Area-Impulse, Chit-Pull System, Dice Rolling, Movement Points, Point to Point Movement, Secret Unit Deployment, Simulation, Solo / Solitaire Game

## Verdict
Steel Wolves is a treat for solo wargame enthusiasts and historical simulations, especially if the theme of submarines in World War II captivates you. It's an immersive and challenging experience where every decision as BdU can change the course of naval warfare. If you're looking for a complex game with deep strategic layers that makes you feel the pressure of commanding a U-boat fleet, this is your safe harbor.Deep historical simulationImmersive solo experienceImpactful strategic decisionsDetailed historical contentHigh replayabilitySteep learning curveVery long play timeSpecific wargame componentsHIGHLY RECOMMENDED

## Description
Get ready to dive deep into history with Steel Wolves, an electrifying solitaire simulation that puts you in command of the German submarine fleet during World War II! This is Volume I, covering the period from 1939 to 1943, and it expands upon the acclaimed Silent War system. Here, you assume the role of BdU, the Supreme Commander of U-Boats for the Kriegsmarine, with the crucial mission of annihilating British and Allied shipping while minimizing your own submarine losses. The game offers scenarios ranging from famous short single-sub patrols to longer campaigns, culminating in the full 1939-1943 campaign. The detailed map divides the Atlantic, Mediterranean, South Atlantic, and Western Indian Oceans into historical Operations Areas, where your submarines patrol in search of targets. Special rules bring historical events to life, such as the invasion of Norway and Operation Torch, the intelligence war with b-dienst and ULTRA, torpedo improvements, German wolfpack tactics, 'Super-Skippers,' the philosophy of large versus small U-boats, and even appeals to Berlin for resources. Every German submarine deployed during the period is represented by its own counter, meticulously and accurately drawn in full color. If you're familiar with Silent War, you'll love how Steel Wolves takes the system to new depths; if it's your first time, you'll jump right into the action!

## FAQ
### Who is Steel Wolves for?
This game is perfect for solo wargame fans, World War II enthusiasts, and players looking for a deep and historically accurate simulation of the German submarine war.

### How complex is the game?
Steel Wolves is a highly complex game (BGG weight 4.03/5). It requires dedication to learn the rules and master its strategic nuances, but the reward is a very rich and immersive experience.

### How long does a game take?
Playtime is extremely variable, from 60 minutes for short scenarios up to 9000 minutes (yes, nine thousand!) for the full campaign. Be prepared for a long journey if you want to play the entire campaign!

### Can more than one person play?
No, Steel Wolves is strictly a solo game. It's designed to put you in the shoes of the supreme commander, making all decisions on your own.

### Do I need to know Silent War to play?
It's not mandatory, but if you're already familiar with Silent War, you'll find the system familiar and with some improvements. For newcomers, the game is accessible but requires careful reading of the rulebook.

### What are the main components?
You'll find a detailed map of the operational areas, hundreds of counters representing each German submarine and other elements, plus tables and manuals to manage the complex simulation.

### Does the game have high replayability?
Absolutely! The variety of scenarios, the randomness of historical events (via the chit-pull system), and the strategic depth ensure that each campaign or patrol is unique, offering immense replayability.

## Price Comparison
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