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Cover of the game The Dark Valley

The Dark Valley

GMT Games · Board game · 2013
9.4 Ludopedia
7.8 BoardGameGeek
1–2 · best 2
Solo
500 min
Weight 3.4/5
Year 2013
Minimum age 14+
Buy · from US$ 82.49
9.4 rating Ludopedia
7.8 rating BoardGameGeek
Buy · from US$ 82.49
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS

For deep yet playable wargame fans: The Dark Valley delivers the Eastern Front's strategic complexity without drowning you in rulebook minutiae.

Highlights
  • Chit-pull system creates constant tension
  • Organic Soviet force progression
  • Well-implemented German logistics
  • Great for solitaire or 2 players
  • Varied scenarios for different periods
Keep in mind
  • Long play sessions (8+ hours)
  • Language dependent (needs translation)
  • Learning curve for beginners
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

The Dark Valley is a strategic wargame covering the entire Eastern Front of WWII, from the German advance in 1941 to Berlin's fall. With two detailed maps and about 600 counters representing divisions, corps, and armies, it offers depth without excessive rules. The 'chit-pull' system is the game's heart: each turn, actions are randomly determined, creating real-war tension and unpredictability. Logistics matter – Germans must manage supply depots, while Soviets see their forces evolve from fragile divisions to powerful armies. Beyond the full campaign, there are scenarios focusing on iconic operations like Barbarossa and Kursk. Despite its epic scale, the game is designed to be playable, with solo working surprisingly well thanks to the system's randomness. Prepare for 8+ hours of pure military strategy!

Best player count

BGG community vote

1–2 players
1 REC
2 BEST

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Mechanics

Chit-Pull System Hexagon Grid Movement Points Multiple Maps Ratio / Combat Results Table Simulation Zone of Control

Categories

Wargame World War II

Families

Country: Belarus Country: Estonia Country: Latvia Country: Lithuania Country: Russia Country: Ukraine History: World War II (Eastern Front) Players: Games with Solitaire Rules Players: Two-Player Only Games Players: Wargames with Solitaire Rules Series: Dark Valley WWII (GMT) War Level of Command: Strategic
Publisher GMT Games
Designer Ted Raicer
Artist Charles Kibler, Mark Mahaffey, Mark Simonitch, Rodger B. MacGowan

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

1,887owners
359wishlist
51want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
How long does a game take?
Individual scenarios take a full day (8+ hours). The complete campaign may require several gaming days.
Is translation needed?
Yes, nearly all components have English text. You'll need a translation to play comfortably in other languages.
Does it work well solo?
Surprisingly yes! The chit-pull system creates enough unpredictability to replace a human opponent effectively.
How does it differ from other WWII wargames?
Focus on playability without sacrificing depth, plus unique representation of Soviet forces evolving from fragile divisions to powerful armies.
How much table space is needed?
The two maps combined create a large area (44x34 inches), plus space for counters and tables. Best with a dedicated gaming table.

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