Tide of Iron

Fantasy Flight Games, Edge Entertainment, Ubik · Board game · 2007
2–4 · best 2 120 min Weight 3.5/5
8.5 rating Ludopedia
7.2 rating BGG
Buy · from US$ 68.95
8.5 rating Ludopedia
7.2 rating BGG
Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

If you're into WWII wargames with miniatures and a board that changes every game, Tide of Iron is for you! It's a pure strategy game that immerses you in the conflict.

Highlights
  • Modular and customizable board
  • Lots of detailed miniatures
  • Tactical WWII immersion
  • Varied and replayable scenarios
Keep in mind
  • Long playtime
  • Language dependency
  • Lengthy setup
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Alright, folks! Ready to dive headfirst into World War II? Tide of Iron throws you right into the trenches of the European front, in 1944 and 1945, putting you in command of either American or German forces. This game is pure tactics, with scenarios that define everything: who you command, what the objective is, and how victory is achieved. Forget repetition, because here the board is assembled with modular pieces and a bunch of terrain hexes, ensuring every battle is unique. And the visuals? Get ready for an army in miniature, with soldiers, vehicles, heavy weapons, and all the equipment you can imagine. Cards and dice come into play to add that touch of unpredictability and strategy. It's a game that demands a good chunk of time and is ideal for those who enjoy planning and aren't afraid of a challenge. The original version is from 2007, but keep an eye out for the 2014 update, 'Next Wave', which is basically a second edition, though with some differences that can be confusing. If you're into historical wargames with miniatures and lots of customization, Tide of Iron might be your new addiction. Just be mindful of the language dependency, which might require some help from translated cards or a reference sheet.

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–4 players
2 BEST
3 OK
4 REC

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Admin: Better Description Needed! Country: Germany Digital Implementations: VASSAL Game: Tide of Iron Series: Fantasy Flight Big Box
Publisher Fantasy Flight Games, Edge Entertainment, Ubik
Designer Christian T. Petersen, Corey Konieczka, John Goodenough
Artist Brian Schomburg, Kurt Miller, Michael Komarck, Scott Nicely

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
How long does a game of Tide of Iron take?
Be prepared for a substantial playtime! Games can easily last 2 hours or more, depending on the chosen scenario and player experience.
How many players can participate?
The game is designed for 2 to 4 players, working very well in 2-player or 4-player (team-based) games.
Is it a difficult game to learn?
Tide of Iron is considered a moderately to highly complex game. It has many rules and components, so expect a learning curve, especially if you're new to wargames.
What comes in the box?
The box is packed! You'll find plenty of soldier and vehicle miniatures, cards, dice, markers, and modular pieces to build the board.
Do I need to know English to play?
Yes, the base game has language dependency, primarily on the cards. It's recommended to have access to a card translation or a reference sheet to facilitate gameplay.
Is it worth it for someone who has never played a wargame?
It can be a good entry point if you're interested in wargames and aren't intimidated by complexity. The miniatures and strong theme greatly aid immersion.

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