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rating
Ludopedia
7.7
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
If you love global strategies and epic-scale battles, World in Flames will hook you.
Highlights
- Detailed map
- Production decisions
- Realistic combat
- Large scale
- Historical immersion
Keep in mind
- Long playtime
- High complexity
- Needs translation
- Spacious board
Rules manual not indexed yet
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About the game
What you do in a play session
World in Flames is a war game that covers all theaters of World War II, from Europe to the Pacific, with five colorful maps that connect into a large hexagonal board. Each map features hundreds of counters representing armies, corps, aircraft carriers, and air groups, allowing players to reenact epic battles on a global scale. At the heart of the game are strategic decisions: when to produce new units, which regions to attack, how to move forces, and how to react to unforeseen events. The "Delayed Purchase" system simulates troop and equipment production, while "Movement Points" and "Area Movement" define how forces move between points of interest. Combat is resolved with a Combat Results Table that considers force ratios, adding a realistic simulation element. For those who enjoy simulating logistics, production, and large-scale battles, the game offers a deep and immersive experience. However, the complexity is high: extensive rules, the need for a full translation to play, and a playtime that can stretch to several hours. If you have the patience to study detailed rules and want to command nations in historical scenarios, World in Flames will be a challenge worth taking on.
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
In English
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A solution to counter stability and storage problems
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World in Flames - Introduction
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WiF - land intro
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WiF - War in Europe - Introduction and Organization
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World in Flames - Land Warfare - Basics and Supply
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World in Flames Expansions Breakdown
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World in Flames - Naval Mechanics - Convoys and Combat Types
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World in Flames - Naval Mechanics - Island Hopping Campaigns
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WiF - War in Europe - Set-up Walkthrough Part 1
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WiF - naval intro
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World in Flames - Air Mechanics
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World in Flames - Land Warfare - Blitz, Armor, and Offensive Points
Best player count
BGG community vote
2
REC
3
REC
4
REC
5
BEST
6
BEST
7
OK
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Australian Design Group
Designer
Greg Pinder, Harry Rowland
Artist
Chris Denton, Michael Fisher, Rodger B. MacGowan
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
3,001owners
459wishlist
62want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
How long does a typical game last?
A game usually takes 3 to 5 hours, but can stretch to 8 hours in full campaigns.
How many players can play?
The game supports 2 to 7 players, but the experience is richer with 4 or 5.
What is the complexity level?
High. Extensive rules, detailed logistics, and a full translation are required.
What are the main components?
1400 counters, 5 colorful maps, 2 combat tables, a production circle, and a rules & scenarios book.
Who is the game for?
For fans of strategic war games, military simulators, and those who enjoy macro decisions in historical settings.
Do I need a translation to play?
Yes, the game requires a full translation to be playable, as the rules and scenarios are in English.
Are there additional scenarios?
Yes, extra scenarios can be added from the rulebook, expanding the variety of battles.
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