World in Flames

Australian Design Group · Board game · 1985
2–7 · best 5 120–6000 min Weight 4.6/5
rating Ludopedia
7.7 rating BGG
Buy · from US$ 24.21
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 Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.

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.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

12 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–7 players
2 REC
3 REC
4 REC
5 BEST
6 BEST
7 OK

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Country: China Country: France Country: Germany Country: Italy Country: Japan Country: Poland Country: Russia Country: USA Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Players: Wargames with Rules Supporting Only Two Players Series: World in Flames (ADG) War Level of Command: Strategic
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

7 questions
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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