Nations at War: Desert Heat

About this board game

Nations at War: Desert Heat is a two-player World War II tactical game about the struggle for North Africa from 1941 to 1943, with sessions lasting around 45 minutes. Played at platoon level, it brings the fluid action and harsh conditions of desert combat to the tabletop.

Across 16 scenarios, Axis and Allied forces battle for control of the desert. The Axis includes Italian, German, and Vichy French formations, while the Allied side features the British, Australians, New Zealanders, South Africans, Americans, and Free French.

Armor, infantry, artillery, anti-tank guns, mortars, and air support all play a role. Tank battles range from Panzer IIs, IIIs, and IVs against M3 Lees and M5 Stuarts to M13/40s and L3s facing Crusaders, Valentines, and M3 Grants. Armored infantry can launch desperate close assaults, while anti-tank guns, air support, and mines threaten advancing formations.

• Platoon-level combat: Command armor, infantry, artillery, and support units.
• Sixteen scenarios: Re-fight battles from the North African Campaign.
• Desert obstacles: Wire and anti-tank ditches add new battlefield challenges.
• Dust: An unpredictable variable that shapes desert combat.

Based on the World at War tactical system, Nations at War: Desert Heat emphasizes command and control, meaningful infantry action, air support, and close assaults where the victor holds the ground and the defeated retreats. Four mounted maps, 308 color counters, player aid cards, dice, and a rules and scenario booklet provide the materials for the campaign.

With its combination of armored clashes, desperate assaults, and unpredictable desert conditions, Desert Heat offers a focused way to explore the North African theater within the Nations at War series.