Second World War at Sea: Coral Sea

About this board game

Second World War at Sea: Coral Sea is a two-player naval board game with an approximately 30-minute playing time, covering the pivotal 1942 Battle of the Coral Sea. Designed as an introductory boxed game for the Second World War at Sea series, it offers a focused entry into naval operations during the Second World War.

In May 1942, Japan sought to capture Port Moresby on the south coast of New Guinea and disrupt communications between the United States and Australia. The Japanese player must establish new bases in New Guinea and at Tulagi in the Solomon Islands, while the American player must stop those objectives. With forces closely balanced, victory depends on how effectively each player uses their available resources.

The 22×17-inch operational map covers the Coral Sea off northeastern Australia and the surrounding waters. Players maneuver task forces and search for one another using aircraft, submarines, and surface ships. Once opposing forces make contact, the action moves to a generic blue tactical map made up of hexagons.

• Operational movement: Maneuver task forces across the Coral Sea and surrounding waters.
• Search and contact: Use aircraft, submarines, and surface ships to locate opposing forces.
• Tactical combat: Resolve surface battles with ship gunnery and torpedoes on a hex-based map.
• Air attacks: Apply a similar dice-driven system to attacks from the air.

In combat, players roll dice according to a ship’s capabilities, hitting on a result of 6. Gunnery and torpedo damage tables can affect engines, hulls, or armament, while the rapid combat systems aim to balance accessibility, fun, and historical accuracy. Coral Sea highlights the changing nature of naval power, where aircraft could decide a major battle without opposing warships ever directly sighting one another.