’85 Afghanistan: Graveyard of Empires

About this board game

’85 Afghanistan: Graveyard of Empires is a two-player, card-driven hex-and-counter game of squad-level battles between the Afghan Mujahideen and the Soviet Red Army, with an advertised play time of 156 minutes.

As the second game in the Squad Battles series, Graveyard of Empires builds on the mechanics introduced in ’65 Squad Battles in the Jungles of Vietnam. Its battles combine tactical decisions with card-activated events, creating a focused contest between opposing squads, specialists, heroes, vehicles, and helicopters.

The game includes immersive helicopter rules and introduces new powers and abilities. Large hexes and beautifully illustrated counters support the game’s battlefield presentation, while the oversized components provide room for its detailed squad-level engagements.

• Mujahideen forces: RPG and RPD teams, rifle squads, heroes, and captured T-55 and BMP armored fighting vehicles.
• Soviet forces: Spetsnaz, line rifle squads, heroes, Hind-24 attack helicopters, and several types of armored fighting vehicles.
• Armored units: T-55 and T-62 tanks, BNPs, BTRs, and more.
• Large components: counters measuring 1 inch or larger for vehicles, alongside huge game-board hexes.

Players face tactical choices while managing the different capabilities of their forces. Helicopters, armor, squad teams, and special abilities all contribute to the distinctive character of each battle.

Released in 2024, ’85 Afghanistan: Graveyard of Empires presents a dedicated squad-level game of Mujahideen and Soviet conflict through card-driven play, large battlefield components, and a broad selection of infantry, armor, and air units.