The World at War

About this board game

The World at War 1939-1945 is a 2–5 player World War II strategy game with an approximately 180-minute play time. Originally published as an unofficial expansion to Axis & Allies, it expands the classic experience with a larger map, additional playing pieces, and rules designed to add greater simulation detail.

First published in 1990, the game introduced innovations later seen in official Axis & Allies editions, including 2-hit battleships, partial-strength destroyers, and artillery guns. The second edition refined gameplay balance, while the third edition added Atomic Bomb technology. The fourth edition includes a durable hardback map and minor rule revisions over the third edition.

Players can field a wide range of specialized forces and equipment, creating a broader military landscape than the original game. Notable additions include:

• Destroyers, paratroopers, SS Panzers, and SS Panzergrenadiers
• Russian Guards, Partisans, US Marines, Rangers, and Armored Infantry
• U-Boat Pens, represented by plastic figures and/or special rules

The rules also introduce distinctive national and historical situations, including Japanese Banzai and Kamikaze attacks, a Fall of France rule, and Peacetime Production rules for the United States and USSR. These additions create more specialized strategic choices across the global conflict.

Atomic Bombs provide one of the game’s most dramatic technologies. After researching the required technology, players can spend 6 IPCs to purchase a bomb and deliver it using a Heavy Bomber. A successful attack removes 20 IPCs worth of enemy units from a land or sea zone and leaves the area desolate, reducing its IPC value before gradual restoration.

Requiring much of the 1984 edition of Axis & Allies to play, The World at War offers a mature alternative for fans seeking a significantly expanded take on the original game.