1985: Under an Iron Sky

About this board game

1985: Under an Iron Sky is an operational simulation of a NATO–Warsaw Pact conflict in Central Europe for 2–6 players, with a listed play time of 8,640 minutes. Released in 2018, it is the spiritual successor to SPI’s The Next War.

This is a detailed “Monster” game covering modern warfare across land, air, and rear areas. The game uses 14-kilometer hexes and 48-hour turns, with division- and brigade-sized ground units alongside squadron-sized air and helicopter units.

Players must manage a broad range of military operations, including air combat, helicopter operations, electronic warfare, special forces, artillery, surface-to-surface missiles, air defense, and airborne forces. Air missions include escort, interception, SEAD, Wild Weasel operations, and ground strikes, supported by EF-111 and Yak-28 PP offensive ECM squadrons and E-3 Sentry and A-50 Mainstay AWACS squadrons.

• July 1985-specific orders of battle and TO&E
• Chemical and nuclear warfare, including uncontrolled escalation to strategic nuclear exchange
• Unrest and revolts in Warsaw Pact countries
• Variable reinforcements shaped by decisions and events
• Operational tactics such as airmobile antitank battalions, active defense, and single-echelon assaults

Two campaign games present different strategic situations: Forward, Comrades! depicts a Warsaw Pact offensive in Central Europe, while It Started in the Shipyards focuses on NATO intervention amid widespread revolts in Warsaw Pact satellite countries.

Four shorter scenarios cover West Berlin, NORTHAG, CENTAG, and an offensive against Italy. 1985: Under an Iron Sky can be played on its own or combined with 1985: Deadly Northern Lights and 1985: Sacred Oil.