Modern Naval Battles

About this board game

Modern Naval Battles is a naval card game for 2–6 players, with games lasting about 90 minutes. Released in 1989, it is based on present-day sea power and centers on maneuvering fleets, attacking enemy ships, and defending against incoming fire.

Play unfolds in rounds, with players taking turns to move the ships in their fleets and launch attacks against opposing vessels. Players must also defend their own fleets against enemy attacks, creating a balance between offensive action and careful fleet management.

At the end of each round, players receive points for every enemy vessel they have sunk. The game may end when a player reaches a specific point total or when all opposing fleets have been sunk, giving players more than one route toward victory.

• Players: 2–6
• Play time: approximately 90 minutes
• Core systems: fleet maneuvering, attacks, defense, and round-based scoring
• Complexity: medium

Modern Naval Battles was expanded by Modern Naval Battles II: The Campaign Game and Modern Naval Battles III. The revised re-release consists of six modules: Cold War Naval Battles, CWNB II Action!, CWNB III: Reinforcements!, CWNB IV: The Air Module, CWNB V: The Campaign Game, and CWNB VI: Sister Ships.

The expanded system was revised and renamed Cold War Naval Battles, then re-released by its designers as a PDF for free personal, non-commercial use. Printed sets are also available from Relative Range. A simpler science-fiction version is Star Force Terra #1: Contact!.