Naval War

About this board game

Naval War is a World War II naval combat card wargame for 3–9 players, with games lasting about 45 minutes. Each player commands a fleet of warships and attempts to sink the ships controlled by opponents.

The game brings famous battleships, aircraft carriers, and battlecruisers back to sea through a 54-card ship deck. Based on historical data, its fleet may include the Bismark, Gneisenau, Prince of Wales, Hood, Ark Royal, Roma, New Jersey, Enterprise, Shokaku, and the gigantic Yamato, the largest battleship ever used in battle.

A second deck of 108 cards provides several ways to attack enemy fleets. Players can launch gun salvos, carrier strikes, destroyer torpedo attacks, submarine raids, torpedo-boat raids, and minefields as they try to break down opposing fleets.

• Theme: World War II naval combat
• Players: 3–9
• Play time: About 45 minutes
• Style: A quick-play game of skill and luck

Naval War combines recognizable historical ships with straightforward card-driven attacks, making it a light “beer and pretzels” experience rather than a highly complex simulation. It is rated 1 on the Avalon Hill complexity scale, where 1 is easy and 10 is hard.

Whether your fleet relies on battleships, carriers, submarines, or carefully placed minefields, every hand can offer a different route to victory. The game was expanded by Cards at Sea (VAIPA Express).