Second World War at Sea: Eastern Fleet

About this board game

Second World War at Sea: Eastern Fleet is a two-player World War II naval game with an approximately 120-minute playing time, covering Japanese and Allied campaigns in the Indian Ocean.

Following Japan’s victories in the Pacific and the capture of Singapore, the Imperial Japanese Navy advances toward a new confrontation with the Royal Navy. Scenarios span the invasions of Burma and the Andaman Islands, major carrier raids, and the planned—but never executed—invasion of Ceylon.

The Japanese often possess overwhelming air superiority, supported by five powerful fleet carriers carrying Zero fighters, Val dive bombers, and Kate torpedo bombers. Their forces also include four fast battle cruisers, heavy cruisers, and destroyers equipped with the formidable Long Lance torpedo.

The Royal Navy faces a difficult challenge, with three smaller fleet carriers and a nearly useless light carrier. Its surface forces include four slow R-class battleships and the more capable Warspite, while British, Australian, and Dutch cruisers and destroyers are outmatched in numbers and capability.

British players must rely on guile, attempting to draw Japanese forces within range of their powerful battleships. A secret base in the middle of the supposedly empty Indian Ocean gives the Royal Navy somewhere to regroup, ensuring that the British remain a threat until their last warship is sunk.

• Strategic and tactical maps for campaign and engagement play
• 210 counters representing the ships and aircraft of the campaign
• Airbase and task force cards, plus player aid cards
• Eleven scenarios in a 20-page scenario book

With its contrasting naval forces, carrier-centered operations, and eleven scenarios, Eastern Fleet presents a focused contest between Japanese striking power and British resilience.