Zero Leader

About this board game

Zero Leader is a solitaire game for one player, with approximately 120 minutes of play, about commanding and managing a Japanese aerial squadron in the Pacific during World War Two.

Covering major campaigns from 1941 to 1945, the game challenges you to select the right mix of aircraft for each mission. Fighters, bombers, and other aircraft all have distinct strengths and weaknesses, making squadron composition an important part of your planning.

The maneuverable and deadly Zero is well suited to attacking enemy aircraft, but has limited ability against naval and ground targets. The Betty can carry a large amount of munitions, yet is more vulnerable to enemy bandits and anti-aircraft attacks. Your choices must match the demands of the mission.

• Aircraft variety: Command aircraft including the Zero, Frank, Oscar, Betty, Nell, Kate, Jill, Val, Emily, Jack, Tojo, Sonia, Tony, and George.
• Mission decisions: Plan around different types of targets and missions using target and event cards.
• Operational challenges: Deal with mechanical and maintenance issues, invoke samurai spirit, and deploy Ohka kamikaze aircraft-bombs.
• Air combat: Use tactical options for maneuvering, positioning, pilot aggression, and aircraft robustness during dogfights.

Like other games in the Leader series, Zero Leader is designed for solo play. Its campaign sheets, aircraft cards, counters, mounted display, dogfight chart, and player aids support a focused command experience across the war.

Released in 2021, Zero Leader combines squadron management, mission selection, aircraft specialization, and tactical air combat in a game centered on the difficult decisions of aerial command.