World in Flames

World in Flames

Players
2-7
Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
5 players
Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
6000 min
AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
12+
ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
4.6 / 5
Year
1985

About the game

World in Flames is a massive, award-winning strategic simulation of the Second World War, spanning five interconnected maps covering Europe, Russia, Africa, Asia, the Pacific, and beyond. Two to seven players command Allied and Axis forces, making grand strategic decisions about production, unit deployment, and offensives across land, sea, and air. With around 1,400 counters and comprehensive rules covering nearly every theater of the war, no two games unfold the same way. It's widely regarded as one of the most ambitious and comprehensive WWII wargames ever published.

Hobbli's Notes

This is a titan of the wargaming hobby; Hobbli's team recognizes World in Flames as a legendary, deeply researched simulation prized by serious wargamers for its scope and historical fidelity. It demands an enormous time investment, often played across multiple sessions or even weeks. It's not for the faint of heart, but for committed grognards it remains a benchmark title.

What we like

  • Unmatched scope covering nearly every WWII theater on five maps.
  • Deep production and strategic decision-making for grand-strategy fans.
  • High replayability due to countless strategic paths.
  • Long-standing reputation as a landmark wargame design.

Keep in mind

  • Extremely long playtime, often spanning multiple sessions.
  • Very steep learning curve and rules overhead.
  • Requires significant table space and a highly committed group.

Who it's for

For dedicated wargamers aged 16+ (2-7 players) willing to commit many hours or multiple sessions to an in-depth WWII grand strategy simulation.

Mechanics