Rise and Decline of the Third Reich
- Players
- 2-6
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 2 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 720 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 14+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 4.3 / 5
- Year
- 1974
About the game
Rise and Decline of the Third Reich is a landmark strategic-level wargame simulating the European theater of World War II from the invasion of Poland through Germany's final defeat or victory. Players command the major national powers across a 24-turn campaign game, an advanced variant, a multiplayer mode, and three shorter 12-turn scenarios, managing resources, unit production, negotiation, and combat via a ratio-based combat results table. First published in 1974, it's considered a classic of the genre, prized for its balance between political maneuvering and military strategy. With a twelve-hour campaign playtime, it's an intensely deep simulation for serious wargamers.
Hobbli's Notes
This is a titan of strategic wargaming: Third Reich set the template for grand-strategy WWII simulations, and its blend of negotiation, production, and combat still holds up as a benchmark decades later. It is genuinely not for the faint of heart: rules are intricate and sessions are long, but for wargamers willing to commit, it's a landmark experience.
What we like
- Offers unmatched strategic depth for a grand-strategy WWII simulation.
- Multiple scenarios and a multiplayer mode add long-term variety.
- Balances political negotiation with military strategy exceptionally well.
- A genre-defining classic with decades of proven staying power.
Keep in mind
- Twelve-hour campaign length demands an extraordinary time commitment.
- Intricate rules present a steep barrier to entry for new wargamers.
- Not remotely suited to casual or family game nights.
Who it's for
For serious, experienced wargamers ages 16+ willing to commit to very long sessions; supports 2-6 players in a deeply strategic historical simulation.
