Thanks for all the thoughtful comments and suggestions, too! I'm working my way through these and hope to be all caught up in the next day or so. And I've got a bunch of good ideas for more challengers to the list. Much appreciated!

Oh man, you are too awesome, my friend. Thanks for the kind words!

You’ve got such a natural and authentic approach to delivering your vids Zilla - perfectly paced and produced ❤

Oh my. I used to play board games many decades ago. Nice to know they still make them. Thank you.

While I have been playing wargames for decades, a few months ago I decided to introduce my hobby to an old friend of mine with no previous exposure to wargaming, but who is keenly interested in history and politics. I selected Brief Border Wars from Compass Games and chose the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus scenario. It is very easy ot learn and has all the elements of a good introductory game you mentioned at the beginning of your video. I began teaching him after supper and we were playing within half an hour. We had a great time with it until after midnight, playing the scenario twice as 2-player, then once cooperative solitaire. At that point I was the one who wanted to fo to bed while he wanted to stay up and try the China vs Vietnam scenario. So as an introduction, that worked out very well.

I was glad to see Memoir '44 make the extended list. It's one I specifically bought to introduce my grandsons (age 8 to 10) to wargaming. I also have Battle Cry, as another viewer mentioned, to showcase other than WW II. I am not sure that solo games are good introductions unless played cooperatively to keep the newbie engaged. I do have several of the games you showed and am looking forward to you getting them to the channel.

This is the first video I have seen of yours and I subscribed right away. You have an energetic and well-paced approach talking about these games that many others doing wargaming videos lack. The content is so well thought out and researched as well. I can't wait to see other videos by you. Already looking for the top solitaire war games video right now.

David Thomson is the GOAT for intro wargames, the mixture of RPG, wargames and historical/educational aspects is just excellent..Obviously Shores of Tripoli is also a milestone. I agree with your opinion, the use of euro-game mechanisms with CDG in wargames is the coolest. Imperial Struggle can lead to Paths of Glory and the mission is accomplished. Then comes my favorite rule heavy games: World in Flames or Empire in Arms (for those that like Diplomacy ie negotiation games). So you need to repeat the intro cycle at least 7 times so you have the players you need.

Avalon Hill’s “1776” was my first war game. I learned to play it when I was 10 as the New England Campaign is pretty easy as it just has British and American Troops and none of the special units and rules.

Thats really awesome that the game designers are commenting

Excellent list! Thanks! I’ve played several including Memoir 44 and B17 Flying Fortress Leader - both are excellent, I play Memoir 44 every night via phone with my brother from another Mother and it’s always fun

The Undaunted series is very easy for new players. My wife and I never played a war game before plating Undaunted:Normandy, and we picked up the rules within 10 minutes.

Happy to see Antietam! One interesting thing with this game is that non wargamers seem to pick it up more easily because they don't have to unlearn all the sin qua non rules of standard wargames.

1. Blitzkrieg/ Caesar/ Total Domination 2. 300* 3. States of siege games eg. Hapsburg eclipse, Ottoman sunset, Cuba, Siege of Malta, The Mission, Reconquista, First Jihad (White Dog Games or VPG) 4. Resist*/ Maquis 5. Iron, Blood and snow/ Russian campaign 6. Halls of Hegara* 7. Race to the Rhine/ Race to Moscow 41 8. Europe divided / Twilight Struggle/ 1989 9. Endeavor: Age of sail (or any of several similar. May not qualify as 'war' games) 10. Shores of Tripoli* 11. Hollandspiele games eg. Charlemagne, Aurelian, District Commander, Stilicho, Supply lines Your list is good (love DVG and Worthington) and well presented. I have few overlap* because the genre is huge and very varied. Ultimately every theatre of operations and period of history will have its own 'best' introductory game(s).

Thanks for putting this out. I'm recently retired and have been wanting to revisit my youth when I played a lot. I'm a fan of Panzerblitz and some the older SPI games. Wish I still had them around to play again. But I think I'll pick up a copy of Sherman Leader and spend a few nights gaming. Thanks again.

My first "wargame" was Axis and Allies. Still very fond of the whole series of that. After that I got on with the classics of Avalon Hill (D-day, Gettysburg, Afrika Korps, Stalingrad. More recent, I like many games of Worthington because they are easy to access. For example their "The American CIvil War" is an easy to learn and fun to play game.

The old SPI game 'Strike Force One' was specifically designed to serve as an introductory tool to teach newcomers about hex-n-counter wargaming. Initially it was included as a bonus "welcome to the hobby" give-away in the first issue of anyone subscribing to S&T magazine, but now the files are available online and you can simply download and print your own copy. It's not really intended to be a "game" in the classic competitive sense, but for teaching complete n00bs (as young as even 4 or 5 years old) the most basic wargaming concepts it's unparalleled. It takes maybe 5 minutes to learn and another 5 to play, and then you put it aside and play some other wargame - only a masochist would want to play it a second time. But in my experience (based on 15 years of using it to teach wargaming to high school freshmen), using it for the very first forray into hex-n-counter wargaming typically cuts the learning time for one of the intro games discussed here by at least half.

Well said. I am a big fan of Warfighter World War II. Not complicated but a lot of fun..

Love Nemo’s War! One of my favorite solo board games.

Id throw this in for those interested in miniature games. I've played 9 miniature games over my life. Ive found X-Wing 2.0 is the easiest for me to teach and get new players into. The rules are simple. Most things are written on cards for quick reference. Everything is also prepainted. Additionally, its fast. A full size game takes 1hr 15mins.

Great list! Even as a non-wargamer, Shores of Tripoli and Resist are definitely two games that would get me to try them. I think I've said this 100 times now, but give me something shiny and colourful and I'm on board 😂

Nemo’s War is absolutely brilliant. My number one solo game and definitely a war game. I think however that the The Hunters/Silent Victory are pretty beginner friendly. And you can scale, making it more complex if you want to.

Good list Zilla! I would suggest Target For Today as a good introduction to narrative style solo war games.

My suggestions that haven't been mentioned are: 1. "Freeman's Farm 1777." Published by Worthington, this is game is designed for either two players or solitaire. The Battle of Freeman's Farm was one of the earliest in the American Revolutionary War. This game has a good bit of tactical decision-making, while limiting the number of units and locations. It has an interesting push-you-luck mechanic in which a unit can spend morale for more offensive capability, but in so doing, makes the unit closer to routing. Historically, the British achieved a Pyrrhic victory in which they controlled the field after the battle, but were stalled in their march towards Bemis Heights. 2. "Nubia: Egypt's Black Heirs." Published by White Dog Games and designed by Ben Madison for solitaire only play, this game is a good introduction to the "States of Siege" family of games. It also deals with a rather overlooked piece of history - the decline of the Christian Nubian kingdom in the face of the advance of Islam. 3. Another solitaire White Dog Game by Ben Madison that I would recommend is "Mrs. Thatcher's War." It covers the Falklands War - another bit of history often overlooked. Both this game as well as "Nubia" are actually quite simple once one learns the game, but the rulebooks could be better. However, learning how to read wargame rulebooks is a skill in and of itself, and everyone needs to start somewhere. 4. "Quebec 1759" by Columbia Games (not to be confused with "1759 Siege of Quebec" by Worthington - another good choice). This game is the granddaddy of the "block wargame" which simulates fog of war by representing units by upright blocks so that only the controller knows exactly which units are present and how strong they are while the opponent gets a general idea based upon how many blocks are at a location. Units are only revealed in battle, and the rotating of the block simulates casualties. "Quebec 1759" has simultaneous action selection, but other good introductory block wargames from Columbia without simultaneous action selection might be "Richard III," "Julius Caesar" and/or "Hammer of the Scots."

Any monstergame. It's tough, but if you train your friends right from the beginning, there will be no complaining later, when it takes 4 weekends to finish a game.

Now you need top introductory solitaire wargames. :)

Great video. Lots of choices or options for a new gamer to pick from. I enjoyed the enthusiasm while you provided great details. The timeline of the video helped in going back and recapping certain games.

Nice shout out for Rally the Troops. I only just discovered that site about two weeks ago and it really fills it's own niche, esp. in the pantheon of board game arena, tabletop simulator and vassal.

Endorsement for Pub Battles Antietam: I volunteer at Antietam National Battlefield, and to date IMO the simplest tactical Antietam game with reasonable historical accuracy given the simplicity is Pub Battles Antietam. I (1) had the small map scanned and printed double-sized on vinyl, (2) cut and spray painted, clear coated, and labeled my own double-size blocks, and (3) created general cards printable on pre-perforated Avery business cardstock; each has the general's image and birthplace to add an extra bit of light education. This created a game large enough for 6-8 players to play with elbow room. I have even run this in a pub, and intend to do so again.

Academy Games has the Conflict of Heroes series. The series is billed as an introduction to hex and counter wargames. Back in the day, I used it as an introduction for my 12 year old. Shortly after we moved on to MMP's Advanced Squad Leader Starter Kit. That lead into Advanced Squad Leader and Flying Pig's Old School Tactical series - and there was no looking back after that! Others you might want to consider: -Steve Jackson Games offers Ogre. -I'm sure there are more titles that GMT Games offers, but right now, only Washington's War comes to mind. I see you recommended Halls of Montezuma. I have the 2009 edition by GMT, and it most certainly is not an introductory wargame. It will be interesting to see what it evolves into with this new edition.

Great recommendations. Some other ones: 13 Days a Cuban missile Crisis. Blitzkrieg!: World War Two in 20 Minutes. Brave Little Belgium. Celles: The Ardennes, December 23-27, 1944. Conflict of heroes Series. Heroes of Normandie Series or Heroes of Blackreach. Flights of the Pacific. Julius Caesar: Caesar, Pompey, and the Roman Civil War - Columbia Block wars games are great! Napoléon 1806 - any of series. 1775: Rebellion - 2v2 dice chucker but great 1v1 and lots of good strategies. Washington's War. Wild Blue Yonder. Twilight Struggle: Red Sea. Lincoln - Same designer as Brass Birmingham.

Off the bat after watching your intro but not yet seeing any games I am recommending Undaunted: Normandy. A card driven deck building game. Perfect for beginners and connects with more advanced concepts of wargames. Such as command structures, planning and combined arms if you include expansions.

Another great video Zilla! I love seeing the games you have done excellent playthroughs on too. As other comments have mentioned - something in the Commands & Colors series would be very simple and quite quick and satisfying. I started with my son at Memoir 44 and then moved on to other titles in the series. Ancients probably being the next most simple. I’d be tempted to recommend Academy games Vikings, Rebellion and French and Indian war block/card games too - really interesting games and easy to play

Oh yeah Red Flag Over Paris too! Might work for someone coming from Euro side too. Much more abstract. Solo bots for each side that are pretty tough too!

Always enjoy your videos - you have a warm and generous style. Check out Worthington’s “Keep Up the Fire” - Boxer Rebellion solo game - very good introductory mechanics without being too simple.

Good job, though I think a few of your recommendations wouldn't be introductory for a person who's never played war games. While I agree Memoir '44 (or even Battlecry 150th Anniversary if the player prefers the American Civil War) and the Leader series are excellent choices (though the Leader series is more fun game that historical), Lanzerath Ridge would be a bit too complex for me to recommend it to a complete noob. It's an excellent game, uses the line of sight that Tannhauser used (which IMO is one of the best ways to depict LOS), and is great in introducing players to more complex concepts found in other wargames. I just think a new gamer would find the game about as easy to learn as one faction from Root (which is an excellent game to bring players into COIN). Worthington published Stalingrad Besieged which plays 1 to 2 and has 3 ways to play (blocks, counters, or cards). Unit count is low, game doesn't take long, and rules are simple. It does teach some concepts (not ZOC, but reinforcements, overrun) and is themed around a historical battle. While the map isn't a Barber or Kibler, it isn't bad and does a decent job of showing Stalingrad (though it is really just a background). Still, creatives could use the map with other counters to run skirmish games in the city if they wanted. LOL Worthington also make their gamebook series which are very easy to learn for someone completely new to wargaming. Although they don't use counters, they do teach the player some important concepts for more in-depth games. Some give a basic understanding of tactical formations (Waterloo), Point-to-point (On To Moscow), and artillery and elevation (Gettysburg). Bismarck certainly doesn't have complexity, but it may give the player the desire to search out more naval wargames because it's fun to play (and it's kind of a square encounter game).

First video of yours I’ve come across, nice list, I’m just dipping my toes into this niche. You’ve got a very Robin Williams type charisma!

Great material as always. My gateway game for wargaming was Memoir44. Now I also own Undaunted Normandy and Tiger leader. Great games. Thanks for your work and passion!

Well done! Thanks. On the Antietam theme, I recommend (and I like PubBattles very much too) the intro level Antietam game from White Dog games. 4 pages of rules, BDE level, hex and counter. Great map!

I don't know if it's still in print, but Avalon Hill put out a series of games starting with Squad Leader that introduced progressively more complex rules for each scenario. the rules for the first one were easily digested and the game itself lasted about 6 turns, so very quick. I thought it very accessible. It had several sequels, so I guess it was also popular.

Excellent and thorough video. I found your channel earlier this year as I've been getting into solitaire wargames. I had Memoir 44, and in the past few months I've bought Undaunted, The Africa Campaign, Field Commander Rommel, and Lanzerath Ridge. I had the Avalon Hill North Africa game in the '80s and have always been interested in books and films on those WWII battles, so that was my gateway into wargames. As I get comfortable with different mechanics and levels of complexity I want to dive into the COIN series. Cuba Libre doesn't qualify as introductory, eh? ;-)

When Avalon Hill's Kriegspiel first came, it was a great beginner's introduction game for beginners.

I think the "Tank on Tank" games are great for learning wargaming. Both have simple rules you can learn very fast. It has very nice counters. It is also good for two new players entering the hobby together. Because although the rules are simple it can be very tactical and two new players can "grow together", not only mastering the mechanics but bringing their ideas, how the fight could be won, to the map.

As the Heroes of Normandie series has already been mentioned in the comments I will add a different game. A House Divided is a great intro wargame depicting the whole of the American Civil War and has been available in multiple versions over decades so is easy to pick-up cheap.

Russian campaign. Boarder-line complex but it includes major concepts. One of the first I learned. I don’t know half the games you listed and I own thousand plus games. I guess I am to old school? Some reprints with new boxes were included, I understand. 44’ and the add ons are about as entry level as you can get, IMO. Thanks for time and the list.

There's an awesome print and play game called Interspace which is a 4X space based light war game. It includes basic,intermediate, and advanced rules. And it's free to download. Several people on BGG, like myself, have created graphics upgrades for the pieces. It's my favorite game.

About the leader series, I started with Israeli Air Force Leader for the multi era and it basically feels like a pocket version of red storm. It is a game I like to take out, play a couple of missions over lunch or something abd put it back again. The only thing I dislike about the game is that they ruined the mig 15 (making it worse than vampires and other late world war 2 type jets). That led me to make a set of rules where the game now plays more akin to corsair leader or zero leader (dogfighting mechanics). But it is an excellent introductory wargame. Great list!

I would have put in Gettysburg from Avalon Hill but I do understand it’s out of print now and it’s near impossible to get it. It’s a good introduction to a more older style of war gaming, the rules are simple, the mechanics are easy and it’s a game that can be played in a couple of hours. It’s one of my favourite quick game ever even leaving aside the basic rules and the little weirdness of the combat mechanics. I actually own three different version of this game, really enjoy it even now almost 40 years later.

My 1st wargame was a Civil War game published in Life Magazine in 1960(I was in Jr high) for the centenary of the Civil War. You had to cut the playing pieces out and mount the on card stock and take the map out of the magazine.

Nemo's WAR its marvellous, a diamond, correct put in your list

Great list! I would recommend Battle Cry as the entry point for C&C System. It’s easier than Memoir 44, no expansions, ni difference between armies, only four type of units… and a very engaging theme, of course.

Avalon Hill is long gone but their stuff can be found on eBay. The best beginner game I remember is called Tactics 2.

Hi Zilla. Lanzerath Ridge looks great!

Great selection! Knew you were going to pull out Sherman Leader before you showed it ;) Can't wait for your play through of B-17 FFL! :) You opened my eyes up to a lot more games with this that I need to check out. Oh, my copies of Sherman Leader, Skies Above Britain, and American Tank Ace all arrived this week all in large part because of your videos ! Memoir '44 is a good choice for introductory wargame, and I used to own it along with a boatload of expansions back in the day. Eventually sold it off when I couldn't get it to the table anymore. Still would like to see more wargame shelf tours all this video kind of touches on that a bit at the end.

Good list! 300 Earth and Water is a great one to to show people what wargames are about. I've used that game to get a lot of friends beaks wet. I have two other games I would throw out there: 1) Watergate, which not a wargame does show great CDG mechanics and great tension. Its good starter for the larger CDGs 2) Brotherhood and Unity. B&U may be more lower moderate complexity, but it has great card play, simpler rules, few unit types and can be played in 3-4 hours.

I recommend Airfix Battles Introduction to Wargames by Modiphius. Simple rules what are a joy to play, plus can picked rather cheap

What an awesome channel and great production

Thanks for the video. Interesting list and agree with most, but I would add one more criteria, affordability. Intro games need to be something people are will to spend a small amount of money, large outlays will be a turn off. With that said, unfortunately Pub Battles cannot be an intro. The basic cost is somewhat affordable, but then you have to assemble, which newbies are not going to want to do. The game needs to be all there for a good price, which most of your others hit the mark. I would also elevate Richard Borg games for two player play. Ancients can be taught very quickly and have them playing in an evening as well as it give basics of hex and counter games, despite having blocks and cards too. By Stealth and Sea was interesting but though would be a turnoff as there is just so much chance to lose crews that I think newbies would be turned off as well. But this was a great start for a video on the subject. Keep up the good work.

Some great games there for sure and I know you have recommended the Shores of Tripoli to me as a good starter one, also good to see a couple games you have featured on your channel on this list as well.

Another great video. I want to try “by stealth and sea”, looks fun!!!

Quartermaster General World War II (or Quartermaster General World War 1) is one of the all time best intro war games.

I was sad there were no science fiction games on your list. With that in mind, I would suggest OGRE / GEV by Steve Jackson Games. Easy rules and super fun. Warm regards, Rick

In your big list you should add the three napoleon 1806, napoleon 1807 and napoleon 1815 from Shakos. A French editor but English version exists. It's a block game, point to point and card driven. 3 level of difficulty, novice to "light expert" you should have a lot on them.

Zilla! Great video: hex and counter if you haven’t checked out 1944 Battle of the Bulge from worthington that’s a good place to start. also Celles from Revolution would be great too. Cheap, ziplock but looks great and has great mechanics low counter density without a ton of rules. Played this weekend and it was fantastic!

Hi Zilla, great idea for a video. I know that you mentioned visual appeal as a criteria, but I'd definitely put The Hunters on the list (rather than Silent Victory, which I think has a little too much chrome, or The Hunted, which appears to be for masochists only.). If you can get people to buy into the idea of being in a sub, then the push-your-luck Kapitan mechanisms and the idea of 30 minute patrols should be something to attract people. Probably the same goes for Target for Tonight/Today as well - but they are really not visually appealing, and people have to be in that 'story-telling' mindset or at least pointed towards that being the core concept, else TfT really is like a series of charts where you are constructing your own narrative. I've seen a video of Undaunted Stalingrad on Paul Grogan's channel (Gaming Rules!), and it looks reasonably straightforward, and has legacy elements which the previous ones in the series didn't. Might not be totally one to start with though - I can pick up all 3 of the earlier games from Amazon in the UK for about £80, whereas Stalingrad is looking like that sort of price on its own, which might be a difficult sell to someone who isn't sure about the whole concept. Hornet Leader is definitely the most straightforward of the Air Leader games, but they all have tons of replayability and different scenarios etc. I'm waiting on my Kickstarter copy of Stuka Leader to drop at the moment. I've got Nemo's War, but personally found it a little fiddly, although that might be just me. I do think it might be a little overwhelming for someone totally new to wargaming, as seeing what you should be doing I found slightly opaque. I think one final criteria on your list should be 'can I get hold of this anywhere, and preferably without selling a kidney'. I know it's difficult to get a lot of these games (even here in the UK) without making a considerable outlay, and the print runs are so small that even if you find them on eBay, you are often paying close to RRP for them. That's where something like the Undaunted series might be a good start, rather than me telling people to get The Hunters and them not being able to find it for much under £60.

I used Battle Cry to get my godchildren into war games.

What are your thoughts on naval war games? Do you have a biginners list for them? What would you recommend?. Excellent video!! And by the looks are one serious Boardgamer. I have several naval wargames. Keep up the great work! Thanks again. Tony

Thank you. Some are a bit complicated for a beginner…

I just picked up a copy of Bitskrieg to play with my granddaughter. Fantastic game for grognards (and their grogkids!)

Big fan of DvG. I don't have Hornet Leader but I do have Phantom Leader (Deluxe edition and expansion #1). Its brilliant, fairly easy to grasp and I love the way you have to consider how the optics politically during Vietnam can effect your missions. It adds a good point of difference from Hornet. I'd heavily recommend it. I personally think you'd like it too Zilla. As a side GMT's Submarine games are worth mentioning. Easy to follow, good footprint and can be absorbed in chunks. I tend to have a Leader series or Silent Victory/Beneath the Med with me if I go places to fill time as they are quite mobile for me.

Memoir '44 can be hit or miss. Have had several games where all my cards are for actions on the right flank while all the action is on the left flank or middle. You basically spend the game drawing cards and watching your opponent play.

An interesting take & a lot of quality games. Either of the first two undaunted games would be a good place to start, currently reading the rules for reinforcements. The Worthington bulge game is easy to learn and a really enjoyable affair, one of my friends has a copy. I went with field commander Rommell, yet another North Africa game. The Worthington siege series are really good as well & DVG do some real quality solo games. I bought Pacific Tide (Compass) as it is supposed to be an excellent game, still in the shrink wrap. Brave Little Belgium (Hollandspiele) has been on my wish list for an age, also looking at Irish Freedom (White Dog Games) Really good take on solo games and looking forward to future uploads on the subject. Excellent. Thank you.

Fun list, thx for sharing!

Should have waited to the end to comment! Lol, 1944 BoB’s brother should be coming soon on Normandy. Still check out Celles, especially at the price, and chit draw mechanic makes for easy two hand solo.

For 1v1 intro wargames, I've often recommended two: Sekigahara (GMT) for a point-to-point hidden army/info game with very light card-driven mechanics. You have a vague idea of enemy strengths, so strategic risks and estimating your opponent's moves & concentrations is a big factor. It was straightforward enough for me to teach a 9-year old how to play, mostly with the movement rules bullet-pointed on an index card for reference. The rest is easy enough. Big draw is the hidden force strengths and the card play in battles, although it does have pretty simple castle sieges on occasion too. I've seen very positive reviews from non-wargamers' first experience. For Commands & Colors, there's no better intro than Battle Cry (AH/Hasbro), the original and most basic of the C&C rules. Boiled down to the three unit types and terrain. Very fast with relatively little referencing required, especially regarding units. If only the dolts at Hasbro would regularly reprint it after their runs sell out. It can be hard/expensive to find right now. I've introduced a couple people to C&C via Battle Cry over the years and it's definitely the preferred one to do so, IMO. No big charts needed.

My Favorite is Zeppelin Raider from Compass Games. Easy to Learn and many ways to Win or Loose.

Enjoyed the video, subscribed.

I was under the impression that wargames involved miniatures, these look more like strategy games

The very first hex and counter game I played was the old Avalon hill Tobruk game. The first game I bought and played was Brazen Chariots Battles for Tobruk. I really love the BCS and want to get all the games in that series. I think another good place to start is The Hunters series of submarine games. Very easy to learn to play and fun for multiple players.

awesome list

Great stuff...scribed up...thanks my man...

As you have a few David Thompson and DVG games in this video I am sure Castle Itter and Pavlovs House you would enjoy. Both easy to play, have a fascinating historical background and the gameplay is not that complex.

If you want to include OOP games - Mustangs by Avalon Hill is a game for beginners.

Well you ask for "help" or something like that? I have 2 suggestions for you. Introductory war game. The best of it, it cost less than a cup of coffee. You download and play. It is from Jorge A Aroga and the name of those two little jewels are: Panzer dice and B17 twenty-five missions. You can find them at Wargame vault. You will find some video on KZfaq. B17 has won some prize for imaginative structure of play.

Thumbs up for Undaunted!

My personal thoughts on starter wargames, I think M'44 is a bit less interesting than Ancients is, for the Commands & Colors system. Ancients is just more... well-rounded I guess you could say, with a ton of games in it. Napoleonics is the next step up, as it calls for vastly different tactics than Ancients does yet uses the familiar card system. For pure hex and counter, what are your opinions on the Great Battles of History and Men of Iron series from GMT? Both are fairly similar, with leaders who activate their troops and keeping the leaders in command range so they can effectively manage their forces is an interesting strategic decision. They're both Richard Berg designs so there's lots of history (and the manuals are a joy to read through, since Berg had a very amusing style in the way he introduced rules and concepts at times). Other possibility would be the recent Musket & Pike dual pack, which introduces players to the English Civil War period of history and the unique way in which armies were both constructed and utilized in that era. Other ideas I would contribute would be in the "block wargame" group. Fields of Despair France 1914-1918, Triumph & Tragedy / Conquest & Consequence, and possibly Prussia's Defiant Stand. Time of Crisis is one that's been a bit of a hit among my local game group, as it combines wargame with deckbuilder but allows you to make some interesting strategic decisions since your hand is not random, you get to choose which cards you'll pull to your hand at the end of your turn.

Tank on Tank is great game to play/start kids with.

I think heroes of Normandy is a good start to introduce new players. Hi Zilla just wanted to know if you like games from John Tiller software, a wide range available cheers

My suggestion for a very easy to learn introductory war game would first be Avalon Hill's card game "Naval War." It's rules are basic, and it's fast paced and enjoyable. For an simple board game, I'd suggest Game Designers Workshop "Attack in the Ardennes" published in 1982. The rules can be described to a new player in a couple minutes (the rule book itself is only a couple pages long) and it's quite entertaining to play. For somewhat higher level introductory game, I'd suggest AH's final revision of the old Gettysburg board game released in the early 1990s. A great game, simple to learn, fast paced and fun. I'd also add, for really basic war games, the old Milton Bradley military board games from the sixties such as Dogfight!, Broadside, and Tank Battle. These games are all very enjoyable and simple enough for a five year old to learn. The only problem would be finding decent surviving copies.

Started my research for solo games on your channel. Finding it difficult to scratch that itch with gaming since covid plus 2 kids under age 4. A lot of solo games in general board gaming aren't heavy enough and I'm sure wargaming is going to do it for me.

Thanks for the info;)

I really enjoy Nemo's War, but I find it loses me when the challenge is making die rolls. Sure, you can try and modify the dice, but eventually you're gonna roll bad at the wrong moment, and there goes a whe game over one bad roll. I get around this by playing what I call "7 or luck!" Basically, you can always call a die roll 7, which usually means you have to expend some resources. If you need more than 7, then you roll the dice. There are plenty points when you have to roll, no matter what you do, and those times get super tense, because it does all hang on a die roll. The rest of the time you are trying to figure out how to succeed without needing to roll.

Tank combat, art of tactics, fixed tutorial scenario.

Thank you for sharing this the games look fun

I would like to add Admirals War as a good intro to war gaming.

A special game very very good "By Stealth and Sea" on the Italian Marina Militare special operations by X MAS

I think that you missed a big one. If you want to learn the basics of a typical hex & counter wargame (TEC, odds based CRT, move points, attack points, defense points, asymmetric forces, ZOC, etc). in Steve Jackson Games OGRE.

Avalon Hill's Gettysburg from 1988 is an excellent starter game

I would add any Napoleonic 20 game from victory point games but they are out of bussiness if I remember. Also the holdfast games from worthington but I think most of them are out of print. Their new civil war brigade series looks good. From Academy games I recommend 878 Vikings, If I'm not mistaken you can still get this one. So grab your combat results table and let the enemy have it. "Charge"

clear rule set a must