A photo of a book cover with the title "Drang Nach Osten!" in red lettering, featuring a black and white illustration of two soldiers walking past a wooden fence.
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Drang Nach Osten! (1973)

ByMichail

Drang Nach Osten!

“Drang Nach Osten!” (Drive to the East!) is a historical wargame/simulation of the German invasion of the Soviet Union on June 22, 1941, which led to the gates of Moscow and ultimately the Eastern Front during World War II. Published in 1973 by Game Designers’ Workshop (GDW), the game was designed by Paul R. Banner and Frank Chadwick. It is part of the ‘East Front Trilogy’ and was the first in a planned series of games with identical wargame rules and map scale that aimed to simulate the entire Second World War in Europe.

Why is Drang Nach Osten! Popular?

Drang Nach Osten! is popular and significant for several reasons:
– It is a “monster game” with over 1000 counters, providing a detailed and immersive experience for players interested in historical wargaming.
– The game was highly rated by wargame players in a 1976 poll conducted by Simulations Publications Inc., and it is considered a classic in the board gaming community.
– The game is part of the Europa series, which aimed to provide a comprehensive simulation of the entire Second World War in Europe, making it an important milestone in the development of historical board games.

Game Components of Drang Nach Osten!

  • 1792 die-cut counters** representing various military units.
  • Five 21″ x 27″ maps** that cover the Eastern Front from Warsaw to Stalingrad and from Murmansk to Sevastopol, with a map scale of 25 km (16 mi) per hex.
  • Rules folder** with a 20-page rulebook and game cover art.
  • Ten charts and aids** for gameplay assistance.

    How To Setup Drang Nach Osten!

    Setting up *Drang Nach Osten!* is a meticulous process. Players start by assembling the five maps to form the extensive battleground of the Eastern Front. Each player then sorts and places the numerous counters according to the initial setup instructions, ensuring that all units are correctly positioned as of June 22, 1941. The rules folder and charts are essential references during this setup phase.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Turn Structure: Each turn represents 2 weeks of game time, divided into the first and second half of the month.
  • Movement: Modified by terrain and weather conditions.
  • Combat: Determined by the ratio of attackers to defenders.
  • Supply: Dependent on home cities acting as supply depots.
  • Game Objective:
  • Axis Player/Team: Must capture every major Soviet city hex before the end of the 19th turn (second half of March 1942).
  • Soviet Player/Team: Must prevent the Axis from achieving this objective.

    Player Experience

    Playing *Drang Nach Osten!* is an immersive and complex experience. The game demands a significant investment of time and effort, with each game potentially spanning several months. Players must manage vast armies, navigate challenging terrain, and adapt to changing weather conditions. The game’s depth and realism make it highly rewarding for dedicated wargamers.

    Pros

  • Historical Accuracy: Detailed simulation of Operation Barbarossa.
  • Complexity: Offers a deep and challenging gaming experience.
  • Scale: Encompasses a vast geographical area with thousands of counters.
  • Realism: Incorporates factors like weather, terrain, and supply logistics.

    Cons

  • Time-Consuming: Games can last for months.
  • Complex Rules: Requires a significant learning curve.
  • Space Requirements: Needs a large playing area to set up the maps and counters.
  • Cost: Originally expensive and still costly for collector’s editions.

    Personal Thoughts on Drang Nach Osten!

    *Drang Nach Osten!* is for the most dedicated and passionate wargamers. It is not a game for casual players due to its immense complexity and time requirements. However, for those who revel in the details of historical military operations and are willing to invest the time, *Drang Nach Osten!* offers an unparalleled gaming experience. Designed by Paul R. Banner and Frank Chadwick, this game stands as a landmark in the wargaming genre, celebrated for its depth and historical fidelity.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl