Defiant Russia (2004) Board Game

Defiant Russia is a board game set in World War II, specifically focusing on the Eastern Front between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. The game allows players to take on the roles of military commanders, making strategic decisions to either defend Russia or push back against the invaders.

Game Components of Defiant Russia

Map: A 17×22 inch map (expanded to 28×22 inches in the 2016 Player’s Edition) representing the western Soviet Union at a scale of 45 miles to the hex.

Counters: 140 counters in the original edition, increased to 200 in the 2016 Player’s Edition, representing historical units at the corps level.

Units: Axis units include German, Finnish, Italian, Hungarian, Spanish, and Romanian army corps, with German tank units being the strongest. Soviet units are generally armies, with some capable of standing up to German forces.

Additional Components: Fleets in the Baltic and Black Seas for the Soviet player, and special units like paratroopers and shock troops.

How To Setup Defiant Russia

Setting up **Defiant Russia** involves placing the large hexagonal map on the table and distributing the counters according to the scenario being played. Each player must carefully position their units based on historical dispositions or scenario-specific setups. The Soviet player must consider strategic placements to counter the initial Axis attack, while the Axis player needs to plan the invasion forces meticulously to maximize the impact of the German tank units and infantry.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics: Dice Rolling, Hexagon Grid, Simulation.

Objective: The Axis player aims to advance into the Soviet Union and capture key cities, while the Soviet player must defend and counter-attack to repel the invasion.

Gameplay: Players take turns moving and engaging units, managing supply lines, and executing tactics such as flanking and counter-attacks. The game features simple rules with a few charts and tables to track, making it accessible to new players.

Player Experience

**Defiant Russia** offers a fast-paced and engaging experience, with games lasting about 90 minutes. The game’s simplicity in rules, combined with its historical accuracy, makes it an excellent introduction to tabletop wargaming. Players must balance strategic planning with tactical execution, ensuring a dynamic and challenging experience for both sides.

Pros

Historical Accuracy: The game accurately represents the 1941 German invasion of the Soviet Union, including historical units and scenarios.

Accessibility: Simple rules make it easy for new players, including those as young as 10, to learn and play.

Replayability: Multiple scenarios, including variations like Turkish intervention, add to the game’s replay value.

Cons

Complexity for Beginners: While the rules are straightforward, the strategic depth may still be challenging for very new players.

Limited Player Count: Designed for only 2 players, which may limit its appeal for larger gaming groups.

Personal Thoughts on Defiant Russia

**Defiant Russia** is an excellent choice for those interested in World War II history and wargaming. It is particularly suited for newcomers to the genre due to its simple yet engaging mechanics. The game’s focus on strategic planning and historical accuracy makes it a great educational tool as well. For experienced wargamers, the various scenarios and the updated Player’s Edition add enough depth and variety to keep the game fresh and challenging. Overall, **Defiant Russia** is a solid addition to any tabletop wargaming collection.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.