Port Arthur

Categories: Nautical, Post-Napoleonic, Wargame

Mechanics: Area Movement, Critical Hits and Failures, Dice Rolling, Simulation, Turn Order: Random

Players: 2

Ages: 12+

Playtime: 50–75 Min

Step into the historic battleground of the Russo-Japanese War with Port Arthur, a compelling strategy game designed for 2 players with a playing time of 40-60 minutes. Choose to command either the Japanese forces or take on the role of the Russian forces as you strive to control more zones than your opponent over the course of 6 intense turns, aiming to emerge victorious in this pivotal conflict.

Naval supremacy is at the core of the game, with ship management being crucial to success. Each vessel has three key attributes, and groups of ships within a Sea Area are collectively referred to as Fleets. The game unfolds through a structured turn sequence, with phases including Fleet Sortie, Operational Phase, Scoring Phase, Return to Port Phase, and advancing the turn marker—each step playing a critical role in achieving victory.

Victory conditions add strategic depth to the challenge. A major victory is achieved if, by the end of the sixth turn, the Japanese fail to establish an army in Mukden. Alternatively, the player who controls the Points of Control (POC) track by the end of the game will be the victor. POCs represent victory points and shift dynamically as players gain or lose control of sea zones, making every move crucial in this historic battle.