Downfall Conquest of the Third Reich

Downfall is a two-player game centered on the conquest of the Third Reich during World War II. One player takes command of the Western Allies, while the other assumes control of the Soviet Union. Together, they collaborate to dismantle the Axis powers. Despite sharing the overarching objective of defeating the Reich, each player strives for a post-war Europe dominated by their own influence. In pursuit of this goal, each player manages two distinct factions:

- The Western player oversees the Western Allies and the OKH faction, which consists of the German and minor Axis armies engaged in combat against the Soviet Union in the east (Oberkommando des Heeres).
- The Soviet player is responsible for the Soviet faction and the OKW faction, which encompasses the German and Italian forces confronting the Western allies in the west (Oberkommando der Wehrmacht).

The core of Downfall's gameplay revolves around its innovative initiative track. The faction with the initiative selects an order, expends initiative points by moving their marker along the track, and executes the chosen order. Subsequently, the faction with the initiative (determined by marker positions) selects the next order to be executed. There is no predetermined sequence of play; the allocation of initiative points decides the order of play. As the faction markers progress along the track, they trigger strategic events, weather changes, and the advancement of game turns.

Orders encompass operational directives for unit movement and combat initiation, as well as general directives for recruitment, mechanization, partisan warfare, logistics, and strategic warfare.

Strategic event cards are instrumental in driving game mechanics, including elements such as air support, supply checks, reinforcements, upgrades, and the distribution of Action Cards.

Action cards represent unique capabilities for each faction and can be utilized to enhance orders or gain advantages during combat.

The game of Downfall commences at the zenith of Axis expansion in November 1942 and concludes in May 1945 with Germany's surrender. Players have authority over land units, air units, partisans, fleets, and submarines in this monumental conflict. With both players overseeing factions on opposing fronts, they are continually challenged to launch offensives and mount desperate defenses. In the east, the largest land conflict in history unfolds, stretching from Stalingrad to Berlin, while in the west, land warfare, naval operations, amphibious invasions, and strategic warfare intertwine in the pursuit of victory.

Chad Jensen dedicated a decade to researching and refining Downfall, drawing inspiration from classic strategic WWII games and integrating concepts from his Fighting Formations initiative system to create the unique four-faction, two-front design approach. John Butterfield has taken up the mantle, carrying the design to its completion.

Playtest Samples:

- Downfall Map (Please note that this is a prototype image, not final art)
- West Setup Aid Sample (Please note that this is a prototype image, not final art)
- OKH Setup Aid Sample (Please note that this is a prototype image, not final art)
- Soviet Action Cards Sample (Please note that this is a prototype image, not final art)

Components:

- Two 22”x34” paper map sheets that combine to form the game map
- 384 counters on three die-cut sheets
- 110 playing cards
- One rule book
- Ten double-sided 8.5”x11” player aids
- Four six-sided dice

• Read more information at BoardGameGeek website .
• Players: 2
• Playing time: 360-720 min.
• Language: English
• Language dependence: HIGH
• Age: 14+