Rise and Decline of the Third Reich

Lore & Background

The game normally starts in Fall 1939, with scenarios for 1942 and 1944. Each quarterly turn represents three months. Economics use Basic Resource Points (BRPs) to build units, declare war, or launch offensives. The side with more BRPs moves first, allowing a 'flip-flop' for two consecutive moves, such as a common German Double Turn across winter 1939/40. The annual Year Start Sequence includes strategic warfare with U-boats and bombers, then each power receives BRPs based on its economic base, with growth rates varying by country.

Reader's Guide

Revised editions appeared in the 1980s, followed by Advanced Third Reich in 1992, a Pacific counterpart Empire of the Rising Sun in 1995, and A World at War in 2003 by GMT Games. In 2001, Avalanche Press released John Prados' Third Reich, a separate version closer to the original. The game's complexity and length made it a landmark in historical wargaming, influencing later designs. Its detailed economic and combat systems, including voluntary combat, armor exploitation, and attrition, provided depth for strategic play. The game remains notable for its simulation of World War II grand strategy and its enduring legacy through multiple redesigns.

Did You Know?

• Players can attempt alternate history strategies such as a German invasion of Spain or the United Kingdom.
• A 2:1 attack has only a 1 in 6 chance of an 'attacker eliminated' result (a roll of 6).
• The USSR may move existing units from the Far East to the European front via the 'Siberian Transfer' after Japan goes to war with the USA.
• Allied aid to the USSR must go via Murmansk (subject to German opposition) or via Persia (certain but delayed).