Assault Red Horizon 41: Revised Edition

Assault – Red Horizon 41: Revised Edition marks the relaunch of the acclaimed tactical war game that immerses players in the dramatic early stages of Operation Barbarossa (June–October 1941). A clash of titans – the German Wehrmacht and the Soviet Red Army locked in a desperate struggle with infantry, artillery, and armoured forces.

This new edition refines the system and significantly expands the experience, combining historical depth with playability, streamlined rules, and enhanced components.

What’s New in the Revised Edition

Optimised Rules v2.5: Comprehensive revisions ensure smoother play, faster resolution, and greater clarity. The core mechanics remain familiar but have been refined for balance and accessibility.

Expanded Game Material: New elements such as fortifications, obstacles, and minefields provide fresh tactical challenges. Tactical air support and off-board artillery support are now fully integrated into the ruleset, adding depth and variety to battlefield engagements.

Completely Redesigned Artwork: All visual elements have been thoroughly overhauled, delivering a sharper, more immersive presentation on both counters and maps.

Game Mechanics and Rules

The Assault Game System remains fully modular, offering a wide range of scenarios and playstyles:

Scenarios & Formation Cards: In each scenario, orders of battle are determined randomly via Formation Cards (infantry, artillery, armour/vehicles). This ensures variety and replayability, as forces differ in every playthrough.

Command Points: Units are activated by Command Points, secretly assigned each turn. Since only about 75% of available units can act, players must set priorities – a mechanism that both streamlines play and heightens tension.

Marker System: Hexes are limited to one unit counter each (exceptions for transport), with minimal use of command or status markers. A simple double-sided marker system speeds up play during the Organisation Phase.

Game Flow: Planning activations in advance accelerates the Action Phase, ensuring a fluid and engaging game without unnecessary downtime.

The Dynamic Campaign: Crossing the Narew

June 1941: Operation Barbarossa begins – the largest land operation in history. Over four million soldiers stand ready, with Moscow as the ultimate prize. Speed and power are essential, and the River Narew lies directly in the path of the advancing German forces.

In this campaign, players take the role of company commanders from either the German 7th Infantry Division or the Soviet 13th Rifle Division. Across four interlinked battles (24–25 June 1941), they must seize or defend critical river crossings, mirroring the historical struggle that shaped the encirclement of Białystok.

Dynamic Campaign System

The Revised Edition continues to feature the innovative Dynamic Campaign System, now enhanced by the new rules and material:

Battles are linked, with the outcome of one engagement shaping the set-up of the next.

Players command historically accurate formations from Eastern Front regiments.

With eight branching storylines, campaigns offer exceptional replay value and narrative depth.

Assault – Red Horizon 41: Revised Edition delivers a sharper, faster, and richer tactical wargame – with new content, polished mechanics, and fully reimagined artwork.

—description from the designer