Infernal Machine: Dawn of Submarine Warfare

Infernal Machine: Dawn of Submarine Warfare is a solo strategic wargame published by GMT Games in which you take on the role of an inventor‑entrepreneur in mid‑19th century America. The game is set against the backdrop of the American Civil War (1861‑1865), during the very early days of submarine technology and industrialized warfare.

In a campaign, you choose a city or port for your machine shop, recruit investors and workers, and define the design of your submarine—or Fishboat—by selecting its armament, propulsion, and other features. Every choice affects construction, capabilities, and your ability to undertake historical naval missions, ranging from early tests to daring attacks on enemy shipping or installations.

The game can also be played as stand‑alone historical scenarios, such as the CSS Hunley’s attack on the USS Housatonic, or as a full campaign spanning the course of the war, with fluctuating material costs, workforce challenges, and unexpected events.

Box Contents

• Three countersheets
• 117 small cards and 49 regular cards
• One wooden block and 41 wooden cubes
• Two mission boards, one tactical board, and one gauges board
• Two historical submarine displays
• Three player aids
• Five booklets
• Three dice
• Components as published by the publisher)

Key Details

• Type: Solo historical wargame
• Setting: American Civil War, mid‑19th century
• Theme: Designing, building, and operating early submarines
• Play Modes: Campaign and historical scenarios
• Players: 1
• Playtime: Campaign spans multiple sessions; scenarios ~2 hours
• Publisher: GMT Games
• Designers: Ed Ostermeyer & Jeremy White