Autumn for Barbarossa (ziplock) Standard Combat Series

Autumn for Barbarossa is an operational wargame in the Standard Combat Series (SCS) covering Army Group Center’s campaigns from August to October 1941, from the Battle of Smolensk through the opening stages of Operation Typhoon. It depicts the end of the initial Barbarossa offensive and the gradual stabilization of the Eastern Front.

Players command either the German forces seeking to exploit their remaining offensive momentum or the Soviet forces attempting to delay, preserve their strength, and prepare for counteroffensives.

Game System
The game uses the Standard Combat Series (SCS), designed to provide historically rich operational simulations that are easy to learn and quick to play.

Units represent regiments, brigades, and divisions. Core mechanics focus on zones of control, supply lines, overruns, and armored exploitation.

The key design feature is the “Hitler Roll”, an unpredictable event that removes part of the German mechanized forces from the front, dramatically reducing German offensive capabilities.

Included Scenarios

Campaign Game – Autumn for Barbarossa
August to October 1941

The main scenario covers the entire campaign in ten turns. German forces must seize strategic objectives before their offensive capability declines, while Soviet forces seek to delay, preserve combat power, and regain lost ground.

Objective
The German player must exploit initial operational superiority to capture cities and accumulate victory points before offensive momentum fades. The Soviet player must conduct an elastic defense, conserve forces, and launch counterattacks once the initiative shifts.

Players
2 players

Playing Time
Approximately 3 to 6 hours.

Complexity
Medium

The game is particularly well suited for players looking for an accessible operational wargame. Solitaire suitability is considered high.

Game Scale

Game Turn: 6 days

Hex: 7 miles (11.2 km)

Units: Regiment to division.

Replayability
Highly replayable asymmetric campaign

Variable German force withdrawal through the “Hitler Roll”

Strong balance between offense and defense

Meaningful operational decisions and time pressure.

Components (Ziplock Deluxe Edition)

2 full-color 18" × 22" maps

352 enlarged 5/8" counters

1 SCS v1.8 rulebook

1 game-specific rulebook

Player aids

Dice not included.