Empire of the Sun, 5th Printing

Empire of the Sun is widely regarded as one of the finest strategic World War II wargames ever published. Designed by Mark Herman, this award-winning Card Driven Game recreates the entire Pacific War from the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor through Japan's surrender in 1945.

Its innovative card-driven system forces players to make difficult strategic choices: should a card be used for Operations or for its historical Event? This elegant mechanic models the political, logistical and military challenges faced by both sides throughout the conflict.

The 5th Printing includes the complete Burma Scenario, originally published in C3i Magazine #35, together with a dedicated Burma map, the updated 2026 Rulebook, and all official errata corrections. All other components remain identical to the previous printing.

Game Overview

Players command every aspect of the Pacific War, from Pearl Harbor and the Philippines to New Guinea, the Aleutians, Burma and the Central Pacific.

Japan attempts to establish an impregnable defensive perimeter while the Allies must gradually seize the initiative before launching the final advance toward the Japanese Home Islands.

Naval warfare, amphibious invasions, carrier battles, logistics, submarine campaigns, Chinese operations and strategic planning are all seamlessly integrated into an elegant strategic system.

Every game develops differently thanks to the powerful interaction between historical events and player decisions.

What's New in the 5th Printing

• Updated 2026 Rulebook
• Complete Burma Campaign Scenario
• Dedicated Burma Map (11" × 17")
• All known errata corrected
• Fully compatible with current GMT support material

Box Contents

• 368 counters
• Two Strategy Card decks
  • 86 Japanese cards
  • 84 Allied cards
• One mounted 22" × 34" mapboard
• One Burma map (11" × 17")
• Two Player Aid Cards
• Updated Rulebook (2026 Edition)
• One ten-sided die

Game Information

• Designer: Mark Herman
• Developer: Stephen Newberg
• Publisher: GMT Games
• Series: Card Driven Games
• Players: 1–2
• Playing Time: 180–480 minutes
• Language: English
• Complexity: High
• Time Scale: Four months per turn
• Map Scale: 150 miles per hex
• Unit Scale: Brigade, Division, Corps and Army