Breakthrough Russia

Breakthrough Russia is an operational-level WWII wargame for one or two players covering the decisive period on the Eastern Front from Summer 1941 to Summer 1943. Players relive the campaigns from Operation Barbarossa through Kursk, when the strategic initiative gradually shifted from Germany to the Soviet Union.

Designed by Ernie Copley, the game emphasizes accessibility without sacrificing meaningful operational decisions. Its low-to-medium complexity, streamlined unit density, and intuitive mechanics make it an excellent introduction to Eastern Front operational gaming while remaining engaging for experienced players.

Instead of determining unit activations, the game's distinctive chit-pull system allocates operational resources. Players decide each turn whether to invest them in Offensive, Attrition, or Pass actions, creating an engaging balance between caution and aggression throughout the campaign.

Historical chrome enhances replayability through numerous special rules covering:

• weather effects;
• Soviet industrial production;
• armored superiority;
• air transport;
• Lend-Lease;
• partisan warfare;
• optional historical events including Vlasov's Army, Gulag recruits, Turkish intervention, Katyusha rockets, and Vichy French volunteers.

Several scenarios are included:

• Operation Barbarossa
• Fall Blau
• Kharkov–Kursk
• Full 1941–1943 campaign.

Fast-playing yet historically rich, Breakthrough Russia delivers an excellent operational simulation with manageable playing time, making it ideal for both newcomers and veteran wargamers.

Highlights

• Easy-to-learn operational system.
• Low-to-medium complexity.
• Innovative resource-based chit-pull mechanic.
• Multiple historical scenarios plus full campaign.
• Excellent solitaire suitability.
• Rich historical flavor with streamlined gameplay.

Box Contents

• 1 mounted game map
• Approximately 280 die-cut counters
• 4 Player Aid Cards
• 2 Order of Battle / Reinforcement Cards
• Rulebook
• Sturdy Compass Games box.

Game Information

• Designer: Ernie Copley
• Publisher: Compass Games
• Conflict: Eastern Front, WWII
• Time Scale: 1 turn = approximately 1 month
• Map Scale: 1 hex = 15 miles
• Unit Scale: Corps and Armies
• Players: 1–2
• Solitaire Suitability: Medium
• Playing Time: 2–6 hours
• Complexity: Medium
• Language: English