World at War 85 Starter Kit

World At War 85 is a platoon-level combat series set during a hypothetical World War III in 1985. In this alternate history conflict, Warsaw Pact forces surge across the border of East Germany in a massive offensive aimed at seizing West Germany and pushing deep into Free Europe. Players command modern armored and mechanized forces as NATO and Warsaw Pact units clash across Central Europe in intense mechanized battles.

The World At War 85 system focuses on speed, clarity, and constant player involvement. Combat uses a dynamic opposed-dice system in which both the attacking and defending units roll during engagements. Results resolve quickly by comparing the rolls and applying hits directly. All essential combat information appears on the unit counters, removing the need for a traditional combat results table and keeping the pace of battle moving.

Several integrated systems shape the game's flow. Initiative determines which side gains momentum during the turn. Formation activation allows players to coordinate multiple units under command. Random turn length creates tension by making each turn unpredictable. Close air support adds another layer of tactical decision-making as aircraft strike key targets across the battlefield.

The World At War 85 Starter Kit offers an accessible entry point into the system. The Starter Kit includes two scenarios that introduce players to the series' mechanics while recreating key moments from the Storming the Gap campaign. The design supports both experienced wargamers and players who want a clear path into modern tactical combat gaming.

The rules manual is available free in several formats. Players download the manual as a PDF or access the AI-powered manual. The AI manual allows players to ask direct rules questions and receive immediate answers with references to the relevant rule sections. The manuals include detailed examples that demonstrate how the mechanics work during play.

Players also gain access to the World At War Boot Camp training videos on YouTube. These instructional videos guide players through the rules step by step and demonstrate the system during real gameplay situations. This approach helps players learn the system quickly and begin playing with confidence.

The system's activation structure also supports strong solitaire play. The way formations activate and react during the turn creates uncertainty and shifting battlefield momentum, allowing solo players to experience challenging, engaging battles without complex solo rules.