Modern War #48: Block by Block – Battle of Huế 1968 is an intense two-player simulation of one of the most famous and devastating urban battles of the Vietnam War. Taking place during the Tet Offensive, the Battle of Huế was a brutal clash fought street-by-street, building-by-building, and block-by-block as North Vietnamese forces sought to capture the ancient imperial capital and hold it against a massive counteroffensive by South Vietnamese and US forces.

The game challenges both players to balance military effectiveness with political objectives — a defining feature of modern warfare. The North Vietnamese player must seize and hold key areas of the city long enough to create an international political crisis, inspire rebellion, and legitimize a revolutionary government. The South Vietnamese and American player must recapture Huế before the propaganda victory becomes irreversible — but must do so without inflicting excessive civilian casualties or causing collateral damage that could erode domestic and international support.

Urban combat is notoriously difficult, and Block by Block captures this challenge with a detailed operational system that models the complexities of fighting in confined spaces, dense terrain, and fortified structures. Players must deal with line-of-sight restrictions, limited mobility, and the ever-present danger of ambushes and counterattacks. The famous Huế Citadel — a massive walled fortress within the city — becomes both a tactical obstacle and a political symbol in this battle for control of Vietnam’s cultural heart.

Each game turn represents four to five days of real time, covering the full month-long battle from late January to February 1968. Units represent platoon, detachment, and battalion-sized formations, including US Marines, ARVN troops, NVA regulars, and Viet Cong insurgents. Success depends not only on military strength but also on managing casualties, maintaining morale, and meeting political objectives that can determine the long-term outcome of the war.

With its combination of strategic nuance, political tension, and immersive theme, Block by Block delivers one of the most compelling portrayals of urban warfare ever represented in a board wargame.

Components:

• One 22” x 34” full-colour map of the city of Huế, including the Citadel and surrounding districts
• 176 die-cut counters representing US, ARVN, NVA, and Viet Cong forces
• Comprehensive rulebook with scenario setup and historical notes
• Player aids and reference charts for combat and political actions

Scale and Play Details:
Players: 2
Level: Platoon to Battalion
Hex Scale: Urban (13 km² / 5 mi² area)
Turn Scale: 4–5 days per turn
Counters: 176 pieces

Modern War #48: Block by Block – Battle of Huế 1968 offers a gripping look into one of the Vietnam War’s defining engagements. Combining historical accuracy with tense gameplay, it captures the moral and tactical dilemmas of a battle where every move carried military and political consequences. Ideal for players interested in modern conflicts, asymmetric warfare, and historical simulations of the Tet Offensive.

Available now from Milsims Games — Australia’s premier retailer for wargames, strategy titles, and historical simulations. Includes price-match guarantee and fast domestic shipping from Mont Albert, VIC.

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