Strategy & Tactics #258: The Santiago Campaign, 1898 is a low-complexity, two-player operational-level wargame that simulates the United States’ campaign to capture the Cuban port city of Santiago de Cuba during the Spanish–American War. Designed by Ron Bell, this title delivers a fascinating look at one of America’s earliest overseas military operations — a campaign marked by heroism, miscommunication, and tropical hardship.

• Historical Context: In June 1898, US forces landed in Cuba with the objective of seizing the vital harbour of Santiago, defended by entrenched Spanish troops. The resulting campaign saw the coordination (and friction) between the US Army, Navy, and Cuban insurgents, culminating in the decisive battles at San Juan Hill and El Caney. Players must balance logistics, disease, and diplomacy while commanding forces in a tropical environment where the enemy is often hidden and the elements are just as deadly as gunfire.
• Game System & Scale: The Santiago Campaign uses a large-hex map at a scale of 0.5 miles (0.8 km) per hex, allowing for detailed tactical manoeuvres around Santiago and Guantánamo Bay. Each game turn represents three days of operations, and units represent infantry battalions, regiments, artillery batteries, and Cuban rebel groups. The game includes 98 die-cut counters plus a bonus 78-counter expansion set for Red Dragon Rising (issue #250).
• Gameplay & Features: The US player commands American and Cuban forces, while the Spanish player must use concealed units and fortifications to delay or repel the invaders. For those interested in solo play, the system is easily adaptable with minor adjustments to the fog-of-war mechanics. The game integrates a variety of historically grounded rules covering:
  • Fever and disease effects on troops
  • US observation balloon operations
  • Gatling gun fire and ammunition limitations
  • Harbour fortresses and naval bombardments
  • Guantánamo Bay operations and amphibious landings
  • Leadership impact — including Teddy Roosevelt’s famous Rough Riders
  • Unreliable supply chains and coordination between Army and Navy commands
• Accessible but Authentic: Designed for quick setup and fast-paced play, The Santiago Campaign is ideal for players new to historical wargaming as well as veterans looking for a concise yet historically rich simulation. The two-player format emphasizes asymmetric strategy — the US forces’ logistical and political challenges versus the Spanish defenders’ terrain and concealment advantages.

Game Components & Features:

• 1 x 22x34” full-colour large-hex map of eastern Cuba
• 98 die-cut counters representing US, Spanish, and Cuban forces
• Bonus 78-counter expansion for Red Dragon Rising (issue #250)
• Low complexity, highly playable two-player system
• Ideal for solitaire adaptation with minimal rule adjustments

Scale:
Players: 2 (solitaire adaptable)
Level: Battalion / Regiment
Hex: 0.5 Miles (0.8 km)
Turn: 3 Days

Strategy & Tactics #258: The Santiago Campaign, 1898 captures the tension, uncertainty, and bravery of America’s first major overseas campaign. From the jungles of Cuba to the harbour guns of Santiago, players experience both the tactical challenges and logistical dilemmas that defined this short but pivotal war.

Available now from Milsims Games — Australia’s trusted destination for wargames, strategy titles, and historical simulations for over 50 years. Price-match guarantee and fast shipping from Mont Albert, VIC.

Help other Milsims Games users shop smarter by writing reviews for products you have purchased.