Strategy & Tactics #262: Frederick’s War – War of the Austrian Succession 1741–48 is an intermediate-complexity, grand strategy wargame designed by Joseph Miranda, simulating the struggle for dominance in Europe during the height of the Enlightenment. Spanning the years 1741 to 1748, players step into the roles of history’s great soldier-kings and monarchs — Frederick the Great, Maria Theresa, Louis XV, and George II — as they manoeuvre professional armies, forge alliances, and shape the fate of empires.

• Historical Context: The War of the Austrian Succession was a conflict of dynastic ambition, diplomacy, and battlefield brilliance. As rival powers clashed over the Habsburg succession, the map of Europe became a chessboard of shifting alliances. Frederick’s War places players in the centre of this diplomatic and military storm, balancing strategy and politics to secure supremacy in 18th-century Europe.
• Gameplay & System: Based on proven systems from 1066 and Hannibal’s War, Frederick’s War expands the scale to match the Enlightenment era. The game can be played by 2–4 players, each controlling a major power — Prussia, Austria, France, or Britain — with other nations acting as minor powers under diplomatic influence. Each player must coordinate military campaigns, manage resources, and engage in high-level diplomacy to maintain the balance of power across Europe.
• Scale and Map: The beautifully detailed square-grid map covers Europe from London to East Prussia and south to the Balkans and central Italy. Each square represents 50 miles (81 km), and each game turn equals one year. Military units represent 2,500–10,000 troops, reflecting the professional armies and grand manoeuvres characteristic of 18th-century warfare.
• Features and Mechanics: The game combines diplomacy, logistics, and combat in a comprehensive turn structure. Players manage everything from taxation and mobilization to siege warfare and field engagements. Rules include:
  • The Balance of Power system to track shifting alliances
  • Detailed mechanics for fortresses, sieges, pillage, and fieldworks
  • Fog of war and limited intelligence
  • Naval warfare and fleet operations
  • Leader abilities and veteran troop advantages
  • Political intrigue, declaring war, and negotiation phases

Each turn progresses through eleven distinct phases — from taxation and diplomacy to provisioning and sudden death victory checks — offering a complete strategic experience that captures both the political and military realities of 18th-century conflict.

Game Components & Features:

• 1 x 22x34” full-colour square-grid map of Europe
• Counter sheet featuring major and minor power units
• Rules covering diplomacy, sieges, naval action, and grand strategy
• Playable with 2–4 players, suitable for extended multi-session play
• Comprehensive balance of power and negotiation systems

Scale:
Players: 2–4
Level: Strategic / Operational
Map Grid: Squares – 50 Miles (81 km)
Turn: 1 Year

Strategy & Tactics #262: Frederick’s War – War of the Austrian Succession 1741–48 challenges players to balance diplomacy, economy, and military might in one of Europe’s most complex wars. Every negotiation, alliance, and campaign decision shapes the course of Enlightenment-era history — will you restore the balance of power or reshape it forever?

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

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