Strategy & Tactics #282: The War of the Pacific – Chile vs Peru and Bolivia 1879–1883 is a two-player strategic wargame that recreates one of the most decisive and far-reaching conflicts in South American history. Spanning from the outbreak of hostilities in 1879 to the eventual Chilean victory in 1883, this low-complexity simulation covers both the conventional battles and the subsequent guerrilla warfare that reshaped the political and territorial landscape of the continent.

• Historical Overview: The War of the Pacific pitted Chile against the allied forces of Peru and Bolivia in a struggle for control over valuable nitrate-rich territories along the Atacama Desert and Pacific coast. The conflict saw major land battles, amphibious invasions, and significant naval engagements that determined dominance in the South Pacific. By 1881, Chilean forces captured Lima, leading to years of resistance and eventual peace in 1883, cementing Chile’s territorial gains.
• Gameplay & Scope: Designed for two players, this simulation captures both the grand campaign and the operational challenges faced by commanders. The Chilean player leads a modernized army and navy capable of amphibious operations, while the Peruvian-Bolivian player must defend a broad front with limited resources and coordination. The twelve game turns, each representing two months, follow the progression of the war from major coastal battles to the inland guerrilla resistance.
• Scale & System: Each hex represents approximately 31 miles (50 km) across, offering a detailed operational view of the region’s deserts, coasts, and mountainous terrain. Units represent battalions and regiments for ground combat, and individual ships for naval engagements, allowing players to manage both army movements and maritime supremacy.
• Gameplay Features: Players must plan campaigns carefully, balancing offensive momentum, logistical limits, and political endurance. The Chilean navy’s control of the sea provides flexibility in invasion planning, while the defenders rely on fortifications, interior lines, and attrition tactics. As the war progresses, the dynamic shifts from large-scale engagements to smaller, guerrilla-style warfare — testing each commander’s adaptability.

Game Components:

• 1 x 22” x 34” full-colour map of the Andean and coastal theatre
• 280 die-cut counters representing land and naval forces
• 12 game turns covering 1879–1883 (two months per turn)
• Low-complexity design ideal for new or veteran wargamers
• Integrated land and naval warfare mechanics

Scale:
Players: 2
Level: Battalion / Regiment
Hex: 31 Miles (50 km)
Turn: 2 Months

Other Articles in This Issue:

• Churchill vs. the Zeppelins: Winston Churchill’s early efforts to combat Germany’s World War I airship raids.
• Charlemagne’s Empire: A military and political analysis of the rise of the Holy Roman Empire in AD 800.
• The Indo-Pakistan Wars: A strategic examination of India’s military campaigns against Pakistan since 1948.

Strategy & Tactics #282: The War of the Pacific – Chile vs Peru and Bolivia 1879–1883 brings this little-known but pivotal South American war to life through accessible yet detailed gameplay. Players will experience the challenges of amphibious assaults, harsh terrain, and shifting alliances — all in a game that captures the drama and scope of 19th-century warfare.

Available now from Milsims Games — Australia’s leading source for historical wargames, strategy titles, and military 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.