Strategy & Tactics #285: Duel on the Steppe – Russia, February–March 1943 is a two-player operational-level wargame that recreates the brutal winter fighting of early 1943 on the Eastern Front. This campaign, encompassing Operation Star and Operation Gallop, saw Soviet forces attempt to exploit their victory at Stalingrad by driving deep into the Ukraine, while the battered but elite German Army fought desperately to stabilise the front.

• Historical Background: Following the destruction of the German Sixth Army at Stalingrad, the Red Army launched massive offensives across southern Russia. The aim was to liberate Kharkov and drive the Germans out of Ukraine entirely. Against overwhelming Soviet numbers and air superiority, German panzer and SS formations fought a series of mobile defensive battles—culminating in a remarkable counteroffensive that restored much of the front by mid-March 1943.
• Gameplay & Objectives: Duel on the Steppe places players in command of these opposing forces during one of the most dynamic periods of the war. The Soviet player must press relentlessly forward with mechanised and infantry formations, using weight of numbers to seize objectives. The German player must trade space for time, counterattack at key moments, and prevent a total breakthrough. The result is a fast-paced, tense campaign of movement, attrition, and timing.
• Scale & System: Each hex represents 6.5 miles (10 km) across, providing operational scope while maintaining tactical depth. Units range from kampfgruppen and regiments to corps-level formations that can be broken down for greater flexibility or to absorb losses. The system—adapted from Sedan: The Decisive Battle for France and Tobruk: Operation Crusader—emphasises command, manoeuvre, and combined-arms coordination. Air superiority, logistics, and unit cohesion all play vital roles.
• Strategic Challenge: Players must adapt to changing conditions, including weather effects and supply limitations. The Soviets enjoy numerical and air superiority, but their offensive coordination is limited. The Germans must use elite formations and superior tactics to inflict counterblows and regain lost ground—mirroring the historical 1943 campaigns that set the stage for the Battle of Kursk.

Game Components:

• 1 x 22” x 34” full-colour map depicting the Ukrainian steppe
• 228 die-cut counters representing Soviet and German forces
• 1 rulebook using the refined Sedan / Tobruk system
• Engaging operational gameplay with variable force composition
• Playable in 4–6 hours; suitable for both new and experienced wargamers

Scale:
Players: 2
Level: Regiment / Corps
Hex: 6.5 Miles (10 km)
Turn: Variable (January–March 1943)

Gameplay Focus: Duel on the Steppe rewards historical insight and tactical finesse. Commanders must decide when to press offensives, when to consolidate, and how to manage dwindling resources on both sides of a vast, open front. Every decision can alter the outcome of the campaign.

Strategy & Tactics #285: Duel on the Steppe delivers an intense, operational-scale recreation of one of World War II’s most fluid and decisive campaigns. Its accessible mechanics and historical depth make it a must-have for fans of Eastern Front wargames and classic military simulations.

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

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