Strategy & Tactics #323: Rangers – Lead the Way! Pointe du Hoc, 6 June 1944 is a solitaire tactical wargame that places you in command of the U.S. Army Rangers during one of the most daring assaults of D-Day, 1944. As the player, you must lead your men in scaling the sheer cliffs of Pointe du Hoc under heavy German fire, destroy the coastal artillery threatening the Allied beaches, and hold the high ground against counterattacks until reinforcements arrive. Your goal: to achieve what the historical Rangers accomplished—and perhaps even more.

• Historical Background: On 6 June 1944, during the Normandy landings, the 2nd and 5th Ranger Battalions launched a bold amphibious assault on Pointe du Hoc, a fortified cliff between Omaha and Utah beaches. Their mission was to eliminate German artillery batteries capable of devastating the Allied invasion fleet. Despite poor weather, miscommunication, and heavy resistance, the Rangers scaled the cliffs under fire and completed their mission—though at a terrible cost. This game lets you relive that harrowing day and test your tactical skill against history.
• Gameplay & Objectives: Designed for solitaire play, Rangers – Lead the Way challenges you to coordinate amphibious landings, organise your Ranger teams, and overcome the fortified German defences. You’ll have to make critical decisions about timing, movement, and fire support, managing both casualties and morale while racing against time. Victory is determined by how well you complete your objectives—whether destroying key targets, holding vital positions, or reducing casualties compared to the historical outcome.
• Game System & Scale: The area-movement map portrays the rugged cliffs, gun emplacements, and strongpoints of Pointe du Hoc. Each inch on the map represents a quarter of a mile. Ranger units represent teams of 3–12 men, while German units appear at the squad level, including artillery, machine-gun nests, and defensive bunkers. Each turn represents several hours of real time, covering a full day of fighting—from the pre-dawn landings on 6 June through the desperate defence that followed into 7 June 1944.
• Scenarios Included:
  • Historical Assault: Recreate the actual Ranger attack with historically accurate forces, terrain, and objectives.
  • Planned Assault: Play the "what-if" scenario using the originally intended plan, landing at alternate beaches with additional support to see if the outcome could have changed.

Game Components:

• 1 x 22” x 34” full-colour area movement map depicting Pointe du Hoc and surrounding terrain
• 280 die-cut counters representing Ranger teams, German defenders, artillery, and fortifications
• Complete rules for solitaire play with scenario setup and variable events
• Player aids and mission charts for streamlined command and decision-making

Scale:
Players: 1 (Solitaire)
Level: Tactical
Hex/Area Scale: 1 inch = ¼ mile (0.4 km)
Unit Scale: Rangers (3–12 men), Germans (squads & weapons teams)
Time Scale: Almost 24 hours (6–7 June 1944)

Gameplay Focus: Rangers – Lead the Way! offers a thrilling solo experience blending historical accuracy and tactical challenge. Players must plan every move with precision—each decision could mean the difference between victory and disaster. With its tense atmosphere, authentic detail, and alternate-history options, this is an essential addition to any World War II wargame collection.

Strategy & Tactics #323: Rangers – Lead the Way! Pointe du Hoc, 6 June 1944 captures the courage and chaos of one of D-Day’s most heroic actions, combining immersive solo gameplay with historical depth.

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

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