Strategy & Tactics #326: Battle of Mukden 1905 is a two-player operational-level wargame recreating the largest and most decisive land battle of the Russo-Japanese War (1904–1905). As the Japanese and Russian armies clash for control of Manchuria, players must balance offensive coordination, logistics, and attrition in a campaign that foreshadows the industrial-scale warfare of World War I.

• Historical Background: The Battle of Mukden, fought in February–March 1905, was the final major engagement of the Russo-Japanese War and one of the largest battles in history up to that time. Over half a million troops fought across the icy plains of Manchuria as the Japanese Army under Field Marshal Oyama sought to encircle and destroy the Russian forces under General Kuropatkin. Despite stubborn resistance, the Japanese achieved a costly but decisive victory, signaling the end of Russian ambitions in the Far East and heralding Japan’s emergence as a major world power.
• Gameplay & Objectives: Players command either the Imperial Japanese Army or the Russian Imperial forces in a desperate struggle for strategic control. Both sides will experience moments of attack and defence, but the burden of the offensive lies primarily with the Japanese player, who must coordinate flanking attacks while managing supply and fatigue. The Russian player, meanwhile, must use defensive depth, terrain, and reserves to slow the enemy advance and avoid encirclement.
• Game System & Scale: Designed for two players but easily adapted for solitaire play, Mukden 1905 operates on an operational scale where each hex represents 3 miles (4.9 kilometres) and each full turn equals two days of real time. Units range from regiments and brigades to divisions and a cavalry corps, accurately representing the composition of both armies. The system models command control, supply limitations, and the attritional nature of early modern warfare, creating an experience that blends mobility and positional combat.
• Strategic Depth: Victory depends on timing, coordination, and endurance. The Japanese player must strike decisively before supply lines falter, while the Russians must delay and hold long enough for reinforcements to stabilise the front. Every decision—from the commitment of reserves to the timing of counterattacks—matters in a campaign where mistakes can rapidly snowball into disaster.

Game Components:

• 1 x 22” x 34” full-colour map depicting the Mukden battlefield and surrounding Manchurian terrain
• 228 die-cut counters representing Japanese and Russian divisions, brigades, regiments, and command units
• Comprehensive rules covering supply, command, morale, and attrition mechanics
• Detailed scenario setup and historical background for added immersion

Scale:
Players: 2 (Solitaire adaptable)
Level: Operational
Hex: 3 Miles (4.9 km)
Turn: 2 Days
Units: Regiment / Brigade / Division / Corps

Gameplay Focus: Battle of Mukden 1905 captures the drama and exhaustion of early 20th-century warfare — where mass mobilisation, entrenched positions, and logistical strain dictated the course of battle. With its realistic command system and detailed historical scope, it provides a gripping re-creation of the first modern industrial-era battle fought in Asia.

Strategy & Tactics #326: Battle of Mukden 1905 offers a tense and immersive look at the end of the Russo-Japanese War — a struggle that changed the balance of power in the Pacific and set the stage for the world conflicts to come.

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

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