World at War #95: Khalkin-Gol War is an operational-level, two-player wargame that explores a “what if” scenario — a full-scale war between Imperial Japan and the Soviet Union in 1939. Historically, the real conflict along the Khalkin-Gol River in Mongolia was limited in scope, ending after a decisive Soviet victory and a ceasefire in August 1939. This game assumes that instead of standing down, both nations committed to total war across the region.

• Alternate History Scenario: The historical Nomonhan Incident was a brief but intense border conflict. Khalkin-Gol War imagines an escalation into a sustained campaign — a clash between the Red Army and the Imperial Japanese Army that could have dramatically altered the balance of power in Asia before World War II’s outbreak.
• Operational Focus: Players command forces across the wide-open steppes of Outer Mongolia and Manchukuo. The Soviet player must use armoured corps and mobile warfare to crush the Japanese lines, while the Japanese player relies on discipline, aggression, and tactical flexibility to hold ground and counterattack.
• Game Scale: Each hex on the map represents 30 kilometres, and each turn equals one month of operations. Ground units are primarily divisions with breakdowns into brigades and regiments. Air units range from elite fighter squadrons to average bomber formations, modelling the variable quality of both nations’ air forces.
• Strategic Decisions: The open terrain and long supply lines create unique challenges. Players must balance offensive thrusts with logistical management, air support, and the unpredictable conditions of mobile warfare on the Mongolian steppe.

Khalkin-Gol War captures the operational realities of a campaign that might have reshaped the strategic alignment of East Asia — possibly preventing Japan’s later focus on the Pacific and altering the course of the Second World War. It is a fast-playing yet deeply strategic experience perfect for fans of pre-WWII and alternate-history wargaming.

Game Components & Features:

• 1 x 22x34” full-colour map depicting the Manchukuo–Mongolia border region
• 176 die-cut ⅝-inch counters representing divisions, brigades, and air formations
• Rules for supply, air operations, and mobile warfare
• Playable in one to two sessions for two players
• Low to intermediate complexity, ideal for operational wargame enthusiasts

Scale:
Players: 2
Level: Division / Brigade / Regiment
Hex: 30 km
Turn: 1 Month

World at War #95: Khalkin-Gol War offers a fascinating reimagining of one of history’s lesser-known yet pivotal conflicts. With its mix of historical grounding and speculative escalation, it provides a compelling operational challenge for players eager to explore how a broader Japanese–Soviet war might have unfolded in 1939.

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

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