Breaking the Chains 2.0

Breaking the Chains 2.0 is a modern military wargame from Compass Games covering a hypothetical conflict in the South and East China Seas. Set around the year 2020, the game explores how a regional confrontation involving China and a Southeast Asian nation could expand to draw in powers such as the United States, Japan, India, Australia and other regional states.

The game is built around naval, air and missile warfare, with land operations, cyber actions, black ops and political developments adding further layers to the conflict. Players maneuver forces from up to 14 nations across a large operational map, with each turn representing one day and each hex covering about 70 nautical miles. Combat uses a universal strike system across naval, air and ground engagements, while missile defense becomes essential to keeping key assets alive.

Unlike many naval games, Breaking the Chains 2.0 does not rely heavily on hidden movement. Enemy positions are generally assumed to be known unless a target evades detection, making the game much more suitable for solitaire play. Optional random chit play for special operations and political events further supports solo sessions.

This 2.0 edition upgrades the original game with a mounted map, improved counters, incorporated errata, a colourized rulebook, new designer notes, a FAQ and four additional scenarios. It is a strong choice for players interested in modern operational warfare, naval strategy, great-power escalation and the military geography of the First Island Chain.

Contents include: one mounted 22″ x 34″ map, three upgraded 5/8″ countersheets including 10 bonus counters, a colourized rulebook, one Political Status card, two identical player aid cards, four additional scenarios, a solitaire resolution card, a turn track card, a combat sequence card, two 6-sided dice, and a box and lid set.