Breakthrough Russia

Pre-order. Expected in August 2026.

From the Publisher:

Breakthrough Russia is a WWII strategy game that takes players back to the crucial period from the Summer of 1941 to the Summer of 1943 when the outcome of the war in the East hung in the balance. This game is for two players with a low-to-moderate complexity level and is also suitable for solitaire play. Players can easily play the game in an afternoon, thanks to the low unit count of corps and armies, along with shorter scenarios for Barbarossa, Fall Blau, and Kharkov-Kursk. The movement and combat systems are straightforward, quick to learn, and easy to administer.

A unique chit-pull system determines each player’s resources rather than which units may activate. The game’s tempo is entirely up to the players, who decide on Pass, Attrition, or Offensive options each turn. Historical features such as partisans, industrial production, armor superiority, weather, air transport, and Lend-Lease enhance the game’s realism.

General Vlasov’s army, recruits from the Gulags, Turkish entry into the war, Katyusha rockets, and Vichy volunteers ensure that each game will have a unique experience.

Breakthrough Russia is a fun, balanced game that challenges newcomers and veteran wargamers.

Bonus scenario . Extends game to end of war 1945

Product Information:

• Complexity: Low to Moderate
• Playing time: 1 hour +/- for scenarios, 4 hours +/- for the campaign
• Solitaire Suitability: High
• Players: 1 to 2 (suitable for solitaire play)
• Map Scale: Appox. 125 miles per hex
• Time Scale: 1 Turn = 1 Season
• Unit Scale: Corps and Armies
• Game Design: Ernie Copley
• Game Artist: Shayne Logan
• Project Director: John Kranz

Game Components:

• 18” high x 26” wide (approx.) MOUNTED full-color map sheet
• Three sheets of 5/8” die-cut counters
• Two double-sided setup sheets
• Two double-sided Play Aids
• One detailed Terrain Effects Chart
• One detailed Sequence of Play Card
• 40 Variant cards (20 Axis, 20 Soviet)
• Two Resource tracks
• Rulebook
• Scenario book
• Two six-sided dice (d6)
• Box and Lid set

Refight the titanic struggle on the Eastern Front with Breakthrough Russia from Compass Games. Designed by Ernie Copley, this accessible operational WWII strategy game covers the crucial period from the invasion in the Summer of 1941 through the epic clashes of Summer 1943—with a bonus scenario extending the conflict all the way to 1945.

Built for 1 to 2 players with playing times from 60 to 240 minutes, Breakthrough Russia trades micro-management and massive counter stacks for streamlined corps and army-level maneuver. Featuring an innovative resource chit-pull system, player-controlled operational tempo, a mounted map, and 40 variant historical cards, this title provides a fast-playing, deeply engaging Eastern Front campaign that can easily be completed in an afternoon.

Operational Scope & The Eastern Front Canvas

Between 1941 and 1943, the global outcome of World War II hung on the vast steppes, riverlines, and industrial centers of the Soviet Union. From the surprise speed of Operation Barbarossa to the southern drive of Fall Blau and the desperate armor clashes around Kharkov and Kursk, commanders on both sides faced agonizing trade-offs between relentless offensive pushes and logistical exhaustion.

In Breakthrough Russia, players command the grand formations of the Axis or Soviet Union at a scale of approximately 125 miles per hex and one season per turn. Because the map uses low counter density (focusing on corps and armies), you spend your time making high-level strategic decisions rather than pushing hundreds of individual counters across endless terrain.

Innovative Mechanics & Strategic Flexibility

Breakthrough Russia breaks away from traditional wargame tropes with dynamic systems designed for fast flow and high replayability:

• Resource Chit-Pull System: Instead of restricting which specific units can move, the unique chit-pull mechanism generates strategic command resources. You choose how and where to spend these points to fuel your operational goals.
• Player-Driven Tempo: On every turn, commanders choose between Pass, Attrition, or Offensive options. You dictate whether to rest and build up forces or launch all-out breakthroughs before supply lines overextend.
• 40 Historical Variant Cards: 20 Axis and 20 Soviet event cards introduce rich historical flavor and unexpected shifts—including partisan resistance, Lend-Lease shipments, Katyusha rocket barrages, Gulag recruit mobilization, armor superiority, and even wild "what-if" events like Turkish entry or General Vlasov's recruitment.
• Streamlined Combat & Supply: Clear, quick-to-learn combat tables make resolving corps-level engagements fast and intuitive.rds & Resolve Battles

Scenario Variety & Solitaire Play

Whether you have 60 minutes for a quick scenario or a full evening for the grand campaign, Breakthrough Russia adapts effortlessly. It includes standalone scenarios for Barbarossa, Fall Blau, and Kharkov-Kursk, plus a full campaign and a bonus scenario that extends play to 1945. Thanks to its low-complexity framework and chit-driven resource generation, it also functions exceptionally well for solo play.

BOARDGAMEGENERAL ADVICE

Expert Recommendation

At Boardgamegeneral, we know that Eastern Front wargames can often feel daunting—frequently requiring days of setup, massive multi-map layouts, and thousands of counters. That’s exactly why Breakthrough Russia is such a breath of fresh air.

With a low-to-moderate complexity level, Ernie Copley has accomplished something rare: capturing the grand strategic sweep of the Soviet-German War in a game you can actually set up, play, and finish in a single afternoon. The mounted map board and thick 5/8" counters give it a premium production feel, while the chit-pull resource pool forces meaningful command choices without bogging down play.

If you love historical WW2 strategy but don't have the table space or 15 free hours for a monster game, Breakthrough Russia is one of the best accessible operational titles you can add to your collection.

Verdict: An outstanding, highly playable Eastern Front strategy game that delivers grand operational decisions, rich historical options, and quick setup times.