Enemy Action: Kharkov, 2nd Printing

Enemy Action: Kharkov is the second game in John Butterfield’s Enemy Action series from Compass Games. It covers the Third Battle of Kharkov in early 1943, when Soviet advances after Stalingrad were met by Manstein’s powerful German counteroffensive.

Like Enemy Action: Ardennes, this is effectively three games in one box: a two-player game, a solitaire game where you command the Germans, and a solitaire game where you command the Soviets. Each mode has its own map and rules, allowing the system to handle enemy behaviour, fog of war and tactical decision-making in a tailored way.

The game uses a card-driven impulse system, with cards activating formations, triggering command events or providing tactical advantages. Combat is resolved without dice or CRTs, using combat chits that build a narrative of each engagement. In the solo games, hidden and shifting enemy forces create uncertainty as units disappear, reappear and move within realistic limits.

Specific rules cover Soviet partisans, offensive command quality, withdrawal under fire, armor depletion, Manstein’s rapid redeployment, Soviet forward support, and spring thaw and mud conditions. Enemy Action: Kharkov is a great fit for players who want an Eastern Front operational game with strong solitaire support and constant decision pressure.

Contents include: three 22″ x 34″ maps, three rules books, two full double-sided counter sheets, 110 poker-quality playing cards, multiple player aid cards, one 10-sided die for solo play, and one full-colour 3″ box with lid.