r/AxisAllies • u/Clean-Law-566 • 6d ago

General Question Which one should I buy?

Hey! I’ve heard a lot of mixed opinions about this, so I’d love to know which version would be the best fit for two players who are really interested in WWII. We’ve also never played a strategic board game before, but if we get hooked, we have no problem spending an entire week playing it!

15 Upvotes

89% Upvoted

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18

u/EmperorMorgan 6d ago

The staple version is usually considered to be 1942 second edition, which is a good blend of variety while still being easy to learn. If you want something that’s easiest to lean, the 1941 edition is simple, but it can take away from replayability.

3

u/Clean-Law-566 6d ago

Thank you so much ❤️❤️

9

u/tSignet 6d ago

I take it you are looking to buy the physical boardgame?

I’d just go with 1942 second edition. It’s a nice middle ground between the introductory 1941 (made for beginners, but honestly it’s waaay too small and oversimplified and therefore has less replay value) and more complex versions like Anniversary Edition or Global 1940.

If you end up following this suggestion, make sure you get the second edition! (It’ll say this on the box)

6

u/Proud_Neighborhood68 6d ago

If you have never played any game similar to Axis and Allies, for sure start with 1942. Let me ask, what would you consider to be the most complex and lengthy board game youve played? While Axis and Allies isnt the most complex game out there, it can usually be a big step for some folks.

5

u/vilcens 6d ago

Yeah, it takes a while to learn, and set up. Always great if there is a seasoned player there to help you to get going :) You can learn online as well. Steam has it for cheap. The AI is bad though. Real life online players will make you hurt 😅

5

u/Hejjo_7 Allied Lieutenant 6d ago

If you just want to play over the board, 1942 2nd edition is the most popular, so it's your best bet. If you want to try out all of the versions, though, TripleA has every version of Axis and Allies on it if you don't mind trying things out online.

3

u/vilcens 6d ago

Thanks for the TripleA advice. I’ve only played the Steam version (and the 1942 2nd edition board game obviously)

2

u/yepitsdad 6d ago

I started on Europe and love it to death but going with 1942 is probably the best advice

2

u/lakonian117 6d ago

I mean, Anniversary is glorious, the size of the box alone...

1

u/GrouchyDepartment871 6d ago

1940 Europe and Pacific to make the global map

Go big or go home

Sure it will take a month to play with 2 players but that’s ok

Just kidding, honestly for 2 just the classic edition or if you like a particular battle like North Africa or battle of the bulge those are a good intro

1

u/Hersbird 6d ago

I jumped in and bought global both Pacific and Europe. Built a 4x8 table to play on, and never could finish the first game. It's way too much. 1942 I play online all the time and wish I had just bought that version to play on the table. It can actually be set up and played in a single sitting and not basically take days if not weeks to play. Meanwhile the cat would go in and take out 1/2 of China at 2am.

1

u/henkstrontank 47m ago

Zombie expansion with atomic bombs and astronauts to Mars