Compass Games / Medium Complexity / World War I Grand Strategic Series The Lamps are Going Out: World War I 2nd Edition (Historical Board Game)

• Game Type: Historical Board Game / Conflict Simulation
• Solitaire Suitability: High (10 out of 10 Dedicated Solo System)
• Complexity / Skill Level: Complexity: Medium (Accessible Grand Strategic)
• Component Type: Mounted Map, Premium Countersheets, Custom Event/Tech Decks, and Player Aids
• Estimated Box Dimensions: 9.25" W x 11.75" H x 2.25" D
• Required Supplies: Supplied unpainted and unassembled where applicable. Requires a flat gaming surface, counter storage solutions, and card sleeves (Sold Separately).

What historical scenarios are featured in the Compass Games / The Lamps are Going Out: World War I 2nd Edition box?

Compass Games / The Lamps are Going Out: World War I 2nd Edition is an accessible grand strategic conflict simulation capturing the entire global struggle of World War I from August 1914 to November 1918. Operating across variable-sized area maps at a field army scale with seasonal 3-month turns, players direct the Central Powers or Triple Entente across all major European, Near Eastern, and East African theaters while managing naval blockades and technological races.

Stepping into the roles of supreme military command, players balance macro-level industrial mobilization with front-line attritional combat. Designed by Kirk Uhlmann and developed by Hermann Luttmann, this second edition enhances the classic design with an upgraded 22" x 34" mounted map board, expanded event card decks, and refined mechanics. Production Points act as the ultimate strategic currency, forcing hard choices between reinforcing depleted field armies, constructing heavy trenches, or investing in crucial technology trees like heavy artillery, combat aviation, U-boat fire control, and poison gas. Faction-specific event decks introduce authentic political developments, leadership shifts, and historical friction. The streamlined area-control framework makes it remarkably easy to learn and execute in a single 4-to-6-hour session, while remaining a premier, highly rated 10 out of 10 solitaire system for solo strategists.

What player accessories are recommended to enhance this solo wargaming experience?

This grand strategic simulation captures the entirety of the First World War across multiple theaters, demanding continuous movement of field armies, trench markers, and technology progression cards. Upgrading your tabletop workspace with professional-grade wargaming accessories preserves your map, protects card assets, and ensures clean operational focus over extended 5-hour campaigns.

• Ergonomic Counter Handling: Utilizing specialized wargaming tweezers allows you to precisely position and maneuver 5/8″ field army counters and trench tokens in tight European areas without disturbing neighboring forces, while a professional counter clipper cleanly removes corner attachment ears for a smooth, uniform aesthetic.
• Map & Component Preservation: Positioning a clear, heavy-duty plexiglass sheet over the 22" x 34" mounted map creates an ultra-flat surface for counter placement, while premium clear card sleeves protect the 120 Event and Technology cards from wear during frequent shuffling across seasonal turns.
• Tactical Sorting Solutions: Implementing multi-compartment plastic counter storage trays streamlines setup and breakdown, keeping Central Powers, Triple Entente, production transfer, and status markers organized for immediate deployment during critical resource phases.