Overview

Fields of Fire is a solitaire wargame simulating command of a US rifle company across three campaigns: World War II (Normandy 1944), Korea (1950), and Vietnam (1965-67). The player manages a company of infantry, issuing orders to platoons and squads through a card-driven system. Terrain is procedurally generated using terrain cards, and combat resolution uses action cards. The game emphasizes command, control, communication, and the fog of war.

Components

• Terrain cards (for building maps)
• Action cards (for combat resolution and events)
• Unit counters (squads, teams, weapons, leaders, vehicles)
• Campaign booklets (3 campaigns with multiple missions)
• Player aids and reference charts
• Dice

Setup

Each mission specifies:

1. Build the terrain map using terrain cards according to the mission instructions.
2. Assign units from the company roster to the map.
3. Place enemy forces per mission setup rules (often hidden or revealed through contact).
4. Set up supply, communications, and support assets.

Turn Structure

Each turn represents a variable time period and follows these phases:

1. Initiative Phase

• Determine initiative based on mission conditions.
• Place orders on units (Advance, Attack, Defend, etc.).

2. Activity Phase

• Resolve activities in order: friendly fires, enemy fires, movement, close combat.
• Draw action cards to resolve combat and other actions.
• Units must maintain communication with HQ to receive orders.

3. End Phase

• Check morale and casualties.
• Update command and control status.
• Check mission objectives.

Actions

Orders (assigned to platoons/squads)

• Advance: Move toward objectives
• Attack: Engage enemy positions
• Defend: Hold current position
• Withdraw: Fall back
• Fire Mission: Call in artillery/mortar support

Combat Resolution

• Draw action cards; compare values against unit capabilities and terrain modifiers.
• Hits cause step losses to units.
• Terrain provides cover and concealment modifiers.

Command and Control

• Units must be in communication to receive new orders.
• Communication can be disrupted by terrain, casualties, or enemy action.
• Leaders provide bonuses to nearby units.

Scoring / Victory Conditions

Each mission has specific victory conditions based on:

• Objectives captured or held
• Casualties inflicted vs. sustained
• Time to complete objectives
• Company morale and cohesion

Missions are rated from Major Victory to Major Defeat. Campaign performance carries forward between missions.

Special Rules & Edge Cases

• Fog of War: Enemy positions are often unknown until contact is made.
• Procedural terrain: Maps are built from terrain cards, creating different layouts each play.
• Supply: Units require ammunition and can run low during extended engagements.
• Pyrotechnics: Colored smoke can mark positions for air/artillery support.
• Vehicle rules: Tanks and APCs have special movement and combat capabilities.
• Night operations: Reduced visibility and modified combat rules.
• Three campaigns span WWII, Korea, and Vietnam with evolving weapons and tactics.

Player Reference

Item	Details
Players	1 (solitaire)
Campaigns	3 (WWII, Korea, Vietnam)
Unit scale	Squads, teams, weapons teams
Command level	Company commander
Key mechanic	Card-driven combat and terrain
Communication	Required for order changes