"Favourite set of rules for Early 20th century Naval?" Topic

I'm after set of Naval rules I can use for Pre-dreadnoughts that can also cope with older iron clads as well. Even better if they can be used for WW1 or have a sister set that with similar mechanisms that I could up grade to later. I have zero experience in this era so easy to translate and less steps are always better.

Ironclads And Ether Flyers from GDW was my favorite… had Space: 1889 flying stuff but could be played as a straight historical game as well.

You could also look into these:

BK450, BK451, BK452

link

Dave
WargamingMiniatures.com

They make some wonderful models for 1889.

One of the things I always liked about Fire When Ready is that it included stats and mechanisms to cope with equipment in service from about 1880 onward, which includes weapon and armor types that predate the ACW.

- Ix

Neither of the first 2 will do for Ironclads but they will do Pre-Dreadnoughts and WW1

WW1
Fleet Action Imminent by Old Dominion Game Works
Hard copy link
PDF link

Seekrieg 5 link

Admiralty Games
link

link

David Manley – significantly simpler and easier to play… not to mention cheaper
link

I like Manley's rules as mentioned by dragon6

I'll third Manley's rules. Highly recommended! They come with a great campaign system specific to the war the rules cover. There's no level bookkeeping involved – it's a fleet action and you're an admiral! Who cares if the Q turret is down a gun, or that she's listing at 5 degrees to starboard.

That said, so far his "Longface Games" rules don't cover WWI.

What detail are you looking for? Do you want a lot of ships or a small action? How many players a game? How long a game? We all favor rules based on our personal tastes.

I like Grand Fleet actions because I can play a Russo Japanese fleet action on a weeknight with friends who do not want high technical complexity. If you have more time and want more technical detail they may not be right for you.

My group really loves General Quarters: Fleet Action Imminent. Easy to play but lots of good detail.

Dave Manley's rules for WWI should be out very shortly, as far as I know.

Thanks for the recommendations :)

re WW1 – keep an eye out on May 31st….

Thanks everybody for your help!
@Dantheman. I am looking to use them for a Balkan wars campaign. This campaign appeals with its variety of up graded obsolete ships and opportunities to conduct all kinds of naval tasks plus small numbers so I can learn the tactical rules.
Does anyone know if the White Bear Red Sun's tactical rules include a guide that will allow me to use them for my Turkish and Greek Ships?

Naval Thunder are also a fun rule set.

I like Black Smoke/ Blue Water. With everything a player needs on an index card, it's great to get people in the game club interested. I can also play multiple games in a night, and have lots of fun doing so.

Yes, I'm fairly welded to Grand Fleets for the same reasons of Dantheman – also have a good range of scenarios to get you started (some in supplements).

Interested to see David's rules, though.

If I'm going ultra quick play, it's WTJ or Coaling Stations for pre-dred.

Have to agree about BSBW. Easy to use and quick to play. I like the dice mechanic and the how he breaks up the gun classes. Easy to learn and play.

Like that Fire When Ready has virtually all stats and rules – including weather – needed.

I don't know a set of rules that goes from ACW to 1905 off hand, but I belive David Manley's several rule sets do cover that period and they have similar mechanisms. They are for larger actions.

There is much change in technology from 1860 to 1905, so hard to put into one rule set.

Naval Thunder. Easy to play, quick to learn. Has sets for pre-dreads, WWI and WWII if you want to try out the later periods eventually.