It is already early December, and the Christmas season is fast approaching. By the time I write and publish this post, it is less than a month away. I sincerely hope that this time of year allows you to enjoy moments with your families and also find time for the wonderful hobby we all share: boardgames!

Previous years materials:
2024 new releases + 2024 all time classics
2023 new releases + 2023 all time classics
2022 new releases + 2022 all time classics
2021 new releases + 2021 all time classics
2020 new releases + 2020 all time classics

To help with this, as I have done every year since 2020, I will offer some suggestions for Christmas presents – and there is no better time of year for such gifts. My plan is to present a selection based on games released in 2025. One important condition: only titles that I have personally had the opportunity to play will be included. I also aim to avoid out-of-print games, so I will always provide a link to where each title can be purchased.

By the way, if you would like to check on the Video format of below list, see below:

I am fully aware that there are many other war- and conflict-themed titles that could be recommended. Unfortunately, I have not had the opportunity to play them all – there are simply too many new releases. So, without further delay, let us take a look at the selection!

1) Fields of Fire: Deluxe Edition from GMT Games

I had a pleasure to extensively play Fields of Fire in the past. I am so glad that after many years, thanks to GMT One initiative, we are getting new, upgraded, deluxe edition which streamlines and fixes issues of its predecessor while leaving all the great mechanics it has.

Fields of Fire is probably in the top three best solitaire tabletop wargames ever created – at least in the humble opinion of this article author. It does a fantastic job of simulating the small teams / squads engagements (up to company level), accounting for all important elements like chain of command, communication, initiative, limited information and chaos of battle.

With Deluxe Edition we are getting a wonderful product with great components but what is even more important – streamlined introduction path. By many treated as complex and difficult, the game really shines once you learn its mechanics. And what is the better way than to do it step by step, in small, digestible chunks?

More materials about game – both articles and video. Enjoy!

2) Race to Berlin (Second Edition) from Portal Games

Race to Berlin Second Edition – a first Wargame to published by Portal Games – successfully completed its Gamefound campaign this year. This is game portraying the last months of World War II in Europe as Western Allied armies cross the borders of the Reich after forging the Rhine and the mighty Red Army prepares for its final offensive toward Berlin.

Players take on the roles of Soviet and Allied commanders, competing to capture strategic regions of Germany and ultimately claim the capital of the Third Reich. The game was first released in 2015, and this Portal Games’ edition features significantly improved components, a revised rulebook, and some rule adjustments based on experience with the first edition.

The game is beautiful, replayable, very tactical and simply joy to play. You will not regret getting it!

More materials about game – both articles and video. Enjoy!

3) Punica: Rome vs Carthage from PHALANX Games

That was a true discovery for me during Essen Spiel 2025 – announced only several weeks before fair, it gained enormous popularity among the visitors. And honestly, playing Punica is a blast and joy! A small but very intense game; pure strategy and tactics, beautiful production, zero luck, quick time to play. Definitely, one of the best surprises of the Spiel – delivering exactly what it promises.

It is not language depended, has incredible graphics from Mico (see on the below video) and can be fun both for play with experienced wargamers as well as new adepts. Highly recommended!

More materials about game – both articles and video. Enjoy!

4) General Orders: Sengoku Jidai from Osprey Games

General Orders: Sengoku Jidai is another great game from the award-winning design duo of David Thompson and Trevor Benjamin. This title is pretty compact – as it predecessor General Orders: World War II – two-player game which combines the dynamism of a wargame with the decision-making of worker-placement games.

As for the theme, this position pits two competing daimyo against one another in a fight for control over crucial battlefields in 16th-century Japan. You will deploy your commanders to seize powerful advantages on specific map areas, will have to secure valuable supply lines and of course capture well-defended forts. All of this while protecting your vulnerable HQ.

For me, huge improvement in the series and incredibly appealing graphics / components. For a quick and intense plays!

More materials about game – both articles and video. Enjoy!

5) Star Wars: Battle of Hoth from Days of Wonder

Since its release about two months ago, my two boys (ages 10 and 12) and I have been playing Battle of Hoth extensively. It is a fantastic gateway into the Commands & Colors system. The game immediately appeals to players with its striking, icy map of Hoth, detailed miniatures, and thematic, well-designed cards. Its mechanics are easy to learn, allowing new players to join quickly, yet they remain engaging thanks to the asymmetry between armies and decks, as well as the variety of tactical situations presented in the scenarios. And of course, the Star Wars theme adds tremendous excitement. It fuels the imagination of young wargamers, who are always eager to take on the roles of Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, or Darth Vader.

I believe this is by far one of the more accessible Commands & Colors games, which hopefully attract a lot of new players. Check it out!

More materials about game – both articles and video. Enjoy!

6) A Bridge Too Far from PHALANX games

I will finish my list with a very incredibly interesting book-game position. A Bridge Too Far allows the player to take part in one of the most dramatic airborne operations of the Second World War. In this paragraph-based game you step into the role of a Polish paratrooper from the 1st Independent Parachute Brigade, dropped into the chaos of Operation Market Garden. Through his eyes you will relive the tension, the courage, and the doubt of a soldier fighting far from home.

Every choice matters. Do you follow orders to the letter, or trust your instincts in the heat of battle? Do you risk lives to hold the line, or pull back to save your men? Your path will be shaped by hard decisions, moral dilemmas, and the unforgiving reality of war. This is not only a story of battles fought, but of loyalty, sacrifice, and the resilience of those who believed their struggle could change the course of history.

Having played this game I can confirm this is incredible journey you will take on. And not an easy one!

More materials about game – both articles and video. Enjoy!

Summary

I hope this small selection of games published in 2025 inspires you, Dear Readers, as you plan your Christmas gifts. I have greatly enjoyed every title mentioned and can recommend them without hesitation. Stay tuned. In two weeks, I will share another article featuring All-Time Classics that you should certainly consider. I am sure you will find it enjoyable.