Advanced Squad Leader (commonly abbreviated ASL) is a tactical-level board wargame that simulates infantry combat during World War II. Originally published in 1985 by Game Designers' Workshop (GDW) as a successor to GDW’s earlier title Squad Leader (1977), the game has since been maintained and expanded by Multi-Man Publications (MMP), which acquired the rights following GDW’s dissolution in 1996.
Overview
ASL is designed for two to six players, each controlling squads, weapons teams, and support units such as artillery, armor, and engineers. The game is played on a hexagonal map using 1-inch (2.54 cm) hexes, with each hex typically representing 50 meters of terrain. Units are represented by cardboard counters that display numerical strength, firepower, and other combat characteristics.
Rules System
ASL employs a comprehensive, modular rule set consisting of a core rulebook—commonly referred to as the “Blue Book”—and numerous supplemental rule modules (also known as “gamettes”). The core rules cover basic movement, combat, morale, and line of sight, while the gamettes introduce additional mechanics for specific nationalities, weapon systems, and specialized scenarios (e.g., airborne operations, amphibious assaults). The system is renowned for its detail; for example, weapon fire resolution accounts for factors such as rate of fire, range, target type, terrain effects, and unit morale.
Development and Publication History
- 1985 – GDW releases Advanced Squad Leader as a stand‑alone product, positioning it as an upgrade to Squad Leader while retaining compatibility with many existing Squad Leader scenarios and counters.
- 1991–1995 – GDW publishes a series of expansion modules that introduce new nationalities (e.g., Japanese, Finnish) and additional combat rules (e.g., night fighting, weather effects).
- 1996 – Following GDW’s closure, Multi‑Man Publications purchases the ASL product line and continues support, releasing further modules, scenario packs, and updated editions of the core rulebook.
- 2000s–2020s – MMP expands ASL’s catalogue with modernized components, such as updated map boards, digitized rules, and a range of “Historical Modules” that provide historically based scenarios and order‑of‑battle data.
Gameplay Elements
- Units and Organization – Counters represent individual squads (typically 8–12 soldiers), weapons teams, and vehicle crews. Units possess attributes for morale, firepower, and movement.
- Combat Resolution – Players resolve attacks using a combination of die rolls, Weapon Chart tables, and modifiers for terrain, concealment, and unit status.
- Command and Control – The game includes rules for command range, leader influence, and control points, reflecting the challenges of coordinated squad‑level operations.
- Scenario Design – Published scenarios vary from short “skirmish” engagements (a few turns) to extensive “campaign” games that can span multiple sessions and incorporate logistical considerations.
Reception and Legacy
Advanced Squad Leader has been widely recognized within the tabletop wargaming community for its depth and realism. Reviews in hobby publications such as The General (GDW’s house magazine) and Wargamer’s Digest highlighted the system’s comprehensive treatment of WWII infantry tactics. The game’s complexity has also attracted criticism for a steep learning curve, leading some commentators to describe it as “the most detailed tactical WWII wargame available.”
ASL’s extensive catalogue of modules and scenarios has contributed to a dedicated player base that organizes tournaments, online play, and community‑produced content. The game’s influence is evident in later tactical wargames that adopt similar modular rule structures and detailed unit representations.
Current Status
As of the latest available information, Multi‑Man Publications continues to produce new ASL modules, reprint classic components, and support an active online community through forums, digital rule PDFs, and organized events. No official updates indicating the cessation of the product line have been announced.