Das Hell Boot - A game of close quarters naval combat

We are happy to announce our next game!

Das Hell Boot is a game of quick and deadly close-quarters combat between various nations' coastal patrol craft of World War II.

This game focuses on the smaller, often forgotten naval elements of the war, the motor torpedo boats, patrol boats, corvettes, and frigates that helped defend or attack the coast of many countries. The game focuses on fast pace and close action resulting from the range of close range machine guns and small cannons they were equipped with.

The game mainly focuses on the smallest of vessels each navy had, although there is the inclusion of some larger vessels, often ones that could have or were involved in these actions.

This also provides a rare opportunity to include countries that had smaller navies, often comprised of smaller vessels. Such as Norway, Denmark, and Yugoslavia. These are countries often left out either due to lack of different units that can be used (Such as Norway lacking tanks) or having not having as big a part as others (Such as Denmark being taken in hours). Adding a new variety of nations and vessels that can be played.

The game uses an alternating activation system similar to that of our other game, Traverse. Players alternate, randomly selecting a numbered token (between one and four ) and then activating every vessel currently at that speed. Every vessel can change its speed between its minimum and maximum at the start of the game and each round.

When a vessel activates, it has to move a minimum of six inches and can turn forty five degrees after a certain number of inches have been moved, depending on the vessel. When a vessel activates, it can at any point fire torpedoes or any of its weapons.

Weapons (except torpedoes) are fired using a pool of D8 dice based on the rate of fire of the weapon. Damage is then applied based on the weapon's destructive capability. Damage is applied directly to the vessel unless it has armour. If the vessel survives, it then takes suppression points, which can cause the vessel to retreat. Some weapons, such as machine guns, can only cause suppression as they are not powerful enough to sufficiently damage a vessel to sink it.

Torpedoes always move at the fastest speed in a straight line from where they were fired and always activate before any other vessels on both players turn. They provide an obstacle that each player has to try and dodge while lining up their own perfect shot. Once a torpedo hits its target though it will sink immediately. Remember that your own torpedoes can sink your own vessels!

While the game is designed for vessels in the 1:500 scale, other scales can be used. Most scales should work with the provided values; however, it might affect game size and speed, as larger models may move more slowly or faster, and larger vessels might not fit.

The game is designed to be simple, quick, and strategic.

It will first be available at the Cavalier Wargame Show on 22nd February 2026 - Cavalier 2026 our Annual Wargames Show in Tonbridge on 22th February.

It will shortly be available here and on our Etsy page after the show.