Last Stocked on 4/16/2026

Product Info

Title
Retro (5th Edition)
Publisher
Category
Publish Year
2017
Dimensions
5.5x8.5x.2"
NKG Part #
2147656945
Type

Description

Retro, 5th Edition Tactical WWII Variant Rules

Retro, 5th edition is a tactical, squad-level World War II combat variant rules set contained in a 56-page book. Its goal is to provide players--experienced and inexperienced alike--with simplified rules to enable them to play and enjoy tactical wargames and modules without having to master hundreds of pages of rules and a steep learning curve. You must own the necessary components (counters and mapsheets) of the 'host' game to utilize Retro.

The variant was originally written as a variant for Avalon Hill's Squad Leader and its modules. This edition continues that tradition, and presumes this game to be the host system, even though gamers have used Retro with other tactical World War II games from various publishers.

Retro covers the various nationalities and theaters of the war, but using a greatly simplified sequence of play. This shortened, 'I go/You go' sequence utilizing the 'Hesitation' rule, and a new Infantry Fire Table which makes morale checks unnecessary are the biggest modifications to the standard game, although streamlining and simplification has also been applied to a myriad of details, including those for AFV and vehicular combat.

To quote the variant's Introduction, Retro is not for the gamer who thinks 'more is better' when it comes to chrome and realism and process, but is offered to those who think that 'less is acceptable' and even preferable, in the name of straightforward playability.

Retro, 5th edition consists of a 56-page rulebook, containing all standard, advanced, and optional rules, eleven scenarios, two double-sided Reference cards, and instructions for creating design-your-own scenarios. The standard rules from the 36-page 4th edition (2012) are unchanged, apart from some verbal smoothing and explication. The 5th edition adds twenty pages, and includes more optional rules and scenarios. New rules cover Fire (starting and spreading), Minefields, a new Hesitation Option, Paratroop Drops, National Troop Characteristics, Captured Enemy Sw, new designer notes, and more. It has been published in soft cover book format, with color Reference Cards, and looks sharp. Retro fans will be pleased with what the new edition provides!

The Helpful Squire

*Try asking the Helpful Squire to talk like your favourite character. Remember you're chatting with an AI assistant. Verify the responses and don't share personal data. Acceptable Use Policy

since 1997

Why Buy, Sell, or Trade with Noble Knight?

  • Trusted tabletop retailer since 1997: Nearly 30 years serving gamers worldwide.
  • 300,000+ items in stock: New, used, and out-of-print games, books, and collectibles.
  • No phantom inventory: If it's listed as in stock, it's physically on our shelves in Fitchburg, WI and ready to ship.
  • Fast, reliable shipping: One-day shipping on most orders, Free USA shipping over $149, and flat-rate shipping of $9.95 on orders under $149.
  • International-friendly service: Discounted international shipping and support for foreign currency.
  • Sell your games to us with confidence: In store or by mail, we pay any shipping costs.
  • Learn more about Buy, Sell & Trade
gamers for gamers

Cataloged and Supported by Gamers

  • Every item professionally assessed and graded: Managed by our team of tabletop gamers.
  • Decades of experience: Nearly 30 years of buying, selling, and trading across all categories.
  • Sourced from the community: Much of our inventory comes directly from gamers through our Buy–Sell–Trade program.
  • Fair offers on collections of any size: From single items to large collections, new, used and rare items. Get a quote for your collection
  • Talk to a real gamer: Connect with our team at contact@nobleknight.mom to get advice, recommendations, and real insight from fellow gamers.
  • We speak tabletop: Knowledge you can rely on, from gamers who get it.
  • Ask us anything