Twilight Struggle

Playdek, Inc. – Freeware – Android iOS

A Masterclass in Cold War Strategy: Twilight Struggle Delivers

Minh Ong

03/10/2025

Twilight Struggle captures the tension of the Cold War with strategic depth and engaging gameplay, making it a must-try for fans of tactical board games.

"Now the trumpet summons us again, not as a call to bear arms, though arms we need; not as a call to battle, though embattled we are – but a call to bear the burden of a long twilight struggle..." – President John F. Kennedy

HISTORY IN THE MAKING

Twilight Struggle places the player in the heart of the Cold War, a 50-year political and economic conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union that spanned from the 1950s to the 1990s. Created by renowned designers Ananda Gupta and Jason Matthews, players take control of one of the two superpowers of the time, employing political influence and coup attempts in their quest for global dominance. However, be wary of triggering nuclear war, as this will result in immediate game over!

CARD-BASED EVENTS

The game's event cards are inspired by real Cold War historical moments. By playing these cards strategically, players exert their superpower's influence, maneuvering to gain allies and control over different regions of the world. From the early stages of De-Stalinization to the intensity of the Cuban Missile Crisis, as well as the unfolding drama of the Vietnam War and beyond, players are fully immersed in the actual events that shaped the ongoing struggle for global supremacy.

IMMERSIVE STRATEGY

Refine your leadership skills and strategic prowess as you go head-to-head with an AI opponent, and then elevate your gameplay to a global scale by engaging in asynchronous online matches against other players.

FEATURES

A.I. Opponent
In-game Tutorial
Pass-and-Play Multiplayer
Asynchronous or Real-time Online Play
Invite Playdek Friends
Online Profile and Stats
Customized Online Game Clock
Player Rating System

"As a strategy game, Twilight Struggle is a revelation." - PC Gamer
"...every strategy gamer should play Twilight Struggle without fail: it's just that good." - Pocket Tactics

AWARDS

2012 Ludoteca Ideale Winner
2011 Lucca Games Best Boardgame for Experts
2006 International Gamers Awards - Historical Simulation
2006 International Gamers Awards - General Strategy; Two-players
2006 Golden Geek Best Wargame Winner
2006 Golden Geek Best 2-Player Board Game Winner
2005 James F. Dunnigan Award Winner
2005 Charles S. Roberts Best Modern Era Boardgame Winner

*AN INTERNET CONNECTION AND PLAYDEK ACCOUNT ARE REQUIRED FOR ONLINE PLAY.*
Per our Terms of Service, you must be 13 years old or older to use the Playdek online games service.
For Twilight Struggle game support, please contact: [email protected]

Overview

Twilight Struggle is a Freeware software in the category Games & Entertainment developed by Playdek, Inc..

The latest version of Twilight Struggle is currently unknown. It was initially added to our database on 09/18/2017.

Twilight Struggle runs on the following operating systems: Android/iOS.

Twilight Struggle has not been rated by our users yet.

Pros

Deep strategic gameplay inspired by Cold War history
Engaging and immersive storytelling elements
High replayability due to varying strategies and outcomes
Well-designed card mechanics that reflect historical events
Strong multiplayer support, both online and local
Beautiful artwork and thematic components contributing to immersion

Cons

Steep learning curve for new players unfamiliar with the mechanics
Can be time-consuming to play, especially for longer games
Potential for downtime in multiplayer games as players take their turns
Complex rules may require reference materials during gameplay
Limited campaigns or single-player modes compared to other games

FAQ

What is Twilight Struggle?

Twilight Struggle is a strategy board game where players take on the roles of the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

Who is the publisher of Twilight Struggle?

Twilight Struggle is published by Playdek, Inc.

How many players can participate in Twilight Struggle?

Twilight Struggle is designed for two players.

What is the objective of Twilight Struggle?

The objective of Twilight Struggle is to influence regions around the world and gain control of key countries to score points and ultimately win the Cold War.

How long does a typical game of Twilight Struggle last?

A typical game of Twilight Struggle can last anywhere from 1 to 3 hours, depending on the players' experience and gameplay speed.

Is Twilight Struggle available as a digital version?

Yes, there is a digital version of Twilight Struggle available for various platforms such as PC, iOS, and Android.

Are there any expansions or additional content available for Twilight Struggle?

Yes, there are expansions available for Twilight Struggle that introduce new cards, events, and gameplay mechanics.

Can players play Twilight Struggle online with friends?

Yes, players can play Twilight Struggle online with friends through the digital version of the game.

What are some key mechanics in Twilight Struggle?

Key mechanics in Twilight Struggle include card-driven gameplay, area control, influence placement, and event triggers based on historical events.

Is Twilight Struggle suitable for players new to board games?

Twilight Struggle is considered a complex game with strategic depth and may not be suitable for players new to board games. However, it offers a rewarding experience for those willing to invest time in learning its mechanics.

Minh Ong

I'm Minh, a software engineer and author with a passion for exploring and writing about the latest in software and technology. With my experience in software development and a specialization in software updates and content creation, I bring a deep understanding of the tech landscape to my reviews and articles. My focus is on providing you with comprehensive insights into general software topics and the latest industry news.

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