Editing Axis & Allies

{{Other uses}}
{{Short description|World War II strategy board game series}}
{{Infobox game
| name = ''Axis & Allies''
| subtitle = 
| logo = Axis and allies franchise logo.png
| logo_size = 200
| logo_alt = 
| logo_caption = 
| image = AxisAndAlliesBox.jpg
| image_size = 250
| image_alt = 
| caption = Cover of ''Axis & Allies: Classic'' (1984)
| width = 
| label_width = 
| other_names = ''Axis and Allies''
| AKA = 
| manufacturer = 
| designer = [[Larry Harris (game designer)|Larry Harris]]
| director =
| illustrator = Jim Butcher II
| writer =
| actor = 
| voice_over = 
| publisher =  {{plainlist|
* [[Milton Bradley Company|Milton Bradley]] (1984-1999)
* [[Avalon Hill]] (1999-2023)
* [[Renegade Game Studios]] (2023-present)
}}
| date = {{Start date and age|1981}} 
| years = 1981–present
| genre = [[Board game]]
| language = English 
| system = 
| parent_game =
| series =
| players = 2–5
| setup_time = 
| playing_time = 180' 
| random_chance = Medium
| ages = 12+
| skills = [[Tactical wargame|Tactics]], [[military strategy|strategy]], [[economics]], [[teamwork]], [[military logistics|logistics]]
| materials = 
| movement =
| media_type = 
| blank_label = 
| blank_data = 
| related = 
| website = 
| isbn =
| isbn_note = 
| footnotes = 
}}
'''''Axis & Allies''''' is a series of [[World War II]] [[strategy game|strategy]] [[board game]]s. The first version was initially published in 1981 and a second edition known colloquially as ''Axis & Allies: Classic'' was published in 1984. Played on a board depicting a Spring 1942 [[political map]] of [[Earth]] divided by territories, players take the role of one or more of the five major belligerents of World War II: the [[Axis powers]] of [[Nazi Germany|Germany]] and [[Empire of Japan|Japan]]; and the [[Allies of World War II|Allied powers]] of the [[Soviet Union]], the [[United Kingdom]], and the [[United States]]. Turns rotate among these belligerents, who control armies of playing pieces with which they attempt to capture enemy territories, with results determined by [[dice game|dice rolls]]. The object of the game is to win the war by capturing enough critical territories to gain the advantage over the enemy.

More than ten spinoff games have since been produced. Some of these editions are revised versions of the classic game, while others depict a specific [[List of theaters and campaigns of World War II|theater, campaign or battle of World War II]].

==Game development==
''Axis & Allies'' was designed by [[Larry Harris (game designer)|Larry Harris]] under the prototype name ''1942'' in the late 1970s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/interview-with-larry-harris/id1245367782?i=1000491925938|title=Interview with Larry Harris Jr. about his life and his career as a game designer (2020)|publisher=Legendary Games Podcast|access-date=2021-08-31}}</ref> Harris partnered with a local Connecticut hobby shop, Citadel Game Store, to publish ''Axis & Allies'' in 1981 under the company name of Nova Game Designs, with the name originating from Pat Flory, the owner of the shop.<ref name="kbones">{{cite journal|title=25 Years of Axis & Allies|last=Whitehall|first=Bruce|journal=[[Knucklebones (magazine)|Knucklebones]]|date=March 2008|volume=3|issue=2|pages=22–24|publisher=[[Jones Publishing]]|url=https://thebiggamehunter.com/games-one-by-one/axis-allies/}}</ref><ref name="HG">{{Cite book |contribution=Axis & Allies |title=[[Hobby Games: The 100 Best]] |last=Reid |first=Thomas M. |author-link=Thomas M. Reid |editor-last=Lowder |editor-first=James |editor-link=James Lowder |publisher=[[Green Ronin Publishing]] |year=2007 |pages=17–20 |isbn=978-1-932442-96-0}}</ref> The game was republished by the [[Milton Bradley Company]] in 1984 as part of the [[Gamemaster (board game series)|''Gamemaster Series'']] of board games.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.blackgate.com/2017/12/22/decide-the-fate-of-the-world-with-tiny-plastic-ships-axis-allies-by-avalon-hill/|title=Decide the Fate of the World With Tiny Plastic Ships: Axis & Allies by Avalon Hill – Black Gate|date=December 22, 2017}}</ref> This edition has been retroactively named '''''Axis & Allies: Classic''''' to differentiate it from later revisions. In 1996, ''Axis & Allies: Classic'' was inducted into the Academy of Adventure Gaming Arts & Design ''Adventure Gaming Hall of Fame''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.originsgamefair.com/awards/1995/list-of-winners|title=Origins Award Winners (1995)|publisher=Academy of Adventure Gaming Arts & Design|access-date=2007-11-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080102044110/http://www.originsgamefair.com/awards/1995/list-of-winners |archive-date=2008-01-02}}</ref> [[GAMES Magazine|''Games'']] magazine also has inducted ''Axis & Allies'' into their buyers' guide [[GAMES 100#Hall of Fame|Hall of Fame]], an honor the magazine extends to "games that have met or exceeded the highest standards of quality and play value and have been continuously in production for at least 10 years; i.e., classics."<ref name="hof">[http://www.gamesmagazine-online.com/gameslinks/hallofame.html GAMES Magazine Hall of Fame] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100417062722/http://www.gamesmagazine-online.com/gameslinks/hallofame.html |date=2010-04-17}}. Retrieved 2010-07-26</ref> ''Axis & Allies: Classic'' was the most successful of the five [[Gamemaster (board game series)|''Gamemaster Series'']] of board games.<ref>{{cite web |title=A 30th-Anniversary Salute to the GameMaster Series and How it Changed Wargaming |url=https://armchairgeneral.com/a-30th-anniversary-salute-to-the-gamemaster-series-and-how-it-changed-wargaming.htm |website=Armchair General |access-date=March 13, 2025}}</ref>

After acquiring Milton Bradley (1984) and Avalon Hill (1998), Hasbro transferred the ''Axis & Allies: Classic'' (1984) board game from the Milton Bradley division to the Avalon Hill division in 1999. In 1999, Hasbro acquired [[Wizards of the Coast]]. In 2004, Hasbro made Avalon Hill a subsidiary of [[Wizards of the Coast]] (WotC). In January 2021, after corporate restructuring, Avalon Hill became a subsidiary of Hasbro Gaming instead.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dohm-Sanchez |first=Jeffrey |date=2020-09-09 |title=Management of Avalon Hill board game brand will move from Wizards of the Coast to Hasbro |url=https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/46496/management-avalon-hill-board-game-brand-will-move-from-wizards-coast-hasbro |access-date=2024-01-12 |work=ICV2}}</ref>

In 2022, [[Renegade Game Studios|Renegade Games Studios]] announced that they were entering a partnership with Hasbro which would include publishing future versions of ''Axis & Allies'', among other games, as well as organizing an ''Axis & Allies'' world championship, and running an ''Axis & Allies'' website, starting in 2023. In 2023 the company released reprints of ''Axis & Allies: 1914'', ''Axis & Allies 1941'', ''Axis & Allies 1942'', ''Axis & Allies 1940 Europe'', ''Axis & Allies 1940 Pacific'', and announced a reprint of ''Axis & Allies: Guadalcanal'', as well as two new, upcoming games: ''Axis & Allies: North Africa'' and ''G.I. Joe: Battle for the Arctic Circle'', a board game centered on the ''[[G.I. Joe|G. I. Joe]]'' line of action figures that will use the ''Axis & Allies'' game engine.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-10-06 |title=Renegade Game Studios to Expand Licensing Partnership with Hasbro Gaming Classics |url=https://renegadegamestudios.com/blog/renegade-game-studios-expands-licensing-partnership-with-hasbro-gaming-classics/ |website=Renegade Game Studios}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Hoofer |first=Christian |date=2023-08-06 |title=G.I. JOE Is Getting an Axis and Allies Game |url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/gi-joe-axis-allies-renegade-game-studios-battle-for-the-arctic-circle/ |work=Comicbook}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Hall |first=Charlie |date=2022-10-06 |title=Axis & Allies and other classic Avalon Hill board games will soon have a new publisher |url=https://www.polygon.com/tabletop-games/23390913/axis-allies-robo-rally-diplomacy-squad-leader-avalon-hill-licensing-renegade-games-studio |work=Polygon}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-02 |title=Axis & Allies Pick the Battle Vote - Results Are In! |url=https://renegadegamestudios.com/blog/axis-allies-pick-the-battle-vote-results-are-in-/ |website=Renegade Game Studios}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Axis & Allies |url=https://renegadegamestudios.com/axis-allies/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240112201702/https://renegadegamestudios.com/axis-allies/ |archive-date=2024-01-12 |access-date=2024-01-12 |website=Renegade Game Studios}}</ref>

The mainline ''Axis & Allies'' game has gone through several revisions, most recently in 2018, and the game has several spinoffs. The series is currently published by Renegade Game Studios through a licensing agreement with Hasbro. There are a total of 15 board games in the ''Axis & Allies'' series (not counting second editions), 5 of which are currently supported by Renegade Game Studios. These are ''Axis & Allies: 1914'', ''Axis & Allies: 1941'', ''Axis & Allies: Europe 1940 2nd Edition'', ''Axis & Allies: Pacific 1940 2nd Edition'', and ''Axis & Allies: Spring 1942 2nd Edition''. Many out-of-print ''A&A'' board games can be found on various auction websites.

==Gameplay==
[[File:Americans in Asia? (85080728).jpg|thumb|right|Troops in Asia (Axis & Allies: Revised 2004)]]
In almost every edition of ''Axis & Allies'', players play as the major belligerents of World War II: [[Nazi Germany|Germany]], [[Empire of Japan|Japan]], the [[Soviet Union]], the [[United Kingdom]], and the [[United States in World War II|United States]]. The ''A&A: 50th Anniversary Edition'' also includes [[Fascist Italy (1922–1943)|Italy]] as the third Axis power and [[Republic of China|China]] as the fourth Allied power. The ''A&A: Pacific 1940'' edition includes China and [[ANZAC]] ([[Australia]] and [[New Zealand]] armed forces). The ''A&A: Europe 1940'' edition includes Italy and [[France during World War II|France]]. The players playing the Axis powers team up against those of the Allied powers usually in an attempt to conquer key territories, represented by regions on the map board. In earlier editions, this was done by capturing and holding until the end of a round of play certain territories where the opposing alliance's capital cities are located. In later editions, this also included other territories on the map, where "victory cities" are located. 

Certain versions of Axis & Allies have their own custom victory conditions. In the original Milton Bradley edition, ''A&A: Classic'', the Axis powers could also win by capturing and holding until the end of a round of play enough territories to gain an economic advantage. This "economic victory" was dropped in later editions of ''A&A''. In ''Axis & Allies: Pacific'', Japan gains a point for every 10 IPCs they collect and can win the game if they collect 22 points. In ''Axis & Allies: D-Day,'' the Allies need to control the three cities of Cherbourg, Caen, and Saint-Lo at the end of the 10th round, in ''Axis & Allies: Guadalcanal'', victory is achieved by controlling airfields, and in ''Axis & Allies: Battle of the Bulge,'' the Germans need to control territories totaling up to 24 points before round 8.

Each round of a game involves each of the powers moving in turn according to a specified order; the game ends when either the Axis powers or the Allied powers complete their objectives. When each power takes its turn, they must first declare how they are to spend the IPCs (Industrial Production Certificates, an abstract currency representing one million man-hours of labor) in their possession: this may go into buying new units, improving units through research, or repairing damaged structures (in later editions). Players then declare any movements made that would result in combat, moving their pieces as appropriate, and after resolving combat, declaring any non-combat movements. At the end of the turn, players then place any units that were purchased at the beginning of the turn and collect IPCs based on all territories that they control at the end of their turn.

Combat is typically divided into several types; in all types, however, combat is divided into rounds. In each round, attackers and defenders roll dice to determine which of their units deal hits on the opposing side. If the number rolled is less than or equal to the unit's attack or defense rating (where appropriate), the unit scores a hit on an opposing unit of the opponent's choosing. During the round if an attacker defeats an enemy, the enemy can do a final retaliation before death, then be taken off the board. Some types of combat, such as strategic bombing raids, naval bombardment, and anti-aircraft defense, last only one round, though in others the attacker has the option of either continuing with another round of battle or retreating. Combat is fully resolved when either side loses all their units or the attackers choose to retreat. Though combat in different territories may be resolved in any order of the attackers choosing, combat in one territory may affect the number of combatants in another territory for later battles, as in the case of an amphibious assault or when attacking units withdraw.

==Spinoffs==
Due to the success of ''Axis & Allies: Classic'', as of 2025, there are nineteen{{efn|Not including Nova edition which came out before Classic}} spin-off games in the A&A franchise. Most use more or less the same mechanics. Four are updated or expanded versions of the original global A&A: Classic game. An additional five games are theater games depicting combat in Europe, Africa, or the Pacific, four games are local games of specific battles, one game takes place at the beginning of World War One and one features a global theater with the addition of a zombie apocalypse.

Additional games have also been published by other game designers with similar mechanics (some requiring components from an Axis & Allies or similar game).

In 1999, ''[[Axis & Allies: Europe]]'' was released, with slightly updated rules and a focus on the European theater of World War II; this was followed in 2001 by ''[[Axis & Allies: Pacific]]'' with similar rules and focus shifted to the Pacific theater. ''[[Axis & Allies: D-Day]]'' (2004) focused on [[Operation Overlord|the Allied liberation of France]]. In 2004, the first major revision to the core game, ''Axis & Allies: Revised'' was released, with elements taken from ''A&A: Europe'' and ''A&A: Pacific'', also celebrating the 20th anniversary of Axis & Allies itself. ''[[Axis & Allies: Battle of the Bulge]]'' (2006) focused on the [[Battle of the Bulge]] in Europe while ''[[Axis & Allies: Guadalcanal]]'' (2007) focused on the [[Solomon Islands Campaign]] in the Pacific. In 2008, ''Axis & Allies: 50th Anniversary Edition'' was released as one of the three games celebrating the 50th anniversary of its publisher, Avalon Hill (the other two games were ''Acquire'' and ''[[Diplomacy (board game)|Diplomacy]]''). This was followed by ''Axis & Allies: 1942'' in 2009, the second major revision to the core game, with mechanics taken from the anniversary edition, also celebrating the 25th anniversary of ''Axis & Allies'' itself. 

''Axis & Allies: Pacific 1940'' was released in December 2009 and ''Axis & Allies: Europe 1940'' was released in August of 2010. These games can be combined  to form a Global game of World War II on a 175×80&nbsp;cm (70" × 32") map. All nine major powers of World War II, [[China]], [[France]], [[Germany]], [[Italy]], [[Japan]], the [[Soviet Union]], the [[United Kingdom]], the [[United States]] and the [[ANZAC]] forces, are represented in the combined global game with unique units and colors. To streamline the game and correct balance issues, Global 1940 was revised and a new rule set was released on the Axis & Allies forums in January 2011, later released as a second edition.

In 2012, ''Axis & Allies: 1941'' was released, containing a simplified map and rules to make it easier for beginners. In 2013, ''Axis & Allies: 1914'' was released, being the only non WWII centered Axis & Allies game. The next Axis & Allies game came out in October of 2018, ''Axis & Allies & Zombies'', being an ahistorical version.

Most recently, ''Axis and Allies: North Africa'' was released in August of 2024, with a focus on that theater of the war. A new game, ''Axis and Allies: Stalingrad'', is set to come out in August of 2025.

''Axis & Allies'' is not a strict historical [[Wargame (video games)|wargame]] even without the zombies, due to its streamlining for ease of play and balancing so that both sides have a chance to win. For instance, the economic model is simplistic, with each territory producing a number of Industrial Production Credits (IPCs) for the purchase of new units. For example, in the original Classic version, the game is supposed to start in the spring of 1942, but Japan is immediately in position to attack [[Hawaii]] again, while Germany is pressed well into the Soviet Union with an initially superior force. If the game were truer to history, the Axis empires would be at their climax in 1942, about to be pushed back by the Allies.

==Versions==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Release
! Title
! Start
! Pieces
! Board (inches)
! Board (cm)
! Type
! New units<ref group="n">New units when compared to the original ''A&A: Classic'' version of the game.</ref>
! Playable powers
|-
| align=center | 1981
| ''Axis & Allies (Nova Games Edition)<ref group="n">This edition was also sold by Australian company [[Jedko Games]] with a different cover art</ref>''
| 1942
| 415
| 37 × 19½
| 93 × 50
| Global
| Atomic bomb
| 5: {{flag|Nazi Germany|Nazi|name=Germany}}, {{flag|Empire of Japan||name=Japan}}, {{flag|Soviet Union||name=USSR}}, {{flag|United Kingdom||name=UK}}, {{flag|United States|1912|name=USA}}
|-
| align=center | 1984
| ''Axis & Allies: Classic''
| 1942
| 299
| 33 × 19½
| 83 × 50
| Global
| Infantry, armor (tank), fighter, bomber, battleship, aircraft carrier, submarine, transport, antiaircraft artillery
| 5: {{flag|Nazi Germany|Nazi|name=Germany}}, {{flag|Empire of Japan||name=Japan}}, {{flag|Soviet Union||name=USSR}}, {{flag|United Kingdom||name=UK}}, {{flag|United States|1912|name=USA}}
|-
| align=center | 1999
| ''[[Axis & Allies: Europe]]''
| 1941
| 373
| 30 × 20
| 75 × 50
| Theater
| Destroyer, artillery
| 4: {{flag|Nazi Germany|Nazi|name=Germany}}, {{flag|Soviet Union||name=USSR}}, {{flag|United Kingdom||name=UK}}, {{flag|United States|1912|name=USA}}
|-
| align=center | 2001
| ''[[Axis & Allies: Pacific]]''
| 1941
| 335
| 30 × 20
| 75 × 50
| Theater
| Destroyer, artillery, marines
| 4: {{flag|Republic of China (1912–49)||name=China}},<ref group="n" name="Pacific-China">China is a separate power with limited production capabilities that is played by the United States player with light green infantry units.</ref> {{flag|Empire of Japan||name=Japan}}, {{flag|United Kingdom||name=UK}},<ref group="n">[[Australia]] and [[India]] are distinct powers that are both played by the UK player.</ref> {{flag|United States|1912|name=USA}}
|-
| align=center | 2004
| ''[[Axis & Allies: D-Day]]''
| 1944
| 241
| 30 × 20
| 75 × 50
| Local
| Artillery, blockhouse
| 3: {{flag|Nazi Germany|Nazi|name=Germany}}, {{flag|United Kingdom||name=UK}}, {{flag|United States|1912|name=USA}}
|-
| align=center | 2004
| ''Axis & Allies: Revised''<br />(A&A 20th Anniversary Edition)
| 1942
| 366
| 33 × 20
| 83 × 50
| Global
| Destroyer, artillery
| 5: {{flag|Nazi Germany|Nazi|name=Germany}}, {{flag|Japan|empire}}, {{flag|Soviet Union||name=USSR}}, {{flag|United Kingdom||name=UK}}, {{flag|United States|1912|name=USA}}
|-
| align=center | 2006
| ''[[Axis & Allies: Battle of the Bulge]]''
| 1944
| 157
| 30 × 20
| 75 × 50
| Local
| Artillery, truck
| 3: {{flag|Nazi Germany|Nazi|name=Germany}}, {{flag|United Kingdom||name=UK}}, {{flag|United States|1912|name=USA}}
|-
| align=center | 2007
| ''[[Axis & Allies: Guadalcanal]]''
| 1942
| 172
| 30 × 20
| 75 × 50
| Local
| Destroyer, cruiser, artillery
| 2: {{flag|Empire of Japan||name=Japan}}, {{flag|United States|1912|name=USA}}
|-
| align=center | 2008
| ''Axis & Allies: 50th Anniversary Edition''<br /> ([[Avalon Hill]] 50th Anniversary)
| 1941/42
| 672
| 46 × 24
| 115 × 60
| Global
| Destroyer, cruiser, artillery
| 8: {{flag|Republic of China (1912–49)||name=China}},<ref group="n" name="Pacific-China"/> {{flag|Nazi Germany|Nazi|name=Germany}}, {{flag|Kingdom of Italy|1861|name=Italy}},<ref group="n" name="50-Italy">Italy appears for the first time in the ''A&A'' board game series as a separate power with brown units.</ref> {{flag|Empire of Japan||name=Japan}}, {{flag|Soviet Union||name=USSR}}, {{flag|United Kingdom||name=UK}}, {{flag|United States|1912|name=USA}} {{flag|France}}
|-
| align=center | 2009
| ''Axis & Allies: Spring 1942'' (A&A 25th Anniversary Edition)
| 1942
| 370
| 33 × 20
| 83 × 50
| Global
| Destroyer, cruiser, artillery
| 5: {{flag|Nazi Germany|Nazi|name=Germany}}, {{flag|Empire of Japan||name=Japan}}, {{flag|Soviet Union||name=USSR}}, {{flag|United Kingdom||name=UK}}, {{flag|United States|1912|name=USA}}
|-
| align=center | 2009
| ''[[Axis & Allies: Pacific 1940]]''
| 1940
| 455
| 35 × 32
| 89 × 81
| Theater
| Destroyer, cruiser, artillery, mechanized infantry, tactical bomber, air base, naval base
| 5: [[Australian and New Zealand Army Corps]] ({{flag|Australia}} and {{flag|New Zealand}}),<ref group="n" name="auto1">[[Australia]] and [[New Zealand]] armed forces can be played as a separate power or are played by the UK player with dark tan units.</ref> {{flag|Republic of China (1912–49)||name=China}}<ref name=":0" group="n">China can be played as a separate power, or are played by the United States player with light green units. China has limited production</ref>,{{flag|Empire of Japan||name=Japan}}, {{flag|United Kingdom||name=UK}}, {{flag|United States|1912|name=USA}}
|-
| align=center | 2010
| ''[[Axis & Allies: Europe 1940]]''
| 1940
| 550
| 35 × 32
| 89 × 81
| Theater
| Destroyer, cruiser, artillery, mechanized infantry, tactical bomber, air base, naval base
| 6: {{flag|France}},<ref group="n" name="auto">France appears for the first time in the ''A&A'' board game series as a separate power with blue infantry units.</ref> {{flag|Nazi Germany|Nazi|name=Germany}}, {{flag|Kingdom of Italy|1861|name=Italy}}, {{flag|Soviet Union||name=USSR}}, {{flag|United Kingdom||name=UK}}, {{flag|United States|1912|name=USA}}
|-
| align=center | —
| ''Axis & Allies: Global 1940''<ref group="n">Playable by combining ''A&A: Pacific 1940'' and ''A&A: Europe 1940''.</ref>
| 1940
| 1005
| 70 × 32
| 178 × 81
| Global
| Destroyer, cruiser, artillery, mechanized infantry, tactical bomber, air base, naval base
| 9: [[Australian and New Zealand Army Corps]] ({{flag|Australia}} and {{flag|New Zealand}}),<ref group="n" name="auto1"/> {{flag|Republic of China (1912–49)||name=China}},<ref name=":0" group="n" /> {{flag|France}}, {{flag|Nazi Germany|Nazi|name=Germany}}, {{flag|Kingdom of Italy|1861|name=Italy}}, {{flag|Empire of Japan||name=Japan}},{{flag|Soviet Union||name=USSR}}, {{flag|United Kingdom||name=UK}}, {{flag|United States|1912|name=USA}}
|-
| align=center | 2012
| ''Axis & Allies: 1941''
| 1941
| 160
| 32.5 × 17.5
| 83 × 44
| Global
| Destroyer
| 5: {{flag|Nazi Germany|Nazi|name=Germany}}, {{flag|Empire of Japan||name=Japan}}, {{flag|Soviet Union||name=USSR}}, {{flag|United Kingdom||name=UK}}, {{flag|United States|1912|name=USA}}
|-
| align=center | 2012
| ''Axis & Allies: 1942'' (Second Edition)
| 1942
| 410
| 40 × 26
| 102 × 66
| Global
| Destroyer, cruiser, artillery
| 5: {{flag|Nazi Germany|Nazi|name=Germany}}, {{flag|Empire of Japan||name=Japan}}, {{flag|Soviet Union||name=USSR}}, {{flag|United Kingdom||name=UK}}, {{flag|United States|1912|name=USA}}
|-
| align=center | 2012
| ''Axis & Allies: Pacific 1940 (Second Edition)''
| 1940
| 500
| 35 × 32
| 89 × 81
| Theater
| Destroyer, cruiser, artillery, mechanized infantry, tactical bomber, air base, naval base
| 5: [[Australian and New Zealand Army Corps]] ({{flag|Australia}} and {{flag|New Zealand}}),<ref group="n" name="auto1"/> {{flag|Republic of China (1912–49)||name=China}},<ref name=":0" group="n" /> {{flag|Empire of Japan||name=Japan}}, {{flag|United Kingdom||name=UK}}, {{flag|United States|1912|name=USA}}
|-
| align=center | 2012
| ''Axis & Allies: Europe 1940 (Second Edition)''
| 1940
| 610
| 35 × 32
| 89 × 81
| Theater
| Destroyer, cruiser, artillery, mechanized infantry, tactical bomber, air base, naval base
| 6: {{flag|France}},<ref group="n" name="auto"/> {{flag|Nazi Germany|Nazi|name=Germany}}, {{flag|Kingdom of Italy|1861|name=Italy}}, {{flag|Soviet Union||name=USSR}}, {{flag|United Kingdom||name=UK}}, {{flag|United States|1912|name=USA}}
|-
| align=center | —
| ''Axis & Allies: Global 1940 (Second Edition)''<ref group="n">Playable by combining ''A&A: Pacific 1940 (Second Edition)'' and ''A&A: Europe 1940 (Second Edition)''.</ref>
| 1940
| 1110
| 70 × 32
| 178 × 81
| Global
| Destroyer, cruiser, artillery, mechanized infantry, tactical bomber, air base, naval base
| 9: [[Australian and New Zealand Army Corps]] ({{flag|Australia}} and {{flag|New Zealand}}),<ref group="n" name="auto1"/> {{flag|Republic of China (1912–49)||name=China}},<ref name=":0" group="n" /> {{flag|France}}, {{flag|Nazi Germany|Nazi|name=Germany}}, {{flag|Kingdom of Italy|1861|name=Italy}}, {{flag|Empire of Japan||name=Japan}},{{flag|Soviet Union||name=USSR}}, {{flag|United Kingdom||name=UK}}, {{flag|United States|1912|name=USA}}
|-
| align=center | 2013
| ''[[Axis & Allies: World War I 1914]]''
| 1914
| 400
| 32.5 x 32.25
| 82.6 x 81.9
| Global
| Cruiser, artillery, naval base
| 8: {{flag|Austria-Hungary|name=Austro-Hungarian Empire}}, {{flag|British Empire}},  {{flag|France}}, {{flag|German Empire|name=Imperial Germany}}, {{flag|Kingdom of Italy|name=Italy}}, {{flag|Ottoman Empire}}, {{flag|Russian Empire|name=Imperial Russia}}, {{flag|United States|1912|name=USA}}
|-
| align=center | 2018
|''Axis & Allies & Zombies''
|1941
|215
|34 x 17.5
|85 x 44
|Global
|Artillery, Destroyer, Zombie
|5: {{Flag|USSR}}, {{Flag|Nazi Germany|name=Germany}}, {{Flag|United Kingdom|name=UK}}, {{Flag|Japan|name=Japan}}, {{Flag|USA}}
|-
| align=center | 2024
|''Axis & Allies: North Africa''
|1941-1942
|250
|50 x 20
|40 x 26
|Theater
| Mechanized infantry, artillery, anti-aircraft artillery, anti-tank gun, scout car, truck, Matilda II tank, lend-lease Sherman tank, land mine, sea mine
|4: {{Flag|Nazi Germany|name=Germany}}, {{flag|Kingdom of Italy|1861|name=Italy}}, {{Flag|United Kingdom|name=UK}}, {{Flag|USA}}
|-
| align=center | 2025
|''Axis & Allies: Stalingrad''
|1942
|150
|26" x 20"
|66" x 50"
|Local
|Sniper, Assault Gun, Rocket Launcher
|2: {{Flag|Soviet Union}}, {{Flag|Nazi Germany|name=Germany}}
|-
|}
;Notes
<references group="n"/>

==Units==
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ colspan=9 | Unit comparison: Five Global Editions
|- style="background:#ccc;"
! scope="row" | Unit name
! scope="row" | Edition
! scope="row" | IPC cost
! scope="row" | ATK
! scope="row" | DEF
! scope="row" | MOV
! scope="row" | Notes
|-
! rowspan="5" | Infantry
| Classic
| rowspan="5" | 3
| rowspan="5" | 1/2*
| rowspan="5" | 2
| rowspan="5" | 1
|
|-
| Revised
| rowspan="4" | *Infantry attack increases to 2 when paired with artillery.
|-
| 50th Anniv.
|-
| 1942 2nd
|-
| 1940 2nd
|-
! rowspan="5"| Mechanized<br />infantry
| Classic
| rowspan="4"| n/a
| rowspan="4"| n/a
| rowspan="4"| n/a
| rowspan="4"| n/a
| rowspan="4"|
|-
| Revised
|-
| 50th Anniv.<ref>While there is no physical piece for Mechanized Infantry in the 50th Anniversary edition, there is a research titled "Mechanized Infantry." It allows infantry paired 1:1 with tanks to move 2 spaces</ref>
|-
| 1942 2nd
|-
| 1940 2nd
| 4
| 1/2*
| 2
| 2
| *Mechanized infantry attack increases to 2 when paired with artillery.<br />Mechanized infantry can blitz when paired with tanks.
|-
! rowspan ="5" | Artillery
| Classic
| n/a
| n/a
| n/a
| n/a
||
|-
| Revised
| rowspan="4" | 4
| rowspan="4" | 2
| rowspan="4" | 2
| rowspan="4" | 1
| rowspan="4" | Increases matching infantry roll by one when attacking.
|-
| 50th Anniv.
|-
| 1942 2nd
|-
| 1940 2nd
|-
! rowspan="5" | Tank
| Classic
| rowspan="3" | 5
| rowspan="5" | 3
| 2
| rowspan="5" | 2
| rowspan="5" | Tanks have the ability to blitz.<br />Was known as "armor" in the original release, but<br />was renamed "tank" for subsequent releases.
|-
| Revised
| rowspan="4" | 3
|-
| 50th Anniv.
|-
| 1942 2nd
| rowspan="2"| 6
|-
| 1940 2nd
|-
! rowspan="5" | Fighter
| Classic
| 12
| rowspan="5" | 3
| rowspan="5" | 4
| rowspan="5" | 4
| rowspan="5" |
|-
| Revised
| rowspan="4" | 10
|-
| 50th Anniv.
|-
| 1942 2nd
|-
| 1940 2nd
|-
! rowspan="5" | Tactical<br />bomber
| Classic
| rowspan="4" | n/a
| rowspan="4" | n/a
| rowspan="4" | n/a
|rowspan="4" | n/a
| rowspan="4" |
|-
| Revised
|-
| 50th Anniv.
|-
| 1942 2nd
|-
| 1940 2nd
| 11
| 3/4*
| 3
| 4
| *Tactical bomber attack increases to 4 when paired with fighters or tanks.
|-
! rowspan="5" | Bomber
| Classic
| rowspan="2" | 15
| rowspan="5" | 4
| rowspan="5" | 1
| rowspan="5" | 6
| rowspan="2" | May make a bombing run against opponent's IPCs.
|-
| Revised
|-
| 50th Anniv.
| rowspan="3" | 12
| rowspan="2" |May make a bombing run against opponent's industrial complexes.
|-
| 1942 2nd
|-
| 1940 2nd
| May make bombing runs against opponent's industrial complexes, air bases, and naval bases. Named Strategic Bombers in 1940
|-
! rowspan="5" | Submarine
| Classic
| rowspan="2" | 8
| rowspan="5" | 2
| rowspan="2" | 2
| rowspan="5" | 2
| Submarines shoot before other units, which can be eliminated without returning fire. Can withdraw instead of firing after first round of combat.
|-
| Revised
| Same as above, plus can submerge instead of withdraw, and can also move past hostile ships.
|-
| 50th Anniv.
| rowspan="3" | 6
| rowspan="3" | 1
| rowspan="3" | Submarines shoot before other units, which can be eliminated without returning fire. Can submerge at any time (including before a battle begins), can move past hostile ships but does not block hostile ships.
|-
| 1942 2nd
|-
| 1940 2nd
|-
! rowspan="5" | Transport
| Classic
| rowspan="2" | 8
| rowspan="5" | 0
| rowspan="2" | 1
| rowspan="5" | 2
| Can carry up to 2 infantry, or one of any other land unit.
|-
| Revised
| Can carry any one land unit, plus one infantry.
|-
| 50th Anniv.
| rowspan="3" | 7
| rowspan="3" | 0
| rowspan="3" | Uses ''Revised Edition'' cargo rules.  No longer has combat value,<br /> and chosen as a casualty only if there are no other eligible units.
|-
| 1942 2nd
|-
| 1940 2nd
|-
! rowspan="5" | Destroyer
| Classic
| n/a
| n/a
| n/a
| n/a
|
|-
| Revised
| 12
| 3
| 3
| rowspan="4" | 2
| rowspan="4" | Negates all special submarine abilities.
|-
| 50th Anniv.
| rowspan="3" | 8
| rowspan="3" | 2
| rowspan="3" | 2
|-
| 1942 2nd
|-
| 1940 2nd
|-
! rowspan="5" | Cruiser
| Classic
| rowspan="2" | n/a
| rowspan="2" | n/a
| rowspan="2" | n/a
| rowspan="2" | n/a
| rowspan="2" |
|-
| Revised
|-
| 50th Anniv.
| rowspan="3" |12
| rowspan="3" |3
| rowspan="3" |3
| rowspan="3" |2
| rowspan="3" |Can conduct shore bombardment in amphibious invasions
|-
| 1942 2nd
|-
| 1940 2nd
|-

! rowspan="5" | Aircraft<br />carrier
| Classic
| 18
| rowspan="4" | 1
| rowspan="2" | 3
| rowspan="5" | 2
| rowspan="4" | Can carry two fighters.
|-
| Revised
| 16
|-
| 50th Anniv.
| rowspan="2" | 14
| rowspan="3" | 2
|-
| 1942 2nd
|-
| 1940 2nd
| 16
| 0
| Can carry any combination of two, fighters and tactical bombers.<br />Takes two shots to destroy.
|-
! rowspan="5" | Battleship
| Classic
| rowspan="2" | 24
| rowspan="5" | 4
| rowspan="5" | 4
| rowspan="5" | 2
| Can conduct shore bombardment during amphibious invasions.
|-
| Revised
| rowspan="4" | Can conduct shore bombardment during amphibious invasions.<br />Takes two shots to destroy.
|-
| 50th Anniv.
| rowspan="3" |20
|-
| 1942 2nd
|-
| 1940 2nd
|-
! rowspan="5" | Anti-aircraft<br />Gun<br /><br />Anti-aircraft<br />Artillery<br />(AAA)
| Classic
| rowspan="2" | 5
| rowspan="5" | 0
| rowspan="5" | 1
| rowspan="5" | 1
| rowspan="3" | Only one defensive shot for each attacking aircraft before the first round of combat.<br />Fires at any aircraft moving through the territory.<br />Can only move during noncombat, if it has not fired that turn.
|-
| Revised
|-
| 50th Anniv.
| rowspan="1" | 6
|-
| 1942 2nd
| rowspan="2" | 5
| rowspan="2" | Renamed Antiaircraft Artillery (AAA). Each AAA unit in the territory may fire up to 3 shots, but each attacking air unit may only be fired upon once.<br />In other words, the total number of air defense dice rolled is 3 times the number of AAA units, or the number of attacking air units, whichever is the lesser.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.axisandallies.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Axis-Allies-1942-Second-Edition.pdf|title=Rulebook |website=www.axisandallies.org |access-date=2021-04-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.axisandallies.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Axis-Allies-Pacific-1940-Second-Edition.pdf|title= Rulebook |website=www.axisandallies.org |access-date=2021-04-24}}</ref>
|-
| 1940 2nd
|-
! rowspan="5"| Naval<br />base
| Classic
| rowspan="4"|n/a
|rowspan="4"|n/a
|rowspan="4"|n/a
|rowspan="4"|n/a
|rowspan="4"|
|-
| Revised
|-
| 50th Anniv.
|-
| 1942 2nd
|-
| 1940 2nd
| 15
| 0
| 1
| 0
| Repairs friendly capital ships in adjacent waters.<br />Increases the movement of any naval units that start movement in adjacent waters by 1.<br />Can be damaged by strategic bombing.<br />Fires a defensive shot when being strategically bombed.
|-
! rowspan="5"| Air<br />base
| Classic
| rowspan="4"|n/a
|rowspan="4"|n/a
|rowspan="4"|n/a
|rowspan="4"|n/a
|rowspan="4"|
|-
| Revised
|-
| 50th Anniv.
|-
| 1942 2nd
|-
| 1940 2nd
| 15
| 0
| 1
| 0
| Airbases on islands allow all fighters and tactical bombers to scramble, which defends adjacent sea zones.<br />Increases the movement of any air units that start movement in the territory with the air base by one.<br />Can be damaged by strategic bombing.<br />Fires a defensive shot when being strategically bombed.
|-
! rowspan="5" | Industrial<br />complex
| Classic
| rowspan="4" | 15
| rowspan="4" | 0
| rowspan="4" | 0
| rowspan="4" | 0
| Original complexes have unlimited production for original owner.
|-
| Revised
| All complexes' maximum production limited to the territory value.
|-
| 50th Anniv.
| rowspan="2" | Can be damaged by strategic bombing, reducing the complex's maximum production.
|-
| 1942 2nd
|-
| 1940 2nd
| n/a
| n/a
| n/a
| n/a
|
|-
! rowspan="5"| Minor<br />industrial<br />Complex
| Classic
| rowspan="4"|n/a
|rowspan="4"|n/a
|rowspan="4"|n/a
|rowspan="4"|n/a
|rowspan="4"|
|-
| Revised
|-
| 50th Anniv.
|-
| 1942 2nd
|-
| 1940 2nd
| 12
| 0
| 1
| 0
| Produces a maximum of three units per turn, and can only be built on territories that produce two or more IPCs per turn.<br />Can be damaged by strategic bombing, reducing the complex's maximum production.<br />Can be upgraded to a major industrial complex for 20 IPCs.<br />Fires a defensive shot when being strategically bombed.
|-
! rowspan="5"| Major<br />industrial<br />Complex
| Classic
| rowspan="4"|n/a
|rowspan="4"|n/a
|rowspan="4"|n/a
|rowspan="4"|n/a
|rowspan="4"|
|-
| Revised
|-
| 50th Anniv.
|-
| 1942 2nd
|-
| 1940 2nd
| 30
| 0
| 1
| 0
| Produces a maximum of 10 units a turn, and can only be built on territories that produce three or more IPCs per turn.<br />Can be damaged by strategic bombing, reducing the complex's maximum production.<br />Fires a defensive shot when being strategically bombed.
|-
!Zombie
<br />
|& Zombies
|N/A
|N/A
|N/A
|N/A
|Are only created when an infantry unit is destroyed.
Are not part of a playable nation.

Have special dice and cards.

It can be used in 1942 second edition as an add on with cards.
|}

==Revisions==
Revisions would follow shortly after the game release as the rules didn't always produce results which made sense in the context of the historical setting. For example, the abstraction of submarines fighting airplanes, initially had a restriction that the bomber was the only kind that could attack a sub. This was later revised so that all aircraft could attack submarines.

Although not the very first edition, the Milton Bradley release was the first to establish the well known game mechanics. There were three versions of the rules for the Milton Bradley games, though only the first two were included with the game itself. The third edition rules were exclusive to a computer video game [[Axis & Allies (1998 video game)|''Axis & Allies'']] by Hasbro released in 1998 and [[Axis & Allies (1998 video game)|''Axis & Allies: Iron Blitz'']] with minor additional rules released in 1999. The three editions differed by minor details. There is also a newer [[Axis & Allies (2004 video game)|RTS video game]] released in 2004, a departure from the original ''A&A: Classic'' world map and introducing several tactical battle scenarios.

The first major revision to the rules was designed by Larry Harris and [[Mike Selinker]] (who would later develop the board game ''[[Attack! (board game)|Attack!]]'' based on the experiences learned working with Harris), who tried to address many of the Milton Bradley version's shortcomings, including removing the Axis economic victory condition and the requirement of capturing enemy capitals in favor of ''victory cities'', which has been used in every revision since. With victory cities, the Axis and Allies start with an equal number of victory cities (specially labeled territories), and strive to capture enough victory cities to gain a majority of them (the size of the majority being agreed upon by the players prior to the game). This allows players to play shorter or longer games, depending upon the number of victory cities a power must control in order to claim victory.<ref>A&A Preview #4: [https://web.archive.org/web/20040623030117/http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=ah/article/ah20031223a The Price of Victory] from [[Wizards of the Coast]]</ref>

With each revision, there were also balance changes in order to make gameplay more dynamic: in the Milton Bradley edition, infantry were cheap units that tended to be most useful as defensive [[cannon fodder]], due to their token attack and slightly better defense. This had led to many areas of the game board being heavily fortified, bogging game play down to a matter of who could build more infantry faster. To counteract this, the tank, whose defense ability was equal to infantry in the Milton Bradley release, had its defensive capabilities improved in the revised edition, so as to encourage players to use [[combined arms]].<ref>A&A Preview #14 [https://web.archive.org/web/20040623025038/http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=ah/article/ah20040302a A New Tank Blitzes Into View] from Wizards of the Coast</ref> Other balance changes included altering the costs of the various units, and altering the transport capacity: in the Milton Bradley edition, transports could carry only two infantry or one of any other land unit; later revisions had transports able to carry one infantry in addition to one of any other land unit.

The variety of land and sea units was increased by introducing artillery and destroyers from ''A&A: Europe'' and ''A&A: Pacific'' to ''A&A: Revised'' edition. Artillery increased the effectiveness of infantry in attacks, while destroyers limited the usefulness of submarines and acted as a lower-cost substitute for the expensive battleship. Cruisers were introduced in ''A&A: 50th Anniversary Edition'' to effectively split the destroyer's many abilities. While destroyers continue to limit the usefulness of submarines, the stronger cruisers now act as lower cost battleships.

The game board itself was also reworked in each revision. The Milton Bradley classic release featured largely vibrant colors, while the revised version featured mainly darker tones. The 50th anniversary edition and 1942 edition has a more realistic terrain with only subtle hints of color to denote which power has initial control over a particular territory. The composition of territories was also slightly altered, for example, the number of territories between [[Berlin]] and [[Moscow]] had been increased for the revised edition, including adding many Soviet territories of strategic importance.<ref>A&A Preview #13 [https://web.archive.org/web/20040623023702/http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=ah/article/ah20040227b Brave New World] from Wizards of the Coast</ref>

Strategic bombing was altered over the years. Until the revised edition, strategic bombing caused opposing players to lose the IPCs they had on hand. The 50th anniversary edition changed this so that industrial complexes were damaged instead. Damaged industrial complexes had less capacity to produce units and can be repaired at the cost of IPCs.

Later revisions have also included changes in research (which was generally not a worthwhile investment in the Milton Bradley edition due to its high cost and low probability of success) to have more of an effect, with mixed results, ''1942 edition'' eliminates research altogether. Another feature that was implemented but was later dropped was the revised edition's "National Advantages", which represented tactics and technologies used by a specific power during the war. For example, a British ability allowed the British player to delay their combat movement until the American player's turn once per game, in order to have a coordinated attack.

Later editions had minor cosmetic changes in the playing pieces. In the Milton Bradley version, only the infantry pieces were unique to each power in appearance. Unique units was later expanded to include nearly every unit in later editions. Compared to the generic fighters of the Milton Bradley release, the [[Supermarine Spitfire]] was used in later editions to represent British fighters, the [[Mitsubishi A6M Zero]] was used to represent Japanese fighters, while two different fighters (the [[Grumman F4F Wildcat]] and the [[Lockheed P-38 Lightning]]) represented American fighters. The color scheme to associate units with powers was also standardized across all ''Axis & Allies'' series games, based on the colors used in ''A&A: Europe'' and ''A&A: Pacific'', and is different from those used in the Milton Bradley release.

In 2009, an updated version of ''Axis & Allies: Pacific'' was released, titled ''Axis & Allies: Pacific 1940''. The 10th board game in the ''A&A'' series, ''A&AP 1940'' introduced the ANZAC forces as a playable power, along with two new unit types, mechanized infantry and tactical bombers.

In 2010, an updated version of ''Axis & Allies: Europe'' was released, titled ''Axis & Allies: Europe 1940''. ''A&AE 1940'' introduced France as a playable power. Mechanized infantry and tactical bomber units continue to appear after debuting in ''A&A Pac40''. Italy also appears as a playable power in ''A&AE 1940'' after debuting in ''A&A 50''. In ''A&AE 1940'' and ''A&AP 1940'' aircraft carriers and battleships are capital ships that are damaged with 1 hit and sunk with 2 hits. Damaged CVs & BBs can be repaired by moving the damaged CV or BB to a friendly naval base for repairs. Special rules apply for fighters and tactical bombers if a CV is damaged. ''A&AE 1940'' is the 11th ''A&A'' boardgame in the series. ''A&AE 1940'' and ''A&AP 1940'' are designed to be played as separate games or may be combined into one game to create a 2-6 player global 1940 scenario, complete with separate set up and national objectives. The combined ''A&AE 1940'' and ''A&AP 1940'' maps measure 175x80 cm (70" x 32"). All 9 major powers of World War II are represented with unique unit pieces and their own unique color.

==Board games==
In addition to designing the board games, Larry Harris had also designed ''A&A: Europe'' and ''A&A: Pacific'', which had the core mechanics of ''Axis & Allies'' adapted for a specific theater. This, in turn, served as the catalyst for the revised edition. Although there were preliminary plans for a variant that allowed players to combine ''Europe'' and ''Pacific'' together, it had never been published. Larry Harris has announced two completely new editions, ''Axis & Allies Pacific 1940'' released in December 2009 and ''Axis & Allies Europe 1940'' released in Summer 2010, which will also include a variant that combines both games together.

Other Harris-designed ''Axis & Allies'' games were more tactical in nature, and focused on individual battles in specified, small areas: ''[[Axis & Allies: D-Day]]'' (2004) focused on [[Operation Overlord|the Allied liberation of France]], ''[[Axis & Allies: Battle of the Bulge]]'' (2006) focused on the [[Battle of the Bulge]], while ''[[Axis & Allies: Guadalcanal]]'' (2007) focused on the [[Solomon Islands Campaign]]. Though these games retained many of the traditional mechanics, some were specific to the particular game.

==Reception==
[[Warren Spector]] reviewed the 1984 Milton Bradley version of ''Axis & Allies'' in ''[[Space Gamer]]'' No. 72.<ref name="SG">{{cite journal|last=Spector |first=Warren |author-link=Warren Spector |date=Jan–Feb 1985 |title=Capsule Reviews|journal=[[Space Gamer]]|publisher=[[Steve Jackson Games]]|issue=72|pages=32}}</ref> Spector commented that "Overall, ''Axis & Allies'' is a winner. It's simple to learn, easy to play, requires lots of thought, and has immense replay value (since each country has unique goals, resources, and geography)."<ref name="SG"/>

In a retrospective review in Issue 4 of ''Simulacrum'', Joe Scoleri noted, "Sometimes seen as the bane of 'serious' wargamers, this design has stood the test of time and the Milton Bradley re-release served to introduce a whole new generation to wargaming. While it won't please the ''[[Advanced Third Reich]]'' crowd, it is an entertaining game nonetheless."<ref name="sim4">{{cite magazine |last=Scoleri |first=Joe |date=May 1999|title=Axis & Allies|magazine=Simulacrum |issue=4|pages = 18–19}}</ref>

''Axis & Allies'' was declared the best-selling physical wargame in August 1996, having eclipsed the 275,000 copies sold by ''[[PanzerBlitz]]'', the second-highest seller in the genre.<ref name=sales>{{cite magazine| author=Coleman, Terry |title=No Joystick Required |date=August 1996 |issue=145| magazine=[[Computer Gaming World]] | pages=179, 180 }}</ref> It went on to sell roughly 1 million copies by 1998.<ref name=sales2>{{cite magazine |title=The Holiday Hot 100; Wargames | author=Staff |issue=173 |date=December 1998 |page=203 |magazine=[[Computer Gaming World]] }}</ref>

In a review of ''Axis & Allies'' in ''[[Black Gate (magazine)|Black Gate]]'', M Harold Page said "Its big advantage is that its historical setting can draw in less geeky players. There are, however, rules to learn and master."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.blackgate.com/2014/12/04/five-geeky-gaming-christmas-present-ideas/|title=Five Geeky Gaming Christmas Present Ideas – Black Gate|date=4 December 2014|accessdate=16 February 2024}}</ref>

==Video games==
Two video games based on the official board game were released in 1998 and 2004. ''[[Axis & Allies (1998 video game)|Axis & Allies]]'' by [[Hasbro]] released in 1998. It features a departure from the original ''A&A: Classic'' world map and introduces several tactical battlefield scenarios. ''[[Axis & Allies (1998 video game)|Axis & Allies: Iron Blitz]]'' released as an updated version in 1999 with minor additional rules and features marines, paratroopers, destroyers, and kamikazes. ''[[Axis & Allies (2004 video game)|Axis & Allies: RTS]]'' by [[TimeGate Studios]] released in 2004 and is primarily based on [[real-time strategy]] gameplay. ''[[Axis & Allies (2004 video game)|Axis & Allies: RTS Collector's Edition]]'' released as an expanded version in 2006. The game became TimeGate's best-selling game.<ref name="timegate_about">{{cite web |url=http://timegate.com/about/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120508003855/http://timegate.com/about/ |archive-date=2012-05-08 |access-date=2018-02-08 |title=About TimeGate |publisher=[[TimeGate Studios]]}}</ref>

In 2008, Wizards of the Coast created an online version of Axis & Allies as part of their Gleemax game site. When Gleemax was cancelled the game found its way to the [[GameTable Online]] game site, who programmed the game for Wizards of the Coast. The initial version was based on the 2004 Revised edition.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.axisandallies.org/p/axis_allies_revised_on_game_table_online_at_gleemax/|title=Axis & Allies Revised on Game Table Online at Gleemax|date=June 13, 2008}}</ref> In September 2010 GameTable Online has developed a new version based on the Axis & Allies: 1942 set.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Gamasutra|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/pressreleases/63482/GameTable_Online_brings_Axis__Allies_1942_to_theInternetnbsp.php|title=GameTable Online Brings Axis & Allies 1942 to the Internet|date=2010-09-28|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120719120352/http://www.axisandallies.org/p/axis_allies_revised_on_game_table_online_at_gleemax/|archive-date=2012-07-19|access-date=2010-09-29|url-status=dead}}</ref>  Game Table Online is no longer available, as it shut down in 2015.  Axis and Allies and many different variants can currently be played via the TripleA website.

''[[TripleA]]'' is an open source adaptation of Axis & Allies, available for Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.<ref>{{cite web|title=TripleA Game: The World's Foremost Open Source Grand Strategy Game|url=https://triplea-game.org/|publisher=TripleA Contributors|year=2019}}</ref> It allows users to play single player against an AI, or hot-seat against other friends in the same room. It allows multiplayer on an online lobby, and also over email (PBEM) and network connections. Originally released in 2002, ''TripleA'' is now on stable version 2.2 as of year 2020.  Version 2.2 is able to play the major versions of ''Axis & Allies: Classic'', ''Axis & Allies:Revised'', ''Axis & Allies: 50th Anniversary Edition'', ''Axis & Allies: Spring 1942''. It also hosts many fan created maps, which have similar rules to Axis & Allies, but use a different setup or a different map or era altogether, for example, historical scenarios like a map based on [[Napoleon|Napoleon's]] conquests, Sci-Fi maps and Fantasy maps. 

In 2019, ''Axis & Allies 1942 Online'' was published by [[Beamdog]].<ref>{{cite web| url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/898920/Axis__Allies_1942_Online/|title=Axis & Allies 1942 Online|publisher=Valve Corporation|website=store.steampowered.com}}</ref>

==Miniature games==
In 2005, ''[[Axis & Allies Miniatures]]'' was released as the series' first foray into [[Miniature wargaming|miniature gaming]]. This was followed up by ''[[Axis & Allies Naval Miniatures: War at Sea]]'', with ''[[Axis & Allies Air Force Miniatures: Angels Twenty]]'' being released in October, 2011. There have been several additional ''A&A Miniatures'' booster set releases. Currently there are 20 countries represented in ''A&A Miniatures''.

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{commons cat}}
* {{Official website}}
* [http://www.harrisgamedesign.com/ Official website of Larry Harris Game Design] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301154201/http://www.harrisgamedesign.com/ |date=2021-03-01 }}, Creator of ''Axis & Allies''
*[https://archive.org/details/games811986november/page/n37/mode/2up Review] in [[Games (magazine)|Games]]

{{Grand strategy wargames}}
{{Axis & Allies}}
{{Gamemaster}}
{{Avalon Hill}}
{{Milton Bradley}}
{{Hasbro}} 

{{DEFAULTSORT:Axis and Allies}}
[[Category:Axis & Allies]]
[[Category:Avalon Hill games]]
[[Category:Board games introduced in 1981]]
[[Category:World War II grand strategy wargames]]
[[Category:Hasbro franchises]]
[[Category:Larry Harris (game designer) games]]
[[Category:Milton Bradley Company games]]
[[Category:Nova Game Designs games]]
[[Category:Origins Award winners]]
[[Category:World War II board wargames]]