how do you asctivate Italy? I have 2x pro axis markers

[luibina]

Hi guys,

as in the subject me and my buddy are playing for the first time and we don't understand how to activate Italy. Hungary has been activated by a double pro axis marker but it does not work with Italy

https://boardgamearena.com/10/unconditi ... =599766103

thanks!

[Lord Vasta]

Welcome and thanks for trying out the game. Under the latest rules, Italy, Spain, and Turkey require three Pro-faction markers to activate.

Over the years experienced Axis players became very adept at activating at least two of those countries in a game. While the game was designed with allowing that, it was not the intention of it happening often. Therefore, we increased the activation to "3 hits" to reduce how often that occurred.

Sal

[luibina]

Thank you very much Salvatore,
now I've found the latest rules

just to be sure .. does that mean that always 3 tokens are required to bring Italy into war? Even for the axis?
I do understand the willingness to limit somehow an axis activation of Turkey/Spain but with 3+2+2+2+(those removed by the allied) markers needed for the German, It seems kind of difficult to activate Italy and the other minors as historically happened

Ciao
Luigi

[Lord Vasta]

Yes, Italy needs 3. Historically, many Axis allies joined after the fall of France and in 1941. Under the old diplomacy rules, it happened much more quickly and Italy joined one side or the other before France fell. Requiring 3 for Italy means the Axis player must focus its early efforts getting it (assuming it wants Italy) but it isn't as quick as before. That also helps push back other allies to activating later.

If you play the board or Vassal version of the game, you could start the game with a Pro-Axis marker in Italy.

[RobertBr]

As noted with a few games you will get much better at activating units with the Axis. I currently have Italy and Turkey, as well as Greece and Iraq activated in a East First opening. In older versions I would probably also have Spain, Sweden, and 2 or 3 other minor allies activated. The changes feel harsh in your first few games but they give you something closer to historical levels of German allies once you have some experience.

[Deckeon]

Just my opinion but that's insane. The USSR entry is already way to aggressive vs historical. The 1939 scenario is getting bizarre alt reality. If the initiative advantage for Axis is really the problem they should temper that.

How does the boardgame do this?

[MarkDey]

How does the boardgame do this?

Can you clarify what you're asking about? I ask because the question doesn't seem to match with the topic.