
- BGG rank
- BGG #13,296
- BGG rating
- 7.6
Jackson at the Crossroads: Cross Keys & Port Republic, June 8-9, 1862
- 1–2 players
- 240 min
- Complexity 3.8/5
- 1981

1990
Rules assistance for Shell Shock!
Plain-language explanations of turns, card effects and disputed situations, with official source references and saved question history.
For 2 players

What would you like to know?
Answers come from the official rulebook, with the page to check.
Shell Shock! is a board game released in 1990 for 2–4 players and 180–360 minutes per game. It was designed by Joseph Reiser and its main mechanics are Hexagon Grid.
Shell Shock! is a two-player game of combat, adventure and heroism in World War II Europe; adapted from the award-winning and incredibly popular Ambush! solitaire game. In each of six missions, one player commands a squad of German infantry while another commands American, British, or Soviet troops. The players determine the composition of their squads - men, weapons, and equipment - and purchase Light and Heavy supports to assist them in the mission - from foxholes and barbed wire to artillery support. Every playing is different as the intensity of the battle, mission objectives, forces and weather change. Contents: One 22" x 32" Map Display with one 16" x 18 " Map Four 8" x 16" Maps (B-E) 540 Counters (3 Sheets total) One Rule Booklet Two Mission Booklets Two Player Cards Two Squad Record Pads Two Vehicle Displays 120 Playing Cards - 46 Random Event - 30 Allied Aid Card - 30 German Aid Card - 8 Special Guest - 6 Crew Vehicle One Counter Tray Two ten-sided dice
Shell Shock! supports 2–4 players according to the catalogue. This range comes from the publisher’s listed player count, so the game can be set up for any group size within it. Some setups, rules and scoring details may still vary by player count, so check your edition’s rulebook for the exact configuration.
The listed playing time for Shell Shock! is 180–360 minutes. This is the publisher’s estimate for a full game. The actual duration depends on the group, the player count and familiarity with the rules: first sessions usually run longer, while experienced groups often finish faster. Setup and teaching time are not included in this estimate.
Shell Shock! has a complexity rating of 3.1 out of 5 from BoardGameGeek players, which makes it a medium-weight game. The rating reflects how much rules knowledge, planning and decision-making a typical game demands. Expect a longer first teach for heavier games, and use a preparation guide before game night.
Shell Shock! belongs to these categories: Wargame and World War II. Its main mechanics are Hexagon Grid. Categories describe the theme and setting of a game, while mechanics describe what players actually do on their turns. Each mechanic links to a catalogue hub with similar games, which helps when you want something comparable.
The credited designers of Shell Shock! are: Joseph Reiser. These credits come from the published game data and name the people responsible for the game’s design, not its illustrators or publishers. Designer pages on MeepleRules collect other titles by the same designers, which helps when you enjoy a game and want to find similar ones.
The catalogue lists Shell Shock! as a base game. It can be played on its own with the components in the box and does not require any other title. Expansions, if any exist, add new content or rules on top of it and are listed separately in the catalogue with a link back to this base game.