In the Shadows - Resistance in France 1943 - 1944

France, January 1943: the war isn't just being fought at the front, but in alleys, stations, and cellars. In the Shadows is a card-driven wargame for 1–2 players that recounts the desperate struggle of the French Resistance against the Nazi occupation forces and collaborators, up until June 1944. Here, the tension isn't about who can conquer the most hexes, but who can control hearts and minds before time runs out.

At the table, you can be the Resistance or the Occupation: two opposing roles, both filled with tough choices. The Resistance thrives on calculated risks, stealth, and a presence that must emerge without being crushed. The Occupation, on the other hand, focuses on resources, control, and repression, trying to shut down the clandestine network before it becomes irreversible. It's a strategic board game that remains accessible, yet still gives you that "every move leaves a trace" feeling.

The system is card-driven: events, hand management, and action points create a taut, cinematic rhythm, with variable setup and area-based movement that makes the map instantly understandable. The die adds friction and uncertainty, but the real difference is made by decisions: where to invest, when to push, when to stay in the shadows. And above all: what are you willing to sacrifice for an advantage now?

Victory is decided by a delicate balance between the Occupation's resources and the Resistance's required units at the end of the turn, so it's not enough to "do it right": you have to do it at the right time. And if you enjoy playing alone, there's a narrative solo board game mode where you play as a Resistance leader, with different characters that change the experience and an Occupation automation designed to be challenging and immersive.