Quick Answer

For solitaire play, take the American side and set up the coastal artillery, anti-aircraft guns, and available fighters according to the defensive setup, then use the solo rules to control the Japanese attackers.

Why Solitaire Works for Wake Island

Wake Island: A Heroic Defiance is a natural fit for solitaire because the American player has a fixed defensive position with limited resources and no chance of reinforcement. That asymmetry creates a tense puzzle: you must make every artillery shot, every fighter sortie, and every anti-aircraft burst count at the right moment. The solo rules let you focus on that decision-making without needing a second player to run the Japanese assault.

What You Need Before Starting

Before you begin, make sure you have the game components from Wake Island: A Heroic Defiance. You'll need the map, the American and Japanese unit counters, the dice, and the scenario book. If you're missing any counters, check the errata or replacement counter guide on the Lock n Load Publishing site. Also, have a notepad or the solo aid sheet ready to track Japanese actions and victory points.

Solitaire Setup Steps

  1. Set Up the Map and Scenario: Place the Wake Island map on your table and choose the scenario that matches the historical battle you want to play. For solitaire, use the scenario that pits the American defenders against the Japanese invasion force. Ensure you have the correct scenario card and victory conditions. Check that the scenario card matches the map orientation and that you have the right turn track.
  2. Place American Defensive Units: Set up the American coastal artillery, anti-aircraft guns, and any available fighters in their designated hexes on the map. Refer to the scenario setup instructions for exact placement. Remember, these units have no second chance—once destroyed, they're gone. Double-check that each unit is in its correct hex and that you've noted which ones are operational at the start.
  3. Set Up Japanese Forces: Place the Japanese invasion units in their entry areas or on the ships as indicated by the scenario. For solitaire, you'll control them using the solo rules, which typically involve a simple AI decision table or a set of priority targets. Make sure you have the solo rules reference handy to determine Japanese actions each turn.
  4. Review Solitaire Rules: Read through the solitaire-specific rules in the rulebook. These often cover how to determine Japanese activation, target selection, and combat resolution. Understand how the AI reacts to your moves, especially when you have to decide between firing coastal artillery or holding it for a better shot. If anything is unclear, mark that section and refer to the official FAQ or forums before you start.
  5. Start with the First Turn: Begin the game by following the turn sequence. In solitaire, you'll typically move first as the American player, then activate the Japanese forces using the solo rules. Keep track of victory points and any special events. Record the starting turn and any initial conditions on your notepad to avoid mistakes later.

Product Facts

  • Wake Island: A Heroic Defiance: Wake Island had a few hundred Marines, some civilian construction workers, and no realistic prospect of relief. It held anyway, twice. This historical context explains why the American side is outnumbered and must use every asset carefully, which is exactly the challenge you'll face in solitaire play.

    Wake Island: A Heroic Defiance

    Wake Island: A Heroic Defiance