
The CaS system emphasizes technical and historical accuracy woven into a streamlined, easy to follow rules structure that keeps the action fast-paced and fun. Much of the information used in CaS was drawn from declassified international naval and government documents. Combat resolution is built around a single die roll philosophy that keeps the players focused on the battle and not on the mechanics of the rules.
CaS 5th edition is now released. Updating the rules to the fifth edition also includes updating the Player’s Handbook and the Expanded Critical Hit tables. Since this is a new edition, it’s not a free update. Players will have to purchase either the .pdf or print version (or both at a bundle discount). On the other hand, the Fleet series update brings all CaS supplements up to fifth edition standard, and players’ .pdfs will be updated automatically at no additional cost. We will offer new print versions. They’ll all have "5th edition" on the cover instead of "2012 Standard," which is now moot.
The major changes in CaS 5th edition are:
- Visual detection rules (major changes)
- Searchlights, starshells, and parachute flare bombs (complete re-write with significant content expansion)
- Sonar detection rules (complete re-write)
- Depth charge attack rules (complete re-write with simplified rules)
- ASW projector attack rules (complete re-write)
- Ship size class distinctions (specifically, the definition of a small craft)
- Altitude band definitions
- Submarine battery endurance
- Aircraft endurance
- Combat Air Patrol
- Acoustic homing torpedoes
In the past, each new edition has its share of typos and conflicts, since there were so many changes. We encourage (actually depend on) players to ask us questions and point out typos and inconsistencies. We post errata for all our products on our website, and when enough has accumulated, we update the .pdf file on the Wargame Vault, which automatically updates everyone who has purchased the file. So telling us about an error improves the game for everyone.