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)

The minor changes in CaS 5th edition are:

         - 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

Many rule sections were brought over from Dawn of the Battleship, Fear God & Dread Nought, and Harpoon so that play is consistent between all four games.

      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.

       Chang Lei’s Birth of the PLAN is s a Command at Sea (CaS)supplement that will show the many fierce surface and air battles that took place between the Chinese Communist and Nationalist Chinese forces in the late 1940s and 1950s. There’s a lot of history in it, as well as Annexes covering the equipment of both sides – a mixture of second and sometimes third-hand US, IJN, British, and Soviet equipment.

       Development of Harpoon Theater of War (Captain’s Edition 2.0) is underway. We plan to run a "proof of concept" test game at Historicon later in July.

       On a not-to-interfere basis with CE 2.0 development, we’ll start a couple of new projects.

       Japan’s Self Defense Forces will be the next Navies supplement. It will be a single book.

       After that will come the long-promised FG&DN annex book listing the other important, but less involved, navies of the WW I era.