Editing Fulda Gap (section)

== Game format ==

Fulda Gap is structured around a fictional Warsaw Pact invasion of Western Europe during the mid-1980s.

Participants are divided into two opposing armies:

* '''NATO:''' Represents the Western military alliance, including American, British and West German formations.
* '''Warsaw Pact:''' Represents Soviet and allied Eastern European military formations.

Each army is led by an appointed general and supporting command staff.

Players join formations based on historical military units, including infantry, airborne, special operations and armoured units. These formations retain their identities between annual events.[7]

The game is designed as a strategic competition rather than a scripted historical re-enactment. Commanders determine how to deploy their forces, respond to opposing movements and pursue battlefield objectives.

=== Battlefield objectives ===

The playing field is divided into several strategic locations, including fortified bases, towns, bridges and observation positions.

Named locations include Firebase Alpha, Firebase Bravo, Sim City and Hamburger Hill.[7]

Points are awarded through controlling designated objectives and completing assigned missions.

Scenario rules incorporate simulated artillery, air strikes, engineering missions and tactical nuclear attacks.

Bridges and fortified positions can be temporarily disabled through special mission cards and engineering actions, altering movement and access to battlefield objectives.[7]

=== Paintball tanks ===

Armoured vehicles are a prominent feature of Fulda Gap.

Both armies may deploy purpose-built paintball tanks, which operate under separate vehicle and anti-tank rules.

Tanks support infantry operations, attack fortified objectives and provide mobile firepower.

The number of participating tanks has varied between editions, with 16 recorded in 2019 and ten in 2025.[1][6]

=== Event schedule ===

Fulda Gap normally takes place over a weekend in November.

The established programme includes Saturday daytime competition, a Saturday night game and further scenario competition on Sunday.[8]

Players eliminated during a battle return through designated reinsertion areas, allowing extended periods of continuous gameplay.

The event also includes camping, equipment vendors and associated social activities.