Preview: Leviathans: The Great War – Operation Ragnar Soars Onto the Horizon

Get ready to take to the skies once again! Catalyst Game Labs is preparing to relaunch one of the most anticipated titles in steampunk tabletop gaming — Leviathans: The Great War – Operation Ragnar.

This upcoming release revisits the legendary world of Leviathans, where massive flying battleships dominate the skies of an alternate early 20th century. With a mix of deep tactical play, rich lore, and jaw-dropping miniatures, Operation Ragnar is shaping up to be a standout release for strategy and wargame fans alike.

⚙️ A Glimpse Into the World of Leviathans

Set in an alternate history, Leviathans: The Great War reimagines naval warfare in the age of industrial empires. When scientists discovered a revolutionary Tesla-based technology that allows heavy vessels to lift off the ground, the world’s great powers took to the air — bringing their rivalries with them.

In Operation Ragnar, two of the world’s mightiest nations face off:

• The British Empire, fielding refined, balanced warships that combine heavy armor and precision firepower.

• The Russian Empire, unleashing hulking aerial dreadnoughts brimming with torpedoes and reinforced plating.

Each fleet comes with detailed stat cards, unique classes, and distinct tactical strengths. Players will manage energy, weapons, and crew in a system that rewards planning as much as daring.

💥 What Makes Operation Ragnar Exciting

From what we’ve seen so far, Operation Ragnar isn’t just a reprint — it’s a revitalization. Catalyst has modernized the gameplay and production, delivering stunning ship miniatures, improved mechanics, and new campaign content that ties scenarios together into a larger conflict.

The combat system uses hex-based movement, firing arcs, and damage tracking through ship control sheets — where each hit can cripple vital systems like engines, armor, or weapon mounts. The inclusion of Tesla Coil Trim Tanks, Crew Add actions, and Armor Breach results makes every dice roll meaningful.

This is not a game of simple exchanges — it’s a dance of strategy and attrition, where positioning and timing decide who rules the sky.

🖼️ Gorgeous Components and Design

The components we’ve previewed are nothing short of spectacular. The airship miniatures — like the HML Prometheus or Rurik cruiser — are beautifully detailed, capturing the industrial aesthetic of riveted armor, gun turrets, and propeller fins.

The ship cards are designed to look like engineering blueprints from an Edwardian naval office, complete with ornate typography and clean system layouts. They balance functionality with period style, making every battle feel immersive.

The Operation Ragnar box also includes campaign missions, tokens, and custom dice, giving players everything they need to start their fleet warfare right out of the box.

🧭 Compatible with BattleTech Mats

A major bonus for tabletop fans — Leviathans: The Great War is fully compatible with BattleTech game mats!

If you already have hex-based terrain from your BattleTech sessions, you can use them seamlessly for Leviathans gameplay. The scales match perfectly, meaning your skies can span over cities, canyons, or industrial landscapes from existing mats.

For players who love both franchises, this compatibility adds incredible versatility and value.

⚔️ British and Russian Fleets Take the Field

The British ships, like the HML Cairo, Prometheus, and Mafeking, emphasize discipline and versatility. They excel at coordinated attacks, defensive positioning, and balanced systems.

The Russians, including vessels like the Mariya, Sterliad, and Rurik, favor raw power — thick armor, devastating broadside torpedoes, and stubborn resilience.

Every ship type — from destroyers to cruisers and battleships — plays a unique role, encouraging fleet composition and synergy. Whether you prefer tactical finesse or overwhelming firepower, there’s a playstyle to match your command style.

🎮 Campaign and Story Elements

Operation Ragnar isn’t just a one-off skirmish box; it’s the start of an ongoing narrative. The campaign system lets players link battles, track damage, and evolve their fleets across multiple sessions.

Each mission has a purpose — from intercepting convoys to defending cities — giving the sense of participating in an unfolding war. This narrative focus is a huge step forward from the original release, transforming Leviathans into both a game and a storytelling experience.

🏗️ A New Era 

Longtime fans of the original Leviathans from 2012 will recognize familiar DNA — but Catalyst Game Labs has clearly learned from experience. The new ruleset feels smoother, cleaner, and more accessible while maintaining the rich tactical core that made the original a cult hit.

With updated art, better materials, and fresh campaign content, Operation Ragnar looks poised to bring the franchise to new heights — literally and figuratively.

🏰 Coming Soon to The Hidden Lair

Leviathans: The Great War – Operation Ragnar is coming soon to The Hidden Lair in Mt. Zion, IL!

We’re eagerly preparing for its arrival and can’t wait to bring this skyfaring spectacle to our tables. 

Whether you’re a wargaming veteran or new to the genre, Leviathans offers an unforgettable blend of strategy, theme, and visual flair.