From the back of the included magazine: CoS takes a focused look at the climactic German offensive of the Eastern Front known as Operation Citadel, or the Battle of Kursk. The scenarios contained in CoS depict some of the many struggles, both large and small, that occurred on the southern part of the Kursk salient between Army Group South and the Voronezh Front in the first half of July, 1943.

The fighting on the southern salient at Kursk was immense in scope, ferocious in nature, epic in consequence, and was witness to one of the largest tank engagements in history. Fighting during the battle led to staggering losses for both combatants.

Crucible of Steel includes the following:

32 Action-Packed Scenarios
2 full sheets of counters, depicting more units, weapons, vehicles, and planes that are depicted in the scenarios
3 double-wide 16"x22" geomorphic mapboards. These maps represent the "tank-country" and villages of Kursk, and are printed in two 8"x22" sections on heavy card stock (BFP DW-2, DW-3, DW-4)
3 8"x22" geomorphic mapboards, also printed on heavy card stock (BFP L, M, N)
Huge magazine with articles on the project, slopes, fortifications, and dug-in tanks
Rules pages describing new terrain counters, vehicle listings/notes, and special units