Napoléon: The Waterloo Campaign, 1815
- Players
- 2-3
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 2 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 120 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 12+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 2.5 / 5
- Year
- 1974
About the game
Napoléon: The Waterloo Campaign, 1815 recreates the decisive June 1815 battle where Napoleon's returned French army clashed with Wellington's British and Dutch forces, aided by arriving Prussian reinforcements. Played on a mapboard depicting southern Belgium, the game uses wooden blocks as unit counters, which hide unit strength and identity from opponents to simulate the fog of war. It supports two or three players, with the three-player variant splitting the allied side between separate British and Prussian commanders. Multiple editions exist with differing numbers of blocks and rules details, ranging from shorter, simpler versions to more detailed ones with named leader blocks. As one of the earliest and most influential block wargames, it remains a benchmark for the genre decades after its original release.
Hobbli's Notes
Hobbli's team regards this as a genuine classic of the wargaming hobby: the block-based fog of war is still one of the cleanest, most elegant ways to hide information in a wargame. It plays faster than most Napoleonic-era wargames, which makes it a good entry point for players curious about the genre. The historical framing gives real weight to each decision, especially around when to commit reserves. Just be aware that different printings have different rules, so it's worth confirming which edition you're picking up.
What we like
- Iconic wooden-block fog-of-war system hides unit strength and identity.
- Historically grounded recreation of the Waterloo campaign.
- Supports both 2-player and 3-player asymmetric configurations.
- Relatively fast-playing compared to many wargames.
- Decades-proven classic design refined across multiple editions.
Keep in mind
- Wargame subject matter and mechanics require an interested audience.
- Different editions have varying rules, which can create confusion.
- Some historical or military familiarity helps appreciate the strategy.
- Longer playtime and setup than lighter strategy games.
Who it's for
Best for wargame enthusiasts aged 12+ who enjoy historical simulations and are comfortable with a 2-hour, moderately complex block wargame.
