Zulus on the Ramparts!: The Battle of Rorke's Drift - Second Edition
- Players
- 1
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 1 player
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 25 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 12+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 2.1 / 5
- Year
- 2009
About the game
Zulus on the Ramparts!: The Battle of Rorke's Drift is a solitaire wargame recreating the legendary 1879 defense of the Mission Station at Rorke's Drift, where roughly 140 British soldiers held off over 4,000 Zulu warriors. Using the States of Siege system, players manage besieged defenses across multiple attack tracks, deploying action cards, chit-pulls, and dice rolling to hold the line as the enemy advances turn by turn. Each 15-45 minute turn ramps up the tension as barricades are reinforced and heroes emerge. Rated a 9 out of 9 for solitaire suitability, it's built specifically for solo historical wargamers.
Hobbli's Notes
Hobbli's editorial team appreciates Zulus on the Ramparts! as a tightly-designed, historically grounded solitaire wargame that captures real desperation and tension. The States of Siege system elegantly conveys a losing battle against overwhelming odds without requiring a second player. Its short, sharp turns make it easy to fit in a session even with limited time. It's an excellent entry point for solo wargamers curious about the States of Siege series.
What we like
- Purpose-built solitaire design rated top marks for solo suitability.
- Historically grounded recreation of a famous, dramatic battle.
- Quick turns keep tension high without requiring a long session.
- States of Siege system elegantly conveys overwhelming odds.
Keep in mind
- Strictly solo, so it offers nothing for group play.
- Historical wargame theme and chit-pull mechanics may not appeal broadly.
- Component-heavy setup (laser-cut pieces, assembly) adds prep time.
Who it's for
Solo wargame enthusiasts ages 12+ interested in 19th-century military history.
