9.0
rating
Ludopedia
8.6
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS
For historical wargamers who crave a massive board: Gettysburg at its most tactical and immersive.
Highlights
- Epic scale with streamlined rules
- Nail-biting tactical choices
- Unpredictable historical events
Keep in mind
- Language-dependent (needs translation)
- LONG playtime (up to 72h!)
Rules manual not indexed yet
Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.
About the game
What you do in a play session
In *A Most Fearful Sacrifice*, you relive the three decisive days of the Battle of Gettysburg, the turning point of the American Civil War. With a massive board (15 sq ft!) and 526 pieces, this two-player tactical wargame throws you into the fray—from Buford’s cavalry’s opening shots to the bloody finale. The *Black Swan* system (an evolution of the acclaimed *Blind Swords*) streamlines rules without sacrificing depth: Corps-level activations speed up play, but tactical choices—like prioritizing divisions—keep tension high. Cards replace random chits, and the three 'FOWs' (*Fog*, *Friction*, *Fortunes of War*) ensure neither Lee nor Meade ever has full control. Expect unpredictable historical events (those game-changing 'black swans') and hours of nail-biting strategy. Pro tip: Don’t underestimate Cemetery Hill!
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
Best player count
BGG community vote
2
BEST
3
REC
4
REC
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
Loading playlist...
Where to Buy
Prices monitored daily
Finding best prices...
Prices unavailable at this time.
Price history — last 6 months (lowest new offer)
Alert enabled!
Join the BoardGamesBot deals group
Get the best board game deals every day — without message spam.
Join the WhatsApp groupGame details
Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Flying Pig Games, Tiny Battle Publishing
Designer
Hermann Luttmann
Artist
José Ramón Faura, Mark Maritato, Rick Barber
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
1,177owners
326wishlist
69want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
How long is a typical game?
Scenario-dependent: from 1h (isolated engagements) to 72h for the full 3-day battle (yes, it’s a weekend project!).
Is it language-dependent?
Yes, all cards and manuals are in English. Non-English speakers will need translations or fluency.
Good for wargame newbies?
Not the simplest, but the *Black Swan* system is more approachable than most tactical titles. Try 1-2 hex-based wargames first.
Player count?
Best at 2 (Union vs. Confederacy). Rules don’t support more, but house rules could allow 'command teams' per side.
How does it differ from other Gettysburg games?
Tactical focus (you manage divisions, not armies) and 'black swan' events—rare twists that mirror historical turning points.
Other Games You'll Like
Based on mechanics and theme