—
rating
Ludopedia
7.0
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS
Perfect for history buffs craving tactical depth in the American Civil War. The chit-pull system adds nail-biting tension to every decision.
Highlights
- Distinct battles with unified rules
- Ratio-driven combat resolution
- Detailed hex maps
- Variable unit scales
Keep in mind
- Playtime can stretch for hours
- Low randomness may deter some
- Basic components (typical of old-school wargames)
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
Across 5 Aprils is a tactical-level wargame for two players, covering five pivotal battles of the American Civil War: Bull Run, Pea Ridge, Shiloh, Gettysburg, and Bentonville. Each battle operates as a standalone game with unique maps and unit counters, all tied together by a consistent core system. The chit-pull mechanic drives the action — draw your formation's chit, and it's time to maneuver! If the 'Combat' chit appears, all engagements are resolved simultaneously using a ratio-based combat results table. Unit scales shift between scenarios (from regiments to brigades), offering fresh challenges in every clash. Expect tough choices: push forward or wait for backup? Charge head-on or outflank? With detailed hex maps and rules that capture the fog of war, it's a must for military history buffs.
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
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
Victory Games (I)
Designer
Eric Lee Smith
Artist
Charles Kibler, Don Troiani
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
1,032owners
107wishlist
32want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
How long does a game take?
Battle-dependent — ranges from 1h (small scenarios) to 6h (Gettysburg). Brace for strategic marathons!
Do I need to paint miniatures?
Nope! Uses classic cardboard counters — just punch and play.
Is it beginner-friendly?
Simpler than most period wargames, but still complex. Best for players already into the genre.
Table space required?
Maps are large (~22x33in each), so clear your dining table or embrace floor gaming!
Solo play options?
Unofficial variants exist. The chit-pull system semi-automates the opponent.
Other Games You'll Like
Based on mechanics and theme