Ardennes is a treat for historical wargame enthusiasts who want to dive headfirst into the Battle of the Bulge. If you love military simulations with plenty of tactical depth, but without being overly complex, this one is for you. The experience is immersive, tense, and rewards good planning, recreating the feeling of commanding forces in one of the most famous conflicts of World War II. It's a classic from the Standard Combat Series that doesn't disappoint.
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Highlights
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Detailed historical simulation
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Engaging tactical depth
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Elegant rule system
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High scenario replayability
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Iconic WWII theme
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Keep in mind
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Long play time
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Initial learning curve
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Two-player only
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Ardennes throws you right into the heart of the Battle of the Bulge, the last major German offensive in the West, in December 1944. This operational-level wargame, the third in The Gamers' acclaimed Standard Combat Series (SCS), recreates the moment when over a thousand tanks and two hundred thousand Wehrmacht soldiers attempted to break through American lines in Belgium. It's Hitler's last desperate gamble to change the course of the war, and you'll be commanding one of the sides in this epic confrontation.
Prepare to relive the most iconic elements of this battle: heroic American defenses against all odds, slashing Panzer assaults, dramatic bridge crossings, the terror of Nebelwerfers, paratroopers, and even commando operations. All of this is delivered in a game system that aims to be fast, fun, and incredibly engaging, without sacrificing the tactical depth that wargame fans expect. The game scale is one day per turn and one mile per hex, with units ranging from battalion to brigade. The package comes with two 22x34 inch full-color maps, two double-sided counter sheets with 560 pieces, an 8-page SCS system rulebook (version 1.6), and a 16-page Ardennes-specific rulebook, plus two six-sided dice. It's a dense and rewarding experience for anyone looking to dive into military history.
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Best player count
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1–2 players
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Soundtrack
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Cities: Bastogne (Belgium)Country: BelgiumCountry: FranceCountry: GermanyCountry: LuxembourgCountry: United KingdomCountry: USADigital Implementations: VASSALHistory: World War II (Battle of the Bulge)Players: Two-Player Only GamesPlayers: Wargames with Rules Supporting Only Two PlayersSeries: Standard Combat Series (The Gamers & MMP)
businessPublisherThe Gamers
editDesignerDean Essig
paletteArtistDean Essig, Ronald B. Volstad
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Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
920owners
62wishlist
15want to play
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Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
7 questions
What is the average play time for Ardennes? expand_more
Well, Ardennes is a wargame, so prepare for a longer session! Games can range from 3 to 15 hours, depending on the scenario and your familiarity with the rules. It's a game to dedicate some serious time to!
How many players does Ardennes support? expand_more
Ardennes is exclusively designed for two players. One takes command of the German forces and the other, the Allied forces, recreating the historical confrontation of the Battle of the Bulge.
What is the complexity level of Ardennes? expand_more
It's considered medium-low complexity within the SCS series scale, but don't be fooled: it's still a wargame. It has its tactical and strategic nuances, but the system is well-structured to be accessible to genre fans.
What comes in the box for Ardennes? expand_more
Inside the box, you'll find two large full-color maps (22x34 inches each), two double-sided counter sheets with 560 pieces, an 8-page SCS system rulebook (version 1.6), a 16-page Ardennes-specific rulebook, and two six-sided dice. It's a lot of material to simulate the war!
Can I play Ardennes solo? expand_more
Yes, Ardennes has a medium solo playability. Although designed for two players, it's possible to simulate both sides and have a challenging and rewarding experience, especially for those who want to study the battle's tactics.
Is Ardennes good for wargame beginners? expand_more
If you've never played a wargame, Ardennes can be a challenge, but it's a good entry point for more robust operational wargames. The SCS system is praised for its clarity. But be prepared to dedicate time to the manual and strategy!
Are there any expansions for Ardennes? expand_more
Ardennes is part of the Standard Combat Series (SCS), which is a series of games with a common core system. While it doesn't have specific expansions in the traditional sense, there are other games in the series that use the same system and cover other conflicts.
