La Bataille de Ligny

AGEMA, Clash of Arms Games · Board game · 1991
— Ludopedia 8.0 BGG 2 · best 2+ 360–1740 min Weight 3.9/5
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— rating Ludopedia
8.0 rating BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS

La Bataille de Ligny is a masterpiece for wargame enthusiasts seeking maximum realism and historical depth. With an impressive regimental scale, the game turns your table into a genuine Napoleonic battlefield. It is a dense, demanding, and highly rewarding experience for those who love pure tactical simulations.

Highlights
  • Top-tier historical accuracy
  • Highly detailed regimental scale
  • Excellent for solo study
  • Immersive maps and components
Keep in mind
  • Extremely long playtime
  • Very steep learning curve
  • Requires significant table space
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About the game

What you do in a play session

If you are the type who loves diving deep into military history and isn't scared by dense manuals, La Bataille de Ligny is a feast. This title is an absolute classic for those wanting to relive the final moments of Napoleon's empire. It puts you directly in command of French or Prussian forces during the 1815 campaign, focusing specifically on the battle that occurred just before Waterloo. The game is a regimental-scale experience, meaning every detail counts—we are talking about nearly 1,000 counters representing entire brigades and regiments, moving across a massive map divided into four sections. The 100-meter-per-hex scale ensures that strategy remains the core focus: you have to think like a general, considering terrain and troop fatigue. It is a game designed for study, almost like a scientific simulation of the conflict. It works very well for two players seeking a long-form tactical challenge, but it is also an excellent choice for those who enjoy solo play ('solitaire study'), analyzing every move and counter-move. If you are already familiar with other games in the La Bataille series, you will feel right at home. And the best part: if you own La Bataille des Quatre Bras, you can combine the two maps to get an epic, complete view of the events of that June 16th. This is not a game for a quick weekend session, but rather for those willing to dedicate hours—or even days—to understanding how Napoleon achieved his last great victory. Clear your table, find some space, and set aside plenty of time, because the immersion here is total and the level of detail is simply fascinating for any military history aficionado.

Best player count

BGG community vote

Duel · 2 players
2 BEST

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Categories

Families

Cities: Fleurus (Belgium) Country: Belgium Country: France History: Waterloo Campaign Series: La Bataille (Marshal Enterprises / Clash of Arms Games)
Publisher AGEMA, Clash of Arms Games
Designer Ed Wimble
Artist Charles Kibler, Rick Barber, Robert Tunstall, Terry Leeds, Timothy Schleif

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

1,000owners
78wishlist
25want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
How long does a game take?
Be prepared for the long haul! Games can last anywhere from 6 to nearly 30 hours, depending on the scenario and the players' pace.
Can it be played solo?
Absolutely. The game is frequently used for 'solitaire study,' where you analyze both sides of the battle to understand historical decisions.
Is this game for beginners?
Definitely not. With a BGG weight near 4/5, it is aimed at wargame veterans who already master complex systems.
How many players can play?
The game is designed for 2 players (or teams), making it ideal for an intense tactical duel.
Do I need a lot of space?
Yes, the game uses four large maps. You will need a very spacious table to accommodate everything comfortably.

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