On Bloody Ground: The Sudan – Mass Combat Wargaming Rulebook

WiP Games and Miniatures · Board game · 2026
— Ludopedia — BGG 2–4 —
Buy
— rating Ludopedia
— rating BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS

This is a robust system for those who love historical wargames and want to recreate the battles of Sudan with precision. The rulebook offers well-structured army lists and mechanics that prioritize tactical positioning and realism. It is an excellent choice for miniature veterans looking for a dense and thematic strategic challenge.

Highlights
  • Well-balanced army lists
  • Focus on tactical realism
  • Excellent for historical scenarios
  • Precise movement mechanics
Keep in mind
  • Requires dedication to master rules
  • Requires your own miniatures
  • Niche historical focus
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

If you are a fan of military history and love putting miniatures on the table, 'On Bloody Ground: The Sudan' is exactly what you need. This rulebook dives deep into the Mahdist War, that tense period in Sudan starting in 1881 when Muhammad Ahmad, the Mahdi, led an epic revolt against foreign rule. The system is designed to simulate mass combat, allowing you to recreate forces from the Mahdist State to British troops, both early and late in the conflict, not to mention the Khedivate of Egypt.

The real highlight here is flexibility. The book includes five complete army lists, meaning you have everything you need to build your forces and start playing. The mechanics focus on tactical realism: you will deal with measurement movement, the use of templates to ensure everything is in the right place, and, of course, the ever-important line of sight, which defines whether your attack hits home or gets blocked by terrain. The variable setup for scenarios ensures the experience never gets repetitive, forcing you to adapt your strategy for every new game.

It is a classic wargame in the sense that it requires dedication to master the rules, but it highly rewards those who love to see the battlefield come to life. If you already have your miniatures and were looking for a system that handles the scale and drama of this specific conflict, this book is your new go-to manual. Ready your dice, organize your troops, and see if you can change the course of history in the Sudanese desert.

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–4 players
2 OK
3 OK
4 OK

Where to Buy

Prices monitored daily

Finding best prices...

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability subject to change.

Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Country: Egypt Country: Sudan Country: United Kingdom History: Mahdist War Series: On Bloody Ground (WiP Games and Miniatures) Theme: Colonial
Publisher WiP Games and Miniatures
Designer Daniel Toone, David Toone

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
How many players does it support?
The system is optimized for 2 to 4 players, perfect for duels or team games.
Do I need many miniatures to play?
Yes, as it is a mass combat wargame, you will need a considerable number of miniatures to represent the units of each army.
Is the game very complex?
It is a medium-to-heavy weight wargame. If you have experience with miniature systems, you will feel right at home, but it does require studying the rules.
What is in the box?
This item is a rulebook. You will need to provide your own miniatures, dice, measuring tapes, and movement templates.
Do I need expansions to play?
No, the book already includes five complete army lists to cover the main belligerents of the conflict.
How long does a game last?
It depends heavily on the scenario size and the number of units, but expect something around 2 to 4 hours per game.

Other Games You'll Like

Based on mechanics and theme

8 games