Terrible Swift Sword: Battle of Gettysburg Game

SPI (Simulations Publications, Inc.), Tactical Studies Rules (TSR) · Board game · 1976

— Ludopedia 7.5 BGG 2–6 · best 4 420–4200 min Weight 4.2/5

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— rating Ludopedia

7.5 rating BGG

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Our Verdict

FOR GENRE FANS

For hardcore historical wargamers: Gettysburg at tactical level with insane attention to detail.

Highlights

Deep dive into iconic battle
Components double as history lesson
Short scenarios for quicker play

Keep in mind

Steep learning curve
Full campaign takes days

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About the game

What you do in a play session

Terrible Swift Sword plunges you into the Battle of Gettysburg (1863), letting you command Union or Confederate troops through three bloody days that changed America. With colorful pieces representing each historical unit and a detailed hex-grid battlefield map, it blends military strategy with table-based combat and dice rolls. The full game lasts 60+ hours (yes, you'll need a big table and even bigger patience!), but shorter scenarios let you experience key moments. Named after the 'Battle Hymn of the Republic', it lives up to the battle's epic scale - complete with individual leader and horse counters. Get ready to strategize like a 19th-century general!