The Silver Bayonet: A Wargame of Napoleonic Gothic Horror

Osprey Games · Board game · 2021
1–2 · best 2 Solo Weight 2.5/5
rating Ludopedia
8.3 rating BGG
Buy · from US$ 17.97
rating Ludopedia
8.3 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

A Gothic horror wargame where cannons meet fangs. Perfect for fans of dark campaigns and survival.

Highlights
  • Immersive evolving campaign
  • Amazing Gothic horror atmosphere
  • Excellent solo mode support
  • Unique history-horror blend
Keep in mind
  • Requires careful resource management
  • Reliance on dice luck
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Imagine being in the middle of the Napoleonic Wars, but the chaos isn't just coming from armies of cannons and bayonets. As Europe bleeds, something far worse is emerging from the shadows. Vampires, werewolves, and ghouls have decided that the chaos of war is the perfect cover to hunt undisturbed. This is exactly the nightmare setting of 'The Silver Bayonet,' blending the tactical rigor of a wargame with pure Gothic horror.

In this game, you aren't just commanding soldiers; you are managing survivors in a world gone mad. You can play cooperatively to face the supernatural hordes or even competitively. The real highlight is the campaign system: your units aren't just static pieces. They gain experience, evolve, and unfortunately, can also suffer grievous wounds that follow them through subsequent missions. It is a survival journey where every decision matters, and your next encounter with a creature of the night might be the last for your squad.

Action point mechanics and dice rolling bring that essential tension: will your musket fire in time, or will the monster reach you first? With robust solo support, it is perfect for those who want to enjoy a dark horror story without needing to summon an army of friends. If you love the Napoleonic aesthetic but wanted something with much more 'blood and fangs' than just traditional military strategy, get your silver bayonet ready, because the horror is just beginning.

Best player count

BGG community vote

1–2 players
1 REC
2 BEST

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Categories

Families

Components: Miniature agnostic Components: Traditional Playing Cards Creatures: Monsters
Publisher Osprey Games
Designer Joseph McCullough

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
Can I play it solo?
Absolutely! The game has solid solo support, making it a great choice for those who want a story-driven experience alone.
Is the game very complex?
It has a medium weight (2.5/5), so it's not an impossible 'expert game,' but it requires attention to action points and unit management throughout the campaign.
Do I need to buy specific miniatures?
No! The game is 'miniature agnostic,' meaning you can use any figures you already have in your collection.
How long does a game last?
Since it's a campaign-based game with missions, time varies by scenario, but individual sessions tend to be quite dynamic.
What is the main focus of the game?
It's the balance between Napoleonic military strategy and the horror of surviving supernatural creatures in an interconnected campaign.

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