War and Peace

The Avalon Hill Game Co · Board game · 1980
2–6 · best 2 120–180 min Weight 3.3/5
rating Ludopedia
6.7 rating BGG
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rating Ludopedia
6.7 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you're a historical wargame enthusiast and love diving into the tactical and strategic details of the Napoleonic era, *War and Peace* is a treat. It's a classic that still delivers a robust and challenging experience!

Highlights
  • Deep historical simulation
  • Multiple engaging scenarios
  • Detailed military strategy
  • High replayability
  • Genre classic
Keep in mind
  • Complex ruleset
  • Steep learning curve
  • Long playtime
FOR GENRE FANS
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About the game
Get ready to relive the Napoleonic era in *War and Peace*, a classic wargame that plunges you directly into the heart of European conflicts between 1805 and 1815. This epic game allows you to recreate the rise and fall of empires through a series of detailed historical scenarios, focusing on the great powers of the time: France, Great Britain, Austria, Prussia, Russia, and Spain. While primarily designed for two players, with one commanding French forces and the other the British coalition, the dynamic of alliances and neutrality among other nations is crucial. You'll manage infantry, artillery, cavalry, and even naval units, using dice rolling and hexagonal grid movement to simulate battles and strategic maneuvers. The objective can be military conquest or the political and economic isolation of your adversary. With scenarios ranging from the Battle of Austerlitz to the Waterloo Campaign, and even lesser-known campaigns like the Peninsular War and the Italian Campaign, *War and Peace* offers impressive historical depth. The latest rulebook edition compiles and unifies all rules and errata released over the years, ensuring the most complete experience for strategists. It's a deep dive into military history, where every decision can change the fate of Europe.
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In English

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Game details

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Continents: Europe Country: France Country: Prussia Country: Spain Digital Implementations: Steam History: Napoleonic Wars War Battlespace: Land Warfare War Level of Command: Strategic
Publisher The Avalon Hill Game Co
Designer Mark McLaughlin
Artist Denis Dighton
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ideal player count for War and Peace?
War and Peace is primarily designed for two players, where one controls the French forces and the other the British coalition and their allies. It's the most classic and recommended way to play.
What is the average playtime?
A game can vary quite a bit, but individual scenarios typically take 2 to 3 hours. The full grand campaign, however, can extend much longer, so be prepared for an epic session!
Is it a complex game to learn?
Yes, War and Peace is considered a highly complex game. With a BGG weight of 3.2857/5, it requires dedication to master the detailed rules and strategic nuances. It's not for wargame beginners!
What are the main components of the game?
Expect a detailed hexagonal map board, numerous counters representing military units (infantry, cavalry, artillery, naval) for the different nations, dice for combat resolution, and an extensive rulebook.
Does the game have much language dependency?
Despite the rules' complexity, the game itself has little text on the components, making it relatively language-independent once the rules are understood. The rulebook, however, is dense and crucial.
What is the main difference between editions?
Later editions, especially the 3rd and 4th (unofficial but widely accepted), focus on compiling and reconciling all errata and variants released over the years, offering a more cohesive rule set and an updated map for a smoother and more balanced experience.