Waterloo

The Avalon Hill Game Co · Board game · 1962
2 · best 2 120 min Weight 2.2/5
rating Ludopedia
6.0 rating BGG
Buy
rating Ludopedia
6.0 rating BGG
Our Verdict

A perfect fit for those who love classic wargames and want to feel the tension of military command.

Highlights
  • Psychologically tense action system
  • Innovative damage management with cubes
  • Engaging historical fidelity
  • Pure strategic duel
Keep in mind
  • Learning curve for beginners
  • Reliance on combat tables
FOR GENRE FANS
Rules manual not indexed yet Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.
About the game
Get ready to command the forces in one of history's most iconic clashes! Waterloo is an absolute Avalon Hill classic that puts you in charge of either the French armies or the Anglo-Allied and Prussian forces. The objective is simple, yet the execution is tense: you must dominate strategic points on the map to win. If the French capture Mont St. Jean, victory is theirs; if the British take Rosonne, they prevail. Should the clock run out after 8 turns without either side capturing these points, the Allies emerge victorious.

What makes this game truly interesting is the action management. While you know your available options, your opponent knows exactly how much energy you have available, turning every turn into a psychological game of anticipation. Can you reorganize your infantry defensively before the enemy cavalry tramples over your lines?

Another brilliant detail is the damage representation. Instead of simply removing pieces, you use colored cubes to mark casualties. The strategy here lies in where you allocate this damage: pushing losses to the rear seems safe, but if the enemy breaks through your front line, those 'hidden' troops can be annihilated. With over 160 counters and a detailed map, the game offers a deep tactical experience where area control is everything. It's a title for those who enjoy calculating every step, managing risks, and feeling the pressure of real military command, all wrapped in the elegant simplicity of a dice and combat table system.
Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 BEST
WHERE TO BUY
Finding best prices...
Game details

Categories

Families

Country: Belgium History: Waterloo Campaign Players: Two-Player Only Games
Publisher The Avalon Hill Game Co
Designer Lindsley Schutz, Thomas N. Shaw
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the game hard to learn?
It has the typical complexity of classic wargames. If you've never played the genre, you'll need some time to grasp the Combat Results Table, but the logic is very solid.
How long does a game last?
Expect to spend about 2 hours. It's fast by wargame standards, but dense enough to be immersive.
Can it be played with more than two people?
No, Waterloo is strictly a 2-player game, simulating the duel between the powers of the era.
What's in the box?
You'll find a detailed full-color map and over 160 counters representing the troops.
Who would you recommend this game to?
Anyone who loves Napoleonic history, enjoys pure strategy games, and doesn't mind consulting tables to resolve combat.