Ardennes II

Ardennes II is a Standard Combat Series wargame covering the German Wacht am Rhein offensive in December 1944, better known as the Battle of the Bulge.

This updated edition reissues the award-winning 1993 game Ardennes, incorporating additional order of battle and map research from MMP’s Last Blitzkrieg. The game covers the campaign from 16 to 31 December 1944, with one-day turns, one-mile hexes, and units generally at reinforced battalion level or smaller.

The German player must exploit the initial surprise, push armoured formations through difficult terrain, and race against time before American resistance hardens. The U.S. player must survive the opening shock, destroy bridges, use artillery effectively, withdraw when needed, and build a defensive line before the German offensive loses momentum.

Compared with the original edition, Ardennes II refines the artillery system, replaces the older supply wagon approach, adds withdrawal before combat, and reduces unnecessary chrome while keeping the clean play structure of the SCS system. With straightforward sequencing, clear unit interactions, and several shorter scenarios, this is a strong choice both for experienced wargamers and for introducing new players to operational World War II games.

Contents include: SCS rulebook version 1.8, Ardennes II game-specific rulebook, two full-colour 22" x 34" maps, 560 counters, six scenarios, box, and dice.