Battles of Napoleon: Volume I – Eylau 1807

Battles of Napoleon: Volume I – Eylau 1807 is a tactical Napoleonic wargame from Sound of Drums, covering the brutal winter battle fought between Napoleon’s army and the Russian forces in 1807.

This first volume in the Battles of Napoleon series focuses on command timing, formation coordination, and the shifting balance between infantry, cavalry, artillery, and terrain. Instead of burying players in excessive chrome, the system uses clear procedures and an interactive chit-based command system, where players must decide which formation to activate and when.

The result is a tense “cat-and-mouse” battlefield where orders, fatigue, timing, and combined arms matter. Infantry formations may need to shift between line, column, and square; cavalry can threaten devastating charges; artillery can punish dense formations but remains vulnerable if left exposed. Special Eylau rules add period and battle-specific flavour, including snowstorms, Russian Cossacks, the French Guard, and the possibility of launching a massive cavalry charge.

This is a strong choice for players interested in Napoleonic warfare, tactical decision-making, and historical battles where command friction matters as much as raw combat strength.

Publisher: Sound of Drums GmbH

Series: Battles of Napoleon
Players: 1–2
Playing time: Approx. 180 minutes
Complexity: Medium
Solitaire suitability: Yes
Format: Standalone tactical wargame

Boardgamegeneral Advice

Battles of Napoleon: Volume I – Eylau 1807 is an outstanding choice for Napoleonic enthusiasts looking for a tactical-level game with impressive production quality and strong historical immersion. Sound of Drums delivers an elegant system that balances accessibility with meaningful battlefield decisions, making it ideal for both experienced players and ambitious newcomers to the genre. Highly recommended for players who enjoy detailed two-player battles, excellent solo potential, and beautifully produced components.