La Bataille de Dresde

La Bataille de Dresde is a large-scale Napoleonic wargame from Clash of Arms, covering the Battle of Dresden in August 1813. With Austria joining the Sixth Coalition, a massive Allied army advanced into Saxony, threatening Napoleon’s communications and the vital French supply depot at Dresden.

The game recreates the battle that followed from 25 to 27 August, as Napoleon rushed his Guard and several corps to reinforce the outnumbered French defenders. Players command French, Austrian, Prussian and Russian forces, with major historical commanders such as Napoleon, Ney, Marmont, Mortier, Victor, St. Cyr and Schwarzenberg represented.

This is a detailed treatment of Napoleonic warfare, with every battalion of infantry, squadron of cavalry and artillery battery present at the battle included. It is best suited to experienced wargamers looking for a deep, multi-player operational and tactical study of one of Napoleon’s last major victories.

Player count: 2–8 players
Playing time: around 720 minutes
Complexity: 9/10