Napoleon at War Deluxe Edition

Pre-order. Expected in July 2026.

From the Publisher:

Napoleon at War Deluxe Edition reprints the original SPI QuadriGame consisting of four separate battles, each among the important of the Napoleonic Wars: Marengo, Jena-Auerstadt, Wagram, and the Battle of Nations at Leipzig.

This new deluxe edition has a full-color instruction booklet, new counter and map artwork, with 9/16” counters, two back printed 22” x 25.5” mounted game boards, and new player aid cards.

The basic rules to all four games in the Napoleon at War series are standardized. Each game has its own exclusive rules, which include historical set up and reinforcements, special rules, player's notes, and commentary by the game's designer. The game mechanics used in this series are based on the popular Borodino-Napoleon at Waterloo game system. The scale of each game ranges from 400 to 800 meters per hex, while each game turn represents between one and two hours of real time. Units range in size from demi-brigades through divisions, with each strength point representing between 250 and 350 men or an equivalent amount of artillery.

Movement is sequential and single-phased. Zones of control are rigid, and combat is mandatory between adjacent opposing units. Stacking is limited to one unit per hex. The Combat Results Table is relatively uncertain, with odds of 4 to 1, or better, necessary to ensure at least a "Defender Retreat" result. Terrain ranges from the Austrian parade grounds south of Wagram to the rough and forested battlegrounds of Jena-Auerstadt. Game length varies from the five-turn First Day Scenario of the Battle of Nations to the 20 game turn Grand Battle Scenario of that same game which simulates the entire three- and one-half-day Battle of Leipzig, the largest battle of the Napoleonic Wars.

The games, though graphically enhanced from the originals, remain the same. Now enhance your enjoyment with this new deluxe edition of another SPI classic!

Command the historic grand armies of Europe in Napoleon at War (Deluxe Edition), a spectacular anthology wargame from Decision Games. Designed for 1 to 2 players with single-scenario playing times ranging from 60 to 240 minutes, this comprehensive volume beautifully breathes new life into the iconic 1975 SPI "QuadriGame" system.

This deluxe collection brings together four era-defining battles: Marengo, Jena-Auerstadt, Wagram, and the monumental Battle of Nations at Leipzig. Utilizing a highly refined version of the legendary Borodino and Napoleon at Waterloo operational systems, players maneuver historically accurate divisions across beautifully mounted maps. Ideal for both solo strategists and competitive pairs, this edition updates classic hex-and-counter gameplay with striking modern production, crisp rules, and advanced player aids. Take up the Emperor's baton and master nineteenth-century tactical warfare.

A Legendary QuadriGame Reborn

The Napoleonic Wars produced some of the most intricate operational maneuvering in human history. Napoleon at War (Deluxe Edition), published by Decision Games, offers a premium, all-in-one box set that captures four critical turning points of the era. This title completely revitalizes the beloved 1975 Simulations Publications Inc. (SPI) classic system, polishing decades-old rules ambiguities and upgrading the components to premium modern hobby standards. It provides a comprehensive, accessible simulation of the Emperor's greatest triumphs and final downfall.

Four Masterful Historical Campaigns

The core of Napoleon at War revolves around its incredible anthology format. Instead of focusing on just one conflict, the package contains four completely independent, standalone battles that trace the tactical evolution of the period:

• Marengo (1800): A tense, dramatic showcase of Napoleon’s early operational genius and the critical role of hard-hitting reinforcements.
• Jena-Auerstadt (1806): A sweeping engagement cutting through rough, forested terrain that demands meticulous corps-level movement.
• Wagram (1809): A massive, attritional artillery slugfest set across wide Austrian parade grounds.
• The Battle of Nations at Leipzig (1813): The largest battle of the entire Napoleonic Wars, playable via short introductory scenarios or an epic 20-turn Grand Battle campaign.

Streamlined Mechanics and Tactical Depth

The system scales gracefully, with hexes abstracting 400 to 800 meters and counters representing demi-brigades, full divisions, and heavy artillery trains. The game engine relies on traditional, sequential movement and rigid Zones of Control (ZOC), meaning adjacent opposing armies are forced to engage in mandatory combat. Stacking limits are strictly held to one military unit per hex, transforming the map into an intricate spatial puzzle where positioning and maintaining clear retreat pathways are vital. Combat resolution hinges on a specialized, volatile Combat Results Table (CRT), requiring players to build overwhelming 4-to-1 odds to guarantee a defender's retreat.

Premium Upgrades and High Replayability

What elevates this Deluxe Edition into an essential centerpiece is its exceptional modern component quality. The flimsy paper maps of yesteryear are replaced by two large, double-sided, back-printed mounted game boards. The counters are expanded to a highly readable, thick 9/16” format featuring crisp historical icons and clear numbers. With modular scenario exclusive rules, special reinforcement tracks, and an open, intuitive map framework perfectly suited for solo play, the replayability out of this single box is massive.

BOARDGAMEGENERAL ADVICE

As historical grognards here at Boardgamegeneral, we are thrilled to welcome this edition to our shelves. Napoleon at War represents a golden age of wargaming design, where rules elegance took precedence over over-engineered complexity.

This game is uniquely versatile; it is simple enough to serve as an outstanding entry point for intermediate players looking to break into traditional hex-and-counter wargaming, yet possesses the deep historical flavor and tactical variety to satisfy seasoned veterans. If you enjoy classic, clean battle engines like Napoleon's Triumph, Commands & Colors: Napoleonics, or GMT's Library of Napoleonic Battles series, this box will feel instantly familiar and highly rewarding.

The primary strength of this title is the sheer value—getting four entirely different, major mounted battlefields in a single standardized rule system is a massive benefit. A potential drawback is that the CRT can be quite brutal and unpredictable; a sudden bad die roll can shatter an impeccably planned flanking maneuver. Additionally, it features traditional "I Go, You Go" turn steps, which might feel slightly old-school if you exclusively prefer modern card-driven wargames.

Verdict: An exceptional, top-tier preservation of wargaming history. With gorgeous modern components and four classic battles, it is a highly recommended addition to any military strategy collection.