Once We Moved Like the Wind: The Apache Wars, 1861–1886

Once We Moved Like the Wind: The Apache Wars, 1861–1886 is a two-player block wargame covering the long conflicts between Apache war bands and U.S. and Mexican forces in the American Southwest.

Players operate across Arizona, New Mexico, Sonora, and Chihuahua, using area movement and hidden wooden blocks to create uncertainty on both sides. The Army player must track down Apache activity, but many Apache blocks may represent rumors rather than real forces. The Apache player, meanwhile, must judge whether enemy columns are vulnerable detachments or strong forces capable of delivering a serious defeat.

Each turn begins with a provocation level that shapes the conflict, available forces, and deployment. Players then maneuver, engage where forces meet, and score victory points before the next cycle begins. The result is a compact game of pursuit, bluffing, and risk assessment rather than a conventional line-of-battle wargame.

With low complexity, a mounted board, and a playing time of around one to two hours, this is a good fit for players looking for an accessible historical block game with strong fog of war.

Contents include: one mounted 22” x 22” map, one 16-page color rules book, one sheet of block stickers, 80 wooden blocks in various colors, four player mats/aids, two six-sided dice, and a box with lid.