Beyond Waterloo

About this board game

Beyond Waterloo is a two-player strategic simulation of the Napoleonic Campaign of 1815, with an approximately 960-minute playing time. One player leads France, while the other commands the coalition of Allies.

The game begins with Napoleon’s arrival in Paris after his return from Elba. France must restore its war footing, while the Allies struggle to revive their anti-French coalition before military operations begin. Rather than focusing only on the famous battle, Beyond Waterloo explores the wider political, economic, diplomatic, and military possibilities of the 1815 situation.

The map includes France and relevant portions of the Low Countries, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy. Areas regulate movement, while playing pieces represent prominent commanders as well as armies, corps, and divisions. Players accumulate Resource Points to procure fresh forces and Victory Points that influence campaign events and determine the winner.

A layered rules structure makes it possible to approach the system progressively:

• Combat Game: Learn the Battle Development Sequence through a scenario covering the Battle of Waterloo.
• Basic Game: Add the full movement and administrative systems, together with military action, economic factors, and force mobilization.
• Advanced Game: Introduce diplomacy, strategy, political action, and the broader preparations for war.

In the full-length Advanced Game, the campaign starts with Napoleon’s return to Paris. The players must prepare for war, shape the conditions affecting the campaign, and then conduct the conflict. The Allies seek to re-defeat Napoleon; France must prevent that outcome.