Gettysburg: Badges of Courage

About this board game

Gettysburg: Badges of Courage is a tactical combat board game for two players, with an approximate play time of 180 minutes. Released in 2004, it covers the struggle to control important terrain features during the Battle of Gettysburg.

The game uses a system developed for tactical combat. Infantry, artillery, and cavalry operate under the direction of Division, Corps, and Army commanders, creating a command structure that connects battlefield units with higher-level leadership.

Players can choose to play each of the battle’s three days separately or combine them into a single battle-long scenario. This structure allows Gettysburg: Badges of Courage to present the action in individual segments while also supporting a longer campaign across the full battle.

• Two-player tactical combat
• Infantry, artillery, and cavalry formations
• Division, Corps, and Army commanders
• Separate scenarios for all three days, plus a battle-long scenario
• Brigade-level order of battle featuring historical units and leaders

A notable element of the design is the control players have over reinforcement timing and routes. Players have some influence over which roads newly arriving Divisions and Corps use, as well as when those formations enter the battle. Arrival decisions therefore become part of the wider tactical challenge.

The game also rewards players who maintain division and corps integrity. Keeping formations together is an important part of command, alongside the fight for locations such as Little Round Top and Cemetery Ridge. With its detailed order of battle and emphasis on coordinated formations, Gettysburg: Badges of Courage focuses on tactical decisions within a structured historical battle.