2016 · American Civil War

Thunder in the Ozarks: Battle for Pea Ridge, March 1862

A two-player operational wargame that simulates the March 8–9, 1862 engagement in northwest Arkansas between Federal and Confederate forces. Players command brigades and divisions, maneuvering columns across hilly terrain, woods, and roads while managing fatigue, supply lines, and timing of assaults. Combat resolves through unit strength comparisons and die rolls, with rules for command control, forced marches, and the effects of exhaustion and weather on movement and cohesion. Victory hinges on occupying key ground and disrupting the opponent’s communications and formations over the two-day scenario.

groupPlayers

1–2 best 2

schedulePlaying time

900–1500 min

psychologyComplexity

3.4 / 5