The battle of Hastings

The Battle of Hastings is the very first title released under our medieval board game series, Warriors of Steel. This inaugural game marks the foundation of the series, introducing a new historical era while maintaining the same focus on strategic depth, clear rules, and immersive battlefield play. With Hastings, Warriors of Steel sets the tone for a growing medieval wargaming system where iconic battles, armies, and campaigns will continue to expand over time.

After successfully defeating his brother Tostig and the Norwegian king Harald Hardrada in the north, King Harold of England made a strategic decision. He left a significant portion of his forces, led by his trusted allies Morcar and Edwin, in the north to maintain control over the region. With the threat from the north suppressed, Harold marched the remainder of his army south, determined to confront the imminent Norman invasion.The stakes were high, as the fate of the English throne hung in the balance. Harold, along with his loyal troops, set their sights on the battlefield that would soon become known as Hastings. This historic clash was scheduled for the 14th of October in 1066.

Hastings was no ordinary battle; it would determine the future of England. On one side, King Harold stood with his English forces, battle-hardened from previous encounters. On the other side, Duke William of Normandy led his formidable Norman army, eager to claim the English crown for himself. The stage was set for one of the most significant battles in English history. Both sides fought valiantly, but tragically, the English forces were eventually overwhelmed. King Harold himself was killed during the intense fighting, leading to the ultimate victory of Duke William and the Normans. The Battle of Hastings marked a turning point in English history. Duke William, now known as William the Conqueror, became the new King of England, forever altering the course of the monarchy and shaping the future of the country.

Armies

The battle of Hastings presents a unique and challenging experience for both sides involved. On the Saxon side, King Harald strategically positioned his forces on a ridge surrounded by woods and rivers, giving them an advantageous position. His well-trained army consisted of Theign spearmen, huscarls, and guard huscarls, who were supported by local peasants dedicated to defending their land and supporting their king.

On the Norman side, William brought archers and armored sergeants equipped with spear, shield, and sword. Their advantage lay in the ability to use archers to weaken enemy lines and their cavalry for outflanking the Saxon troops. Both armies had their own set of advantages and disadvantages on the beautiful reconstruction battle map of Hastings.

With 25 units on each side, a total of 50 units in this epic battle board game reenactment, both sides are determined to emerge victorious. The challenge lies in utilizing their respective strengths while addressing their weaknesses. 

The Battle of Hastings 1066 is available as a downloadable package in JPEG format. It includes high-quality battle maps that can be printed at your local printer store as a poster size of 59.4x88cm or 22x34 inches. To produce high-quality printed maps from the comfort of your own home, you can utilise complimentary online resources like "Posterizer Online." This tool allows you to efficiently segment both maps into tiles for easy at-home printing. Simply choose your preferred format and configure the layout.

Additionally, the package contains 50 military units on the battlefield, game icons, and a multi-language game manual ( EN-GER-FR-ES-IT). You will need 3, 16mm dice to play the game or download the dice app and customize it to play virtually with your mobile. Prepare your army and engage in this exciting historical battle.

Gaming time: +120 mn

Experience the thrill of the Battle of Hastings and step into the shoes of either King Harold of England or William the Conqueror. Take command and rewrite history in this legendary battle that forever etched its name among the most renowned conflicts in history. Embrace the opportunity to shape destiny and leave your mark on the annals of time.