Strategy & Tactics #314: Last Stand at Isandlwana, 22 January 1879 is a two-player tactical wargame recreating one of the most shocking defeats in British military history — the Battle of Isandlwana. On 22 January 1879, during the Anglo-Zulu War, an isolated British column was overrun by a vastly larger Zulu force in a battle that stunned the Victorian Empire. This game lets players command either side of that legendary confrontation, capturing its drama, chaos, and desperate heroism.

• Historical Background: The Battle of Isandlwana was fought between British colonial forces under Lord Chelmsford’s expedition and the Zulu Impi commanded by Ntshingwayo kaMahole. Despite superior firepower, the British were overwhelmed by the Zulu army’s numbers, mobility, and discipline. In just a few hours, an entire camp was annihilated — an event that changed the course of the war and British colonial strategy in southern Africa. Last Stand at Isandlwana allows players to explore both the tactical brilliance of the Zulus and the grim determination of the British defence.
• Gameplay & Objectives: The Zulu player is on the offensive, tasked with completely destroying the British force before time runs out. The British player must survive longer than historically achieved — or attempt to evacuate a portion of his force off the map toward Rorke’s Drift. Every decision counts, from forming firing lines to rallying broken units. The asymmetric objectives and the differing fighting styles of both sides ensure fast-paced, high-tension gameplay.
• Scale & System: Each hex represents 217 yards (200 meters), and each turn covers between 5 and 20 minutes of real time, depending on the tempo of combat. British units represent companies or detachments of infantry, while Zulu counters depict warrior groups of 100–200 men. The result is a tactical simulation that balances realism and accessibility, with solitaire play fully supported for those wanting to recreate the desperate last hours alone.
• Strategic Focus: The game captures the tension of fighting on the edge of endurance — ammunition shortages, encirclement, and morale collapse. The British must exploit discipline and firepower, while the Zulus rely on maneuver, encirclement, and overwhelming assault. The shifting tempo of battle, governed by fast and brutal turns, immerses players in the chaos of Isandlwana’s final hours.

Game Components:

• 1 x 22” x 34” full-colour tactical map depicting the Isandlwana battlefield
• 176 die-cut 5/8” counters representing British infantry, artillery, and Zulu regiments
• Rules for two-player and solitaire play
• Low-to-intermediate complexity with fast, intense combat resolution

Scale:
Players: 2 (solo play supported)
Level: Tactical
Hex: 217 Yards (200 m)
Turn: 5–20 Minutes

Gameplay Focus: Last Stand at Isandlwana puts players in command during the final, desperate hours of the battle. The game’s design captures both the bravery of the defenders and the disciplined fury of the Zulu assault. Every counter represents history in motion — every turn, a struggle for survival or annihilation.

Strategy & Tactics #314: Last Stand at Isandlwana delivers an immersive, historically grounded tactical experience set against one of the 19th century’s most dramatic military encounters. Perfect for wargamers, history enthusiasts, and anyone fascinated by colonial-era conflicts.

Available now from Milsims Games — Australia’s trusted source for historical wargames, strategy titles, and military simulations for over 50 years. Price-match guarantee and fast shipping from Mont Albert, VIC.

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