Warlord Games brings the Crimean War to the tabletop like never before
A new chapter in mid-19th century warfare is marching into the hobby, and it’s one that feels both thrillingly familiar and refreshingly unexplored. Warlord Games’ brand-new supplement, Into The Valley of Death, opens the door to full-scale wargaming in the Crimean War—a conflict steeped in iconic military drama, colourful uniforms, battlefield heroics, and geopolitical intrigue.
For anyone who loves the look and feel of Napoleonic armies but wants something different—something a little more rugged, a touch more industrial, and brimming with narrative potential—the Crimean War is the perfect next step.
And now, with the new Starter Army boxed sets and the stunning new rules supplement available for pre-order, there’s never been a better time to march your collection into the windswept heights and bitter valleys of the Crimea.
Why the Crimean War Belongs on Your Tabletop
The Crimean War (1853–1856) stands at a fascinating crossroads in military history. It’s a conflict where muskets meet early rifled firearms, where cavalry charges still rule the day, yet railways, telegraph lines, and mass media begin reshaping the nature of war itself.
For wargamers, it offers:
- The massed ranks and battlefield spectacle familiar from Napoleonic battles
- Distinctive uniforms: British redcoats, French chasseurs, Russian infantry in greatcoats, flamboyant cavalry regiments, and Ottoman contingents
- Combined-arms warfare that still rewards bold manoeuvre
- Dramatic, historically rich scenarios—from river crossings to siege works
- A conflict underexplored on the tabletop, giving players something fresh
It captures the best of the horse-and-musket era, with its own gritty, windswept character—perfect for gamers who enjoy sharp historical flavour.
The Charge of the Light Brigade – A Story Made for Wargamers
No discussion of the Crimean War is complete without acknowledging its most legendary—and tragic—moment:
The Charge of the Light Brigade, fought during the Battle of Balaclava in 1854.
This is the epic that inspired Tennyson’s famous lines:
“Into the valley of Death
Rode the six hundred.”
A single misinterpreted order sent the Light Brigade—hussars, dragoons, and lancers—charging headlong down a narrow valley bristling with Russian guns.
It was brave.
It was disastrous.
And it became immortal.
For wargamers, it’s a scenario overflowing with dramatic potential:
- Dashing cavalry sweeping down the valley
- Russian artillery desperately firing to stop them
- Rifles, smoke, and chaos in every direction
- A battle where heroism and horror collide
This supplement gives players a chance to recreate the drama, test alternative strategies, or even answer the tantalising “what if?” questions that have fascinated military historians for over 160 years.
About Into The Valley of Death
This new supplement provides everything you need to immerse yourself in Crimean-era battles using Warlord Games’ Black Powder rules framework. Inside you’ll find:
- Detailed background covering the armies and campaigns
- Special rules unique to Crimean-era forces and battlefield conditions
- Historical scenarios—from Alma to Sevastopol, Balaclava to Inkerman
- Army lists for Britain, France, Russia, Sardinia-Piedmont, and the Ottoman Empire
- Guidance for recreating both grand battles and smaller skirmish actions
- Beautiful artwork and hobby inspiration throughout
It’s a rich, evocative addition to the Black Powder system—easy to pick up, but deep enough to fuel months (or years!) of gaming.
New Starter Army Boxed Sets – Build Your Crimea Forces Fast
4
Alongside the supplement, Warlord Games is launching new Starter Army sets designed to get you gaming quickly, with a full fighting force straight out of the box. These sets include coordinated infantry, cavalry, artillery, and officers—ideal for newcomers and seasoned collectors alike.
Available starter armies include:
- British Army Starter Set – iconic redcoats, Light Division riflemen, cavalry options, and artillery
- French Army Starter Set – superbly drilled line infantry, light infantry skirmishers, cavalry, and supporting guns
- Russian Army Starter Set – powerful infantry battalions, stoic in appearance and devastating in massed formations, plus cavalry and artillery elements
These boxed sets provide everything you need to field a credible, historically grounded force—and they’re fully compatible with the new scenarios included in Into The Valley of Death.
Why Napoleonic Players Should Pay Attention
If you’re already a fan of Napoleonic wargaming, the Crimean War is practically calling your name.
You’ll enjoy:
- Uniforms and unit structures that feel familiar
- Tactics that echo earlier 19th-century battles
- The thrill of cavalry charges, infantry lines, and artillery batteries
- A new setting with its own flavour, atmosphere, and personalities
- A chance to expand your existing terrain, scenery, and even proxy units
It’s a natural expansion of your existing collection—fresh yet comfortingly recognisable.
Pre-Order Now – March Into History
Into The Valley of Death and the Crimean War Starter Army sets are now live for pre-order in my store.
Whether you’re a seasoned Black Powder commander, a Napoleonic enthusiast looking for a new frontier, or a history buff drawn to the drama of mid-19th-century warfare, these releases offer a rare chance to explore a spectacular and underrepresented period.
Step into the fog-choked valleys, the fortified heights, and the windswept plains of the Crimea. Command the brave, the reckless, the stoic, and the fearless.
Pre-order today and be among the first to bring this extraordinary chapter of history to life on the tabletop.
