Black Powder Epic Battles: Waterloo 2026 Buyer's Guide – How to Start Napoleonic Armies

Want to recreate the Battle of Waterloo with thousands of miniature soldiers, sweeping cavalry charges and massed artillery batteries? Warlord Games' Black Powder Epic Battles: Waterloo makes it possible to bring the enormous armies of the Napoleonic Wars to your tabletop without needing the space required for equivalent 28mm collections.

Featuring compact Epic Battles miniatures, large infantry formations, cavalry regiments, artillery and famous historical commanders, this range is designed for players who want to experience the spectacle of Napoleonic warfare.

Whether you dream of commanding Napoleon's French Imperial Army, Wellington's British-led Allied forces or Blücher's Prussians, Epic Battles offers an impressive way to begin historical miniature wargaming.

In this 2026 Black Powder Epic Battles: Waterloo buyer's guide, we'll explore the rules, historical background, starter armies, best expansions, painting tips and the easiest way to begin playing.

Explore Black Powder Epic Battles miniatures at TistaMinis Canada for Napoleonic starter armies, infantry brigades, cavalry, artillery and battlefield scenery.

What Is Black Powder Epic Battles: Waterloo?

Black Powder Epic Battles: Waterloo is a historical miniature wargaming range produced by Warlord Games.

It uses the Black Powder rules system, adapted for large Napoleonic battles using smaller Epic Battles miniatures.

Rather than controlling individual soldiers, players command infantry regiments, cavalry formations, artillery batteries and entire brigades.

The game emphasizes battlefield command, formations, movement and the coordination of different military units.

The smaller miniature scale makes it possible to represent enormous armies while keeping the battlefield manageable.

Why Choose Epic Battles?

• Massive armies: represent thousands of soldiers on the tabletop.
• Compact scale: smaller figures allow large formations without requiring enormous gaming tables.
• Historical accuracy: recreate armies and battles from the Waterloo campaign.
• Accessible army boxes: starter sets contain substantial forces and rules.
• Combined arms: command infantry, cavalry, artillery and specialist troops.
• Detailed miniatures: recreate the colourful uniforms of the Napoleonic Wars.
• Historical scenarios: fight battles inspired by Waterloo, Quatre Bras and Ligny.
• Expandable collections: add more brigades, commanders and terrain as your armies grow.

The Historical Background: Napoleon's Final Campaign

The Napoleonic Wars transformed Europe between the late eighteenth century and 1815.

Napoleon Bonaparte rose from a French artillery officer to become Emperor of the French, leading armies across Europe in a series of remarkable military campaigns.

His victories helped establish French dominance over much of continental Europe, but repeated wars eventually weakened his empire.

In 1814, Napoleon was forced to abdicate and was exiled to the island of Elba.

However, his story was not finished.

The Hundred Days Campaign

In March 1815, Napoleon returned to France and reclaimed power.

His return began the period known as the Hundred Days.

The European powers quickly formed a new coalition to defeat him.

Napoleon decided to strike before the Allied armies could fully combine their forces.

His campaign brought the French army into Belgium, where it confronted the British-led army commanded by the Duke of Wellington and the Prussian army led by Field Marshal Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher.

The Battle of Ligny – June 16, 1815

At Ligny, Napoleon defeated the Prussian army in a hard-fought battle.

However, the Prussians were not destroyed.

They withdrew in a direction that allowed them to maintain contact with Wellington's forces.

This decision would prove decisive two days later.

The Battle of Quatre Bras – June 16, 1815

On the same day, French forces under Marshal Ney fought Wellington's Allied army at Quatre Bras.

The battle prevented the French from securing a decisive breakthrough against Wellington.

Both armies subsequently moved toward the battlefield at Waterloo.

The Battle of Waterloo – June 18, 1815

Waterloo became one of the most famous battles in military history.

Napoleon attacked Wellington's army, which occupied a defensive position along a ridge south of the village of Waterloo.

The fighting involved enormous infantry assaults, artillery bombardments and repeated cavalry charges.

Key locations such as Hougoumont, La Haye Sainte and Papelotte became the scenes of intense combat.

As the battle continued, Prussian forces arrived and attacked the French flank.

The combined pressure of Wellington's army and the Prussians ultimately defeated Napoleon.

Waterloo marked the end of Napoleon's rule and brought the Napoleonic Wars to a close.

Black Powder Epic Battles Rules Explained

Black Powder is designed to recreate large historical battles while emphasizing the uncertainty of command.

Rather than controlling every miniature individually, players command military formations and issue orders through their officers.

1. Organizing Your Army

Players organize infantry, cavalry and artillery into units.

Several units form a brigade under the command of an officer.

Larger armies may include multiple brigades and senior commanders.

2. Issuing Orders

One of Black Powder's defining mechanics is the command system.

Commanders attempt to issue orders to their units by making command rolls.

Successful orders allow formations to carry out movement, while failed orders may leave troops unable to advance as planned.

This recreates the uncertainty of battlefield communications during the Napoleonic Wars.

3. Movement and Formations

Infantry can operate in different formations, including lines, columns and squares.

Each formation has tactical advantages and disadvantages.

For example, infantry lines maximize firepower, while squares provide protection against cavalry charges.

Columns are useful for manoeuvre and advancing across the battlefield.

4. Musketry and Artillery

Infantry formations exchange volleys of musket fire, while artillery batteries bombard enemy positions.

Artillery can be particularly effective against densely packed formations.

Players must consider range, positioning and the effectiveness of their troops.

5. Cavalry Charges

Cavalry provides mobility and the ability to threaten enemy flanks.

Heavy cavalry can deliver powerful charges, while light cavalry performs reconnaissance, screening and pursuit roles.

However, cavalry is vulnerable when attacking well-prepared infantry squares.

6. Morale and Break Tests

Units can suffer casualties, become disordered and eventually break.

Maintaining the fighting effectiveness of brigades is essential because a collapsing formation can expose neighbouring units.

7. Victory Conditions

Players can use historical scenarios or create their own battles.

Victory may depend on defeating enemy formations, controlling objectives or completing historical mission goals.

What Scale Are Warlord Games Epic Battles Napoleonics?

Warlord Games' Epic Battles miniatures are commonly described as approximately 13.5mm in height, within the broader 15mm historical gaming category.

This is significantly smaller than traditional 28mm Napoleonic miniatures.

The smaller scale allows players to recreate enormous formations of infantry, cavalry and artillery on a practical tabletop.

Our verdict: choose Epic Battles if your goal is to recreate enormous Napoleonic engagements with impressive ranks of soldiers.

Best Epic Battles Waterloo Starter Sets

Warlord Games produces three major starter armies for the Waterloo range.

Each focuses on one of the principal armies involved in the campaign.

1. Wellington's British Starter Army – Best Allied Army

The British Starter Army provides a substantial force representing Wellington's army during the Hundred Days campaign.

Although commonly described as British, Wellington's army was a multinational force that included troops from Britain, the Netherlands, Hanover, Brunswick and other German states.

The starter provides an excellent foundation for recreating the British and Allied formations that fought at Waterloo.

What's Included?

• 10 units of Line Infantry.
• 3 units of 95th Rifles.
• 1 unit of Heavy Dragoons.
• 1 unit of Scots Greys.
• 1 unit of Household Cavalry.
• 1 unit of Hussars.
• 1 unit of Light Dragoons.
• 16 artillery pieces.
• 9 mounted brigade commanders.
• La Belle Alliance MDF scenery piece.
• Epic Battles: Waterloo rulebook.
• Bases, flags and supporting hobby components.

Why Choose the British?

British infantry in their distinctive red uniforms create an impressive tabletop army.

The combination of infantry, riflemen, heavy cavalry and artillery provides excellent variety.

Wellington's army also offers opportunities to recreate famous historical units such as the Scots Greys and the 95th Rifles.

Best for: players interested in Wellington, defensive tactics and the Allied armies at Waterloo.

Shop the Epic Battles British Starter Army at TistaMinis.

2. Napoleon's French Starter Army – Best for French Collectors

The French Starter Army provides a substantial collection of Napoleon's troops from the Hundred Days campaign.

French armies were known for their aggressive manoeuvres, powerful artillery and impressive cavalry formations.

The starter contains a wide variety of troops suitable for recreating the battles of 1815.

What's Included?

• 10 units of French Line Infantry.
• 3 units of skirmishing Voltigeurs.
• 1 unit of Cuirassiers.
• 1 unit of Dragoons.
• 1 unit of Carabiniers.
• 1 unit of Hussars.
• 1 unit of Chasseurs à Cheval.
• 1 unit of Lancers.
• 16 artillery pieces.
• 9 brigade commanders.
• Decoster House MDF scenery piece.
• Epic Battles: Waterloo rulebook.
• Bases, flags and supporting hobby components.

Why Choose the French?

French armies offer an excellent combination of disciplined infantry, elite cavalry and powerful artillery.

The variety of cavalry types is particularly attractive for collectors who enjoy Napoleonic uniforms and mounted troops.

French players can also expand their armies with Imperial Guard infantry and cavalry.

Best for: players who enjoy Napoleon's campaigns, aggressive tactics and colourful cavalry formations.

Shop the Epic Battles French Starter Army at TistaMinis.

3. Blücher's Prussian Starter Army – Best for Prussian Collectors

The Prussian Starter Army represents the forces that played a decisive role in Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo.

Commanded by Field Marshal Blücher, the Prussians recovered from their defeat at Ligny and marched to support Wellington.

Their arrival helped turn the battle against Napoleon.

What's Included?

• 8 units of Prussian Line Infantry.
• 5 units of Landwehr Infantry.
• 2 units of ranked Jägers.
• 2 units of skirmishing Jägers.
• 1 unit of Landwehr Cavalry.
• 1 unit of Dragoons.
• 1 unit of Uhlans.
• 1 unit of Hussars.
• 11 artillery pieces.
• 8 mounted brigade commanders.
• Windmill MDF scenery piece.
• Epic Battles: Waterloo rulebook.
• Bases, flags and supporting hobby components.

Why Choose the Prussians?

Prussian armies combine professional line infantry with Landwehr formations, cavalry and specialist troops.

Their dark uniforms create a distinctive appearance compared with the British and French.

They are also ideal for recreating the final stages of Waterloo and the battles of the Hundred Days campaign.

Best for: players interested in Blücher, Prussian military history and the Allied campaign against Napoleon.

Which Epic Battles Waterloo Army Should You Choose?

Our recommendation: French and British are the easiest pairing for two new players who want to recreate the main confrontation at Waterloo. Prussians are an excellent choice for expanding into three-player battles and historical scenarios.

Best Epic Battles Napoleonic Expansions

Once you've assembled and played with your starter army, the next step is expanding your collection.

Warlord Games produces a wide range of infantry, cavalry, artillery and command expansions.

1. French Line Infantry – Best French Expansion

French Line Infantry formed the backbone of Napoleon's army.

Additional infantry allows you to create larger brigades and recreate major French assaults.

For beginners, line infantry should generally be a higher priority than collecting large numbers of elite units.

2. British Line Infantry – Best Allied Expansion

British Line Infantry are essential for recreating Wellington's defensive formations.

Additional regiments allow players to build larger battle lines and recreate the fighting around Waterloo's central ridge.

3. French Imperial Guard – Best Elite Infantry

The Imperial Guard represented some of Napoleon's most prestigious troops.

Warlord Games produces Epic Battles miniatures representing Guard formations, including Middle Guard and Old Guard infantry.

These are excellent additions for players who want to recreate the final French assaults at Waterloo.

Best for: collectors who want iconic elite French infantry.

4. British Highlanders and Riflemen – Best Specialist Infantry

British Highland regiments are among the most recognizable troops of the Napoleonic Wars.

Their distinctive kilts and uniforms make them excellent painting projects.

Riflemen such as the 95th provide additional historical variety.

Explore British Highlanders and Riflemen at TistaMinis.

5. Prussian Infantry Brigade – Best Prussian Expansion

The Prussian Infantry Brigade is one of the most practical expansions for a Prussian army.

It includes:

• Three Prussian Line or Light Infantry regiments of 80 men each.
• Three bases of Jägers.
• Three 12-pounder artillery pieces.
• Three mounted brigade commanders.
• Plastic bases and flag leaflet.

This provides a useful combination of infantry, skirmishers, artillery and command.

Shop the Prussian Infantry Brigade at TistaMinis.

6. Prussian Cavalry Brigade – Best Mounted Expansion

The Prussian Cavalry Brigade provides several different cavalry formations.

The set includes Hussars, Uhlans, Dragoons, skirmishing Jägers and horse artillery.

It is an excellent way to add mobility and tactical variety to a Prussian army.

Shop the Prussian Cavalry Brigade at TistaMinis.

7. Prussian Landwehr Brigade – Best Historical Infantry Variety

The Prussian Landwehr were militia formations that played an important role in the campaigns against Napoleon.

The Epic Battles Landwehr Brigade includes infantry, Landwehr cavalry and skirmishing Jägers.

It is particularly useful for collectors who want a historically varied Prussian army.

Explore the Prussian Landwehr Brigade at TistaMinis.

8. Historical Commanders – Best Character Models

Commanders are an essential part of Black Powder because the game's order system revolves around battlefield leadership.

Warlord Games produces historical commanders representing important officers from the Waterloo campaign.

For Prussian collectors, the commander set includes Blücher, Gneisenau, von Bülow, von Zieten and Pirch I.

Shop Prussian Commanders at TistaMinis.

How to Get Started with Epic Battles Napoleonics: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Choose Your Nation

Begin by choosing French, British or Prussian forces.

Consider your favourite historical commanders, uniforms and battles.

Step 2: Purchase a Starter Army

The starter armies provide substantial forces and the appropriate Epic Battles rules.

For two beginners, we recommend choosing French and British starter armies.

Step 3: Assemble a Small Brigade

Although the starter boxes contain more than 1,000 figures, you don't need to assemble everything immediately.

Begin with several infantry regiments and a commander.

This allows you to learn the game without being overwhelmed by enormous formations.

Step 4: Learn the Command System

Practice issuing orders, moving formations and coordinating your troops.

The command system is central to Black Powder and creates much of the game's tactical uncertainty.

Step 5: Add Artillery

Introduce artillery batteries once you're comfortable with infantry movement and combat.

Artillery is particularly important for recreating the large bombardments associated with Napoleonic battles.

Step 6: Add Cavalry

Cavalry introduces new tactical possibilities, including charges, flank attacks and pursuit.

Practice the interaction between cavalry and infantry squares.

Step 7: Expand into Multiple Brigades

Once you've learned the fundamentals, build larger formations and introduce additional commanders.

This allows you to experience the full spectacle of Epic Battles.

Step 8: Recreate Historical Battles

Use your collection to recreate engagements inspired by Quatre Bras, Ligny and Waterloo.

Begin with simplified scenarios before attempting enormous historical battles.

The Hundred Days Campaign Supplement

For players who want to explore the Waterloo campaign in greater detail, Black Powder Epic Battles: The Hundred Days is an excellent expansion.

This substantial campaign supplement provides historical background, orders of battle and guidance for recreating engagements from Napoleon's final campaign.

It also includes a points system for players who prefer balanced games rather than strictly historical scenarios.

Why Buy The Hundred Days?

• Detailed historical background.
• Orders of battle for the campaign.
• Guidance for recreating historical engagements.
• Additional scenarios and campaign material.
• Points-based army-building options.

Our recommendation: purchase the supplement after learning the basic rules, especially if you want to recreate the Waterloo campaign in detail.

Best Terrain for Epic Battles Waterloo

Terrain plays an important role in Napoleonic wargaming.

The Waterloo battlefield included several strategically important farms, roads and ridges.

Warlord Games produces scenery designed specifically for Epic Battles: Waterloo.

Hougoumont Farm

Hougoumont was one of the most important defensive positions on Wellington's right flank.

French attacks against the complex continued throughout the battle.

A Hougoumont model makes an excellent centrepiece for Waterloo scenarios.

La Haye Sainte

La Haye Sainte was a strategically important farmhouse near the centre of Wellington's position.

Its capture became a major objective for French forces during the battle.

The building is ideal for scenarios involving infantry assaults and defensive fighting.

Papelotte Farm

Papelotte was another important position on the Allied left flank.

Its location became increasingly significant as Prussian forces approached the battlefield.

Warlord Games produces an Epic Battles scenery pack representing the farm complex.

Shop Papelotte Farm Scenery at TistaMinis.

Other Useful Terrain

• Rolling hills and ridges.
• Country roads.
• Fields and farmland.
• Stone walls and fences.
• Small villages.
• Woodland and orchards.
• Rivers and streams.

Painting Epic Battles Napoleonic Miniatures

One of the biggest advantages of Epic Battles is that large armies can be painted efficiently using batch techniques.

Because the figures are small, the goal is to create visually impressive formations rather than spending hours detailing each individual soldier.

Painting French Infantry

French Line Infantry are commonly associated with dark blue coats, white trousers and distinctive shakos.

A simple painting method is:

1. Prime the miniatures in a suitable colour.
2. Paint coats dark blue.
3. Paint trousers and crossbelts in off-white.
4. Apply dark colours to shakos and equipment.
5. Add red details to cuffs, collars and epaulettes where appropriate.
6. Apply a controlled wash.
7. Finish the bases with earth textures and grass.

Painting British Infantry

British infantry are famous for their red coats.

Use red as the primary colour, with white crossbelts, dark shakos and grey or white trousers depending on the unit and campaign.

Highlanders provide opportunities for more detailed painting with tartan patterns.

Painting Prussian Infantry

Prussian Line Infantry commonly wore dark blue uniforms.

Landwehr units provide additional variation through different headgear and equipment.

Use consistent basing to tie the army together visually.

Best Painting Techniques for Epic Scale

• Batch painting: paint multiple infantry strips at once.
• Contrast paints: speed up the painting of uniforms and equipment.
• Drybrushing: highlight raised details quickly.
• Washes: emphasize sculpted details and create depth.
• Flag sheets: use the supplied flags to make regiments stand out.
• Consistent basing: unify your army with similar terrain colours and textures.

Example Beginner Campaign: The Road to Waterloo

One of the most enjoyable ways to play Epic Battles Napoleonics is to connect several historical engagements into a narrative campaign.

The following is an original beginner-friendly campaign outline inspired by the Hundred Days.

Battle 1: The French Advance

French infantry attempt to secure an important crossroads before Allied reinforcements arrive.

Use a small battle featuring infantry and commanders.

Battle 2: Quatre Bras

French forces attempt to drive Allied troops from a strategically important position.

Introduce cavalry and artillery.

Battle 3: Ligny

French and Prussian forces clash in a larger engagement.

Use multiple brigades and a combination of infantry, cavalry and artillery.

Battle 4: The Defence of Hougoumont

Allied troops defend a fortified farmhouse against repeated French assaults.

Use terrain and objective-based victory conditions.

Battle 5: Waterloo

Conclude the campaign with a major battle featuring French, British-led Allied and Prussian forces.

Players can use the published rules and mutually agreed scenario modifications to represent the historical events.

Common Beginner Mistakes in Epic Battles Napoleonics

1. Buying Too Many Miniatures Immediately

The starter armies already contain enormous numbers of figures.

Begin by assembling a few regiments and learning the game before purchasing expansions.

2. Ignoring Command Rolls

Black Powder's command system creates uncertainty.

Plan your movements carefully and avoid relying on every unit responding perfectly.

3. Neglecting Cavalry

Cavalry played an important role in Napoleonic warfare.

Protect your flanks and understand how cavalry interacts with infantry formations.

4. Using the Wrong Formation

Infantry lines, columns and squares have different tactical purposes.

Learning when to change formation is an important part of the game.

5. Mixing Epic Battles with 28mm Miniatures

Epic Battles uses smaller figures than standard 28mm Black Powder.

For a consistent army appearance, avoid mixing the two scales within the same formations.

6. Attempting Waterloo as Your First Game

Waterloo was an enormous battle involving multiple armies.

Begin with smaller scenarios before attempting a full historical recreation.

Shop Black Powder Epic Battles at TistaMinis Canada

Frequently Asked Questions About Black Powder Epic Battles Napoleonics

Final Verdict: Is Black Powder Epic Battles Waterloo Worth Starting in 2026?

Black Powder Epic Battles: Waterloo is one of the most impressive ways to recreate Napoleonic warfare on the tabletop.

Its compact miniatures allow players to build enormous armies featuring infantry, cavalry, artillery and historical commanders without requiring the same space as traditional 28mm collections.

For beginners, the French and British starter armies are our top recommendations. Each provides a substantial force and the rules needed to begin playing.

Prussian collectors also have an excellent starting option with Blücher's army, while the wider range includes additional infantry, cavalry, elite troops and battlefield scenery.

Our advice is to begin with a starter army, assemble a few regiments and learn the command system before expanding into larger battles.

Once you're comfortable with the rules, explore The Hundred Days supplement and recreate famous engagements such as Quatre Bras, Ligny and Waterloo.

Whether you're commanding French cuirassiers, British infantry squares or Prussian Landwehr, Epic Battles offers a rewarding combination of history, strategy and miniature collecting.

Ready to recreate Waterloo? Explore Black Powder Epic Battles Napoleonics at TistaMinis and begin building your army today.