| Front Door | 26 Apr 2021 4:57 a.m. PST |
Hi Guys, What rules do you use for Napoleonic naval? We have used 'First Rate' previously; a nice balance between speed and detail. I am looking for a set where you could play a fairly large engagement (say 10 ships a side) in 3 to 4 hours. I saw the new 'Far Distant Ships' on Wargames Vault – has anyone played this yet? |
 ColCampbell  | 26 Apr 2021 7:29 a.m. PST |
Haven't played "Far Distant Ships" yet but have played several others by David Manley. We've been able to manage large fleets within a four-hour game. Jim |
| rmaker | 26 Apr 2021 10:25 a.m. PST |
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| 138SquadronRAF | 26 Apr 2021 1:28 p.m. PST |
Depends on what level you want to play. For fleet actions I like "Admirals" from War Artisan. To of us fought 20 ships a side in better than real time. Got a result in 2 hours. The rules are free here: warartisan.com/rules |
| Desert Rat | 26 Apr 2021 1:29 p.m. PST |
I have got but am yet to play "Far Distant Ships" but I do quite like Osprey's "Fighting Sail – Fleet Actions 1775-1815". Quick to play and quite straightforward rules. |
| dantheman | 26 Apr 2021 1:44 p.m. PST |
Curious about 'Far Distant Ships'. Like Dave's approach to rules but I am already drowning in rule sets. I do not recommend Osprey or First Rate. Played both and found them very non historical. Unrealistic Blow 'em up sets of rules. My group actually liked "Black Seas" by Warlord. Simple but very playable. Especially good for players who only dabble in Age of Sail. Some rules seem unusual but they actually seemed to work. They are tempting me to get rid of my 1/2000 Valiant fleets if people will play "Black Seas". |
| Bashytubits | 26 Apr 2021 4:05 p.m. PST |
It is Warm Work is also on Wargames Vault and fastplay, it was designed for convention play and large numbers of ship fights.
Personally I like Fire as she Bears 2nd edition, little wars TV has reviewed them and featured Trafalgar with those rules. I believe they are also available on Wargames Vault. |
| Front Door | 27 Apr 2021 6:18 a.m. PST |
Cheers guys – lots of options to look at. I agree about 'First Rate'; ships can blow up with alarming regularity! I'll have a look at the War Artisan set and I think I will buy 'Far Distant Ships' (although I am also drowning in multiple rules for multiple periods and scales!). |
| paul liddle | 27 Apr 2021 6:54 a.m. PST |
Osprey's "Fighting Sail – Fleet Actions 1775-1815" for me too.
It can handle fleets with ease and is a fun game, you do need the errata though.
link |
| Rev Zoom | 27 Apr 2021 7:10 a.m. PST |
Close Action or Kiss Me, Hardy |
| coopman | 30 Apr 2021 1:51 p.m. PST |
It is Warm Work, as mentioned above. |
| torokchar | 30 Apr 2021 4:16 p.m. PST |
Bloody Broadsides by Jeff Hunt – Excellent rules and ship models, highly recommended. |
| michaelk1776 | 26 Jun 2021 4:45 p.m. PST |
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| michaelk1776 | 26 Jun 2021 4:48 p.m. PST |
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sails to the Skeleton Seas, and finds inspiration as she goes.
