Epic Battles is heading to Zululand, and this release has a different feel. Instead of another horse-and-musket clash, Zulu pushes the system toward late nineteenth-century warfare.
That means rifles, artillery, rockets, and disciplined volleys crashing into fast warrior regiments. However, it still keeps the massed spectacle that makes Epic Battles appealing. This is a summary of the community post found here.
Rorke’s Drift Turns a Famous Last Stand Into a Starter Box
The new Epic Battles: Zulu range brings the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879 into Black Powder Epic Battles. It uses the same core engine as the American Civil War, Waterloo, and Revolution games. However, the period adds a sharper contrast between modern British firepower and Zulu forces armed mostly like ancient warriors. The first wave centers on two iconic battles, starting with Rorke’s Drift. Around 150 British defenders held a mission station against roughly 3,000 to 4,000 Zulu attackers from January 22 to 23, 1879.
The British relied on makeshift barricades, Martini-Henry volleys, and desperate hand-to-hand fighting. Meanwhile, the Zulu attackers endured huge losses after days of marching. On paper, Rorke’s Drift seems odd for Epic Battles because the troop count is small. However, the terrain and personalities make it ideal as a dramatic starter set. The box includes a large Rorke’s Drift terrain setup using MDF, resin, and punchboard card. It also includes 40 bases of Married Zulu, 40 bases of Unmarried Zulu, 32 British defender bases, and 16 Natal Native Contingent bases for what-if play. Better yet, 13 exclusive resin personalities add serious narrative flavor.
Warlord also solved the British formation problem with single-line MDF bases, letting redcoats properly man the barricades. The set includes an A5 rulebook, quick-start booklet, casualty markers, dice, templates, and a paper battlemat.
Isandlwana Gives the Range Its True Epic Scale
The Isandlwana set shows the other side of the war: Imperial overconfidence meeting Zulu tactical brilliance. Here, Lord Chelmsford split his force and left an unfortified camp vulnerable. Then Ntshingwayo kaMahole’s Zulu army struck with the classic Horns of the Buffalo formation. Despite British rifles, artillery, and rockets, the camp collapsed once ammunition ran low.
Fewer than 500 of about 1,800 British troops and allies escaped. On the tabletop, this becomes the bigger spectacle box. It includes 80 bases each of Married and Unmarried Zulu, creating 40 regiments total. The British receive regulars, Natal Native Contingent infantry, mounted troops, Hales rockets, and two 7-pounder guns. It also includes a battlemat, huts, tents, wagons, the rulebook, and quick-play guide.
Overall, this launch looks like a historical wargaming package. Rorke’s Drift gives cinematic defense, while Isandlwana delivers mass-battle disaster
