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Est. 1997
WDS Antietam Expansion
2026
Welcome to the storage area for the WDS Antietam scenarios based upon the classic Battleground Antietam and Bull Run games! There are 20 scenarios available to play and to download here. Included are a number of classic Talonsoft scenarios, some original scenarios by Blake Strickler, and some Equal Force setups. These scenarios were added on July 1, 2026. By downloading the file attachment below, you can quickly install all the necessary files to play these scenarios. For tech help you can click here. The full scenario descriptions are listed below. Enjoy!
By clicking on the icon to the left you can download all of the various files you will need in order to play the different scenarios listed below. It is strongly recommended you import all files to your game folders at one time (even if you only wish to play just one of the scenarios).
Antietam Scenarios
Historical - First Battle of Bull Run (Talonsoft)
!BG01 - First Bull Run (H)
47 Turns
Designed by Talonsoft
July 21, 1861, 47 Turns ---------------- 5:00am: On the evening of July 20th, Federal division and brigade commanders stood huddled over a map in Brig. Gen. Irvin McDowell's tent and listened to their commander's instructions for the next day. McDowell's plan was a three-pronged operation consisting of two frontal demonstrations and a strong thrust upon the enemy's left flank. One demonstration was to be made in front of Mitchell's and Blackburn's fords, where Richardson's brigade, supported by Davies' brigade of the Fifth Division, was to make a second appearance and get the Confederates' attention, while farther north a second demonstration was to be made at the Stone Bridge by the remaining three brigades of Tyler's division. While these feints were being made, a flanking column, consisting of two divisions, would loop around to the Sudley Ford and slam into the Confederate left flank.
Imported into WDS Antietam in 2026 by Blake Strickler.
CHANGES: The reinforcements in this scenario arrive 20 minute earlier for the Federals and 20 minutes later for Confederate when compared to the Talonsoft version. This is due to the map size being different in design and structure from the Talonsoft version to the WDS version. Additional supply wagons were also added for both sides. Lastly, Cocke's two regiments east of Bull Run were moved west of Bull Run to prevent their easy capture.
TOTAL NUMBERS: USA 26,850 CSA 28,700
What If - Look Out for Your Left!
!BG02 - First Bull Run (Alt)
40 Turns
Designed by Talonsoft
July 21, 1861, 40 Turns ---------------- 7:00am: McDowell's plans for the morning of July 21 were plagued by delays from the very start. Hunter and Heintzelman's divisions were forced to wait as Tyler's division crawled westward along the Warrenton Turnpike. Once clear of Tyler's division, the flanking column faced further delays when the guide leading the column sent them on an alternate route rather than risk detection by the enemy. This scenario supposes that McDowell allowed Hunter and Heintzelman to march before Tyler, and although the flanking column still takes the alternate route, their chance of an earlier arrival at Sudley Ford are better. Meanwhile, the Creole has a plan of his own for the Federal left. The catch for both sides are random entry and release times.
Imported into WDS Antieteam in 2026 by Blake Strickler.
CHANGES: Additional supply wagons were added for both sides and Cocke's two regiments east of Bull Run were moved west of Bull Run to prevent their easy capture.
TOTAL NUMBERS: USA 28,850 CSA 28,900
What If - Beauregard Attacks McDowell
!BG03 - First Bull Run (Rebel Attack)
45 Turns
Designed by Blake Strickler
July 21, 1861, 45 Turns ---------------- 5:00am: General Johnston's Army of the Shenandoah has been pinned down in the Valley by Union General Patterson's forces. This has left General Beauregard's Army of the Potomac alone to confront the oncoming Federal army under General McDowell. Unwilling to allow the enemy the initiative, Beauregard has ordered his army to attack McDowell's forces around Centreville on the 21st. McDowell's own plans for the 21st are to await the arrival of Heintzelman's 3rd Division before a general advance is ordered toward Blackburn's Ford. McDowell's forces are resting after a grueling march the day before. Only Richardson's brigade has been ordered to reconnoiter towards Blackburn's Ford but is getting a late start themselves. Hunter's 2nd Division has been sent to guard the Union right flank at Cub Run. Hoping to gain the higher ground to his front across the Run, Hunter pushed Porter's brigade across Cub Run the evening before. As the sun rises on July 21, scattered Union detachments and cavalry units are milling about on the edges of the army. McDowell's exhausted army is stirring but have no reason to fear the rebel horde they are sure are retreating already. Coming through the woods though are Beauregard's forces preparing to initiate the first great battle of the War for Southern Independence.
TOTAL NUMBERS: USA 24,000 CSA 20,425
What If - Collision at Chantilly
!BG04 - Collision at Chantilly
40 Turns
Designed by Blake Strickler
July 21, 1861, 6 AM (Alternate) - - - - - - This fictional scenario has McDowell's army, reinforced by the reserves from Washington DC, moving on Chantilly to confront the Confederate armies moving toward that town. Neither side has any cavalry.
This was designed to be a harder scenario to play as it forces both sides to make critical decisions right from the start. You should expect this to be a heated battle fought at close range.
TOTAL NUMBERS: USA 33,525 CSA 29,575
Historical - Battle of Second Bull Run (Talonsoft)
!BG 05 - Second Bull Run (H)
78 Turns
Designed by Talonsoft
August 29-30, 1862, 78 Turns, 9:40 AM
This full, 2-day campaign begins after Sigel's I Corps divisions have spent the first few hours of the day maneuvering closer to the Confederates. Prodded by Pope to attack at sunup, Sigel has dispersed his units over a wide arc so as to better develop then enemy's line, hopefully uncovering some weak spots or an "open" flank. Reynolds' division of Pennsylvania Reserves has arrived, and other reinforcements are hurrying toward Groveton as Pope still has high hopes of crushing Jackson before he can get away.
Imported into WDS Antietam in 2026 by Blake Strickler.
NOTES: This scenario utilizes the Talonsoft OOB for the Battle of Second Bull Run. This OOB features generally lower rated units and commanders than does the WDS version of the same title.
CHANGES: Additional supply wagons were added for both sides.
TOTAL NUMBERS: USA 59,150 CSA 40,575
What If - Banks Arrives at Bull Run
!BG 06 - Second Bull Run v.1
78 Turns
Designed by Blake Strickler
August 29-30, 1862, 78 Turns, 9:40 AM
This recreation of the Second Battle of Bull Run adds the Federal 2nd Corps of the Army of Virginia (Banks) into the mix. Banks' men were guarding the rear areas and recovering from their battle against Jackson at Cedar Mountain a few weeks earlier. The Confederates gain the large cavalry brigade of Hampton which joins the fight late on the 29th. The historical Talonsoft setup is otherwise copied here.
NOTES: This scenario utilizes the Talonsoft OOB for the Battle of Second Bull Run. This OOB features generally lower rated units and commanders than does the WDS version of the same title.
TOTAL NUMBERS: USA 65,600 CSA 42,250
What If - Twice Hallowed Ground
!BG 07 - Second Bull Run v.2
90 Turns
Designed by Talonsoft
August 29-30, 1862, 90 Turns, 5:40 AM
[This is a full, 2-day battle, beginning shortly after sunrise with random release and arrival times.] After playing spectator to the previous evening's engagement on the Brawner property, Sigel's I Corps spent the night encamped near the Henry house and Bald Hill. With orders from Pope to "attack the enemy vigorously at dawn", Sigel puts Schurz's division in motion shortly after dawn; other divisions of his corps are slower to get into motion. Reynolds' division of McDowell's III Corps, is to act in concert with Sigel. "Stonewall" Jackson's Confederates, meanwhile, remained comfortably encamped along the unfinished railroad. Knowing that Lee, accompanied by Longstreet's corps, is scheduled to arrive later that day, Jackson waits for the Yankees to "play the first card".
Imported into WDS Antietam in 2026 by Blake Strickler.
NOTES: This scenario utilizes the Talonsoft OOB for the Battle of Second Bull Run. This OOB features generally lower rated units and commanders than does the WDS version of the same title.
CHANGES: Additional supply wagons were added for both sides.
TOTAL NUMBERS: USA 59,150 CSA 40,575
What If - Lee is Delayed
!BG 08 - Second Bull Run v.3
95 Turns
Designed by Blake Strickler
August 29-30, 1862, 95 Turns, 6:20 AM
Brig. Gen. John Buford has discovered the bulk of the Army of Northern Virginia moving through the Bull Run Mountains towards a junction with Jackson's isolated force near Groveton. Buford has deployed his entire brigade in a desperate effort to delay Lee long enough for Pope to dispose of Jackson's force. Pope, sensing an opportunity, has reinforced Buford with Beardsley's cavalry brigade and together the two brigades, fighting dismounted, have occupied Thoroughfare Gap. Pope knows they will not be able to hold for long and that he must destroy Jackson before Lee can arrive to support him. Lee had intended for Thoroughfare Gap to be held by Stuart's cavalrymen, but an unfortunate miscommunication has sent Stuart to Hopewell Gap to the north and now Lee will have to fight his way through to reach Jackson. At the head of the column are Hood's crack troops and Lee is there personally to oversee their deployment as they move to dislodge the Federals in their front. Will Lee make it in time?
NOTES: The odds against Jackson's Wing will increase the longer Lee takes to reach the main battlefield. This scenario utilizes the Talonsoft OOB for the Battle of Second Bull Run. This OOB features generally lower rated units and commanders than does the WDS version of the same title.
TOTAL NUMBERS: USA 59,900 CSA 40,575
What If - Meeting Engagement (Banks Arrives)
!BG 09 - Second Bull Run v.4
81 Turns
Designed by Blake Strickler
August 29-30, 1862, 81 Turns, 9:00 AM
John Buford's excellent scouting work has paid off for John Pope and the Army of Virginia. Buford has reported the movement of Longstreet's Wing towards the Bull Run and Pope has wisely ordered an immediate consolidation of all the Union forces in northern Virginia. Cancelling his planned attack on Jackson on August 29, Pope has decided to wait for his army to concentrate before deciding whether to attack or not. Both sides are in close proximity with rapidly growing numbers - who will move first?
NOTES: This scenario utilizes the WDS OOB for the Battle of Second Bull Run which utilizes generally higher ratings for units and leaders. Banks's 2nd Corps (AoV) has been added to Pope's army.
TOTAL NUMBERS: USA 76,630 CSA 51,035
What If - Meeting Engagement
!BG 10 - Second Bull Run v.5
81 Turns
Designed by Blake Strickler
August 29-30, 1862, 81 Turns, 9:00 AM
John Buford's excellent scouting work has paid off for John Pope and the Army of Virginia. Buford has reported the movement of Longstreet's Wing towards the Bull Run and Pope has wisely ordered an immediate consolidation of all the Union forces in northern Virginia. Cancelling his planned attack on Jackson on August 29, Pope has decided to wait for his army to concentrate before deciding whether to attack or not. Both sides are in close proximity with rapidly growing numbers - who will move first?
NOTES: This scenario utilizes the WDS OOB for the Battle of Second Bull Run which utilizes generally higher ratings for units and leaders.
TOTAL NUMBERS: USA 70,180 CSA 51,035
What If - Battle of the Four Armies v.1
!BG 11 - Battle of Four Armies v.1
100 Turns
Designed by Blake Strickler
August 29-30, 1862, 100 Turns, 5 AM
John Pope's Army of Virginia has been rapidly reinforced in northern Virginia by George McClellan and three veteran corps from the Army of the Potomac. With two Union armies operating in Virginia, Robert E. Lee has divided his own forces and recreated the Army of the Valley with Stonewall Jackson as its commander. The reorganized Confederate forces have been reinforced by both Walker's and DH Hill's divisions from the defenses at Richmond as Lee and Jackson plan an aggressive offensive towards Washington DC. Pope and McClellan are moving to intercept the Confederate armies around the Bull Run. As the sun rises on August 29, four armies are preparing to do battle.
NOTES: The Federals have more cavalrymen, infantrymen, and an advantage in artillery numbers. The Confederates have higher rated commanders and infantrymen. The Federals must protect the exit hexes on the eastern side of the map as those roads lead directly to Washington DC. This scenario utilizes the WDS OOB for the Battle of Second Bull Run which utilizes generally higher ratings for units and leaders.
This works excellently as a Multiplayer contest. For much greater multiplayer difficulty, institute a House Rule prohibiting communication between the allied armies except for turn one and then during the nighttime hours of the game.
TOTAL NUMBERS: USA 80,655 CSA 63,056
What If - Battle of the Four Armies v.2
!BG 12 - Battle of Four Armies v.2
100 Turns
Designed by Blake Strickler
August 29-30, 1862, 100 Turns, 5 AM
This is the same setup as Battle of the Four Armies v.1 except that the Confederates enter the map from the east and the Federals enter from the west. There are no exit hexes in this version.
NOTES: The Federals have more cavalrymen, infantrymen, and an advantage in artillery numbers. The Confederates have higher rated commanders and infantrymen. This scenario utilizes the WDS OOB for the Battle of Second Bull Run which utilizes generally higher ratings for units and leaders.
This works excellently as a Multiplayer contest. For much greater multiplayer difficulty, institute a House Rule prohibiting communication between the allied armies except for turn one and then during the nighttime hours of the game.
TOTAL NUMBERS: USA 80,655 CSA 63,056
What If - Battle of the Four Armies v.3
!BG 13 - Battle of Four Armies v.3
100 Turns
Designed by Blake Strickler
August 29-30, 1862, 100 Turns, 5 AM
Here the four armies enter the Manassas map in a much more complex and staggered manner which creates a lot of variables and hard decisions for both sides.
NOTES: The Federals have more cavalrymen, infantrymen, and an advantage in artillery numbers. The Confederates have higher rated commanders and infantrymen. The Federals must protect the exit hexes on the eastern side of the map as those roads lead directly to Washington DC. This scenario utilizes the WDS OOB for the Battle of Second Bull Run which utilizes generally higher ratings for units and leaders.
This works better as a 1 vs. 1 scenario but could be used as a Multiplayer Game for experienced teams.
TOTAL NUMBERS: USA 80,655 CSA 63,056
Historical - Battle of Antietam
!BG 14 - Battle of Antietam (H)
45 Turns
Designed by Talonsoft
September 17, 1862, 45 Turns, 5 AM
Early on the morning of 17 September 1862, Joseph Hooker's I Corps of the Army of the Potomac stepped off through the thick early-morning mist blanketing the quiet Maryland countryside. Its initial objective was the Dunker Church, barely visible in the distance. Positioned near the church, however, was most of Robert E. Lee's II Corps, under the able command of Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson. The previous evening McClellan had unwittingly signaled his intention to attack with his right when he sent the Federal I and XII Corps over Antietam Creek to take up positions near "The North Woods" on the Confederate left. Over the past few days, McClellan's repeated hesitations and overcautiousness had already allowed Lee the opportunity to regroup most of his once far-flung Army of Northern Virginia around Sharpsburg. Yet to arrive, however, were the commands of Lafayette McLaws and A.P. Hill, still approaching from the direction of Harpers Ferry. Nevertheless, the ever-prudent Union commander, laboring under false reports that the Rebels outnumbered his men by at least two to one, decided to feed his corps into the upcoming battle piecemeal, all the while retaining a large reserve for an expected counterattack.
Imported into WDS Antietam in 2026 by Blake Strickler.
NOTES: This is a near duplication of the original Talonsoft version of the Battle of Antietam. In this version, the Confederate reinforcements arrive from the south and not from the west as in the WDS version. This Talonsoft OOB features generally lower rated units and commanders than does the WDS version of the same title.
CHANGES: Additional supply wagons were added for both sides.
TOTAL NUMBERS: USA 57,475 (this excludes 10,725 FIXED units which are not available to move - otherwise the Federals technically have 68,200 men on the map) CSA 38,025
What If - Full Deck
!BG 15 - Battle of Antietam v.1
45 Turns
Designed by Talonsoft
September 17, 1862, 45 Turns, 5 AM
In this full-day scenario, most Union corps are present at daybreak. Each, however, must await "permission" from McClellan to begin its attack (except for Hooker's I Corps, which has orders to attack at dawn). Which corps will "Little Mac" decide to release, and when? On the Confederate side, the arrival of Rebel reinforcements cannot be so well predicted. Can you juggle the Southern troops, dispatching them to the critical spot, as well as Lee did?
Imported into WDS Antietam in 2026 by Blake Strickler.
NOTES: This is a near duplication of the original Talonsoft version of the Full Deck scenario. This Talonsoft OOB features generally lower rated units and commanders than does the WDS version of the same title.
CHANGES: Additional supply wagons were added for both sides.
TOTAL NUMBERS: USA 76,325 (if all units are released) CSA 38,025
What If - Hooker's Debut
!BG 16 - Battle of Antietam v.2
45 Turns
Designed by Talonsoft
September 17, 1862, 45 Turns, 5 AM
McClellan had been decapitated by a well-aimed 12 lb. solid shot three days previous while witnessing the action at Turner's Gap. While most Union troops were still mourning his loss, "Fightin' Joe" Hooker assumed command of the Army of the Potomac. It is now daybreak of the 17th, and three Union corps are fully deployed on the western side of the Antietam, poised to attack. Can Hooker succeed where McClellan failed, and bag Lee's Army of Northern Virginia? Was it misfortune - or fortune - that put an early end to "Little Mac's" career?
Imported into WDS Antietam in 2026 by Blake Strickler.
NOTES: This is a near duplication of the original Talonsoft version of the Hooker's Debut scenario. This Talonsoft OOB features generally lower rated units and commanders than does the WDS version of the same title.
CHANGES: Additional supply wagons were added for both sides.
TOTAL NUMBERS: USA 68,200 CSA 39,025
What If - Loose Cannons
!BG 17 - Battle of Antietam v.3
45 Turns
Designed by Talonsoft
September 17, 1862, 45 Turns, 5 AM
Assume that McClellan has told each of his corps commanders to attack at first light. Assume that each Union corps commander has motivated himself and his men to do just that. Assume that the Confederates are going to have a *very* bad day! This full day scenario has no units fixed on either side, plus variable reinforcements. As a small compensation for the Rebs, Thomas' brigade (A.P. Hill's Division) is assumed to accompany its parent unit to the battlefield instead of remaining behind in Harpers Ferry. For the Union, the arrival of Franklin's VI corps is less than certain.
Imported into WDS Antietam in 2026 by Blake Strickler.
NOTES: This is a near duplication of the original Talonsoft version of the Loose Cannons scenario. This Talonsoft OOB features generally lower rated units and commanders than does the WDS version of the same title.
CHANGES: Additional supply wagons were added for both sides. Confederate reinforcements have 100% probability of arrival. This is to balance the gameplay just a little bit.
TOTAL NUMBERS: USA 68,200 CSA 39,100
What If - Hooker's Debut (Multiplayer Optimized)
!BG 18 - Battle of Antietam v.4
45 Turns
Designed by Talonsoft/Blake Strickler
September 17, 1862, 45 Turns, 5 AM
McClellan had been decapitated by a well-aimed 12 lb. solid shot three days previous while witnessing the action at Turner's Gap. While most Union troops were still mourning his loss, "Fightin' Joe" Hooker assumed command of the Army of the Potomac. It is now daybreak of the 17th, and three Union corps are fully deployed on the western side of the Antietam, poised to attack. Can Hooker succeed where McClellan failed, and bag Lee's Army of Northern Virginia? Was it misfortune - or fortune - that put an early end to "Little Mac's" career?
NOTES: This scenario adds a twist to the Hooker's Debut setup from Talonsoft. In this version AP Hill's Division is already on the field with the rest of Jackson's Wing. Hood's Division has been sent to rejoin Longstreet's Wing. This gives each Confederate Wing a clear area to control and makes it easier for a Multiplayer battle to be fought. To compensate for the earlier arrival of AP Hill, the Federal 12th Corps and Richardson's Division are released at 5 AM to join in the attack. I recommend playing this as a 2 vs 2 game with one player taking Longstreet and the other Jackson for the CSA. On the Union side, it should be one player taking the 1st, 2nd, and 12th Corps while the other commands across the Antietam with the 5th, 6th, 9th, and Cavalry. This Talonsoft OOB features generally lower rated units and commanders than does the WDS version of the same title.
TOTAL NUMBERS: USA 68,200 CSA 39,100
Equal Force Battle - Battle of Gainesville
!BG 19 - Equal Force Battle v.1
100 Turns
Designed by Blake Strickler
August 29 - 30, 1862, 100 Turns, 5 AM
Four armies of equal size are about to come together around Gainesville.
NOTES: This is an Equal Force Battle with both sides having 60,000 total men. Each side has the same number of men, guns, units, gun types, and leader quality. Each side has two armies on the field with each army containing 30,000 men. This is ideally suited for a Multiplayer battle.
TOTAL NUMBERS: USA 60,000 CSA 60,000
Equal Force Battle - Battle in the Mountains
!BG 20 - Equal Force Battle v.2
46 Turns
Designed by Blake Strickler
August 29 - 30, 1862, 46 Turns, 5 AM
Four armies of equal size are about to come together in the Bull Run Mountains.
NOTES: This is an Equal Force Battle with both sides having 60,000 total men. Each side has the same number of men, guns, units, gun types, and leader quality. Each side has two armies on the field with each army containing 30,000 men. This is ideally suited for either a Multiplayer battle or 1 on 1 game.
SPECIAL NOTE: This is a very hard setup to play. You will be presented with a lot of strategic options which will all seem bad. Your opponent is dealing with the same issues though so remember that. There are Exit Hexes for both sides along the edges and there are Victory Point Hexes in the middle of the map. Because this is a one-day battle you must decide on a plan quickly and execute it right the first time. Good luck!
TOTAL NUMBERS: USA 60,000 CSA 60,000