Sword and Siege

Sword and Siege

The Sword & Siege series recreates tactical warfare from the age of sword, spear, and bow through to the close of the Middle Ages, placing you in command of armies during some of history’s most decisive campaigns. From open field battles to desperate castle assaults and prolonged sieges, each title combines meticulous historical research with deep, turn-based gameplay that rewards careful planning and sound battlefield leadership.

Whether leading crusaders in the Holy Land, commanding armies during the Hundred Years’ War, or exploring other conflicts from the age before gunpowder transformed the battlefield, Sword & Siege delivers an authentic military experience built around realistic terrain, historical orders of battle, and scenarios ranging from small engagements to major set-piece battles.

Designed for both newcomers and experienced wargamers, every title includes comprehensive documentation, tutorials, and powerful editors that allow players to create and share their own scenarios and campaigns. If you are new to the series, download the free Sword & Siege Demo to experience the game engine and tutorial scenarios before moving on to the full titles. Although the demo is completely free of charge, you will still need to add it to your cart and complete the checkout process so that we can generate your download link and unique serial number.

Read more below to discover how the series recreates historical warfare and what makes the WDS Sword & Siege engine unique.

4 products
Sword & Siege Demo
Sword & Siege Demo
$0.00
Crusades: Book I
Crusades: Book I
$39.95
Age of Longbow Volume I
Age of Longbow Volume I
$39.95
Crusades: Book II
$39.95

Relive the Battles That Shaped the Medieval World

The Sword & Siege series brings to life the tactical warfare of the age before gunpowder transformed the battlefield. Each title recreates the unique challenges of commanding armies armed with swords, spears, bows, siege engines, and the earliest gunpowder weapons. From hard-fought field battles to prolonged sieges and desperate assaults on castles and fortified cities, every engagement demands careful planning, sound tactics, and decisive leadership.

From the age of sword, spear, and bow to the dawn of gunpowder warfare, these titles recreate some of history’s most iconic battles and campaigns. Command armies of disciplined infantry, powerful cavalry, skilled archers, and the first gunpowder troops in meticulously researched historical conflicts.

Victory is rarely achieved through brute force alone. Success depends on making effective use of terrain, maintaining unit cohesion and morale, coordinating different troop types, and exploiting the strengths—and weaknesses—of your army. Whether launching a determined assault, defending formidable fortifications, or attempting to outmaneuver an opponent in open country, every decision can influence the course of the battle.

Built on Historical Research

Historical authenticity lies at the heart of every Sword & Siege title. Our designers draw upon contemporary chronicles, archaeological evidence, historical maps, and modern scholarship to recreate the armies, commanders, terrain, and fortifications of each campaign as accurately as the available evidence permits. The result is a series that seeks not only to entertain, but also to provide a deeper appreciation of how warfare was conducted during this fascinating period of history.

Alongside historical scenarios based on documented engagements, titles may also include plausible “what-if” scenarios that explore how different decisions or circumstances might have altered the outcome of a battle or campaign.

Flexible Gameplay for Every Commander

Every Sword & Siege title includes a comprehensive range of scenarios, from smaller tactical engagements to major battles involving thousands of combatants. Games can be played against the computer AI, against another player using Play-by-Email (PBEM), or in hot-seat mode on a single computer. A wide selection of optional rules allows players to tailor the experience to their preferred balance of realism and complexity.

New players can learn the system through the free Sword & Siege Demo and the tutorial scenarios included with every full title. Experienced players will appreciate the depth offered by the game engine, which rewards thoughtful planning, effective command, and historically appropriate tactics rather than rapid mouse clicks.

Create, Modify, and Share

Every full Sword & Siege game includes powerful editors for creating new scenarios, modifying existing battles, and building complete campaigns. Combined with extensive documentation and an active community of players and designers, these tools make it possible to recreate historical engagements, explore alternative outcomes, or design entirely original content to share with others.

Frequently Asked Questions

What historical periods does Sword & Siege cover?

Sword & Siege focuses on warfare from the age before gunpowder transformed the battlefield. The series currently covers medieval conflicts such as the Crusades and the Hundred Years’ War, with additional historical settings planned for the future.

Are the battles historically accurate?

Every Sword & Siege title is grounded in extensive historical research. Depending on the period, our designers draw upon contemporary chronicles, archaeological evidence, historical maps, and modern scholarship to recreate the armies, terrain, fortifications, and battles of each campaign. Where the surviving evidence is incomplete or uncertain, historical reconstruction is based on the best available sources and informed interpretation, always with the aim of creating an authentic and credible historical experience.

Can I play against the computer or other people?

Absolutely. Every title supports single-player games against the computer AI, Play-by-Email (PBEM) multiplayer, and hot-seat play on a single computer.

Is there a free demo?

Yes. A free Sword & Siege Demo is available and includes tutorial scenarios that introduce the game system. Although the demo is completely free of charge, you will still need to complete the checkout process so we can generate your download link and unique serial number.

Can I create my own scenarios and campaigns?

Yes. Every full Sword & Siege title includes powerful editors for creating new scenarios, modifying existing battles, and building complete campaigns.

Are the games suitable for newcomers?

Indeed. While Sword & Siege offers considerable tactical depth, the series is designed to be approachable for new players. The free demo, tutorial scenarios, comprehensive documentation, and in-game help make learning the system straightforward, while optional rules allow experienced players to increase the level of realism and complexity.

What is included with every game?

Every Sword & Siege title includes a comprehensive user manual, historical notes, tutorial scenarios, a wide variety of historical and optional “what-if” scenarios, and powerful editors for creating your own content.