War! Huh! What is it good for? War Board games apparently!Â
After all, there have been masses of different war games created over the years and many of them have gone on to win several awards or become very highly rated and respected within the community.
The concept behind war games is quite simple in that a couple or several factions battle on a map for dominance and achieve victory by being the last ones standing. How this is done varies greatly from game to game as they all employ slightly different mechanics and varying degrees of complexity.
One thing is for certain, most war games are not for the casual gamer. They all tend to take hours to set up and play through, involve significant multi-tasking, and can be intimidating with all the different game pieces used for gameplay. Whilst this might be a turn-off for some, others will revel in the experience and can’t get enough.
There’s a significant amount of strategy and planning involved with war games and being adaptable and resilient is always crucial to achieving victory. They’re a great way to kill an afternoon with your friends (and you will need a whole afternoon for some of them) and it’s always worth giving them a try to mix up your board game rotation.Â
Best War Board Games
Below are some excellent war board games that we would highly recommend playing. All have a slightly different theme to them, but are just as exciting and enjoyable so there should be something for everyone!Â
Memoir ‘44: World War II
By: Days of Wonder Ages: 8+ Players: 2 Time: 30-60 minutes
Commemorating the efforts and sacrifices of the men and women of the Second World War, this two-player game will take you back to some of the most historic battles that took place. Deploying a variety of troops, navigating obstacles, and using command cards, players will take the reigns of the allied or German forces and battle it out once again.
How to Play
One of the more accessible games in the genre for non-hardcore fans, Memoir ’44 is a historical war game with players facing off in famous battles that took place during World War II. Within the game are well over 100 true-to-life, historically accurate units to control, and 15 scenarios to play through. Battles are fought on a hexagonal game board acting as a battlefield, which is divided into three sections to create a left and right flank and center.
The objective of the games is to win a number of Victory Medals, which is normally achieved by eliminating an enemy unit entirely, but can also involve capturing and holding locations. Each scenario guides players on what units, obstacles, and terrain must be added to the map and where. Each player has a set of command cards and uses them to give orders to their troops at the start of each turn. These will indicate which section of the battlefield the player gives orders to and normally involve their units moving or attacking for infantry combat.
It’s an epic battle, but battling is anything but complex which is refreshing for a game like this. Certain factors come into play when attacking opponents, like distance and line of sight, but essentially combat is resolved by rolling dice and matching the faces to the units a player is trying to attack. As the game progresses, players will need to think ahead and plan their moves carefully.
Just as each scenario comes with specific units and win conditions, it also adds unique obstacles and terrain to the map, which can have a significant effect on movement, line of sight, and combat. Players will have to be adaptable and keep a close eye on what their opponent is doing so they don’t end up in a sticky situation!
A simple game to learn, but packed full of strategy and replayability, Memoir ’44 is a great way to start playing war games. If you enjoy it that much, there are a TON of different expansions you can purchase, all with new minis, maps, and more to keep you busy for a long time!
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War of the Ring
By: Ares Games Ages: 13+ Players: 2-4 Time: 120-180 mins
Take control of the Free Peoples or Shadow Armies and wage epic battles across Middle Earth. Whilst Sauron sends his forces to conquer the strongholds of man, the Ringbearer and his companions make the treacherous journey to Mount Doom to stop him.
How to Play
War of the Ring is a game of epic proportions! Coming with a large board representing Middle Earth and hundreds of different components, it’s an engaging experience but one with a lot going on. Players will take on the role of either the Free Peoples of Middle Earth or Sauron’s Shadow Army and can claim victory in one of several ways.
Like most war games, victory can be claimed through military dominance and claiming a certain amount of settlements, but if either the Ring of Power is destroyed or the Ringbearer is corrupted by its influence, that too will result in a win for a player. Play predominantly revolves around rolling action dice and using these to determine the actions other players will take on their turn. Dice can be used to move units, attack, draw or play event cards, and perform various special actions for each side.
Whilst scores of armies clash on the battlefield, the fellowship will be doing their best to avoid detection and corruption from the ring as they’re being hunted by Sauron’s forces. There are special rules that dictate how the fellowship works together and are tracked by the Shadow Armies, as well as a political track to monitor an army’s readiness to join the fight.
All this, along with sieging or fortifying settlements (faction dependent) means there’s a lot to plan for when playing War of the Ring, but it shows how much thought went into crafting this love letter to the franchise.
A must-have for all LoTR fans! Containing an enormous board, over two hundred well-crafted plastic miniatures, almost one hundred event cards, beautiful dice, and more, this isn’t just fan service at its best but an epic war game to keep you busy for hours!
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Star Wars: X-Wing Miniatures Game
By: Fantasy Flight Ages: 14+ Players: 2 Time: 30-45 minutes
Take to the stars and pilot iconic ships like the X-Wing and TIE fighters in tactical space combat. For anyone who has ever wanted to experience taking command of a dog fight in space, this is your chance!
How to Play
The X-Wing Miniatures game involves two players controlling a squadron of starfighters from the Star Wars universe and pitting them against each other. Within the base game are only a few ships, but there are plenty of expansions with all kinds of different ships, so players can pick and choose exactly what they want to take to the battlefield.
Play normally takes place in a 3’ X 3’ playing area and the size of a squad is dictated by points. All ships and how they’re kitted out will affect how many points they’ll be worth and the game recommends having a limit of 200 if playing in a play area the size listed above. Players start by setting up their squads at either end of the play area and setting out obstacles like asteroids to maneuver around.
At the start of each round, players secretly plan what maneuvers their ships will make using a dial that comes with each ship. Once done, maneuvers are revealed and within an order dictated by each ship’s initiative, players move their squad, take special actions to assist them for the next turn or upcoming battle, and then engage in combat.
This is resolved with dice, with players rolling to attack and defend and weighing up their rolls against the opponent’s ship’s stats. Line of sight and attack range all come into the equation with combat, not to mention that certain actions a player can take in the round prior may have a drastic impact on how combat plays out.
Needless to say, players need to be strategic with their decisions as they close the gap between their ships. Play continues until one player has lost all their ships.
Fairly easy to learn and with a short playtime, X-Wing Miniatures is a great game full of tactical choices and replayability. The base game comes with everything you need but to customize and become an advanced squad leader, it’s best to invest in some of the many Star Wars ships sold separately.
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Root
By: Leader Games Ages: 10+ Players: 2-4 Time 60-90 minutes
Cats, birds, mice, and more. Each of the four factions has a different objective in mind and it’ll take more than just military might to exert dominance! Erect buildings, capture territory and get allies to bolster your forces. Gain enough victory points and you’ll gain full control of the woods.
How to Play
In Root, players choose one of four factions to play as. Although victory is achieved in the same way for everyone: gain 30 victory points, how each faction goes about doing that is different, which only adds to Root’s uniqueness! Marquiss de Cat is an industrialist looking to cover the map with buildings, the Eyrie Dynasties vie to take back control of the woods by taking over forest clearings, The Woodland Alliance is out to collect supporters and sympathy, and the Vagabond plays all sides of the conflict while venturing out and spreading his influence and completing quests.
Each round is split into three phases representing the different parts of the day and as with each faction winning points through different means, what they can do during each phase varies between all four of them. Essentially the game consists of moving around the beautifully decorated board, building, and engaging in combat with rival factions. Once you get to grips with how your faction plays, Root is a really enjoyable game and worth investing your time in.
Root is an enchanting game with gorgeous artwork that you could stare at for hours. Each faction scoring points in different ways adds to the replay value and with the additional expansions that add other mechanics and factions to the mix, no two games will be alike, you’ll be lost in the woods for some time to come!
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Twilight Imperium
By: Fantasy Flight Ages: 14+ Players: 3-6 Time: 4-8 hours (no really!)
If the word ‘epic’ were a board game! Play as one of seventeen factions in a game of galactic conquest. Political maneuvering, military might, and economic bargaining all play a part in achieving victory and the galactic throne.
How to Play
You knew it was coming eventually! Twilight Imperium is a very well-known war game currently on its fourth edition iteration and is widely regarded as one of the most in-depth board games around. Whilst the game is truly vast victory is achieved by completing objectives that are available periodically throughout the game and claiming victory points.
Players will choose one of the unique factions and receive its components as well as its units and starting planet cards. The game board is made up of system tiles which can be randomly put together or constructed via the diagrams in the rulebook.
With each round, players will start by selecting a strategy card which will provide them with abilities and actions they can perform and determine the initiative order. Players can then do a variety of things such as move, engage in combat, create units, or even try and invade planets and negotiate trades with neighbors.
At the very end of each turn is a political phase where players will draw agenda cards and vote on approving the motion or not, resulting in the game potentially drastically changing by incorporating new laws into the galaxy. Play continues like this until one faction gains enough victory points.
Although this all might look simple on the surface, many different facets make up a turn and plenty to consider, it gets players thinking very carefully about their long-term plans. Do they want to be a diplomat, a military leader, have all the most cutting-edge technology, or an expert tradesman? All cylinders need to be firing with this one as it’s definitely a thinking man’s game!
The big daddy of board games, Twilight Imperium is well known in the community as being a beast of a board game! Hundreds of components, many hours of gameplay, and a truly epic experience! Once you open the box cancel your plans for the afternoon! One for those who like a good mix of diplomacy, exploration, and combat.
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Why We Didn’t Include Risk
You might be wondering why a classic like Risk didn’t make it onto our list of the best war board games. While Risk is undoubtedly a foundational war game that has introduced countless players to the genre, we aimed to explore titles that bring a variety of mechanics, themes, and innovative gameplay experiences to the table. Risk has a special place in many gamers’ hearts, but for the scope of this document, we wanted to shine a spotlight on other games that push boundaries in different ways.
However, that’s not to say Risk should be overlooked. In fact, we highly recommend Risk Legacy for those who enjoy the strategic depth of Risk but are looking for a fresh twist. Risk Legacy innovates on the classic formula by introducing an evolving board, where the outcomes of each game have permanent effects on future plays. It’s a thrilling addition to the Risk family that can offer a dynamic and continually surprising experience to both new and seasoned players. If you get the chance, Risk Legacy is definitely worth your time.
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Also Read: Top 5 Star Wars Board Games
Conclusion: Battle It Out With a Board Game
So there are some of our favorite war-based board games. With so many out there, if you have one you’d strongly recommend that we’ve missed, then please leave a comment below.
FAQ
Q: How do I choose the right war-based board game for my group?
A: Consider your group’s interests, the complexity level they’re comfortable with, and the time commitment they can make. Games like “Root” offer a mix of strategy and fantasy, suitable for players looking for depth and variability. “Twilight Imperium” appeals to those ready for an epic session with intricate gameplay. Start with games that match your group’s experience level and look for themes that intrigue everyone.
Q: Are these war board games suitable for beginners?
A: Some games, such as “Root,” have learning curves but are accessible once the basic game mechanics are understood. “Twilight Imperium,” due to its complexity and length, might be more suited for players with some experience in board games. However, all these games come with comprehensive guides that, when thoroughly read, can make the games enjoyable even for beginners, but are likely not the best board games for beginners.
Q: How long does a typical game session last?
A: Game length varies. “Root” can be played within 60-90 minutes, making it a great choice for an evening of gaming. “Twilight Imperium,” on the other hand, can extend beyond 4 hours, providing a day-long gaming experience for those who appreciate longer, more immersive gameplay.
Q: Can these war board games be played with two players?
A: While “Root” and “Twilight Imperium” are designed for 3+ players to fully enjoy the dynamics and strategic depth, there are variants and rules adjustments available that cater to two-player experiences. Check the rulebook for each game for specific two-player rules.
Q: Where can I buy these war board games?
A: These games can be found at most board game retailers, both physical stores and online. Additionally, specialty gaming shops often carry them, along with expansions and additional content. Prices can vary, so it might be worth shopping around to find the best deal.
Q: Are expansions necessary to enjoy these war board games?
A: No, expansions are not necessary to enjoy the base games. They are designed to stand alone. However, expansions can add new dimensions, strategies, and replayability to the game, providing fresh experiences for seasoned and new players.