Blood Bowl
Blood Bowl at your next game night?
Add Blood Bowl to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
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- Designer Jervis Johnson
- Publisher Descartes Editeur , Games Workshop Ltd. , Sfera
- Illustration Brett Ewins , Piotr Łukaszewski , Aly Morrison
The description, FAQ and assessments for this game were generated with the help of artificial intelligence from the game data and reviewed editorially. Spotted a mistake? Let us know.
What to Expect
In Blood Bowl, two fantasy teams such as humans, orcs, and dwarves compete in a mix of American football and Warhammer combat on a square grid board. You plan tactical moves, roll dice to resolve fights and injuries, and aim to score touchdowns. The game blends sports simulation with skirmish-style combat on a fixed playing field.
Who Is This Game For?
This game targets experienced players aged 12 and up who enjoy tactical depth and fantasy themes. With about 120 minutes playtime, it demands patience and familiarity with complex rules. It's not a family game but suited for fans of two-player, strategic war and sports hybrids.
How It Works
Blood Bowl uses Grid Movement and Square Grid mechanics as the basis for moving miniatures. Its rules adapt Warhammer's combat simulation with dice rolls for throwing, kicking, and fighting. You control your team, plan moves, and manage injuries and team composition to outplay your opponent.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Jervis Johnson, Blood Bowl uniquely merges Warhammer combat with sports gameplay. As part of Games Workshop's Specialist Games series, it remains a cult classic in the fantasy wargame niche despite no formal awards since its 1986 release.
Pro
- Unique blend of American football and Warhammer combat
- Tactical depth through grid movement and simulation
- Focused two-player gameplay
- Cult classic in fantasy sports genre
Contra
- Strictly for two players
- Long playtime around 120 minutes
- Rule complexity requires learning
Setting & atmosphere
Blood Bowl is set in a Warhammer Fantasy world where various races like orcs, dwarves, and humans engage in a brutal sport combining football and battle.
Tips for beginners
Take time to understand the rules well and focus on basic movement and combat before trying advanced tactics.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play this solo?
No, Blood Bowl is designed exclusively for two players.
How long does a game really take?
Gameplay lasts about 120 minutes including setup.
What prior experience do I need?
Experience with complex board games, especially Warhammer-like systems, is recommended.
How does this compare to similar games?
Blood Bowl uniquely combines sports simulation with Warhammer combat rules, standing out in the fantasy sports genre.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to complexity and duration, it is better suited for older and experienced players.
What mechanic makes it special?
The blend of Grid Movement, Square Grid, and Simulation mechanics creates a challenging tactical experience.
Fazit
Blood Bowl is recommended for fans of tactical fantasy sports games for two players who enjoy longer, complex sessions. It offers a classic setting with a compelling mix of combat and sport.
Blood Bowl at your next game night?
Add Blood Bowl to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
Add Blood Bowl to my collectionAlready have an account? Log in
