Dogs of War
- Designer Paolo Mori
- Publisher Cool Mini Or Not , asmodee , Edge Entertainment , Pendragon Game Studio , Play to Z
- Illustration Mathieu Harlaut , Christophe Madura , Edu Valls
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Dogs of War, you take the role of mercenary leaders in a fractured realm where six noble houses fight for dominance. Players deploy captains and troops to battles, managing their hands to acquire new units and tactics. The game blends Area Majority, Worker Placement, and Tug of War mechanics, creating dynamic shifts in power and strategic depth over three rounds of conflict.
Who Is This Game For?
Dogs of War is aimed at hobby gamers aged 14 and up who enjoy complex strategy games with negotiation and interaction. With a playtime of about 75 minutes, it is suitable for groups of 3 to 5 players looking for a competitive and engaging experience without solo options.
How It Works
Each player controls a Dog of War, choosing which noble house to support by placing captains leading soldier companies in battle zones. Through Worker Placement, players gain area control (Area Majority) and use Hand Management to manage resources and play tactical cards. The Tug of War mechanic causes fluctuating control over houses, and victory is determined by trophies and influence gained over the three rounds.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Paolo Mori, Dogs of War stands out with its combination of Area Majority, Variable Player Powers, and Worker Placement. It was recommended for the Juego del Año award in 2015 and uniquely blends negotiation and war game elements in a Renaissance-steampunk setting with shifting alliances.
Awards
- 2015 Juego del Año — Recommended
Pro
- Unique blend of Area Majority, Worker Placement, and Tug of War mechanics
- Asymmetric gameplay through Variable Player Powers
- Recommended for Juego del Año 2015
- Dynamic alliances and negotiation elements
Contra
- No solo mode, requires 3-5 players
- Medium to high complexity demands learning time
- Approximate 75-minute playtime requires focus
Setting & Atmosphäre
Set in a fractured Renaissance world, six noble houses battle for supremacy. Players act as mercenary leaders navigating shifting alliances and battlefield influence to determine the realm's fate.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on mastering area control and placement mechanics to effectively manage resources and leverage alliances.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Dogs of War is designed for 3 to 5 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 75 minutes, plus setup time.
What prior experience do I need?
This game targets hobby gamers familiar with more complex strategy games.
How does this compare to similar games?
Dogs of War uniquely combines Area Majority with Worker Placement and variable player powers, creating dynamic shifts in control.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to its complexity and minimum age of 14, it is more suited for experienced players than families with young children.
What mechanic makes it special?
The mix of Area Majority, Worker Placement, and Tug of War mechanics provides a distinctive strategic challenge.
Fazit
Dogs of War is a solid pick for players seeking a strategic game with intense player interaction and negotiation, but it requires a group of at least three. Its blend of mechanics offers high replayability for hobbyists.
