General Orders: Sengoku Jidai
General Orders: Sengoku Jidai at your next game night?
Add General Orders: Sengoku Jidai to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
Add General Orders: Sengoku Jidai to my collectionAlready have an account? Log in
- Designer Trevor Benjamin , David Thompson (I)
- Publisher Osprey Games
- Illustration Tanner Staheli
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
You command competing daimyo across two battle maps of Japan's Sengoku period, deploying commanders, securing supply lines and besieging forts. The game marries classic Area Movement with worker-placement-style decisions and adds ships, waterways and siege weaponry. Games are short (around 30 minutes) and focus on tight tactical choices.
Who Is This Game For?
Aimed at gamers who enjoy two-player tactical wargames and hybrid mechanics; recommended for players 14 and up. The brief playtime suits repeated duels in an evening rather than long campaign sessions. Some experience with area-based wargames or placement mechanics helps.
How It Works
Players place commanders on action spots in a worker-placement-like system to gain advantages such as supply or siege options. Movement and combat resolve through Area Movement across the two maps, where waterways and ships alter tactical options. Victory is achieved by controlling key areas and protecting your HQ, so positioning and timing are critical.
What Makes It Special
Designers Trevor Benjamin and David Thompson adapt wargame conventions into a compact two-player format. The game was nominated for Golden Geek Best Wargame in 2025. The addition of waterways, ships and siege mechanics on two battle maps sets it apart from straightforward area-movement titles.
Awards
2025
Pro
- Compact playtime (~30 minutes) for two players
- Blend of Area Movement and Worker-Placement adds tactical depth
- Thematic elements: ships, waterways and siege weaponry
- Design by Trevor Benjamin & David Thompson
Contra
- Strictly two-player design — no multiplayer options
- Requires tactical experience; best for gamers rather than casual families
Setting & atmosphere
Set in 16th-century Sengoku-period Japan, players command daimyo vying for control of forts, supply lines and strategic waterways across two battle maps.
Tips for beginners
Prioritize learning how waterways and area control affect movement; short games reward clear tactical planning.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play this solo?
No. The game is designed only for two players (players.min = 2).
How long does a game really take?
Playtime is listed at about 30 minutes; setup and teaching can add a few minutes.
What prior experience do I need?
Familiarity with Area Movement and placement mechanics is useful; targeted at experienced or keen wargame players aged 14+.
How does this compare to similar games?
Its mix of worker-placement-style actions with Area Movement and the inclusion of ships and siege options distinguishes it from pure area-movement wargames.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to its age recommendation (14+) and tactical focus, it's better suited to families with older teens.
What mechanic makes it special?
The interplay of Area Movement and Worker-Placement-like action selection is the defining mechanic.
Fazit
Recommended for players seeking short, tactical two-player wargames with a placement twist. If you prefer long, deeply complex wargames, the concise game length may feel limiting.
General Orders: Sengoku Jidai at your next game night?
Add General Orders: Sengoku Jidai to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
Add General Orders: Sengoku Jidai to my collectionAlready have an account? Log in
