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Hounds of War

Hounds of War

2-16
Players
240
Minutes
12+
Age
2009
Published

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What to Expect

In Hounds of War Mk. II, players can use any 25-30mm miniatures with custom stats for tactical skirmishes. The game replaces traditional turn order with an initiative card deck, keeping all players active throughout the game. Battles can mix units from various universes, such as WWII soldiers, goblins, or sci-fi troops. The gameplay relies heavily on 10-sided dice, terrain, and rulers measured in inches.

Who Is This Game For?

This game targets experienced tabletop and miniatures players aged 12 and up who enjoy detailed skirmish combat. With a long playtime of about 240 minutes and complex setup, it is suited for expert players familiar with dice mechanics and terrain use.

How It Works

Hounds of War centers around Dice Rolling. Players create armies from any miniatures and assign their own stats. An initiative card deck determines the order units act, replacing classic alternating turns. Players then perform actions according to initiative, with dice rolls resolving attacks and other outcomes.

Dice Rolling

What Makes It Special

Designed by Paul Neher, Hounds of War Mk. II is a standalone miniatures system that allows maximum army customization. Combining classic dice mechanics with an innovative initiative card system, it enables mixing figures from different universes. Although it has no official awards, it stands out for its flexibility and unique approach.

Pro

  • Maximum flexibility in army and miniature selection
  • Innovative initiative card system instead of traditional turns
  • Standalone ruleset requiring no additional systems
  • Strategic depth via dice mechanics and terrain

Contra

  • Very long playtime around 240 minutes
  • Requires extensive own materials (miniatures, terrain, dice)
  • No official awards

Setting & Atmosphäre

The game has no fixed theme and supports battles with miniatures from any setting, from WWII to fantasy and sci-fi. Players supply their own terrain and figures.

Tipp für Einsteiger

Take your time to learn the rules thoroughly and start with small skirmishes to grasp the initiative and dice mechanics.

Häufige Fragen

Can I play this solo?

The game supports 2 to 16 players and does not include a solo mode.

How long does a game really take?

A session lasts about 240 minutes, including setup of miniatures and terrain.

What prior experience do I need?

Experience with miniatures games and dice mechanics is helpful due to the game's complexity.

How does this compare to similar games?

Hounds of War lets you use any miniatures with custom stats and uses an initiative card deck instead of traditional turn order.

Is this suitable for families?

Due to its complexity and length, it is less suitable for families with younger children.

What mechanic makes it special?

The combination of dice rolling and an initiative card system for action order is distinctive.

Fazit

Hounds of War is a solid choice for experienced miniatures players with ample time who want flexible battle simulations. It is less suitable for newcomers or shorter play sessions.