The Anarchy
The Anarchy at your next game night?
Add The Anarchy 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 Bobby Hill
- Publisher Garphill Games , CHUR GAMES , Pixie Games , Renegade Game Studios , Schwerkraft-Verlag
- Illustration Sam Phillips
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 play as English nobles loyal to King Stephen around 1135, developing domains over five rounds, defending castles from approaching Angevin forces and conducting sieges against Matilda's strongholds. The game mixes City Building with Multi-Use Cards, chaining effects and tech-track choices for a campaign-like structure.
Who Is This Game For?
Aimed at skilled hobbyists: the historical-medieval theme and layered mechanics require strategic planning. With a 90-minute playtime it's meant for an evening session; newcomers to flip-and-write or multi-use card systems should expect a learning curve.
How It Works
Over five rounds you expand your domain, select actions via Multi-Use Cards and trigger Chaining effects to grow influence and resources. Tech Trees / Tech Tracks guide long-term development, Track Movement represents advancing enemy forces, and Paper-and-Pencil elements are used for planning. The game includes solo/solitaire rules.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Bobby Hill, The Anarchy merges City Building and Flip-and-Write within a historical scenario. The interplay of Multi-Use Cards, Chaining and Tech-Track decisions emphasizes long-term engine-like development.
Pro
- Clear historical setting (England, 1135) with narrative framing
- Blend of Multi-Use Cards, Chaining and Tech-Track decision-making
- Includes solo mode for single-player play
- Designed for longer hobby sessions (~90 minutes)
Contra
- Around 90 minutes per game requires time and concentration
- Layered mechanics can be demanding for new players
Setting & atmosphere
Set in England around 1135 during the civil conflict known as The Anarchy, rival nobles vie for bravery, loyalty, influence and might after King Henry I's death.
Tips for beginners
Focus first on establishing steady income/resources and understanding the multi-use nature of cards before pursuing complex chains.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play this solo?
Yes. The game includes Solo / Solitaire rules and supports 1 player.
How long does a game really take?
Listed duration is about 90 minutes; teaching and initial plays may extend that time.
What prior experience do I need?
Targeted at hobbyists; experience with flip-and-write or engine-building mechanics is helpful.
How does this compare to similar games?
The Anarchy pairs City Building and flip-and-write elements with Multi-Use Cards and Tech Tracks, emphasizing longer-term planning more than pure flip-and-write titles.
Is this suitable for families?
With a minimum age of 13 and medium complexity, it's better suited for older family members and hobby players rather than young children.
What mechanic makes it special?
The combination of Multi-Use Cards with Chaining and Tech Trees/Tech Tracks defines its strategic depth.
Fazit
If you like historical themes with strategic engine-building choices, The Anarchy offers a thoughtful 90-minute experience; the complexity rewards multiple plays but demands time and focus.
The Anarchy at your next game night?
Add The Anarchy to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
Add The Anarchy to my collectionAlready have an account? Log in
