The Battle of Five Armies
- Designer Roberto Di Meglio , Marco Maggi , Francesco Nepitello
- Publisher Ares Games , Devir , GaGa Games , Galakta , Heidelberger Spieleverlag
- Illustration Lucas Graciano , Jon Hodgson , Francesco Mattioli , Ben Wootten
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
Players command forces from J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit in a battle around the Lonely Mountain. The game uses Area Movement and Dice Rolling to simulate combat between elves, dwarves, men, and orcs on a detailed board. Hand Management controls heroes and units to influence the fight. Each game offers intense tactical duels with miniatures bringing the setting to life.
Who Is This Game For?
This game targets experienced and expert players who enjoy complex two-player wargames. With a playtime around 240 minutes, it requires patience and strategic experience. Suitable for ages 13 and up, it is not a family game but designed for those seeking tactical depth and thematic immersion.
How It Works
The game employs Area Movement to position units on the board and Dice Rolling to resolve combat. Area Majority / Influence determines control over regions. Hand Management lets players select actions and heroes carefully to affect battle outcomes. The rules are a tactical adaptation of the War of the Ring system.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Roberto Di Meglio, Marco Maggi, and Francesco Nepitello, The Battle of Five Armies is part of the War of the Ring series and features miniatures. It was nominated in 2014 for several awards, including Board Game Quest Best Tactical/Combat Game and Golden Geek Best 2-Player Board Game. Its tactical portrayal of a key Tolkien battle sets it apart from classic strategy games.
Awards
2014
- 2015 Origins Awards Best Board Game — Nominated
- 2014 Board Game Quest Awards Best Tactical/Combat Game — Nominated
- 2014 Board Game Quest Awards Best Thematic Game — Nominated
Pro
- Tactical depth with Area Movement and Area Majority
- Intense two-player battles featuring Dice Rolling
- Thematically faithful to Tolkien's The Hobbit
- Part of the War of the Ring series with miniatures
Contra
- Long playtime around 240 minutes
- Complex rules require prior experience
- Strictly two-player only
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game depicts the Battle of Five Armies from J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit, set in a medieval fantasy world with elves, dwarves, men, orcs, and other creatures fighting around the Lonely Mountain.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on securing control of key areas and use hero actions wisely to influence the battle.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No, The Battle of Five Armies is exclusively a two-player game with no solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 240 minutes, requiring significant time and patience.
What prior experience do I need?
This game is designed for experienced players familiar with complex tactical wargames.
How does this compare to similar games?
It uses a tactical adaptation of the War of the Ring rules, focusing on a single epic battle.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to complexity and length, it is better suited for adult enthusiasts rather than families.
What mechanic makes it special?
Its blend of Area Movement, Area Majority, and Dice Rolling creates a tactically rich battle experience.
Fazit
Recommended for two-player gamers who enjoy complex, thematic wargames. It offers a detailed tactical experience for those who appreciate long playtimes and depth. Less suitable for casual or family play.
