Wonderland's War
- Designer Tim Eisner , Ben Eisner , Ian Moss
- Publisher Druid City Games , Asobition (アソビション) , Choo Choo Games , Dice Realm , Galakta
- Illustration Manny Trembley
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
Players take faction-leader roles in an Alice-in-Wonderland–inspired setting: draft at the tea party, gather forces, upgrade leaders, then resolve battles across regions. The game mixes deck/bag/pool building with area-majority conflicts and dice-driven combat; madness tokens affect supporter loyalty. There are quests and region bonuses that provide alternative scoring paths over three rounds.
Who Is This Game For?
Aimed at experienced gamers who accept 120+ minute sessions; good for those who enjoy thematic strategy with engine- and conflict-building elements. Familiarity with drafting and area-control mechanics is helpful.
How It Works
Each round begins with an open drafting phase (Open Drafting) where players collect cards and recruits (Deck, Bag, and Pool Building). Collected forces are later used in region battles where Area Majority / Influence and Dice Rolling matter. A Rondel provides action structure and Push Your Luck appears through the Madness/supporter risk. After three cycles, the faction with most points wins.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Tim Eisner, Ben Eisner and Ian Moss, Wonderland's War merges Alice-themed narrative with a hybrid of drafting, engine-building and combat. In 2022 it received multiple nominations, including Board Game Quest Awards (Best Production Values; Best Strategy/Euro Game; Game of the Year) and Golden Geek nominations for Artwork & Thematic Game.
Awards
2022
- 2022 Board Game Quest Awards Best Production Values — Nominated
- 2022 Board Game Quest Awards Best Strategy/Euro Game — Nominated
- 2022 Board Game Quest Awards Game of the Year — Nominated
- 2022 Charles S. Roberts Best Science-Fiction or Fantasy Wargame — Nominated
Pro
- Strong thematic integration with Alice lore across draft, quests and combat
- Mechanic blend: Open Drafting, Deck/Bag/Pool Building, Area Majority and Dice Rolling
- Multiple scoring routes via battles, region bonuses and quests
- Noted production and presentation with 2022 award nominations
Contra
- Long playtime (~125 minutes) requires commitment
- High mechanical complexity can be challenging for new players
Setting & Atmosphäre
Based on Alice in Wonderland motifs: the Looking Glass is shattered, madness spreads, and iconic characters vie for control across Wonderland.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on learning the draft-to-battle flow first and prioritize a couple of synergies rather than all mechanics at once.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No — the player count is 2–5; a solo mode is not indicated.
How long does a game really take?
The listed duration is about 125 minutes; include setup and explanation time when planning a session.
What prior experience do I need?
Experience with drafting, deck/pool building and area-control mechanics is useful; the game leans toward experienced players.
How does this compare to similar games?
Its mix of open drafting, area-majority conflicts and dice combat within a strong theme distinguishes it from pure euros or pure wargames.
Is this suitable for families?
With a minimum age of 13 and higher complexity, it's better for older families or hobby gamers rather than casual family play.
What mechanic makes it special?
The combination of Open Drafting with Deck/Bag/Pool Building and Area Majority is central to the experience.
Fazit
Recommended for players seeking a thematic strategy experience with drafting and area-control; its length and multi-layered mechanics make it less suitable for casual groups.
