Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED
If you enjoy historical wargames with team-based gameplay, 878: Vikings is a great pick! The tension between invaders and defenders is palpable.
Highlights
- Immersive historical theme
- Tense team-based gameplay
- Accessible wargame mechanics
- High replayability
Keep in mind
- High language dependency
- Initial learning curve
- Dice luck factor
Rules manual not indexed yet
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Prepare to smell the sea salt and steel! In 878: Vikings – Invasions of England, you'll relive the era when England's divided kingdoms trembled at the arrival of longships from the north. It's 878, and the Vikings aren't just making quick raids anymore; they've come to stay, conquer, and farm the land. You and your friends will split into two sides: on one, the invading Vikings, seeking glory and riches, divided between the fury of the Berserkers and the might of the Norsemen. On the other, the English defenders, with their loyal Housecarls, noble Thegns, and the peasant levies called Fyrd, desperately trying to hold their territory. The goal is straightforward: control the most cities on the map. The English start with everything, but each turn a new Viking leader lands, increasing the pressure. Defenders need reinforcements from the cities they control, while the invaders rely on these new waves to continue their offensive. The game ends when the Treaty of Wedmore is signed, and whoever holds the most cities wins. It's a team-based game where coordination between players on the same side is crucial. Featuring area control, troop movement, dice rolling, and command cards, 878 offers an immersive and strategic historical experience. Get ready to defend your land or conquer a new one!
Gallery
Box and component photos
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Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
Best player count
BGG community vote
2
BEST
3
REC
4
BEST
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Academy Games, Inc., ASYNCRON games, Banana Games, Ediciones MasQueOca, Giant Roc, Ogry Games, Wyrd Edizioni
Designer
Beau Beckett, Dave Kimmel, Jeph Stahl
Artist
Allan Ball, Jarek Nocoń, Steve Paschal
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
6,846owners
2,307wishlist
324want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
How many players can play?
The game is designed for 2 to 4 players, always in two teams: Vikings versus English.
How long does a game take?
A game can last between 60 and 120 minutes, depending on player experience and how quickly battles unfold.
Is it a difficult game to learn?
The estimated weight is 2.62/5, indicating moderate complexity. The rules are straightforward, but team strategy requires some practice.
Do I need to know English to play?
Yes, the game has a high language dependency, with many cards and references that need to be understood. A full translation is essential.
Is this game more focused on combat or strategy?
It balances both well. You need strategy to position your troops and manage resources, but direct combat and dice rolling also play a significant role.
Who is this game recommended for?
It's ideal for those who enjoy historical games, especially the Viking period, and like the dynamic of team-based games with an accessible wargame feel.
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