An Attrition of Souls

Compass Games · Board game · 2020
2 · best 2 30–90 min Weight 2.4/5
rating Ludopedia
7.4 rating BGG
Buy
rating Ludopedia
7.4 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

If you love tactical duels and WWI history, you’ll love the speed and tension of An Attrition of Souls.

Highlights
  • Fast, tactical pace
  • Faithful historical simulation
  • Intense two‑player duel
Keep in mind
  • High dice luck factor
  • Tile‑draw learning curve
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About the game

What you do in a play session

In "An Attrition of Souls" you take command of one of the massive military blocs clashing in the trenches of World War I. The board spans the whole of Europe, from the mud‑filled fields of Flanders to the Russian steppes, and each game runs 30‑90 minutes, perfect for a quick yet deep tactical session. The core mechanic is a tile‑placement system: you draw tiles from a bag based on the economic points you generate each round. These tiles represent resources, reinforcements, or events that can shift the tide of battle.

Combat is resolved with dice rolls, but there is no escaping the dreaded attrition: every attack may cost lives and materiel, mirroring the brutal reality of the war. Strategy and planning are crucial, as the dice won’t guarantee clean victories; you must decide when to advance, retreat, or consolidate positions. Unit movement follows a point‑to‑point scheme, allowing precise shifts between cities and strategic fronts.

Beyond the board, event cards introduce historical surprises—unexpected offensives or supply crises—that force constant adaptation. The deck/bag/pool‑building element lets you evolve your tile pool throughout the game, expanding tactical options as the conflict progresses. Though the theme is heavy, the rules are light and the pace brisk, making it accessible to players who shy away from sprawling war games.

If you enjoy historical simulations, risk‑reward decisions, and intense duels between two opponents, "An Attrition of Souls" offers an immersive experience that captures the tension of the Great War in under two hours.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

1 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

Duel · 2 players
2 BEST

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Categories

Families

Components: Map (Continental / National scale) Continents: Europe Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Digital Implementations: VASSAL Players: Two-Player Only Games
Publisher Compass Games
Designer Scott W. Leibbrandt
Artist Bill Morgal

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

7 questions
How many players can play?
The game is designed for two players only.
How long does a game take?
Typically 30‑90 minutes, depending on player pace.
What is the complexity level?
BGG weight 2.3 – light rules with strategic depth.
What components are included?
European map, tile bag, event cards, dice, resource markers, and unit miniatures.
Is it beginner‑friendly for wargames?
Yes, the mechanics are easy to learn despite the historical theme.
Is there a digital version?
Yes, a VASSAL implementation exists for online play.
Are there any expansions?
No expansions have been released so far.

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