BattleLore

Days of Wonder, Fantasy Flight Games · Board game · 2006
2 · best 2 60 min Weight 2.8/5
7.9 rating Ludopedia
7.3 rating BGG
Buy
7.9 rating Ludopedia
7.3 rating BGG
Our Verdict

Perfect for those seeking wargame depth with modern fluidity and an epic fantasy theme.

Highlights
  • Fluid and intuitive command system
  • Fantastic miniatures and theme
  • RPG abilities add great variety
  • Modular board ensures replayability
Keep in mind
  • Moderate language dependency for cards
  • Dice luck can be frustrating
RECOMMENDED
Rules manual not indexed yet Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.
About the game
Imagine if the Hundred Years War had happened, but with a twist of magic and bizarre creatures? That's exactly what BattleLore delivers. Based on Richard Borg's acclaimed 'Command and Colors' system, the game puts you in command of armies in an uchronian Europe, where history and fantasy walk hand in hand. Here, you don't just lead French and English soldiers; you can hire dwarf and goblin mercenaries or even summon Earth Elementals and Giant Spiders to crush the competition.

The heart of the game lies in the management of Command Cards. You can't simply move any unit at any time; you need cards that allow actions in specific sectors of the battlefield. This creates a cat-and-mouse game where strategic positioning on the modular hexagon board is vital. But don't think it's just about brute force: the choice of your 'Lore Master' changes everything. Whether it's a Wizard, Cleric, Warrior, or Rogue, each brings unique spells and abilities that can flip the game in the blink of an eye, something that will make any RPG fan feel right at home.

Featuring detailed miniatures and combat resolved via dice, BattleLore balances the tension of a wargame with the fluidity of a modern board game. It's the perfect gateway for those who want to experience wargaming without reading a 100-page manual, yet still crave tactical depth and an epic feel. Ready your troops, choose your master, and try to dominate the battlefield!
Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 BEST
WHERE TO BUY
Finding best prices...
Game details

Families

Components: Dice with Icons Components: Miniatures Digital Implementations: VASSAL Game: BattleLore Game: BattleLore (First Edition) Players: Two-Player Only Games Players: Wargames with Rules Supporting Only Two Players Series: Commands & Colors Theme: Medieval Fantasy
Publisher Days of Wonder, Fantasy Flight Games
Designer Richard Borg
Artist Christophe Madura, Cyrille Daujean, Julien Delval, Miguel Coimbra, Nicolas Fructus
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the game too complex for someone who has never played wargames?
Not at all! The Command and Colors system is famous for being much more accessible than traditional wargames, making it a great entry point.
How many people can play?
BattleLore is a 2-player exclusive game, focused on strategic dueling.
How long does a game take?
About 60 minutes on average, which is quite fast for the genre.
Are the miniatures any good?
Yes, the game is known for its visually appealing components that enhance the medieval fantasy immersion.
Do I need to know how to play RPGs to enjoy it?
Not at all, but if you like RPGs, you'll love the Lore Masters' abilities, which strongly resemble classic character classes.
Is the game language dependent?
Yes, moderately. You'll need translations for the command cards and abilities to play fully in your native language.