Blood Bowl (Second Edition)

Descartes Editeur, Diseños Orbitales, Games Workshop Ltd. · Board game · 1988
8.0 Ludopedia 6.9 BGG 2 · best 2 180 min Weight 2.9/5
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8.0 rating Ludopedia
6.9 rating BGG
Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

If you love Warhammer and contact sports, Blood Bowl will blow your mind – a perfect blend of tactics and chaos that delivers laughs and twists.

Highlights
  • Detailed, fun miniatures
  • Unique powers per piece
  • Strategy meets luck
Keep in mind
  • Steep learning curve
  • Long matches (2‑3h)
  • Two‑player only
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Blood Bowl (Second Edition) brings the high‑octane thrill of American football into the Warhammer Fantasy universe. Each match pits two squads—most commonly humans versus orcs, though other races are available—on a gridded pitch where the goal is to carry the ball into the opponent's end zone. A turn consists of moving miniatures, blocking opponents, and trying to advance the ball, all resolved with dice rolls that add the chaotic flair Warhammer fans love. The detailed plastic miniatures bring the brutal tackles to life, while the Variable Player Powers mechanic gives each figure unique abilities like "Block" or "Sprint," making every tactical choice matter. The game blends Grid Movement, Dice Rolling, and player‑specific powers, resulting in matches that can run two to three hours depending on player experience. Though the learning curve can feel steep at first, the gameplay flow is brisk and the action never stalls, making it ideal for groups that enjoy strategic depth, direct confrontations, and plenty of banter. If you’re a fan of Warhammer or contact sports, Blood Bowl offers an irresistible mix of deep strategy and pure luck, where a single die can swing the outcome. Components include a board, miniatures, play cards, and a set of polyhedral dice (not just D6), ensuring each game looks impressive and feels mechanically solid. In short, it’s a classic that still delivers intense, hilarious matches, perfect for anyone looking for something beyond the usual board‑game fare.

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: Polyhedral (not D6) dice Game: Blood Bowl Players: Two-Player Only Games Series: Specialist Games (Games Workshop) Setting: Warhammer Fantasy Board Games Theme: Fantasy Sports
Publisher Descartes Editeur, Diseños Orbitales, Games Workshop Ltd.
Designer Jervis Johnson, Marc Gascoigne
Artist Aly Morrison, Brett Ewins, Colin Dixon, Dave Andrews, Pete Knifton

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

2,290owners
70wishlist
14want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
How many players can play?
The game is designed for exactly two players, each commanding a full team.
How long does a typical match last?
A match usually runs between 2 and 3 hours, depending on player experience.
What is the rule complexity?
The complexity is medium‑high; there are many blocking interactions and special abilities, but the learning curve eases after a few games.
What components are included in the box?
The box contains a board, plastic miniatures, play cards, ball markers, and a set of polyhedral dice (not just D6).
Who is the game best suited for?
Perfect for Warhammer fans, lovers of contact sports, and players who enjoy tactical matches with a lot of player interaction.

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