Built for War: Design, Build, and Destroy World War II Tanks

Active Magic Games, Mr. B Games · Board game · 2021
— Ludopedia 6.5 BGG 1–4 · best 3, 4 Solo 60–90 min Weight 2.3/5
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— rating Ludopedia
6.5 rating BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS

If you're into World War II and like the idea of getting your hands dirty with tank design, this game is for you! The mix of strategy and a bit of luck when building your war machine is the highlight.

Highlights
  • Thematic tank design
  • Impactful strategic decisions
  • Replayability with varied powers
  • Challenging solo mode
Keep in mind
  • High language dependency
  • Luck can be a factor
  • Intense 'take that' interaction
Rules manual not indexed yet Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.

About the game

What you do in a play session

Get ready for an epic World War II showdown where you don't just fight the battles, you dictate the pace of technological warfare! In 'Built for War,' you take charge of designing the main battle tank for one of the four major powers. The core idea is for you to make the crucial decisions: will you go for a monster tank, like the King Tiger, with a powerful cannon but sacrificing agility and speed? Or do you prefer something faster and more nimble to deal with enemy support troops, even while risking being caught off guard by heavier tanks your opponents might be secretly developing? The game places you at this strategic crossroads, where every design choice directly impacts the war's outcome. You'll have to balance firepower, armor, speed, and other essential components, all while managing resources and reacting to opponents' tactics. The Action Drafting mechanic and the use of Command Cards add layers of strategy and allow for direct interactions, with that 'Take That' feel we love. Furthermore, the possibility of critical hits and failures can turn the tide at any moment, bringing that extra thrill. And for those who enjoy playing solo, the solitaire mode is a great option to test your engineering and strategic skills. Prepare to design, build, and destroy in World War II!

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

1 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

1–4 players
1 BEST
2 REC
3 BEST
4 BEST

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Categories

Families

Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Players: Games with expansions that add solo play
Publisher Active Magic Games, Mr. B Games
Designer Travis Meredith
Artist Marco Primo

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

200owners
51wishlist
11want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

7 questions
What is the average playtime?
A game of 'Built for War' typically lasts between 60 and 90 minutes, depending on the number of players and their familiarity with the rules.
How many players can participate?
The game is designed for 1 to 4 players, offering both a solo and a competitive experience.
Is the game very complex? What's its weight?
The weight estimated by BoardGameGeek is 2.33/5, indicating moderate complexity. It's not an overly complex game, but it requires attention to strategies and mechanics.
Do I need to know English to play?
Yes, the game has high language dependency, requiring an almost complete translation to be played comfortably in English.
What are the main components of the game?
You'll find components for tank design, command cards, resource markers, and possibly miniatures or representations of the tanks under development.
Is the solo mode any good?
Yes, the solo mode is a present and well-regarded mechanic, allowing you to test your design and strategic skills against an automated challenge.
Is it a direct combat game or more about management?
It's a mix! You manage your tank's design and resources, but the game also features 'take that' elements and indirect combat through design choices and command cards.

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