Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
For those who enjoy a quick, strategic duel, Button Men is a sure bet! It's surprisingly deep for a game you can play in 5 minutes.
Highlights
- Fast tactical combat
- Unique characters with dice
- Unexpected depth
- Simple to learn
Keep in mind
- Dice luck dependent
- Collectible components
- Two-player only game
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Hey board game fans! Let's talk about Button Men, a 1999 classic that popped up and won over a lot of players. The concept is straightforward: each player picks a character, represented by a stickpin button (yep, those little pins!), and each character comes with a unique set of polyhedral dice. These dice aren't just for show! They define your character's unique combat abilities. The battle is direct: you roll dice against each other, and whoever loses 'dies' (or rather, their dice are captured!). The ultimate goal is simple: accumulate the most 'sides' from your opponents' dice. Sounds easy, right? But don't be fooled, Button Men hides a surprising tactical depth behind all that simplicity. It's that kind of quick game, you can play it in 5 minutes, but it makes you think about every move. Perfect for those who enjoy a fast and strategic duel, no fuss. And the best part: it's a game you can print at home and start playing right away! The variety of characters and how the dice combine create many tactical possibilities, making each match a new challenge. It's a game that proves you don't need a ton of components or complex rules for a addictive and fun experience.
Gallery
Box and component photos
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Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
In English
Best player count
BGG community vote
2
BEST
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Cheapass Games, (Unknown), Atlas Games, Five Rings Publishing Group, Guardians of Order, Looney Labs, Slag-Bla entertainment (now XXXenophile Books), Studio Foglio, Truant Spiele
Designer
James Ernest
Artist
Adam Hughes, Andrew Yates, Brian Snoddy, Cheyenne Wright, Gerald Brom, John Kovalic, John Nephew, Larry Elmore, Michelle Nephew, Pete Abrams, Phil Foglio, Ryan Kinnaird
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
1,438owners
165wishlist
49want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
What's the average playtime for Button Men?
A game is super fast, usually lasting only 5 minutes! Perfect for killing time or for those who don't have much patience.
How many players can play?
Button Men is designed for two players. It's a direct duel between you and your opponent.
Is the game complicated to learn?
Not at all! The rules are very simple and straightforward. You'll get the hang of it in under 5 minutes.
Do I need many components?
The base game uses buttons (pins) representing characters and their polyhedral dice. It's a collectible game, so you might want to collect several!
Who do you recommend Button Men for?
I recommend it for those who enjoy fast tactical combat games, 1v1 duels, and the idea of collecting different characters. It's also great if you want something easy to carry and play anywhere.
Are there any expansions or digital versions?
Yes! Button Men is a collectible game, with many characters released over time. There are also mods available for Tabletop Simulator if you prefer playing online.
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