Car Wars (Sixth Edition)

Steve Jackson Games · Board game · 2021
— Ludopedia 8.0 BGG 2–4 · best 4 60–180 min Weight 2.4/5
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— rating Ludopedia
8.0 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

Car Wars 6th Edition is the adrenaline shot your game night needed, bringing classic vehicular combat into a much more modern and dynamic package. It is perfect for those who love customizing war machines and aren't afraid to see their car turned into scrap metal for the sake of victory. The experience is chaotic, fun, and flows much better than older versions, focusing on direct action instead of endless calculations.

Highlights
  • Highly satisfying vehicle customization
  • Fast-paced and fun combat
  • Great sense of speed
  • Modern and accessible rules
Keep in mind
  • Can be punishing for beginners
  • Dice luck plays a role
  • Requires a large table space
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Get ready to hit the gas in a dystopian future where traffic laws have been replaced by the caliber of your weapons. Car Wars (Sixth Edition) is the triumphant return of an absolute vehicular combat classic, delivering a much faster and more accessible experience than previous editions from decades past. Forget the excessive bureaucracy: here, the focus is on building your vehicle, outfitting it with the most destructive gear available, and hitting the arena to see who remains standing.

In the game, you take on the role of a driver seeking glory, cash, or just survival. Customization is the heart of the experience: you will choose everything from the chassis to the suspension type, not forgetting reinforced armor and, of course, machine guns and missile launchers to ensure no one passes you. The movement system uses a grid and an intelligent impulse scheme, which makes the sense of speed and danger constant. Every decision counts, and a poorly calculated skid could mean the end of the road for your ride.

Whether in high-speed races or deathmatch-style arenas, the game balances the chaos of combat with tactical positioning. For those who survive the matches, there is the possibility to upgrade your driver, earning resources to tune your machine even further for future clashes. It is a game that doesn't take itself too seriously, but demands constant attention to the board. If you enjoy post-apocalyptic action movies and want a game that brings pure adrenaline to the table, Car Wars is the right choice. It is easy to learn, quick to set up, and offers that chaotic fun that only a good 'shoot first, ask questions later' experience can provide. Rev your engine, check your ammo, and see you on the track!

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

5 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–4 players
2 REC
3 REC
4 BEST

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Game: Car Wars Players: Games with expansions that add solo play
Publisher Steve Jackson Games
Designer Randy Scheunemann, Samuel Mitschke

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

904owners
156wishlist
28want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
How long does a game last?
On average, 60 to 180 minutes, depending on the scenario and number of players.
Is it hard to learn the rules?
Not at all! This 6th edition has been streamlined to be much faster and easier to learn than previous ones.
Can I play it solo?
The base game is focused on head-to-head combat, but there are expansions that add support for solo play.
How many players can join?
The game is designed for 2 to 4 players.
Do I have to build the car from scratch?
Yes, customization is a core part of the fun, allowing you to choose weapons, armor, and upgrades.
Is the game too luck-based?
There is dice rolling, so luck is a factor, but strategy in car building and positioning is what ultimately defines the winner.

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