Chariots of Fire: Warfare in the Bronze Age, 2300-1200 B.C.

GMT Games · Board game · 2010
— Ludopedia 7.5 BGG 1–4 · best 2 Solo 60–180 min Weight 3.5/5
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— rating Ludopedia
7.5 rating BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS

If you're a fan of historical wargames and love diving into tactical details, Chariots of Fire is a treat! This game takes you straight to the Bronze Age, with an incredible focus on chariots and how they revolutionized the battlefield. The experience is one of deep and challenging simulation, perfect for those looking to recreate and understand ancient great battles with precision.

Highlights
  • Deep historical simulation
  • Variety of scenarios
  • Tactical chariot details
  • High replayability
  • Robust content
Keep in mind
  • Steep learning curve
  • Long playtime
  • Not for beginners
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Get ready for an epic journey back to the Bronze Age, the golden era of chariots! In Chariots of Fire, you dive into battlefields dominated by these war vehicles, considered the first modern weapon system. The game explores how chariots functioned tactically, presenting various applications and types, from Sumerian battle wagons to fast, two-man Egyptian chariots and heavy, three-man Hittite chariots, often accompanied by their specialized Runner Infantry. It's a chance to see how these vehicles shaped warfare before the emergence of cavalry in the Iron Age.

This title from the acclaimed Great Battles of History series spares no historical details and scenarios. It challenges you to recreate nine iconic battles, spanning a vast period from 2320 BC to 1200 BC, the abrupt end of the Bronze Age. You'll command colorful and diverse armies, including Sumerians, Akkadians, various types of Egyptians, Canaanites, Hittites, Mitanni, Arzawans, Assyrians, Babylonians, and even Mycenaean Age Greeks in the famous Battle of Troy, with a surprise from Homer's heroes. Battles include Sekhmen, Megiddo, Kadesh, and many others, each with its unique tactical challenges. With a time scale of 20 minutes per turn and a map scale of 100 yards per hex, Chariots of Fire is a deep simulation that promises hours of strategy and historical immersion for wargame enthusiasts.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

1 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

1–4 players
1 REC
2 BEST
3 OK
4 REC

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Categories

Families

Digital Implementations: VASSAL History: Trojan War History: Wars in the Ancient Near East Players: Wargames with Rules Supporting Only Two Players Series: Great Battles of History (GMT Games)
Publisher GMT Games
Designer Mark Herman, Richard H. Berg
Artist Jean André Castaigne, Leland Myrick, Mike Lemick, Rodger B. MacGowan

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

1,052owners
193wishlist
48want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
How many players can participate in Chariots of Fire?
The game is designed for 1 to 4 players, allowing for both solo experiences and confrontations with friends.
What is the average playtime for a game?
Be prepared for longer sessions! A game can last from 60 to 180 minutes, depending on the scenario and players' familiarity with the rules.
Is it a complex game for wargame beginners?
With a weight of 3.52/5 on BGG, Chariots of Fire is considered a medium to high complexity wargame. It's more recommended for those who already have some experience with the genre or are willing to invest time in the learning curve.
What are the main components of the game?
You can expect many chits to represent units, a detailed hexagonal map for the battlefields, dice to resolve combat, and, of course, a robust rulebook to cover all tactical nuances.
Does the game focus only on chariots?
While chariots are the central point and the great tactical innovation of the era, the game simulates complete armies, including infantry and the interactions between different unit types and terrains.
Is Chariots of Fire part of a series?
Yes! It is a title in the renowned 'Great Battles of History' series by GMT Games, known for its detailed and historical approach to major conflicts.

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