# Dogs of War

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2014
- **BGG Rating**: 7.5
- **BGG Rank**: #905
- **Players**: 3-5 (Best with: 5)
- **Duration**: 75 min
- **Weight**: 2.64 / 5
- **Designers**: Paolo Mori
- **Artists**: Christophe Madura, Edu Valls, Mathieu Harlaut
- **Publishers**: Cool Mini Or Not, asmodee, Edge Entertainment, Pendragon Game Studio, Play to Z, Spaghetti Western Games
- **Categories**: Abstract Strategy, Fantasy, Negotiation, Renaissance, Wargame
- **Mechanics**: Area Majority / Influence, Hand Management, Tug of War, Variable Player Powers, Worker Placement

## Verdict
If you enjoy games with heavy negotiation, shifting alliances every round, and a good dose of betrayal, Dogs of War is for you! It's a tense game where every decision counts, and bluffing is as important as strategy.Intense and dynamic negotiationAsymmetrical player powersConstant strategic twistsRenaissance theme with a steampunk twistCan be chaotic with the wrong groupLoyalties change quicklyRequires attention to detailHIGHLY RECOMMENDED

## Description
In a fractured realm on the brink of collapse, six once-great noble Houses are locked in bloody conflict. With their armies decimated, they turn to you and your treacherous companions, the 'Dogs of War,' to break the stalemate in exchange for fame and fortune. In Dogs of War, you and your most treacherous friends compete, each wielding a unique and powerful advantage. You will raise armies to do these rulers’ dirty work, fight their endless wars, and strive for victory at any cost, for allegiances are only as deep as your pockets are lined. Every single play might sway an entire battlefield, acquire new armies, tactics, and gold, turn a hard-won skirmish into a crushing defeat, or subtly divert attention from your true motives. Over three intense rounds, battles between the six noble Houses take place. You, as a Dog of War, will choose which House to support at each moment, sending your Captains to lead Soldier Companies into battle. As a House emerges victorious, it becomes more valuable to those who have invested influence in it. There are many paths to glory: earning influence with the prominent Houses is key, but victory can also be achieved by defeating opponents, accumulating riches and troops, and most importantly, securing influence with the Houses that emerge as dominant. At the end of three years of bloodshed, only the Dog of War most decorated and influential with the prevailing Houses will emerge victorious. Prepare for a game of shifting allegiances, tense negotiations, and strategic twists where betrayal can be as rewarding as loyalty.

## FAQ
### How many players can play Dogs of War?
The game is designed for 3 to 5 players, and the experience generally improves with more people, as the negotiation and betrayals become more interesting.

### How long does a game of Dogs of War take?
A game of Dogs of War typically takes around 75 minutes to complete, which is a reasonable duration for a game with so much player interaction.

### Is it a difficult game to learn?
Dogs of War has a medium weight (2.64 out of 5 on BGG), meaning the rules aren't overly complex but require some attention. The learning curve is good for those who have played other strategy games before.

### What is the main objective of the game?
The objective is to accumulate the most influence with the noble Houses and have the most battle trophies by the end of the three rounds. Gaining gold and defeating opponents also helps significantly!

### Is the theme important to the gameplay?
Yes! The Renaissance theme with a steampunk twist fits well with the mechanics of unstable alliances, betrayal, and the pursuit of power. The unique abilities of the Dogs of War also add a special flavor.

### Do I need to enjoy negotiation to like this game?
Absolutely! Negotiation is at the heart of Dogs of War. If you don't enjoy interacting, proposing deals, or even deceiving other players, this game might not be for you.

## Price Comparison
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