# Hamilcar: Silver Edition

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2025
- **BGG Rating**: 5.2
- **BGG Rank**: —
- **Players**: 2 (Best with: 2)
- **Duration**: 125-245 min
- **Weight**: 2.00 / 5
- **Designers**: Raymond de Maria
- **Artists**: Bartek Jędrzejewski, Katarzyna Jasińska, Łukasz Strupiechowski, Paweł Kurowski, Piotr Słaby, Rafal Szymanski
- **Publishers**: PHALANX
- **Categories**: Ancient, Political, Wargame
- **Mechanics**: Action / Event, Area Majority / Influence, Campaign / Battle Card Driven, Dice Rolling, Die Icon Resolution, Point to Point Movement, Simulation, Variable Player Powers

## Verdict
If you love historic strategy and want to command Rome or Carthage, this game offers a tight, well‑balanced duel.Well‑crafted asymmetryDynamic strategy cardsHigh‑quality componentsManageable play timeModerate learning curveRule‑heavy for newcomersOnly for two playersRECOMMENDED

## Description
Who will rule the Mediterranean? In Hamilcar: Silver Edition you pick between the Roman Republic, with its mighty legions, or Carthage, the master of sea lanes and legendary generals. The game is asymmetrical: each side has its own strategic cards, exclusive units and even distinct rules for land and naval battles. You move armies and fleets, recruit troops, build ships and wield political influence over provinces, all driven by cards that represent historic decisions and iconic events of the Punic Wars. Victory can come by capturing the opponent's capital, holding more provinces at the final round, or wiping out all of the enemy's control markers. Carthage also wins if Rome ends any turn with fewer than three provinces under its control. 

The Silver Edition updates the rulebook, adds clearer player aids and replaces plastic miniatures with high‑quality cardboard standees and counters that track naval movement and interceptions. The Strategy deck introduces the optional "Price of Failure" cards for extra tension. With a 2/5 weight, a playing time of 125‑245 minutes and a strict two‑player limit, the game offers deep, focused battles without overwhelming complexity. Perfect for fans of historical simulation, resource management and tactical decision‑making, especially those who enjoyed Hannibal or want a standalone Punic War experience.

## FAQ
### How many players can play?
The game is strictly a two‑player duel, one as Rome and the other as Carthage.

### What is the typical playing time?
Usually between 125 and 245 minutes, depending on how fast players resolve actions.

### How complex is the game?
Rated 2/5 on BGG, it’s medium complexity – easy to pick up but offers deep tactical choices.

### What components are included?
Strategy cards, battle decks, cardboard standees for armies and generals, fleet counters, icon dice, and political control tokens.

### Do I need to know the Punic Wars history?
Not required; the game provides a concise historical overview, though prior knowledge enriches the experience.

### Can I mix it with Hannibal rules?
Silver Edition is standalone, but shares core mechanics; mixing would need house rules.

### Are there recommended expansions?
The "Price of Failure" expansion can be added as an optional rule to raise tension.