Hands in the Sea

Doit Games, Knight Works, LLC, PHALANX · Board game · 2016
7.9 Ludopedia 7.8 BGG 2 · best 2 90–120 min Weight 3.1/5
Buy · from US$ 51.56
7.9 rating Ludopedia
7.8 rating BGG
Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

If you enjoy historical wargames with deck-building mechanics, Hands in the Sea is a sure bet for a two-player experience! It's an epic ancient battle with plenty of strategy.

Highlights
  • Naval and land battles
  • Tactical deck-building
  • Immersive historical conflict
  • Multiple paths to victory
Keep in mind
  • High language dependency
  • Steep initial learning curve
  • Two-player focus
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Prepare to relive the First Punic War in Hands in the Sea! This two-player wargame puts you in the shoes of Roman or Carthaginian generals, commanding fleets and armies in epic battles for control of the ancient Mediterranean. Inspired by 'A Few Acres of Snow', it features a deck-building mechanic where each card played helps you perform actions like colonizing territories, moving your troops by sea, and, of course, engaging in naval and land combat.

You start with a basic deck and, each round, can purchase new cards to boost your actions, either from your own custom deck or from a neutral pool. But beware: there are also unique strategy cards that can turn the tide in your favor! The game board focuses on Sicily and nearby islands, the stage for intense clashes. The game unfolds over up to twelve rounds, with random events, income collection, and scoring at the end of each turn. Victory can be achieved in various ways: accumulating more points, capturing the enemy capital, or fulfilling other strategic objectives. Hands in the Sea requires a good command of the language, as most cards and rules are in English, but the immersive experience and tactical depth are well worth the effort for those who enjoy historical and wargames.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

2 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

Duel · 2 players
2 BEST

Soundtrack

Ambience suggested by Melodice

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Categories

Families

Ancient: Carthage Ancient: Rome Components: Map (Continental / National scale) Crowdfunding: Kickstarter History: Punic Wars Players: Two-Player Only Games Players: Wargames with Rules Supporting Only Two Players War Level of Command: Strategic
Publisher Doit Games, Knight Works, LLC, PHALANX
Designer Daniel Berger (I)
Artist Bartek Jędrzejewski, Jamie Noble, Katarzyna Jasińska, Naomi Robinson, Natalia Turzańska, Nils Johansson

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

1,881owners
1,139wishlist
253want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
How many players can participate?
Hands in the Sea is an exclusively two-player game.
How long does a game typically last?
A game usually takes between 90 and 120 minutes to complete.
Is the game very complex?
With a weight of 3.12/5 on BGG, it's considered a moderately complex game, requiring dedication to learn the rules and strategies.
Do I need to know English to play?
Yes, the game has high language dependency, with most cards and rules in English. A full translation is recommended.
What is the main theme of the game?
The game covers the First Punic War, simulating conflicts between Rome and Carthage in the ancient period.
Is it a traditional wargame?
Yes, it's a strategic wargame with modern deck-building and hand management mechanics, focusing on battles and conquest.

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