Kingmaker

Ariel Productions Ltd, The Avalon Hill Game Co, Gibsons · Board game · 1974
2–7 · best 5 240 min Weight 3.1/5
9.0 rating Ludopedia
6.5 rating BGG
Buy
9.0 rating Ludopedia
6.5 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you enjoy historical games with a strong theme of war and politics, Kingmaker is a solid choice! Prepare for a dense game packed with interaction.

Highlights
  • Engaging historical simulation
  • High player interaction
  • Political and military strategy
  • Captivating Wars of the Roses theme
Keep in mind
  • Long and complex game
  • Steep learning curve
  • Can have downtime
FOR GENRE FANS
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About the game
Hey gamers! Let's talk Kingmaker. This game throws you right into the Wars of the Roses, back in 15th-century England, a period of civil war and throne disputes. Imagine a weak king, a country feeling down after losing the Hundred Years' War, and a bunch of noble families with their own armies wanting to rule everything. That's pretty much the setup! Each player takes on the role of one of these powerful families, using both military might and political cunning to put a royal heir on the throne – one that benefits you, of course. The trick is that everyone wants to control the last surviving heir, so protecting the ones you've already captured becomes top priority. It's a game that simulates this whole struggle, with troop movement across the map, dice rolls to decide luck and twists, and even voting to see who comes out on top in certain situations. Get ready for a game with a lot of interaction, where alliances can form and break in the blink of an eye, and politics is as important as combat. If you enjoy historical games with a touch of simulation and plenty of political drama, Kingmaker might be your cup of tea. It's a classic that demands strategy and a keen eye for opportunities that arise throughout the game. Prepare for long sessions, because this is serious business, and the fight for the throne is fierce!
Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 OK
3 REC
4 BEST
5 BEST
6 REC
7 OK
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Game details

Families

Components: Map (Continental / National scale) Country: England Country: Scotland Country: Wales History: Wars of the Roses
Publisher Ariel Productions Ltd, The Avalon Hill Game Co, Gibsons, TM Games
Designer Andrew McNeil
Artist Don Greenwood, Mick Uhl, Philmar Limited, Randall C. Reed, Thomas N. Shaw, Tom Shaw (II), W. Scott Moores
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Kingmaker for?
Kingmaker is ideal for players who appreciate historical games, especially the medieval period and the Wars of the Roses. It appeals to those who enjoy deep strategy, political interaction, and don't mind longer, more complex games.
How long does a game take?
Kingmaker games are known for being long, typically taking around 4 hours to complete, depending on the number of players and their familiarity with the rules.
Is the game difficult to learn?
Kingmaker has a moderate to high complexity. The rules cover many aspects of historical simulation, so it might take a few plays for all players to feel comfortable with all the mechanics.
How many players does Kingmaker support?
The game is designed for 2 to 7 players, allowing for a wide variety of dynamics and alliances, but it can also increase the playtime.
What is the main objective of the game?
The objective is to be the faction that manages to place one of its heirs on the English throne and keep them there, controlling power and influencing the kingdom's events.
Is there a lot of luck involved?
There are elements of luck, mainly through dice rolls for combat and events. However, political strategy and resource management are much more important for victory.