Kings & Things

Games Workshop Ltd., West End Games, Z-Man Games · Board game · 1986
2–4 · best 4 60–180 min Weight 2.6/5
6.6 rating Ludopedia
6.5 rating BGG
Buy
6.6 rating Ludopedia
6.5 rating BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS

If you enjoy a fantasy game with a quirky sense of humor and love to bluff, Kings & Things is for you! It's a classic that entertains with its bizarre units and a constantly changing board.

Highlights
  • Humor and unique units
  • Modular and replayable board
  • Engaging bluffing system
  • Fun tactical combat
Keep in mind
  • Moderate language dependency
  • Can feel a bit dated
  • Dice luck influences outcomes
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Hey folks! Ready for a trip back in time with Kings & Things? This Tom Wham classic from 1986 is pure fun with a strategic twist and guaranteed laughs. Imagine a game where you command a kingdom in a fantasy world, but not just with ordinary armies! Here, the deal is you've got a bunch of bizarre and powerful 'things' at your disposal: elves, dragons, dinosaurs, killer penguins (yes, you read that right!), and even flying squirrels. Every game is a new adventure because the board is assembled with hexagonal tiles that change the map every time. This means exploring and expanding your territory will always be a fresh challenge. And what makes this game shine? Bluffing! You'll have to be clever to trick your opponents about the troops you have hidden. Using secret unit deployment and dice rolls, you'll try to dominate areas and influence the map, all while laughing at the crazy situations event cards can bring. It's a game that blends direct combat with plenty of cunning, perfect for those who enjoy a fantastic theme with a dash of humor and endless replayability. If you like games that make you think, laugh, and bluff, Kings & Things is a sure bet for your collection!

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

1 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–4 players
2 REC
3 REC
4 BEST

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Admin: Better Description Needed! Animals: Birds Animals: Camels Animals: Dinosaurs Animals: Elephants Animals: Insects Animals: Penguins Animals: Raccoons Animals: Snakes Animals: Spiders Animals: Squirrels / Chipmunks Animals: Tigers Animals: Wolves Creatures: Dragons Creatures: Goblins Creatures: Monsters Creatures: Vampires Theme: Deserts Theme: Hot Air Balloons
Publisher Games Workshop Ltd., West End Games, Z-Man Games, Hobby Japan, Pegasus Spiele
Designer Doug Kaufman, Robert J. Kuntz, Tom Wham
Artist Charles Elliot (I), Claus Stephan, David A. Trampier, Doris Matthäus, Kevin Wilkins, Loring Eutemey, Martin Hoffmann, Ray-Mel Cornelius, Richard A. Johnson, Tom Wham, Walter Velez

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
What is the complexity of Kings & Things?
Kings & Things is considered a moderately complex game. The basic rules are easy to grasp, but mastering the bluffing and area control tactics takes time. The BGG weight is 2.64/5, indicating an accessible level for most players.
How long does a game of Kings & Things take?
Games of Kings & Things can vary quite a bit, typically lasting between 60 to 180 minutes, depending on the number of players and their familiarity with the game.
What kind of player is Kings & Things recommended for?
It's ideal for those who enjoy fantasy games with a touch of humor, appreciate bluffing and area control mechanics, and don't mind a bit of luck with dice. Players who like more 'out-of-the-box' themes will love it.
Do I need to know English to play?
The game has a moderate language dependency. While the board and pieces can be understood with some effort, event cards and some rules might require consulting a translated spreadsheet or cards for a complete experience.
Is the board always the same?
No! One of the great features of Kings & Things is its modular board, made of hexagonal tiles. This ensures that each game has a different map, greatly increasing replayability and the element of surprise.
How many players can participate?
Kings & Things is designed for 2 to 4 players, offering good dynamics whether playing a duel or with more participants.

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