Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED
Perfect for those who love deep tactical duels and the feeling of building their own magic 'build'.
Highlights
- Amazing spellbook customization
- Very high tactical immersion
- Great variety of magic schools
- Dynamic and punishing combat
Keep in mind
- Slightly steep learning curve
- Two players only
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Ever wondered what would happen if mages from completely opposite schools of magic were thrown into an arena to fight to the death? That's exactly what Mage Wars Arena delivers. Here, you aren't just a player, but a master of the arcane arts attempting to annihilate your rival using a fully customizable spellbook. The experience is almost visceral: you literally flip through your book of spells to decide which magic to cast, providing an incredible sense of immersion.
The game blends card game strategy with the tactics of miniature games. The arena is divided into square zones that regulate movement and object placement. You can summon powerful creatures to fight in your stead, cast devastating spells to bring down your foe, or use hidden enchantments to flip the script at the last second. Additionally, you can equip your mage with magical weapons and armor to withstand the onslaught.
The real draw is the variety of archetypes. The Beastmaster overwhelms the opponent with hordes of animals; the Warlock is aggressive, focusing on curses and fire; the Wizard is the master of manipulation, stealing mana and teleporting; and the Priestess plays defensively, healing allies and wearing down the enemy with angels and knights. Each school of magic requires a different mindset, making every match a tactical puzzle. The point system for building your spellbook ensures you can experiment with powerful yet balanced combinations. It's not about collecting random cards, but about assembling the perfect strategy to dominate the arena.
The game blends card game strategy with the tactics of miniature games. The arena is divided into square zones that regulate movement and object placement. You can summon powerful creatures to fight in your stead, cast devastating spells to bring down your foe, or use hidden enchantments to flip the script at the last second. Additionally, you can equip your mage with magical weapons and armor to withstand the onslaught.
The real draw is the variety of archetypes. The Beastmaster overwhelms the opponent with hordes of animals; the Warlock is aggressive, focusing on curses and fire; the Wizard is the master of manipulation, stealing mana and teleporting; and the Priestess plays defensively, healing allies and wearing down the enemy with angels and knights. Each school of magic requires a different mindset, making every match a tactical puzzle. The point system for building your spellbook ensures you can experiment with powerful yet balanced combinations. It's not about collecting random cards, but about assembling the perfect strategy to dominate the arena.
Expansions
Published additional content
Mage Wars Academy: Druid Expansion
Mage Wars Academy: Elementalist Expansion
Mage Wars Academy: Forcemaster Expansion
Mage Wars Academy: Monk Expansion
Mage Wars Academy: Necromancer Expansion
Mage Wars Academy: Priestess Expansion
Mage Wars Academy: Warlock Expansion
Mage Wars Academy: Warlord Expansion
Mage Wars Academy/Mage Wars: Arena Dice Tower Promo 2016
Mage Wars Arena: Battlegrounds Domination
Mage Wars Arena: Forcemaster vs Warlord Expansion Set
Mage Wars Arena: Lost Grimoire Volume 1
Mage Wars Arena: Paladin vs Siren Expansion Set
Mage Wars: Akiro's Favor Promo Card
Mage Wars: Altar of Peace Promo Card
Mage Wars: Altar of the Iron Guard Promo Card
Mage Wars: Asto Vidatu, Angel Slayer Promo Card
Mage Wars: Asyran Defender Promo Card
Mage Wars: Bloodwave Greatbow Promo Card
Mage Wars: Clear Mind Promo Card
Mage Wars: Conquest of Kumanjaro – Spell Tome Expansion
Mage Wars: Debilitate Promo Card
Mage Wars: Dice Tower 2013 funding campaign promo card set
Mage Wars: Dice Tower 2014 funding campaign promo card set
Mage Wars: Dice Tower 2014 Non-Kickstarter promo card set
Mage Wars: Dice Tower 2015 Funding Campaign Promo Card Set
Mage Wars: Dispel Promo Card
Mage Wars: Dragonclaw Wolverine Promo Card
Mage Wars: Druid vs. Necromancer
Mage Wars: Eeker Promo Card
Mage Wars: Elfric's Life Ring Promo Card
Mage Wars: Fire Elemental Promo Card
Mage Wars: Forged in Fire – Spell Tome Expansion
Mage Wars: Galador, Protector of Straywood Promo Card
Mage Wars: Gravikor Promo Card
Mage Wars: Holy Strike Promo Card
Mage Wars: Hurl Meteorite Promo Card
Mage Wars: Hurl Rock Promo Card
Mage Wars: Joseph Trublood, High Cleric Promo Card
Mage Wars: Kumanjaran Leopard Promo Card
Mage Wars: Leviathan Scale Armor Promo Card
Mage Wars: Mana Vampirism Promo Card
Mage Wars: Meditation Amulet Promo Card
Mage Wars: Minor Heal Promo Card
Mage Wars: Mordok's Tome Promo Card
Mage Wars: Oscuda Promo Card
Mage Wars: Plagued Promo Card
Mage Wars: Raincloud Promo Card
Mage Wars: Sandstorm Promo Card
Mage Wars: Selesius, the East Wind Promo Card
Mage Wars: Sersiryx, Imp Familiar Promo Card
Mage Wars: Spiked Armor Promo Card
Mage Wars: Spiked Buckler Promo Card
Mage Wars: Staff of Storms Promo Card
Mage Wars: Storm Drake Hide Promo Card
Mage Wars: Stumble Promo Card
Mage Wars: Summoning Circle Promo Card
Mage Wars: Sunfire Burst Promo Card
Mage Wars: Victorian Griffin Promo Card
Mage Wars: Wall of Force Promo Card
Mage Wars: Wand of Healing Promo Card
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
In English
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Mage Wars - Walkthrough Part I
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Mage Wars - Walkthrough Part III
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Critical Un-Boxing - Mage Wars
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Mage Wars - Opening Strategies - Divine Intervention
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Mage Wars Demo from Origins 2012
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Mage Wars Walkthrough - Part IV
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Mage Wars - Opening Strategies - Valshalla, Lightning Angel
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Mage Wars - Opening Strategies - Mana Flowers/Crystals
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Mage Wars Opening - Rush/Build
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Spawnpoints
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Walls
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What Is Mage Wars?
Best player count
BGG community vote
2
BEST
Soundtrack
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Arcane Wonders, Asterion Press, Devir, Game Harbor, Games Factory Publishing, Marabunta, Pegasus Spiele, Zvezda
Designer
Benjamin Pope, Bryan Pope
Artist
Chris Seaman, Christophe Swal, Claire Beard, Craig J. Spearing, Darek Zabrocki, Diego Gisbert Llorens, Drew Baker, Jason Engle, Jim Pavelec, John Guytan, John Stanko, Leonardo Borazio, Maichol Quinto, Mariusz Gandzel, Peter Tikos, R. K. Post, Raven Mimura, Roberto Pitturru, Ron Spencer, Tiziano Baracchi, Vari
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
14,244owners
2,400wishlist
235want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
Is the game complex? Do I need previous experience?
It has a medium-high weight (3.68 on BGG), so it's not an entry-level game. It requires attention to rules and tactics, but strategy fans will handle it easily.
How long does a match last?
About 90 minutes on average, depending on how cautious (or aggressive) the mages are in the arena.
Can I play with more than two people?
No, the game is specifically designed for 1v1 duels.
Is it a collectible card game (like Magic)?
No! You don't need to buy random boosters. The game is customizable, but you know exactly what you're getting with the spell tomes.
What comes in the base box?
Everything you need to start: spellbooks, extra customization spells, the arena board, dice, and markers.
Who do you recommend this game for?
For those who love fantasy, grid-based tactical combat, and enjoy spending time planning the perfect build before the game even starts.
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