Mage Wars Arena: Battlegrounds Domination

Arcane Wonders, Pegasus Spiele · Board game · 2015
2–4 45–90 min Weight 3.8/5
10.0 rating Ludopedia
8.0 rating BGG
Buy · from US$ 35.84
10.0 rating Ludopedia
8.0 rating BGG
Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Essential for those who want to move beyond the basics and add area control strategy to their duels. The modular board is a blast!

Highlights
  • Super versatile modular board
  • Strategic new victory mode
  • Plenty of new cards for combos
  • Increases game longevity
Keep in mind
  • Requires the base game to play
  • Learning curve for new rules
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About the game

What you do in a play session

If you're already a fan of the magical mayhem in Mage Wars Arena, get ready because Battlegrounds Domination is here to crank up the heat. This expansion isn't just a simple card pack; it's a complete shift in how you approach the battlefield. The highlight is the custom puzzle-cut tiles, allowing you to build your own arena from scratch. Want a strategic map with varied terrain? You've got it. And these tiles aren't just for show; optional rules introduce terrain effects, forcing you to be much more mindful of your mage's positioning.

The real game-changer, however, is the new Domination Mode. Forget just fighting to the death; now the battle is over the control of the V'Tar orbs. These orbs act as strategic points on the map that grant powerful abilities and introduce a brand new victory condition: winning by accumulating points through the control of these devices. It adds a 'tug-of-war' dynamic that brings a massive tactical layer to the base game.

Beyond the new mode and the customizable board, the expansion injects 116 new cards into the mix. These are fresh spells that work in both traditional Mage Wars Arena matches and the new Domination mode, drastically expanding your combo and strategy options. If you snagged the first printing, you also get two exclusive promo cards (The Ankh of Asyra and Blur) to keep your opponents on their toes. It's the perfect expansion for those who felt the base game needed more variety in scenarios and objectives beyond direct combat. Now, the question is: will you focus on annihilating your enemy or play the strategic long game to dominate the orbs and win via points?

Expansion for

Published additional content

1 items

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

1 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–4 players
2 REC
3 OK
4 OK

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Game: Mage Wars
Publisher Arcane Wonders, Pegasus Spiele
Designer Aaron Brosman, Bryan Pope

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

1,386owners
127wishlist
23want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
Do I need the base game to play?
Yes, this is an expansion. You need Mage Wars Arena to use these components and rules.
What changes with Domination Mode?
Besides killing your opponent, you can now win by controlling V'Tar orbs and accumulating points.
Do the board tiles change the gameplay?
Yes! They let you create different maps and include optional rules for terrain effects.
How many new cards are included?
There are 116 new cards, including spells for both the classic and domination modes.
Does the game become much more complex?
It adds tactical layers, but if you've already mastered the base game, the adaptation is smooth.
Who is this expansion recommended for?
For Mage Wars fans who want more scenario variety and new ways to achieve victory.