Necromancer

Steve Jackson Games · Board game · 1982
7.0 Ludopedia 5.9 BGG 2 · best 2 60 min Weight 2.6/5
Buy
7.0 rating Ludopedia
5.9 rating BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS

If you enjoy a tactical duel with a dark theme and mechanics that make you think, Necromancer is a retro classic worth checking out for two players.

Highlights
  • Intriguing tactical combat
  • Engaging dark theme
  • Varied player powers
  • Replayability with events
Keep in mind
  • Rules can be dense
  • Dice luck involved
  • Units switch sides
Rules manual not indexed yet Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.

About the game

What you do in a play session

Hey folks! Ready for a dark battle between necromancers? In Necromancer, two players take on the roles of powerful wizards commanding armies of the undead. Your goal is clear: find the mystical Jewels of Power and, while you're at it, annihilate your rival Necromancer. The twist here is that your troops' power isn't fixed! The more undead you control, the weaker each individual unit becomes. It's a delicate balance between having a gigantic army and ensuring it's effective. And here's another complication: any unit can switch sides, which is why the pieces are double-sided. Get ready for tactical combat on a hexagonal board, where dice rolls and unexpected events can turn the tide. With variable player powers, each necromancer has their own way of dominating the dead. It's a 1982 classic, straight from The Space Gamer magazine, blending fantasy, horror, and a touch of combat simulation. If you enjoy wargames with a darker theme and mechanics that make you think, Necromancer might be your next obsession. It's a game for those who love pure strategy and aren't afraid of a challenge with horror and fantasy themes. The experience is intense and focused, perfect for that two-player game night.

This game is one of those nostalgic finds that still deliver a good dose of strategy and challenge. The combat mechanic, where the number of units affects individual power, is a very interesting point and requires players to think carefully about their actions. Furthermore, the possibility of units changing sides adds an extra layer of unpredictability and tactics. Hexagonal grid movement and dice rolling ensure that each game is dynamic. Necromancer isn't just a wargame; it's a simulation of control and power in the underworld of dark magic. The dark fantasy and horror setting is well-executed, inviting players to immerse themselves in an epic conflict for control of mystical artifacts and necromantic supremacy. It's an excellent choice for those seeking a strategic duel for two players, with a retro touch and mechanics that go beyond the ordinary.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

2 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

Duel · 2 players
2 BEST

Where to Buy

Prices monitored daily

Finding best prices...

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability subject to change.

Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Categories

Families

Creatures: Dragons Creatures: Monsters Creatures: Zombies Magazine: Space Gamer Players: Two-Player Only Games Series: Pocket Box (Steve Jackson Games) Theme: Wizards
Publisher Steve Jackson Games
Designer Allen Varney
Artist Dave Martin, Denis Loubet, Jeffrey D. George, John Borkowski

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

399owners
58wishlist
18want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

7 questions
How many players can participate in Necromancer?
Necromancer is an exclusively two-player game.
What is the average playtime?
A game of Necromancer typically lasts around 60 minutes.
Is the game very complex?
Necromancer has a medium weight (2.54/5 on BGG), meaning the rules require attention but it's not overly complicated for those familiar with other wargames or strategy games.
Do I need to know English to play?
Originally published in English, and with no language dependency mentioned in the sources, it's recommended to have access to a Portuguese rulebook or be comfortable playing in English.
Who is this game recommended for?
It's recommended for fans of wargames, dark fantasy and horror themes, and for players who appreciate strategic two-player duels with unique mechanics.
What is the main objective of the game?
The objective is to find the Jewels of Power and destroy the opposing Necromancer by controlling your undead forces.
Can units change sides during the game?
Yes, an interesting mechanic in Necromancer is that units can change control, which adds unpredictability and requires tactical adaptation.

Other Games You'll Like

Based on mechanics and theme

6 games