Pocket Battles: Macedonians vs. Persians

Z-Man Games · Board game · 2012
6.0 Ludopedia 6.8 BGG 2 · best 2 30 min Weight 1.9/5
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6.0 rating Ludopedia
6.8 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

A pocket-sized wargame that delivers a surprisingly deep tactical experience in a short timeframe. The ability to customize armies and the compatibility between different boxes in the series make this a fantastic go-to for anyone who enjoys quick duels. It's strategic enough to be challenging, yet simple enough to learn in minutes.

Highlights
  • Customizable point system
  • Highly portable and fast
  • Compatible with other Pocket Battles
  • Tactical depth in small footprint
Keep in mind
  • Relies on dice luck
  • May feel light for veterans
  • Two-player only
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Pocket Battles: Macedonians vs. Persians is the ultimate pocket-sized wargame. If you've ever wanted to command ancient armies without needing a massive table or hours of setup, this is it. The game uses tiles to represent your troops, and the best part is the customization: before starting, you and your opponent agree on a point limit for your armies, making every battle feel fresh and tailored to your preferences.

The battlefield is set up in a grid of three columns and two rows. The gameplay is straightforward: you use Order Tokens to activate units and launch attacks. The strategic twist is that activating the same unit repeatedly in a single round becomes increasingly expensive in tokens, forcing you to diversify your tactics rather than relying on a single "overpowered" unit. After each round, you can redeploy your forces, shifting units between rows to counter your opponent's moves. It’s a constant exercise in decision-making—deciding where to press the attack and how to shore up your defenses.

What truly makes Pocket Battles shine is its modularity. Since the rules are consistent across the entire series, you aren't limited to just Macedonians and Persians. Want to see how an army of elves would fare against Roman legions from another box? Go for it! It's a robust system that remains accessible, perfect for anyone wanting a fast-paced, tactical wargame that fits into a 30-minute window. The game includes a wide variety of units, from elephants and archers to heavy cavalry, each with unique traits that change how you approach the battlefield. It’s a blast for anyone who enjoys quick thinking and a solid duel—or even a wild crossover between different historical eras.

Best player count

BGG community vote

Duel · 2 players
2 BEST

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Categories

Families

Ancient: Greece Ancient: Persia Country: Iran History: Wars of Alexander the Great Players: Two-Player Only Games Players: Wargames with Rules Supporting Only Two Players Series: Pocket Battles (Z-Man)
Publisher Z-Man Games
Designer Francesco Sirocchi, Paolo Mori
Artist Karim Chakroun

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

1,126owners
117wishlist
35want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
How long does a game take?
On average, battles last about 30 minutes, making them perfect for a quick duel.
How many players can play?
The game is designed exclusively for 2 players.
Is it hard to learn the rules?
Not at all! The system is intuitive and the manual is straightforward, perfect for getting started quickly.
Can I mix this with other games in the series?
Yes, that's the best part! The rules are standardized across all Pocket Battles games, allowing for epic crossovers.
What comes in the box?
You'll find 60 unit tiles, 6 dice, order/wound tokens, player aids, and the rulebook.
Do I need wargame experience?
Not at all. It's a great entry point into the genre due to its simplicity and portability.

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