Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
If you enjoy a strategic clash in Ancient Greece, with resource management and influence struggles, Polis is a masterstroke!
Highlights
- Immersive historical conflict
- Clever resource management
- Balanced strategic depth
- Excellent for two players
Keep in mind
- Requires careful planning
- Moderate learning curve
- Can be tense and competitive
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Prepare for an immersion into Ancient Greece with Polis, a two-player strategy game that places you in the midst of the rivalry between Athens and Sparta in the 5th century BC. Forget shallow combat; this is serious business: you'll manage resources, expand your influence over territories and trade routes, and ensure your population is well-fed. Every decision counts, from where to position your troops to how to use diplomacy to attract other cities to your league.
The game intelligently simulates the complexity of managing an empire. You don't just conquer; you also sustain. Each round, you reap the rewards of your territorial dominance, but the cost is feeding your people. The struggle for influence is fierce, and market control is vital for trade and development. To win, you must accumulate more population and prestige than your rival. This requires not only military might but also strategic planning to develop projects that increase your prestige and allow for bolder military maneuvers. The new edition features revised rules and updated artwork to make the experience even more engaging. It's a game that demands thought, planning, and a keen eye for strategy, perfect for those who enjoy a historical and economic challenge.
With mechanics involving area control, movement, market management, and even using victory points as a resource, Polis offers depth without being overly complex. Conflict resolution can be handled via cards, adding an interesting tactical layer. The turn order is dynamic, based on statistics, making each round unpredictable. If you enjoy historical games with an economic and military twist, and aren't intimidated by a moderate strategic weight, Polis is a sure bet. Prepare to relive one of antiquity's most iconic conflicts, where each city-state has its pride and its own agenda.
The game intelligently simulates the complexity of managing an empire. You don't just conquer; you also sustain. Each round, you reap the rewards of your territorial dominance, but the cost is feeding your people. The struggle for influence is fierce, and market control is vital for trade and development. To win, you must accumulate more population and prestige than your rival. This requires not only military might but also strategic planning to develop projects that increase your prestige and allow for bolder military maneuvers. The new edition features revised rules and updated artwork to make the experience even more engaging. It's a game that demands thought, planning, and a keen eye for strategy, perfect for those who enjoy a historical and economic challenge.
With mechanics involving area control, movement, market management, and even using victory points as a resource, Polis offers depth without being overly complex. Conflict resolution can be handled via cards, adding an interesting tactical layer. The turn order is dynamic, based on statistics, making each round unpredictable. If you enjoy historical games with an economic and military twist, and aren't intimidated by a moderate strategic weight, Polis is a sure bet. Prepare to relive one of antiquity's most iconic conflicts, where each city-state has its pride and its own agenda.
Gallery
Box and component photos
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Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
In English
Best player count
BGG community vote
2
BEST
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Devir, GaGa Games
Designer
Fran Diaz
Artist
Enrique Corominas
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
2,484owners
945wishlist
106want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
What is the average playtime for Polis?
A game of Polis typically lasts between 60 and 120 minutes, depending on the players' familiarity with the rules and decision-making speed.
Is Polis a complex game?
With a BGG weight of 3.8/5, Polis is considered an expert game, but not excessively complex. It requires planning and strategy, but the rules are accessible after a few plays.
How many players can play?
Polis is designed exclusively for two players, offering an intense and focused experience for those who enjoy strategic duels.
Does the game rely heavily on luck?
While there is dice rolling at certain points, luck plays a limited role. Strategy, planning, and resource management are the most important factors for victory.
Who is Polis recommended for?
It's ideal for players who appreciate historical games, civilization and war themes, with area control and economic management mechanics. If you enjoy deep two-player games, you'll love it!
Do I need to know Greek history to play?
No prior knowledge of the Peloponnesian War is necessary. The game is thematic and immersive, but the rules and gameplay are self-contained.
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