Saladin

Shakos, Draco Ideas, Ergo Ludo Editions · Board game · 2022
8.0 Ludopedia 7.1 BGG 2 · best 2 45–60 min Weight 2.1/5
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8.0 rating Ludopedia
7.1 rating BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS

If you're a fan of military history, especially the Crusades period, and love a good tactical duel for two players, Saladin is a treat! It puts you in command of medieval armies in iconic battles, with resource management that will make you sweat with every decision. The experience is immersive and challenging, perfect for those looking for a strategic wargame without being overly complex.

Highlights
  • Intense historical duels
  • Crucial order management
  • Immersive medieval theme
  • Focus on tactical strategy
  • Great for 2 players
Keep in mind
  • Language dependency
  • Niche focus
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Saladin kicks off the "En Ordre de Bataille" series, which promises to delve into legendary medieval leaders through two crucial battles in each volume. This first title transports us to the historical clashes of Hattin and Arsuf, where the legendary Saladin confronted the Crusader troops of Guy de Lusignan and, later, the famous Richard the Lionheart. Here, you take command of one of the warring armies, whether ordering your horsemen to harass enemy lines or launching a devastating charge with your heavily armored knights. It's an epic experience, tailor-made for those who love history and military strategy. Do you have what it takes to lead your troops to victory?

This is a historical wargame for two players, where choosing one of the two battle scenarios is the starting point. After setup, each player, in turn, commands one of their Banners, engaging them in combat to disorganize the opponent's formations. To do this, you must spend Order tokens, which decrease each round. The trick is to maintain the cohesion of your troops and manage these precious tokens, because whoever manages to preserve them best, ensuring the organization of their army, will be declared the winner. It's a tactical challenge that demands planning and strategic decisions every turn.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

2 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

Duel · 2 players
2 BEST

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Categories

Families

History: Crusades Mechanism: Static Battle Players: Two-Player Only Games
Publisher Shakos, Draco Ideas, Ergo Ludo Editions, Fox in the Box
Designer Denis Sauvage
Artist Nicolas Roblin, Ulric Stahl

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

1,013owners
168wishlist
33want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
What is the main objective in Saladin?
The objective is to disorganize your opponent's troops while maintaining the cohesion of your own, efficiently managing the Order tokens that decrease each turn. Whoever best preserves their army's organization wins!
How many players can participate and what is the average game duration?
Saladin is an exclusive game for 2 players, and games typically last between 45 and 60 minutes. Perfect for a quick and strategic duel!
What is the complexity level of the game?
With a BGG weight of 2.06/5, Saladin is considered a low-medium complexity game. It's accessible for those new to wargames, but offers enough tactical depth for more experienced players.
Do I need to know the history of the Crusades to play?
It's not a requirement, but knowing the historical context of the battles of Hattin and Arsuf certainly enhances the experience and immersion in the game. Fun is guaranteed either way!
Does the game have language dependency?
Yes, the game has moderate language dependency. It's recommended to have a translated spreadsheet or cards to fully enjoy the experience, especially to understand the effects of the campaign and battle cards.
What are the main components of the game?
The game includes a game board, Order tokens, battle and campaign cards, and pieces representing the Banners (units) of the armies. Everything you need to recreate these historical clashes!

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