Sun of York: The War of the Roses 1453-1485

GMT Games, Relative Range · Board game · 2005
— Ludopedia 6.4 BGG 2 · best 2 60 min Weight 2.3/5
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— rating Ludopedia
6.4 rating BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS

Sun of York is a gem for those who love historical wargames focused on duels. The strategic depth of managing leaders and troops in a card-driven format is fantastic. If you enjoy reliving medieval conflicts with a touch of constant tension, this is a must-have title on your shelf.

Highlights
  • Engaging and strategic card mechanics
  • High replayability with 18 scenarios
  • Deep and well-crafted historical immersion
  • Intense, fast-paced dueling experience
Keep in mind
  • Requires knowledge of tactical rules
  • Language dependency on English text
  • Visual style may feel dated
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About the game

What you do in a play session

If you are fascinated by English history and want to experience the tension of the Wars of the Roses firsthand, Sun of York is your next challenge. This game puts you and your opponent at the heart of the dynastic struggle between the Houses of Lancaster and York. Forget boring history books; here, you take control of iconic figures such as the manipulative King Henry VI, the strategic Margaret of Anjou, and the legendary 'King Maker', Richard Neville. It is a dense card game focused on tactical battles where every move could decide the fate of the crown. The system is robust, allowing for everything from isolated battles to a full campaign that takes the war to its bloody conclusion. You will have to manage your troops—from knights to elite longbowmen—and use special events to turn the tide in your favor. With 18 included scenarios and rules for generating random situations, the replayability is a major highlight. Originally an independent project, it was later released as a boxed set by GMT Games, which made life much easier for those who don't want the hassle of assembling DIY components. It is a feast for those who enjoy card-driven wargames that don't take up the entire table but demand sharp strategic thinking. The experience is immersive, tense, and extremely rewarding for those who like to see history unfold through difficult decisions. Prepare to watch houses go extinct while you fight to ensure your side emerges victorious from this medieval chaos.

Best player count

BGG community vote

Duel · 2 players
2 BEST

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Cities: York (England, UK) Country: England History: Wars of the Roses Players: Two-Player Only Games
Publisher GMT Games, Relative Range
Designer Mike Nagel
Artist Charles Kibler, Mark Simonitch, Rodger B. MacGowan

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

691owners
63wishlist
17want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
How many players can play?
The game is strictly for 2 players, focusing on the direct confrontation between the Houses of Lancaster and York.
How long does a game take?
On average, games last about 60 minutes, depending on the chosen scenario.
Is it hard to learn?
With a weight of 2.33, it is accessible for those with some wargaming experience, but it requires attention to tactical rules.
Do I need to assemble the components?
The original version was desktop-published, but the GMT Games edition comes ready to play out of the box.
Does the game cover the whole war?
Yes, it covers the major battles between 1453 and 1485, with 18 scenarios and a full campaign mode.
Is it luck or strategy?
While there are cards involved, the focus is on resource management and tactical decision-making, minimizing pure luck.

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