Tannhäuser

Take On You, Edge Entertainment, Fantasy Flight Games · Board game · 2007
8.2 Ludopedia 6.5 BGG 2–10 · best 2 60–120 min Weight 2.7/5
Buy · from US$ 47.00
8.2 rating Ludopedia
6.5 rating BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS

Perfect for those who love tactical wargames with deep customization and an alternate history theme. Character building is the star here.

Highlights
  • Insanely rich hero customization
  • Immersive war and horror atmosphere
  • Detailed miniatures and components
  • Interesting tactical synergies
Keep in mind
  • Quite a steep learning curve
  • Reliance on translated cards/spreadsheets
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

Imagine that World War II never ended. It's 1949, and the war has been raging for decades, but now the conflict has taken a bizarre turn. The Reich has discovered an ancient artifact that opens portals to hell, and the 13th Occult Division is poised to summon the Cohorts of Chaos to enslave humanity. That's where you come in. As part of the Union's 42nd Alter-Marine Special Forces, you and your squad are parachuted behind enemy lines, armed with experimental technology to stop this mystical apocalypse.

Tannhäuser isn't just another combat game; it's a tactical customization simulator. The game shines by allowing you to mold your hero almost from scratch. With 10 distinct personalities and over 70 types of tokens — representing everything from medals and ranks to weapons and supernatural powers — the strategic depth is immense. You don't just move pieces; you build your character's 'sheet' to create unique synergies.

On the board, the tension is constant. You'll need to manage line of sight and point-to-point movement to avoid being surprised by things that shouldn't exist. The blend of tactical wargaming with horror and fantasy elements creates a dense atmosphere, where every dice roll can mean the difference between military glory or being devoured by infernal entities. It's a game for those who love to plan every step, customize every detail of their character, and face complex tactical challenges in a setting where experimental science meets the darkest occultism.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

10 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–10 players
2 BEST
3 OK
4 OK
5 OK
6 OK
7 OK
8 OK
9 OK
10 OK

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Components: Miniatures Game: Tannhäuser Game: The Great War Theme: Alternate History
Publisher Take On You, Edge Entertainment, Fantasy Flight Games, Giochi Uniti, Heidelberger Spieleverlag, Nexus Editrice, Pro Ludo
Designer Didier Poli, William Grosselin
Artist Didier Poli

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

6,309owners
1,009wishlist
153want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
Is the game very complex?
Yes, it's aimed at experienced gamers. The customization and combat rules take time to master, so it's not a 'learn-as-you-go' type of game.
How many people can play?
The game supports 2 to 10 players, which is rare for this genre, allowing for epic group battles.
How long does a game last?
Expect to spend between 60 and 120 minutes, depending on the player count and strategic complexity.
Do I need a translation to play?
Yes, there is moderate language dependence. Since there are many tokens and abilities, having translated cards or spreadsheets helps a lot.
Is it a traditional war game?
No. While it's a wargame, it blends sci-fi, horror, and fantasy, moving far away from historical realism.
Are the miniatures good?
Yes, the game is known for its detailed components that help sell the dark atmosphere of the setting.

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