Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED
If you love quick historical duels with deep choices, this one hits the spot.
Highlights
- Fast and tactical
- Engaging historic theme
- Rich mix of mechanics
Keep in mind
- Limited replay variety
- Card draw luck factor
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Tesla vs. Edison: Duel brings the famous "War of Currents" to the table in 15‑30 minute games, perfect for those who enjoy a fast yet strategic duel. Each player takes the role of one of the electricity titans – Nikola Tesla or Thomas Edison – and builds their own company, spreading projects across U.S. regions, pushing either alternating‑current or direct‑current technologies, and launching propaganda campaigns to win public favor. Simultaneously, you buy shares in smaller electric firms, trying to assemble the most valuable portfolio. The game blends deck, bag and pool building, hand management and open drafting, along with commodity speculation and area control, all flavored by each character's unique powers. Victory is achieved by mastering two of three main tracks: territorial control of projects, lead in the PR race, and highest stock value. Both sides also have a special auto‑win condition that can be triggered at any moment, adding extra tension. While it carries all the mechanics of the larger title, the duel version is streamlined for a light‑to‑medium weight, making it approachable for newcomers without sacrificing strategic depth. Ideal for two players who love historical themes, economics and quick tactical decisions.
Gallery
Box and component photos
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Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
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
Artana, Broadway Toys LTD
Designer
Dirk Knemeyer, JR Honeycutt
Artist
Heiko Günther
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
1,622owners
130wishlist
20want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
How long does a game take?
Typically 15‑30 minutes, depending on player familiarity.
How many players can play?
It is designed strictly for two players.
What is the complexity level?
Light‑to‑medium weight (about 2.2/5 on BGG), easy to learn with meaningful strategy.
What components are included?
Project cards, character cards, stock tokens, a US region board, and propaganda markers.
Who is the game best suited for?
Fans of historical themes, economic decisions, and tactical duels—great for couples or gaming duos.
Are there auto‑win conditions?
Yes, both Tesla and Edison have unique objectives that can end the game instantly when achieved.
Do I need expansions to play?
No, the base game is self‑contained; no expansions have been released.
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