# The Battle of Five Armies

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2014
- **BGG Rating**: 7.8
- **BGG Rank**: #779
- **Players**: 2 (Best with: 2)
- **Duration**: 90-240 min
- **Weight**: 3.61 / 5
- **Designers**: Francesco Nepitello, Marco Maggi, Roberto Di Meglio
- **Artists**: Ben Wootten, Francesco Mattioli, Jon Hodgson, Lucas Graciano
- **Publishers**: Ares Games, Devir, GaGa Games, Galakta, Heidelberger Spieleverlag, IELLO, Planplay, Raven Distribution, Rexhry
- **Categories**: Adventure, Fantasy, Fighting, Novel-based, Wargame
- **Mechanics**: Area Majority / Influence, Area Movement, Dice Rolling, Hand Management

## Verdict
Perfect for Tolkien fans who want the depth of War of the Ring but in shorter, more focused sessions. The tactical immersion is its strongest suit.Highly detailed and immersive miniaturesSolid and well-tested rulesTense and dynamic tactical combatIncredible fidelity to the novelHeavy language dependenceStrictly two-player onlyFOR GENRE FANS

## Description
Get ready for the epic climax of 'The Hobbit'! In The Battle of Five Armies, you take command of colossal forces in a strategic duel where the fate of the Lonely Mountain hangs in the balance. On one side, we have the alliance of the Free Peoples: the Elves of the Elvenking, the Dwarves of Dain Ironfoot, and the Men of Lake-town, led by the sharpshooter Bard. Opposing them is the terrifying horde of Goblins, Wolves, and Bats, under the cruel command of Bolg, son of Azog.

The game transports you to the slopes and the valley of the Lonely Mountain through a detailed board and plastic miniatures that bring heroes and monsters to life. If you're already familiar with 'War of the Ring', you'll feel right at home, as this game utilizes the same rule base. The main difference is the scale: while the larger game focuses on the total war for Middle-earth, this one is purely tactical. It is a localized combat where every move and every card played can shift the tide of battle.

Will Gandalf manage to turn the tide in favor of the Free Peoples? Will the Eagles arrive in time to save the day, or will Beorn emerge to devastate the enemy ranks? And little Bilbo? Will he survive the chaos at Ravenhill or perish in the final stand? With hand management and dice rolling mechanics, the game balances rigorous strategy with the unpredictability of the battlefield. It is the perfect experience for those who want to feel the tension of a tactical fight without needing hundreds of hours to learn the logistics of an entire continent. Ares Games designed this system to be expandable, promising to lead players to other legendary clashes of the Third Age, such as the Siege of Gondor, turning every match into a living chapter of Tolkien's work.

## FAQ
### Do I need War of the Ring to play?
No! It is a standalone game. You only need this box to start the battle.

### How long does a game take?
It varies, but expect anywhere from 90 minutes to 4 hours, depending on the players' experience.

### Is the game too complex?
It's considered an 'Expert' game. If you enjoy wargames and tactics, you'll love it, but it's not for total beginners.

### How many people can play?
The game is specifically designed for 2 players, simulating the duel between the Free Peoples and Bolg's horde.

### Are the miniatures good?
Yes, the game comes with detailed plastic figures that accurately represent the troops and heroes from the book.

### Is it easy to learn?
If you're familiar with the Ares Games system, it's quick. If not, be prepared to study the manual, as the depth is significant.

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