Cover of the game The Great Battles of Alexander

The Great Battles of Alexander

GMT Games · Board game · 1991
Ludopedia
— Ludopedia
BoardGameGeek
7.1 BoardGameGeek
Players
1–2 · best 2
Players
Solo
Play Time
240 min
Weight
Weight 3.4/5
Year
Year 1991
Minimum age
Minimum age 12+
Buy
— rating Ludopedia
7.1 rating BoardGameGeek
Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

A masterclass in military history that delivers a deep, realistic tactical simulation experience. The system shines by rewarding smart maneuvering and unit quality rather than just sheer numbers. It is an intense experience for two players, requiring patience and dedication to master the rules. If you love the classical era, this is an essential addition to your collection.

Highlights
  • High-fidelity historical simulation
  • Tactical system focused on maneuvers
  • Well-adapted historical scenarios
  • Deep strategy for two players
Keep in mind
  • Steep learning curve
  • Long and complex sessions
  • Visuals feel dated by modern standards
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About the game

What you do in a play session

If you are a fan of military history and want to feel the weight of commanding the Macedonian phalanx, The Great Battles of Alexander is an absolute classic you should check out. This game is not just a casual weekend pastime; it is a masterclass in strategy that dives deep into the tactics that made Alexander the Great a legend. The game system puts the focus where it truly matters: on the quality of your army, the superiority of your equipment, and, of course, your ability to maneuver troops on the battlefield. Forget about winning simply by having more soldiers; here, tactical intelligence prevails over raw numbers.

The game comes packed with four of the most iconic battles of Alexander's career: Chaeronea, Granicus, Issus, and the epic Gaugamela. Each scenario is designed to highlight the development of the Macedonian Art of War, allowing you to experience how these forces adapted to different challenges. You can play each battle individually, which is great for a focused session, or, if you are feeling ambitious, you can link them all into an epic campaign. The mechanics use a classic wargame system with a hexagonal grid, movement points, and zones of control, all tied together by a combat results table that rewards those who understand the importance of terrain and logistics.

It is a dense title, designed for two players looking for a serious and deep simulation experience. The learning curve might be a challenge for those not used to traditional wargames, but the reward is a historical immersion hard to find elsewhere. If you enjoy analyzing supply lines, flanking, and the impact of troop morale, this game is your playground. Be prepared to dedicate a few hours, as each match is an intense mental exercise where every decision can change the course of ancient history. It is, without a doubt, a fundamental piece in the collection of any military simulation enthusiast.

Best player count

BGG community vote

1–2 players
1 REC
2 BEST

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Categories

Families

Ancient: Greece Game: The Great Battles of Alexander History: Wars of Alexander the Great Players: Two-Player Only Games Players: Wargames with Rules Supporting Only Two Players Series: Great Battles of History (GMT Games)
Publisher GMT Games
Designer Mark Herman
Artist Rodger B. MacGowan, Ted Koller

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

684owners
32wishlist
7want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
Is this game good for wargame beginners?
It is quite dense. If you have never played a hex-based wargame before, be prepared to study the manual carefully.
How long does a session take?
Expect to dedicate about 4 hours. It is a game meant to be played without rush, savoring every decision.
Can I play it solo?
Although focused on two players, many enthusiasts play both sides (solitaire) to study historical tactics.
Is the game heavily luck-based?
There is dice rolling, but positioning and strategy weigh much more on the final outcome than luck alone.
How complex are the rules?
It is considered medium-to-high complexity. The system is very consistent, but it requires a good grasp of Zones of Control and combat modifiers.

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