The King Is Dead: Second Edition

Osprey Games, Doit Games, Fox in the Box · Board game · 2020

Ludopedia: — Ludopedia
BoardGameGeek: 7.6 BoardGameGeek
Players: 2–4 · best 3
Play Time: 30–45 min
Weight: Weight 2.2/5
Year: Year 2020
Minimum age: Minimum age 14+

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— rating Ludopedia

7.6 rating BoardGameGeek

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Our Verdict

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

If you enjoy influence and political strategy games with elegant rules, 'The King Is Dead: Second Edition' is a perfect fit to test your cunning.

Highlights

Elegant ruleset
Strategic depth
Constant tension
Impeccable artwork
Challenging asymmetric mode

Keep in mind

Can feel abstract
Intense direct interaction
Requires long-term planning

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About the game

What you do in a play session

Alright, folks! The king is dead, and Great Britain has become a powder keg. In 'The King Is Dead: Second Edition', you're plunged into an intense political and military struggle where three factions – the Scottish, the Welsh, and the English – are duking it out for control of the kingdom. And as if internal strife wasn't enough, foreign invaders are eyeing the chaos, ready to pounce. Your role in this game is to be the master manipulator, using your limited resources to influence this cold (and hot!) war for power. But it's not just about dominating everything; the trick is to ensure that, in the end, the faction that comes out on top is the one that favors you more than any other claimant to the throne. It's a game that challenges you to think several steps ahead, with a strategic depth that belies its initial simplicity. This second edition arrives with a refreshed look, stunning new artwork, and, for those who enjoy an extra challenge, a brand-new asymmetric game mode that promises to twist your mind. Prepare for betrayals, alliances, and plenty of tension with every move!

Gallery

Box and component photos

11 photos · from the community

01 / 11

Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

8 videos

In English

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–4 players

2 REC

3 BEST

4 REC

Soundtrack

Ambience suggested by Melodice

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Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Publisher Osprey Games, Doit Games, Fox in the Box, Giant Roc, MEBO Games, Ogry Games, Origames, Studio Supernova, YOKA Games

Designer Peer Sylvester

Artist Benoit Billion, Peer Sylvester

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

13,593owners

3,292wishlist

378want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions

What is the average playtime for The King Is Dead: Second Edition?

A game typically takes between 30 to 45 minutes. It's quick, but every minute is packed with crucial decisions!

How many players can participate?

The game is designed for 2 to 4 players. It plays very well at all counts, but the dynamic changes significantly between 2 and 4, adding more layers of intrigue.

What is the complexity level of the game?

It has a BGG weight of 2.17/5, placing it in the light-medium complexity category. The rules are easy to learn, but the strategic depth is surprisingly rich!

Are the components of good quality?

Yes! The second edition features updated graphic design and new artwork, which significantly enhances the visual and tactile quality of the components.

Who is The King Is Dead: Second Edition recommended for?

It's perfect for those who enjoy area control games, hand management, and plenty of indirect and direct player interaction. If you like a good political 'wargame' without being overly complex, you'll love it!

Does it have high replayability?

Absolutely! The variable setup mechanic and the different strategies that emerge each game, not to mention the new asymmetric mode, ensure that every play is a unique and challenging experience.