The King's Dilemma

Horrible Guild, 999 Games, asmodee · Board game · 2019
3–5 · best 5 45–60 min Weight 2.3/5
8.4 rating Ludopedia
7.7 rating BGG
8.4 rating Ludopedia
7.7 rating BGG
Our Verdict

Perfect for groups who love RPGs and politics, where table talk is more important than the rulebook.

Highlights
  • Incredible branching narrative
  • Intense and visceral negotiations
  • Decisions have real impact
  • Unique social experience
Keep in mind
  • Heavily dependent on engaged players
  • Limited replayability due to legacy
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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About the game
Ever wondered what it's like to be the 'power behind the throne'? In The King's Dilemma, you and your friends lead the noble houses of the Kingdom of Ankist, forming the council that governs on the King's behalf. At the heart of the game is the Dilemma Deck: each round, an urgent problem arises that demands a resolution. But here is where the fun (and the drama) begins: you must discuss, bargain, and eventually vote on a decision.

The game employs legacy elements, meaning every choice leaves a permanent mark. If you decide to ignore the people's hunger to enrich the nobility, those consequences will echo in future rounds, unlocking new events and altering the course of the story. It is an interactive narrative experience where the fate of the kingdom rests in your hands.

The central conflict is delicious: you want the kingdom to prosper so everyone wins, but you also want your own house to be the most powerful of all. Will you act for the greater good, or will you sabotage your allies to ensure your family's glory? Between bribes, empty promises, and betrayals, you will shape the future of Ankist. The game is less about 'winning by points' and more about the political and social experience of managing a kingdom while trying not to be crushed by your peers. Get ready for intense discussions, moral dilemmas, and the feeling that every single vote could lead the kingdom to prosperity or absolute chaos.
Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
3 OK
4 REC
5 BEST
WHERE TO BUY
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Game details

Families

Components: Player Screens Digital Implementations: Apple App Store Digital Implementations: Steam Digital Implementations: Tabletopia Mechanism: Legacy Misc: Limited Replayability Series: The King's Dilemma
Publisher Horrible Guild, 999 Games, asmodee, CrowD Games, Delta Vision Publishing, DiceTree Games, Galakta, Ghenos Games, Grok Games, HeidelBÄR Games, Hobby Japan, IELLO, One Moment Games, Yellowstar Games
Designer Hjalmar Hach, Lorenzo Silva
Artist Giorgio Baroni, Giulia Ghigini
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need RPG experience to play?
Nope! The game guides the narrative. If you enjoy discussing and negotiating, you're all set.
Is the game too complex?
The weight is moderate. The complexity isn't in mathematical rules, but in the social and political consequences of your choices.
Can I play solo or as a duo?
No, the game is designed for 3 to 5 players. The voting dynamics and power struggles require this group size.
How long does each session take?
Each round takes between 45 to 60 minutes, though time varies depending on how long your discussions last.
Is it a 'destructive' game like other Legacy games?
It has legacy elements (marks on the game), but the focus is on the evolution of the story and the deck, not necessarily ripping cards.
Is it recommended for people who dislike conflict?
Probably not. The game encourages betrayal and power struggles, so it's best for those who enjoy that 'fun stress'.