Cover of the game The White Tribe: Rhodesia's War 1966-1980

The White Tribe: Rhodesia's War 1966-1980

White Dog Games, Banana Games · Board game · 2018
Ludopedia
9.5 Ludopedia
BoardGameGeek
8.0 BoardGameGeek
Players
1 · best 1
Players
Solo
Play Time
120–180 min
Weight
Weight 3.1/5
Year
Year 2018
Minimum age
Minimum age 12+
Buy · from US$ 83.88
9.5 rating Ludopedia
8.0 rating BoardGameGeek
Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

If you enjoy wargames that go beyond hexes and focus on the weight of political decisions, this game is a must-play. It shines by perfectly integrating crisis management with historical simulation, creating a tense and deeply immersive solo experience. It's the kind of game that demands long-term strategic planning, where every choice carries a real cost.

Highlights
  • Deep political and military simulation
  • High tension in every turn
  • Engaging historical narrative
  • Robust solo game system
Keep in mind
  • Moderate learning curve
  • Playtime can be quite long
  • Dense and complex historical theme
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About the game

What you do in a play session

The White Tribe: Rhodesia's War 1966-1980 is a dense and fascinating solitaire experience that puts you in the shoes of the Rhodesian government during a turbulent period of its history. Far from being just a game of moving troops, here you must balance the need to maintain military control against guerrilla forces with the constant political pressure of a nation in transition. The core challenge is managing the tension between two distinct electorates: the colonialists who sustain your power and the African population calling for change and representation.

Every decision counts. As you implement political reforms to appease public opinion and avoid internal collapse, you risk alienating your conservative power base. And don't think the outside world is a passive spectator; foreign powers monitor your every move, ready to impose economic sanctions or launch interventions if they aren't satisfied with the pace of your reforms. The instability in Mozambique, under Portuguese control, adds an extra layer of strategic concern, forcing you to constantly watch your borders.

The game uses a 'chit-pull' system that keeps unpredictability high, ensuring that every session tells a different story. You will have to fight elections, pass laws, and coordinate military operations, all under the same level of pressure. The ultimate goal is a complex attempt at transitioning to a fair and egalitarian government while you try to survive the extremists emerging from all sides. If you enjoy historical simulation games that don't just limit themselves to combat, but dive deep into politics and survival strategy, this title offers a narrative depth rare in solo games. It is an interactive history lesson where success is not measured only by battlefield victories, but by the ability to navigate an explosive political landscape.

Best player count

BGG community vote

Solo · 1 player
1 BEST

Soundtrack

Ambience suggested by Melodice

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Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Continents: Africa Country: South Africa Country: Zimbabwe Decades: The 1960's Decades: The 1970's Decades: The 1980's History: Cold War History: Rhodesian Bush War Players: Games with Solitaire Rules Players: Solitaire Only Games Players: Solitaire Only Wargames Players: Wargames with Solitaire Rules Series: Solitaire (White Dog Games) War Level of Command: Strategic
Publisher White Dog Games, Banana Games
Designer Ben Madison, Stefan Nellen
Artist Ben Madison

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

486owners
260wishlist
61want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
Do I need prior knowledge about Rhodesia?
No, the game is well-designed to immerse you in the historical context through its mechanics.
How long does a game last?
Expect to invest between 2 to 3 hours per session, depending on your familiarity with the rules.
Is the game difficult to learn?
With a weight of 3.06, it's accessible for those with some wargame experience, but it can be a challenge for newcomers to the genre.
Can I play with more than one person?
No, this project is focused exclusively on the solo experience.
How is the replayability?
Very high, thanks to the 'chit-pull' system and variable setup that ensures each game presents new challenges.
Is the game just combat?
Not at all! Politics are just as important as militarism; you can lose the game due to military defeat or political failure.

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