This War Without an Enemy

Nuts! Publishing · Board game · 2020
8.8 Ludopedia 7.6 BGG 2 · best 2 60–240 min Weight 3.8/5
Buy · from US$ 52.00
8.8 rating Ludopedia
7.6 rating BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS

If you're into historical wargames with deep strategy and a touch of simulation, this one's for you! 'This War Without an Enemy' throws you into the English Civil War with familiar yet innovative card-driven and block mechanics.

Highlights
  • Deep historical simulation
  • Engaging card-driven mechanics
  • Rich tactical combat
  • Scenario variety
Keep in mind
  • High language dependency
  • Steep learning curve
  • Strictly two-player
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Hey wargame enthusiasts! Ready to dive into the First English Civil War? 'This War Without an Enemy' is a fantastic strategic block wargame for two players, plunging you right into the heart of this turbulent historical conflict. The stakes were high: on one side, King Charles I's loyalists; on the other, the Parliamentarian troops backed by their Scottish Covenanter allies. The struggle was for everything: political power, economic control, and even religious dominance. If you've played card-driven block wargames before, you'll feel right at home, but with some neat innovations that spice things up. The game masterfully simulates both the warfare of the mid-17th century and the unique nature of this conflict that engulfed England, Scotland, and Ireland. Each side commands its own deck of cards, packed with events that can dramatically alter the course of battle. What's really cool is that these decks evolve year by year, mirroring the historical progression of the war! The regional aspect of the conflict is brilliantly recreated with rules for local recruitment and a system of Leader and Regional blocks. Standard block game mechanics for field battles are enhanced with special rules for artillery, cavalry, and infantry, plus a brand-new system designed for sieges and assaults. Your goal? Capture enemy cities to rack up Victory Points. The Parliamentarians even have an extra objective: capturing the King! With five distinct scenarios, ranging from the full-blown war to shorter introductory games, you can pick your preferred level of challenge. Be aware, though, this game has a significant language dependency and requires a good grasp of English to fully enjoy.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

1 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

Duel · 2 players
2 BEST

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Components: Block Wargames Country: England Country: Scotland Crowdfunding: Kickstarter History: English Civil War Players: Two-Player Only Games Players: Wargames with Rules Supporting Only Two Players
Publisher Nuts! Publishing
Designer Scott H. Moore
Artist Nicolas Roblin

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

751owners
354wishlist
76want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

7 questions
What is the average playtime?
Games can vary significantly, from 60 minutes for shorter scenarios to 240 minutes (4 hours) for the full campaign. Plan your time accordingly!
How many players can play?
This game is exclusively for 2 players. Perfect for a strategic duel!
Is the game very complex?
With a BGG weight of 3.84, it's considered a high-complexity game. Expect detailed rules and significant strategic decisions.
Do I need to know English to play?
Yes, the game has a considerable language dependency, with many cards and rules in English. A translation will be necessary for those who are not fluent.
Is this a wargame for beginners?
Not exactly. Due to its complexity and detailed historical aspects, it's more recommended for players who already have some experience with the wargame genre.
What are the main components?
The game includes blocks to represent units, a game map, event and combat cards, markers, and dice. The component quality is highly praised.
Are there different ways to play?
Absolutely! The game offers five distinct scenarios, from shorter introductions to the full campaign, allowing for varied experiences and playtime.

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