Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS
For war game fans who enjoy detailed historical simulations, Under the Lily Banners is a must-play time travel experience.
Highlights
- Rich historical simulation
- Engaging strategic mechanics
- Iconic Thirty Years War scenarios
- High interactivity
Keep in mind
- Complexity may intimidate beginners
- Moderate language dependency
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Under the Lily Banners is a tactical war game that immerses you in five iconic battles from the Thirty Years War. Part of the award-winning Musket & Pike Battles series, this volume explores the rise of the French army after their entry into the conflict in 1635. You take command of legendary figures like the Grand Condé and Turenne, leading troops in scenarios that defined the 17th century. The game uses a wing-based command system, where each wing has a commander and specific orders, requiring strategic coordination to win. Units include infantry, cavalry, and artillery, with detailed rules for cavalry charges, artillery fire, and close combat. The interactivity is high, and battles can be completed in one session. Among the scenarios, Rocroi stands out, where the young Condé faced the feared Spanish tercios, and Lens, which marked the end of the war. With hexagonal maps, dice rolling, and a dense historical simulation, Under the Lily Banners is an engaging experience for war game fans.
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Best player count
BGG community vote
1
REC
2
BEST
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
GMT Games
Designer
Ben Hull
Artist
Mark Simonitch, Rodger B. MacGowan
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
1,024owners
175wishlist
51want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
How many players can play?
Under the Lily Banners is for 1 or 2 players.
What is the average playtime?
Most battles can be completed in a single session, ranging from 1 to 3 hours.
Is it hard to learn the rules?
The game has medium-high complexity, ideal for experienced war game players.
Does it need translation?
Yes, there is moderate language dependency. A translated sheet may be helpful.
What components are included?
The game includes hexagonal maps, counters, player aid cards, and a rulebook.
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