# Wallenstein

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2002
- **BGG Rating**: 7.5
- **BGG Rank**: #975
- **Players**: 3-5 (Best with: 5)
- **Duration**: 150 min
- **Weight**: 3.30 / 5
- **Designers**: Dirk Henn
- **Artists**: Christof Tisch, Jörg Asselborn
- **Publishers**: Queen Games
- **Categories**: Economic, Pike and Shot, Territory Building, Wargame
- **Mechanics**: Action Points, Action Queue, Area Majority / Influence, Area Movement, Cube Tower, Simulation, Simultaneous Action Selection, Variable Phase Order

## Verdict
If you enjoy historical wargames with a good dose of economic and territorial strategy, Wallenstein is for you! It's a dense game, but it rewards planning and resource management.Deep and engaging strategyWell-integrated historical themeCreative use of cube towerComplex resource managementLong playtimeSteep learning curveInteraction can be tenseFOR GENRE FANS

## Description
In Wallenstein, you step into the shoes of one of the powerful generals of the Holy Roman Empire during the turbulent Thirty Years' War. The goal is straightforward: become the dominant force by the end of the conflict. To achieve this, you'll expand your territories by conquering new nations, collect taxes to fund your ambitions, and build infrastructure to strengthen your economy. But beware, as aggressive actions and your growing power can lead to instability and popular uprisings, which will require resources to quell.

The gameplay revolves around an action point system and simultaneous action selection, where everyone plans their moves at the same time, adding an element of surprise and strategy. The order of phases can vary, demanding constant adaptation. A peculiar mechanic is the use of a 'cube tower,' inherited from another game by the publisher, which introduces an element of chance in resolving certain events or obtaining resources. It's a game that blends territorial conquest, economic management, and a touch of historical simulation, where expansion and development go hand-in-hand with the risk of rebellion.

Wallenstein is a heavier game, ideal for those who enjoy deep strategy, historical themes, and aren't intimidated by a board full of possibilities and a considerable playtime. Prepare to plan your moves meticulously, manage your resources wisely, and perhaps emerge as the supreme leader of the empire!

## FAQ
### What is the complexity of Wallenstein?
Wallenstein is considered a medium-heavy game (3.3/5 on BGG). It requires a good amount of time to learn the rules and plan your strategies, making it more suitable for experienced players.

### How many players do you recommend for the best experience?
The game is for 3 to 5 players. Most players agree that the experience is best with 4 or 5 players, as the map becomes more contested and interaction increases.

### How long does a game take?
A game of Wallenstein can last between 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on the players' experience and the number of participants.

### What is the 'cube tower' and what is its function?
The cube tower is a component where colored cubes are placed and then randomly drawn. In Wallenstein, it's used to determine the outcomes of events or the availability of certain resources, adding an element of controlled chance.

### Is the game heavily language-dependent?
Ludopedia indicates low language dependency, as the text on cards and components is minimal and easy to memorize or translate.

### Is Wallenstein a pure wargame?
It has elements of wargame and territory building, but also a strong economic and resource management component. It's a mix that appeals to those who enjoy strategy with multiple focuses.