War Chest

Alderac Entertainment Group, Abraxas, CrowD Games · Board game · 2018
2–4 · best 2 30 min Weight 2.3/5
8.0 rating Ludopedia
7.8 rating BGG
8.0 rating Ludopedia
7.8 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you love abstract strategy games with a wargame twist and tons of tactical decisions, War Chest is a must-play! It's an elegant challenge that will truly test your mind.

Highlights
  • Deep tactics
  • Clever bag-building
  • Premium components
  • High replayability
  • Intense duels
Keep in mind
  • Can feel too abstract
  • Initial learning curve
  • Best with 2 players
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Learn How to Play Step by Step Check out our interactive rules guide and exclusive illustrated infographic.
Access Rules Guide
About the game
Get ready for a breathtaking tactical battle in War Chest, an abstract wargame that blends the strategic depth of a war game with the elegance of a bag-building system. At the start of the game, you recruit various units to form your army, hand-picking the troops that will go to the battlefield. The objective is simple, yet challenging: capture key points on the hexagonal board to secure victory. But make no mistake, success depends not only on your units in combat but also on those you have in reserve, waiting for the right moment to be mobilized. Each round, you draw three unit coins from your bag and, in alternating turns, use them to perform crucial actions. Each coin represents a military unit and can be used in several clever ways, whether to strengthen a position, move your troops, or even recruit new units into your bag. The tension builds as you manage your hand of coins, deciding which ones to use and which to save for a strategic future. The game ends when one player, or a team in four-player games, manages to place all their control markers on the designated points. Whoever achieves this goal first claims victory! War Chest is an invitation for those seeking an intense and rewarding strategic challenge, where every decision counts and resource management is the key to supremacy on the battlefield.
Rules videos

In English

Rules manual
Rules manual — War Chest English · PDF
Download PDF
BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 BEST
3 OK
4 REC
WHERE TO BUY
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Game details

Families

Containers: Magnetic Flip Box Containers: Treasure Chests Digital Implementations: Board Game Arena Digital Implementations: Tabletopia Digital Implementations: Yucata Game: War Chest
Publisher Alderac Entertainment Group, Abraxas, CrowD Games, Ghenos Games, Gigamic, Lucky Duck Games
Designer David Thompson (I), Trevor Benjamin
Artist Brigette Indelicato
Frequently Asked Questions
Is War Chest a complex game?
It has a medium complexity (BGG weight of 2.3194/5), meaning the basic rules are easy to learn, but it offers considerable strategic depth to master. It's perfect for those seeking a tactical challenge without being overly complicated.
How many players can play a game?
War Chest is ideal for 2 players, but it also offers a 4-player team mode. The experience is slightly different but equally engaging.
What is the average game duration?
A game of War Chest typically lasts between 30 and 40 minutes. It's a quick and dynamic game, great for multiple consecutive plays or fitting into a shorter timeframe.
Is the game language dependent?
No, War Chest has very little to no language dependency. The components are iconic, and the rules are well-explained, making it accessible to players of different languages.
What are the main components of the game?
You'll find a modular board, high-quality unit coins, control markers, and bags for the 'bag-building' mechanic. The components are robust and contribute to the game's premium feel.
Is War Chest a good game for wargame beginners?
Yes! It serves as an excellent gateway to the wargame genre, as it simplifies many of the complexities, focusing on abstract strategy and tactical positioning, without the rule overhead typical of heavier wargames.