Wars of the Roses: Lancaster vs. York

Z-Man Games, 999 Games · Board game · 2010
2–4 · best 4 180 min Weight 3.2/5
9.1 rating Ludopedia
7.4 rating BGG
Buy · from US$ 56.95
9.1 rating Ludopedia
7.4 rating BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS

Perfect for those who love political wargames with a dash of betrayal and heavy strategy.

Highlights
  • Constant tension with simultaneous actions
  • Very dynamic bribery system
  • Excellent historical immersion
  • Intriguing secret planning
Keep in mind
  • Quite a steep learning curve
  • Playtime can be quite long
Rules manual not indexed yet Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.

About the game

What you do in a play session

Get ready to dive into the chaos of 1450s England! In 'Wars of the Roses', you and your allies will fight for the throne in a brutal civil war between the houses of Lancaster and York. But don't be fooled: while you fight for your faction, the game is a dangerous dance of ambition and betrayal. The ultimate goal is to crown your heir as king, but the true winner is the player who accumulates the most prestige and wealth, regardless of who actually sits on the throne.

The dynamics start with an open draft of cards, where you strive to gain control of major towns, bishops, and royal castles. These holdings aren't just trophies; they generate the income needed to fund your armies and, more importantly, to bribe nobles and ship captains. Yes, loyalty has a price here! You might see an ally switch sides at the most critical moment, flipping the game completely.

The heart of the strategy lies in secret planning. Using player screens to hide your intentions, you and your opponents plan movements and troop deployments simultaneously. The goal is to dominate the six regions of England and Wales to secure votes in Parliament. If you secure the majority, your heir becomes king, and loyal nobles are rewarded. But remember: while the faction fights for power, you fight for your own glory. Will you be the architect of victory or just another forgotten noble in history? With prestigious titles on the line, such as Captain of Calais or Archbishop of Canterbury, every political and military decision counts.

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–4 players
2 REC
3 REC
4 BEST

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Components: Map (Continental / National scale) Components: Player Screens Country: England Country: Wales History: Wars of the Roses
Publisher Z-Man Games, 999 Games
Designer Peter Hawes
Artist Ben Nelson, Mike Jackson

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
Is the game very complex?
Yes, it's an expert-level game. The learning curve is steep due to secret planning and movement rules, so be ready to dive deep into the manual.
How long does a game take?
Expect to spend around 3 hours. Simultaneous planning helps, but the strategic depth and number of decisions make it a long experience.
Do I need historical knowledge to play?
Not at all, but knowing about the Wars of the Roses makes the experience much more immersive and enjoyable!
Does it work well with 2 players?
Yes, it supports 2 to 4 players, but the team dynamics and betrayal shine brightest with 4 players.
Does the game's language affect gameplay?
Very little. There is minimal text on the cards and most information is easily memorizable.

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