War Chest (2018) Board Game – Board Game Guys

War Chest is a tactical board game that was released in 2018 by designers Trevor Benjamin and David Thompson. The game is published by Alderac Entertainment Group and has garnered a lot of attention in the board gaming community for its unique gameplay mechanics and strategic depth. War Chest falls under the categories of Abstract Strategy, Medieval, and Wargame, making it a great choice for fans of these genres.

Game Components of War Chest

74 Unit Coins

4 Royal Coins

16 Unit Cards

16 Faction Control Markers

1 Double-sided Initiative Marker

4 Bags

1 Game board

Cardboard Tokens

Rulebook

High-quality “poker chip style” game pieces.

How To Setup War Chest

To set up War Chest, players begin by drafting several various units into their army. Each player selects four different types of units out of the available 16 and places two chips of each unit type, along with a special royal coin, into their bag. The game board is laid out, and each player is ready to start the game by drawing three unit coins from their bag.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Draft: Players draft four different unit types into their army at the start.

Coin Drawing: Each round, players draw three unit coins from their bag.

Unit Actions: Use coins to move, attack, resolve special tactics, or capture control points on the board.

Recruitment: Place a coin facedown to recruit another unit chip from reserves or claim initiative.

Game Objective: The game ends when one player or team has placed all their control markers on the board, declaring them the winner.

Player Experience

War Chest offers a dynamic and strategic gameplay experience with a blend of strategy and chance. Players must manage their armies both on the battlefield and in their reserves, making tactical decisions based on the units they draw. The game has a high replayability factor due to the various unit combinations and the need to adjust strategies accordingly. The components, including weighted poker chip-style coins and embroidered bags, enhance the overall gaming experience.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple gameplay mechanics make it accessible to non-gamers.

High Replayability: Various unit combinations and strategic depth ensure multiple unique games.

High-Quality Components: Weighted coins and embroidered bags add to the game’s charm.

Strategic Depth: Combines elements of strategy and chance, similar to chess.

Affordable: Priced at $49.99, making it a great value for the quality and replay value.

Cons

Potential for Imbalanced Compositions: Some army compositions can be significantly stronger than others if not managed through draft mode.

Attrition Endgame: The endgame can sometimes feel like a slog, leading to player resignation.

Board Issues: Some players have noted that the board does not lie flat on the table.

Personal Thoughts on War Chest

War Chest is ideal for those who enjoy strategic games with a mix of luck and skill. It is particularly suited for fans of abstract games and wargames, offering a depth of play that is both challenging and engaging. The game is excellent for 1v1 matches but also provides a compelling 2v2 mode, enhancing its replay value. It is a great addition to any board game collection, especially for those who appreciate games that are easy to learn but difficult to master.

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