War of the Three Kingdoms (2018) Board Game

War of the Three Kingdoms is a board game that is based on the historical period in China known as the Three Kingdoms period, which lasted from 184 to 280 AD. This period was characterized by the division of China into three competing states: Wei, Shu, and Wu. The game captures the essence of this tumultuous time in Chinese history, where warlords vied for control and power.

Game Components of War of the Three Kingdoms

General cards: Representing various historical figures, each with unique skills and health points.

Attack and Dodge cards: Used for combat and defense.

Peach cards: Serve as healing cards to restore health.

Role cards: Define player roles such as Lord, Loyalist, Rebel, and Spy.

Health cards: Track players’ health points.

Additional cards: Include various game mechanics like drawing cards or special abilities.

How To Setup War of the Three Kingdoms

To set up the game, the player who is the Lord chooses one General card from five provided, with beginner games suggesting Sun Quan, Cao Cao, and Liu Bei. The Lord receives an extra health point in games with four or more players. Each player then selects a General card from three dealt to them and places it face down. Once all players have chosen, they flip over their General cards, and health cards are distributed accordingly.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics

Combat: Players use Attack cards to attack others within range, which can be defended with Dodge cards.

Health Management: Players lose and gain health points, adjusting their hand size accordingly.

Role Interactions: Loyalists aim to protect the Lord, Rebels seek to defeat the Lord, and Spies aim to be the last player standing.

General Skills: Each General has unique abilities that can be activated during specific phases.

Game Objective

Loyalist: Defeat all Rebels and Spies to win.

Rebel: Defeat the Lord.

Spy: Be the last player standing.

Player Experience

War of the Three Kingdoms offers a dynamic and strategic gameplay experience, requiring players to balance combat, alliances, and deception. The game is highly interactive, with each role providing a unique perspective and set of challenges. Players must manage their health, utilize their General’s skills effectively, and navigate the complexities of their role.

Pros

Deep Strategy: Multiple layers of strategy and role interactions.

Historical Context: Rich in historical references and characters.

Replayability: High replay value due to random General card selections and diverse roles.

Social Interaction: Encourages alliances, deception, and negotiation among players.

Cons

Complexity: Can be overwhelming for new players due to the numerous rules and card interactions.

Length: Games can be lengthy, especially with larger player counts.

Learning Curve: Requires several games to fully understand the mechanics and optimize strategies.

Personal Thoughts on War of the Three Kingdoms

War of the Three Kingdoms is ideal for fans of strategy and historical games, particularly those interested in the Three Kingdoms period. It is best suited for experienced gamers who enjoy complex interactions and deep strategy. New players may find it challenging, but the game’s depth and replayability make it a rewarding experience once mastered.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.