Warrior Knights (2006) Board Game

Warrior Knights is a board game released in 2006 by Fantasy Flight Games. It is a game of medieval diplomacy, intrigue, and conquest, where players take on the role of powerful feudal lords vying for control of a kingdom. The game is set in a fantasy world where players must build alliances, negotiate deals, and engage in battles to secure their place on the throne.

Game Components of Warrior Knights

Game Board: A square board representing the Kingdom with a hexagonal grid, overseas cities, and various tracking areas.

Counters: 380 die-cut cardboard counters for crowns, faith, votes, influence, casualties, breaches, expeditions, sieges, and control.

Cards: Action cards, Neutral Action cards, Event cards, Agenda cards, Mercenary cards, and Fate cards.

Figurines: 24 plastic figurines representing Nobles (four per player).

Tokens: Plastic counters for marking cities, Crown Tokens, and Vote Tokens.

Other: Cardboard gavel and sceptre, Stronghold Cards, Noble Cards, and Regular Troops Cards.

How To Setup Warrior Knights

To set up the game, players first place the Neutral Action cards, Agenda cards, and Mercenary cards to the side of the board. Each player selects their Nobles and assigns troops to them, placing these on the board in designated areas. The Chairman of the Assembly shuffles and distributes the Neutral Action cards among the Action card areas. Players then allocate their Action cards into three stacks according to the game’s planning phase rules.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Planning Phase: Players select and allocate six Action cards into three stacks.

Action Phase: Cards are revealed and resolved one at a time, allowing players to collect resources, move armies, or trigger special phases.

Special Phases: Taxation, Wages, Assembly, and Mercenary Draft may be triggered during the Action phase.

Game Objective: Win by either controlling more than half of the undamaged cities or by having the most Influence when the Influence counter pool is exhausted.

Player Experience

Warrior Knights is known for its complex and highly interesting gameplay. The game requires a significant amount of time and patience, with each player engaging in cunning strategy and careful diplomacy. The initial read-through of the rules can be daunting, taking around 90 minutes, and the game itself can last longer than expected, often around one hour per player. Despite the complexity, the game offers a rich experience with elements of jockeying for position, religion, offices, and warfare.

Pros

Rich Gameplay: Offers a complex and engaging experience with multiple layers of strategy.

Deep Diplomacy: Allows for intricate alliances and schemes among players.

High Replayability: Different outcomes and paths to victory ensure each game is unique.

Thematic Immersion: Evokes the feel of medieval politics and warfare.

Cons

Steep Learning Curve: The thick rulebook and numerous components can be overwhelming.

Long Gameplay: The game can take significantly longer than advertised.

Complex Combat System: Some players find the combat mechanics unnecessarily complicated.

Personal Thoughts on Warrior Knights

Warrior Knights is ideal for players who enjoy complex, strategy-heavy games with a strong focus on diplomacy and politics. It is not for the faint of heart or those looking for a quick, light game. However, for those who invest the time to learn and master its systems, the game offers a deeply satisfying and immersive experience. If you’re a fan of games like “A Game of Thrones,” you’ll likely find Warrior Knights to be a compelling and rewarding addition to your gaming collection.

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.