Runewars
- Players
- 2-4
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 4 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 240 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 14+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 3.8 / 5
- Year
- 2010
About the game
Runewars is an epic area-control and conquest game set in the same fantasy universe as Runebound and Descent, pitting 2-4 players' factions against each other for control of a war-torn land. Players gather resources, raise armies, and lay siege to fortified cities while racing to claim the mystical dragon runes. Combining movement, auction/bidding, and simultaneous action selection, it delivers a grand-scale strategic experience with dozens of iconic heroes and monsters. Its long, four-hour playtime makes it a true epic tabletop war for dedicated groups.
Hobbli's Notes
Runewars delivers a genuinely epic sense of scale, with sprawling territory battles and a strong sense of building an empire from scratch. The simultaneous action selection keeps all players engaged rather than waiting through long individual turns. It's a heavy commitment, both in playtime and rules overhead, so it suits groups who enjoy marathon strategy sessions. Fans of Fantasy Flight's fantasy universe will appreciate the shared lore with Runebound and Descent.
What we like
- Epic scale of conquest and empire-building across a shared fantasy world.
- Simultaneous action selection reduces downtime despite the game's length.
- Rich lore shared with Runebound and Descent: Journeys in the Dark.
- Deep strategic decisions around resource management and combat.
Keep in mind
- Very long four-hour playtime is a major commitment.
- High complexity and rules overhead can be daunting for new players.
- Out of print and can be difficult to find.
Who it's for
Best for ages 14 and up, appealing to serious wargame and area-control fans in dedicated groups of 2-4.
