A Distant Plain
- Players
- 1-4
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 4 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 300 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 12+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 3.9 / 5
- Year
- 2013
About the game
A Distant Plain drops 1 to 4 players into the modern conflict in Afghanistan, part of Volko Ruhnke's acclaimed COIN Series. Two counterinsurgent factions must coordinate their strategies against a dangerous twin insurgency, using cards that drive political, economic, and military operations. New features include coalition-government joint operations, shifting Pakistani posture, and evolving insurgent tactics across 72 event cards. Flowcharts allow any faction to be run solo, making it playable from one to four players.
Hobbli's Notes
Hobbli regards this as one of the more accessible entries in the celebrated COIN series: the asymmetric factions and card-driven events deliver genuine strategic depth, and the solo-friendly flowcharts are a big plus for wargamers without a regular group.
What we like
- Deep, asymmetric counterinsurgency simulation.
- Rich, event-card-driven narrative of the Afghan conflict.
- Solo-friendly bot factions via included flowcharts.
- Highly regarded design within the acclaimed COIN series.
Keep in mind
- Very long playtime, often around five hours.
- Steep learning curve and high overall complexity.
- Best experienced with three or four players rather than fewer.
Who it's for
Best for serious wargamers and strategy fans aged 12+ willing to invest several hours in a deep, asymmetric counterinsurgency simulation, solo or with up to four players.
