The Battle of Five Armies
- Players
- 2
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 2 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 240 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 13+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 3.6 / 5
- Year
- 2014
About the game
The Battle of Five Armies is a two-player wargame recreating the climactic battle from The Hobbit, with one side commanding the combined forces of Elves, Dwarves, and Men against Bolg's horde of Goblins and Wolves. Built on the acclaimed War of the Ring game system, it scales that experience down to a focused tactical clash with plastic miniatures representing troops, heroes, and monsters. Area control, movement, and hand management combine for a deep, lengthy battle experience. It's a substantial commitment aimed squarely at wargame enthusiasts and Tolkien fans.
Hobbli's Notes
Hobbli's team sees this as a strong choice for two-player wargaming nights, translating the epic feel of War of the Ring into a tighter head-to-head battle. The licensed Middle-earth theme and detailed miniatures are a big draw for Tolkien fans. At four hours and high complexity, it's a serious investment reserved for dedicated players. Casual gamers or larger groups should look elsewhere.
What we like
- Faithfully recreates an iconic battle from The Hobbit.
- Deep, tactical wargame system adapted from War of the Ring.
- High-quality miniatures bring the battle to life visually.
- Rewards careful long-term planning across a lengthy session.
Keep in mind
- Very long playtime requires a serious time commitment.
- Strictly two-player only limits group flexibility.
- High complexity is not beginner-friendly.
Who it's for
Ages 13+, aimed at wargame enthusiasts and Tolkien fans looking for a lengthy two-player strategic battle.
