Forge War
- Players
- 1-4
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 3 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 180 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 12+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 3.7 / 5
- Year
- 2015
About the game
Forge War puts one to four players in the role of blacksmiths supplying weapons to adventurers who battle harpies, dragons, and cursed dungeons in a fantasy kingdom. Players gather ore, purchase weapon designs, and forge gear, then send adventurers on quests that pay off in more resources and money if successful. The clever twist is that quests aren't resolved instantly: they progress each turn and grow harder over time, requiring ongoing investment or risking failure. Each of the three-hour rounds cycles through movement, market, and quest phases, creating a rich engine-building experience for strategy gamers.
Hobbli's Notes
Designer Isaac Childres, later known for Gloomhaven, shows the same knack here for interlocking systems that reward careful long-term investment. The escalating quest mechanic is genuinely clever: committing resources early and having to keep feeding a quest over time creates real tension. It's a heavy, three-hour game that rewards repeated plays as you learn to balance market timing against quest management. This is a great choice for strategy gamers who enjoy resource engines with fantasy flavor.
What we like
- Unique escalating quest-investment mechanic.
- Satisfying worker placement and market phases blend into a cohesive engine.
- Strong fantasy blacksmithing theme with real mechanical weight.
- High replayability for strategy fans.
Keep in mind
- Three-hour playtime and high complexity are a significant commitment.
- Falling behind on quest investment can be punishing.
- Steep learning curve for new players.
Who it's for
Best for experienced strategy gamers who enjoy resource management and worker placement, in groups of one to four with time for a long session.
