Dogs of War
- Players
- 3-5
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 5 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 75 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 14+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 2.6 / 5
- Year
- 2014
About the game
Dogs of War casts players as mercenary captains navigating a fractured Renaissance-inspired realm of six warring Houses. Each round, you deploy Captains and Soldier Companies to battles, shifting your allegiances to whichever House benefits you most as fortunes change. Victory can come through battlefield glory or through quietly accumulating influence with the winning Houses. Variable player powers give each Dog of War a distinct playstyle across the game's three years of conflict.
Hobbli's Notes
This is a niche title we don't have deep hands-on history with, but the shifting-allegiance premise and variable powers suggest a game that rewards adaptable, opportunistic play. Expect real table talk and tension as loyalties flip.
What we like
- Shifting-allegiance system creates constant tactical reevaluation.
- Variable player powers give each game a different feel.
- Strong thematic framing of Renaissance political intrigue.
- High player interaction through battles and influence-trading.
Keep in mind
- High downtime as battles and allegiances resolve.
- Negotiation-heavy design can lead to perceived king-making.
- Long, complex playtime that's not beginner-friendly.
Who it's for
Suited to fans of area-influence and negotiation games who enjoy asymmetric powers; best with 3 to 5 players for a full strategy session.
