
Mage Wars Academy
- 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.
- 30 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 14+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 3.1 / 5
- Year
- 2015
About the game
Mage Wars Academy pits two mages against each other in head-to-head magical combat, using a new boardless design that's more portable and faster-playing than Mage Wars Arena. This two-player starter set includes two mages and two spellbooks, with all spell cards fully compatible with the larger Arena card pool. Variable player powers through distinct mage archetypes let each duel unfold differently. Multiple core sets or expansions can be combined for three or four-player games.
Hobbli's Notes
Hobbli's editorial team likes how Academy strips down Mage Wars Arena's dueling core into a faster, more portable format without losing its tactical depth. The full compatibility with Arena cards means it grows easily as players get more invested. A great entry point for anyone curious about the Mage Wars system.
What we like
- Boardless design makes it more portable than Mage Wars Arena.
- Fully compatible with the larger Mage Wars Arena card pool.
- Variable player powers through distinct mage spellbooks.
- Fast 30-minute duels fit easily into a game night.
Keep in mind
- Strictly two players in the base configuration.
- Card pool and rules can feel dense for newcomers.
- Dice-based combat introduces variance some strategy gamers dislike.
Who it's for
Great for fans of head-to-head card dueling games age 14+, built primarily for two players.











