The Shores of Tripoli
- Players
- 1-2
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 2 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 60 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 12+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 2.1 / 5
- Year
- 2020
About the game
The Shores of Tripoli is a two-player card-driven wargame depicting the First Barbary War, as the young United States confronts the pirates of Tripoli in the early 1800s. One player commands the American squadron pressuring Tripolitania for free passage, while the other directs the bashaw's corsairs in piracy and diplomacy. Beautifully illustrated cards represent historical events and leaders, and players move ships, fight battles, raid, negotiate, and receive reinforcements. With a solo mode and a relatively short sixty-minute playtime, it's an accessible, award-winning entry point into card-driven wargaming.
Hobbli's Notes
Hobbli's team is impressed by how much historical texture The Shores of Tripoli packs into a compact two-player, one-hour wargame. Its string of Best 2-Player Game awards from multiple outlets speaks to how well-tuned the asymmetric conflict feels. The solo mode is a real bonus for wargamers without a regular opponent. A fantastic gateway wargame for players intimidated by longer, more complex titles.
What we like
- Award-winning design praised as a top two-player wargame.
- Compact sixty-minute playtime makes it very accessible.
- Solo mode offers a rewarding single-player option.
- Rich historical theme brought to life through event cards.
Keep in mind
- Strictly two-player (plus solo), so it won't suit larger groups.
- Card-driven systems may require a learning session for newcomers.
- Niche historical setting may not appeal to non-history fans.
Who it's for
Ideal for wargame fans and history buffs aged 12+ looking for a shorter, two-player experience; also works well solo.
