Here I Stand: 500th Anniversary Edition

Here I Stand: 500th Anniversary Edition

NegotiationPoliticalReligiousWargame
Players
2-6
Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
6 players
Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
360 min
AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
14+
ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
4.6 / 5
Year
2017

About the game

Here I Stand is a sprawling, historically rich card-driven wargame covering the political and religious upheaval of the Reformation era, from Martin Luther's 95 Theses to the wars of Charles V, Henry VIII, and Suleiman the Magnificent. Six asymmetric powers battle across a single point-to-point map spanning military campaigns, papal politics, exploration, and religious debate. This 500th Anniversary Edition adds new and revised cards plus refined rules for a deeper, more polished experience. With six-plus hour playtimes, it demands serious commitment but rewards it with an epic simulation of an era that reshaped Europe.

Hobbli's Notes

Hobbli's team considers Here I Stand a landmark in card-driven wargames: its blend of military conflict, diplomacy, and religious conversion is unmatched in scope. It absolutely requires a dedicated group willing to commit a full day and learn substantial rules, but for historical wargamers the payoff is enormous. This is a bucket-list title for serious strategy gamers, not a casual pick-up-and-play.

What we like

  • Deep, historically authentic simulation of the Reformation era.
  • Six genuinely asymmetric powers with distinct victory paths.
  • 500th Anniversary edition adds refined, polished content.
  • Enormous strategic depth for dedicated wargamers.

Keep in mind

  • Extremely long six-hour-plus playtime.
  • Steep rules-learning curve unsuitable for casual groups.
  • Requires a full six-player table to shine.
  • High commitment score means significant setup and table space.

Who it's for

Experienced wargamers and history buffs (ages 14+) prepared to commit a full day with 2-6 dedicated players.

Mechanics

MovementCampaign / Battle Card DrivenDice RollingHand ManagementSimulationVariable Player Powers

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