300: Earth & Water
- 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.
- 40 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 12+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 2.4 / 5
- Year
- 2018
About the game
300: Earth & Water is a two-player card-driven wargame recreating the Greco-Persian Wars, as Athens-led Greek forces defend their cities against the invading Persian Empire. Across five separate expeditions, players raise armies, buy and play event cards, and move forces to control more cities than their opponent, with cards able to trigger events, move armies and fleets, or shift the balance of battle. Its 40-minute playtime is unusually brisk for a historical wargame, while still capturing famous engagements like Marathon, Thermopylae, and Salamis. Each expedition can play out very differently depending on which events emerge.
Hobbli's Notes
This looks like a nice entry point into card-driven wargaming thanks to its short playtime and low downtime relative to its genre, without abandoning genuine historical texture. The five-expedition structure gives it good replayability for a two-player game of this length. We're less certain of exact comparisons for a lesser-known title like this, so treat the similar-game picks as an approximation based on shared mechanics.
What we like
- Accessible entry-level wargame with a manageable 40-minute playtime.
- Card-driven system adds tactical variety across five expeditions.
- Historically grounded Greco-Persian War theme.
- Low downtime keeps both players consistently engaged.
Keep in mind
- Simpler ruleset may feel light for veteran wargamers.
- Strictly a two-player experience with no group option.
- Card-driven randomness can swing individual battles significantly.
Who it's for
Good for two players age 12+ who want an accessible, shorter card-driven wargame with real historical flavor.
