Bloodstones
- Players
- 1-6
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 4 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 180 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 14+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 2.9 / 5
- Year
- 2023
About the game
Bloodstones is a fantasy area-control wargame for 1-6 players from designer Martin Wallace, where six distinct races battle for dominance using domino-shaped tiles that double as units and resources. Players build villages, raid rivals, and wage battles to accumulate victory points across the game's rounds. With asymmetric races each offering unique units and powers, the game blends economic tile management with tactical combat. A solo mode lets one player learn the system before facing off against friends.
Hobbli's Notes
We appreciate how Bloodstones layers resource management, unit building, and combat into a single elegant tile system without needing a mountain of components. The asymmetric races give it real replay value, and Martin Wallace's design pedigree shows in the tight economic tension. At up to 6 players and a 3-hour runtime, it's a serious commitment best suited to a dedicated game night. The solo variant is a nice touch for players who want to learn the ropes alone first.
What we like
- Six asymmetric races each provide unique strategic paths.
- The domino-tile system elegantly combines resources, units, and actions.
- Supports a huge range of player counts from solo to six players.
- Deep area-control and combat mechanics reward tactical planning.
Keep in mind
- The long three-hour playtime demands a serious commitment.
- High complexity may overwhelm casual or new gamers.
- Downtime can build up in larger player counts.
Who it's for
Fans of area-control wargames and fantasy strategy aged 14+ who enjoy hefty rules and multiplayer combat, best with an experienced group of 3-6 players ready for a long session.
