Successors (Fourth Edition)

Successors (Fourth Edition)

Players
2-5
Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
4 players
Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
300 min
AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
12+
ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
4.1 / 5
Year
2021

About the game

Successors (Fourth Edition) is a card-driven wargame for two to five players recreating the chaotic wars between Alexander the Great's generals after his death in 323 BC. Players jockey for territory and legitimacy using a rich deck of event cards, dice-resolved battles, and shifting alliances as the old empire fractures into competing kingdoms. This edition builds on decades of refinement, adding more generals, scenarios, and updated components. It's a deep, negotiation-heavy multiplayer wargame with a storied pedigree stretching back to its original Avalon Hill release.

Hobbli's Notes

Successors is a beloved classic in the card-driven wargame space, and this fourth edition polishes an already well-loved design. The multiplayer diplomacy and alliance-shifting is what really sets it apart from typical two-player wargames: no single player can win alone, so reading the table matters as much as reading your cards. It demands a serious five-hour commitment from an experienced group, but that group will find a genuinely legendary design underneath.

What we like

  • Deep card-driven strategy rewards both tactics and diplomacy.
  • Multiplayer alliance-building creates dynamic, ever-shifting politics.
  • Variable setup and scenarios ensure strong replayability.
  • Respected pedigree refined across four editions since its Avalon Hill debut.

Keep in mind

  • Very long playtime of around five hours.
  • Steep complexity requires an experienced group to fully appreciate.
  • Needs a full table of engaged players to work as intended.

Who it's for

Best for experienced wargamers age 12+ who enjoy multiplayer diplomacy, alliance-building, and long historical campaigns.

Mechanics