Kingmaker
- Players
- 2-7
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 5 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 240 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 12+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 3.1 / 5
- Year
- 1974
About the game
Kingmaker is a classic wargame simulating England's Wars of the Roses, in which players lead noble factions using royal heirs as pawns in their struggle for the throne. Through movement, dice-driven combat, and unpredictable event cards, players capture and protect heirs while building alliances and armies. With games running up to four hours and supporting up to seven players, it's a sprawling, chaotic simulation of medieval political intrigue. As one of the earliest political wargames, it remains a landmark design in the genre.
Hobbli's Notes
Hobbli's editorial team recognizes Kingmaker as a hugely influential and ambitious game, one of the first to blend historical simulation with unpredictable, chaotic event-driven play. Its emphasis on shifting alliances and sudden reversals of fortune makes for a memorable, if long, session. The heavy randomness from event cards can feel like a double-edged sword: thrilling for some, frustrating for others. It's best suited to groups who enjoy sprawling historical drama over tightly balanced competitive design.
What we like
- Historically rich simulation of the Wars of the Roses with genuine strategic depth.
- Supports a large player count of up to seven, unusual for the genre.
- Influential design that pioneered political wargaming.
- Unpredictable events keep every playthrough distinct.
Keep in mind
- Very long playtime of up to four hours demands a dedicated group.
- Heavy reliance on event-card randomness can undercut careful planning.
- Dated production and rules presentation compared to modern wargames.
Who it's for
History and wargame enthusiasts ages 12+ who enjoy long, unpredictable sessions with 2-7 players.
