2023 · Fighting

Dawn of Battle: Designer's Edition

An ancient and medieval combat system covering battles from Greek generals to the invention of gunpowder. Players command armies on hex maps, using an action deck to issue orders, maneuver, rally, and attack; leadership quality determines each army’s flexibility. Units include infantry, cavalry, missile troops, elephants, and war wagons, while action cards add special effects and variable outcomes. Historical scenarios define army deployments and battlefield terrain, with additional rules for barbarian charges, impetuosity, elephant panic, random events, and custom scenario design. The system includes twenty historical battles and double-sided terrain tiles for recreating engagements across 3,000 years of warfare.

groupPlayers

1–2 best 2

schedulePlaying time

120–180 min

cakeAge

14+

psychologyComplexity

3 / 5