9 Best Hex-and-Counter Board Games for Top Strategy
Alright fellow gamers, we’ve scouted the terrain, maneuvered through the plethora of titles, and battled our way through numerous campaigns to bring you the cors de resistance of strategy gaming – The 9 best Hex-and-Counter board games. In lining up these strategic gems, we’ve targeted games that not only challenge your tactical prowess but also offer an engaging theme and that satisfying depth of gameplay. We’ve tested these picks during countless game nights, ensuring each offers a unique twist on the classic methodology. Get ready to lay claim to territories, outmaneuver opponents, and rewrite history, one hex at a time.
Games on this list:
9 Commands & Colors: Ancients
We decided to include this gem because it simplifies the complexity often found in hex-and-counter games without sacrificing strategic depth. It created fantastic scenarios re-enacting historical battles that kept us strategizing for hours. The command cards introduce an element of unpredictability that mimics the fog of war, providing a lively gaming experience.
8 Memoir ’44
The thrilling WWII theme caught our attention with this one. ‘Memoir ’44’ is a more accessible form of the hex-and-counter wargames that still provides a level of tactical decision-making to entertain even the most seasoned players. It’s equally great for introducing newcomers to the genre, and it’s become a game night staple for our historical battles.
7 Battlelore Second Edition
We included ‘Battlelore Second Edition’ as it seamlessly blends fantasy with strategic hex-and-counter gameplay. It stylishly merges combat mechanisms with a rich storytelling arc, leading to an immersive experience. This is the go-to for our group when we fancy a deep but imaginative skirmish.
6 Conflict of Heroes: Awakening the Bear! – Russia 1941-42
We often reflect on our epic encounters in ‘Conflict of Heroes: Awakening the Bear! – Russia 1941-42’. It deserves a shout-out for its smooth blending of tactical decision-making with an accessible ruleset. The realism it portrays is engrossing and gives us a proper simulation of Eastern Front engagements during WWII.
5 The Castles of Burgundy
While not your traditional hex-and-counter wargame, we fell in love with ‘The Castles of Burgundy’ for its clever use of hex tiles in this Euro-style game. The strategic placement of these tiles in your estate feels extremely satisfying and provides just the right amount of planning and competition to keep us engaged session after session.
4 Star Wars: Rebellion
We couldn’t resist ‘Star Wars: Rebellion’ for how well it captures the epic scale of the Star Wars universe. Its clever integration of hex tiles to manage galactic movements blew us away. Each session feels like a different chapter of a galactic saga we write together, full of heroism, strategy, and adventure.
3 Nevsky: Teutons and Rus in Collision 1240-1242
‘Nevsky: Teutons and Rus in Collision 1240-1242’ has an innovative logistics system that sets it apart. It not only entertains but educates about medieval warfare too. The level of strategic nuance and tactical finesse required for success keeps us challenged and fully immersed throughout our repeated playthroughs.
2 Advanced Squad Leader
‘Advanced Squad Leader’ without question had to be on our list. This legend really offers the depth and complexity that we serious war gamers live for. The robust, detailed system creates endless replayability and historically accurate scenarios, which makes it a masterpiece in our collective gaming arsenal.
1 Twilight Struggle
Securing the top spot in ‘The 9 best Hex-and-Counter board games’, ‘Twilight Struggle’s victory absolutely mirrors the competitive tension of the Cold War it depicts. It’s a marvel of design with deep strategic possibilities that feels comprehensive but never overwhelming. ‘Twilight Struggle’ keeps topping our list from the highly captivating gameplay to the rich historical detail making every game an intense, nail-biting duel of wits.
