Top 14 Best Guerrilla Warfare Board Games of 2024
Hey, folks! Ever wanted to dive deep into the heart of guerrilla warfare without actually leaving your living room? Well, you’re in luck! Today, we’re marching through the jungles, sneaking through war-torn streets, and strategizing behind enemy lines with our top picks for guerrilla warfare-themed board games. Our selection focuses on games that not only immerse you in thrilling resistance movements and covert operations but also bring out the strategist in you. Whether you’re a history buff, a tactics nerd, or just looking for your next game night adventure, we’ve got you covered. Let’s gear up and check out these amazing games that make guerrilla warfare the star of the show.
On this list:
- Andean Abyss
- Cuba Libre
- Liberty or Death: The American Insurrection
- A Distant Plain
- Falling Sky: The Gallic Revolt Against Caesar
- Colonial Twilight: The French-Algerian War, 1954-62
- Fire in the Lake
- All Bridges Burning: Red Revolt and White Guard in Finland, 1917-1918
- Labyrinth: The War on Terror, 2001-?
- This Guilty Land
- Guerrilla Checkers
- Root
- Wildlands
- War of the Ring (Second Edition)
14 Andean Abyss
If you want a crash course in guerrilla warfare, Andean Abyss will take you there. We played it on a lazy Saturday and let me tell you, it’s like stepping back into the Colombian conflict. This game has you picking sides – government, guerrilla, cartels, you name it. What makes it stand out? The balance. No one player can just steamroll over the others. Plus, the learning curve? It’s there but in a good way. Makes each game feel like a new challenge.
13 Cuba Libre
Cuba Libre grabbed our attention because, who doesn’t want to simulate the Cuban Revolution? As far as guerrilla warfare goes, it hits the nail on the head. You’ve got factions vying for control, asymmetric capabilities, and a need for some serious strategy. The game’s tight design means every move counts. First time we played, we were a bit lost, but by the second, we were hooked. The historical aspect is the cherry on top.
12 Liberty or Death: The American Insurrection
Here’s the deal with Liberty or Death: it makes the American Revolution feel fresh. The guerrilla warfare aspect? Spot on. You can feel the tension between the British and the Patriots, each turn a potential tide-turner. It’s not just about brute strength; it’s about cunning, alliances, and picking your battles. Our game night turned into a history lesson, but in the most fun way possible.
11 A Distant Plain
A Distant Plain had us wrestling with the complexities of modern Afghanistan. You think guerrilla warfare, and this game shows you every angle – from coalition forces to insurgent fighters. It’s a balancing act of military might and political savvy. We spent half the time arguing strategies, and the other half marveling at how well the game captures the essence of its theme. It’s a thinker’s game, but oh so rewarding.
10 Falling Sky: The Gallic Revolt Against Caesar
Falling Sky is not your typical guerrilla warfare game. It takes you way back to Ancient Gaul and, let me say, those Gauls knew their guerrilla tactics. The game is a masterpiece of strategy, alliances, and backstabbing – both literaly and figuratively. Every time we play, there’s a new story. It’s challenging, engaging, and just plain fun. Also, who doesn’t like sticking it to Caesar now and then?
9 Colonial Twilight: The French-Algerian War, 1954-62
Colonial Twilight tackles the French-Algerian War with the respect and depth it deserves. It’s a two-player game, which means it’s perfect for when it’s just you and a buddy. The focus on guerrilla warfare is intense. You really get into the nitty-gritty of insurgency vs. counterinsurgency. The game is a tug-of-war of wits and strategy. Plus, it has some of the best historical notes we’ve seen in a board game.
8 Fire in the Lake
Fire in the Lake takes the Vietnam War and turns it into an immersive board game experience. The guerrilla warfare aspect is, without a doubt, the backbone of this game. It’s not just about battles; it’s about hearts and minds. The dynamics between the four factions are complex and require some real strategic thinking. Our group loves the depth and the decisions that have to be made. It’s a long game, but every minute is worth it.
7 All Bridges Burning: Red Revolt and White Guard in Finland, 1917-1918
We picked ‘All Bridges Burning’ because it dives deep into the theme of guerrilla warfare with a unique focus on the Finnish civil war. Unlike most games listed, this one covers a less explored conflict in board gaming, offering a fresh perspective on guerrilla warfare dynamics within the COIN series framework. It uses multi-faction competition to simulate the complexities of the conflict, making it an informative and engaging experience.
6 Labyrinth: The War on Terror, 2001-?
Labyrinth takes the complex, ongoing conflict of the War on Terror and turns it into an engaging strategy game. It shines in its depiction of guerrilla warfare and the countermeasures taken by states. The dual-role system where one player controls the jihadists and the other the US offers a fascinating back-and-forth dynamic. It’s a bit of a brain-burner, but in the best possible way. The debates and decisions it sparks are always intense.
5 This Guilty Land
This Guilty Land is a departure from our usual fare, focusing on the political struggle over slavery in the Antebellum United States. It’s not guerrilla warfare in the traditional sense, but the conflict and strategy elements are there. The game is an incredible tool for understanding the complexities and tensions of the period. Playing it was an emotional, thought-provoking experience. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter about the power of nonviolent resistance.
4 Guerrilla Checkers
Looking for something lighter but still on theme? Guerrilla Checkers is it. It’s a clever mix of traditional checkers and a guerrilla warfare strategy game. The rules are simple, but don’t let that fool you. There’s a lot of depth here. It was a hit on our game night, especially as a warm-up or wind-down game. It’s quick, it’s fun, and it gets competitive. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce the concept of asymmetrical warfare in a very digestible format.
3 Root
Root is an absolute gem. At first glance, it’s a cute game about woodland creatures. But don’t be fooled. This is guerrilla warfare with fur. Each faction has its own strategy, goals, and play style, making every game unpredictable. The Marquise de Cat, Eyrie Dynasties, Woodland Alliance, and Vagabond all offer unique takes on insurgency and control. It’s accessible enough for newbies but deep enough to keep veterans engaged. Plus, the art? Stunning.
2 Wildlands
Wildlands is a brilliant mix of fantasy and guerrilla warfare. Each player controls a faction, and you’re all fighting over territory and magical crystals. What makes it guerrilla warfare? The ambushes, the sudden turns of fortune, and the need to think like an insurgent. It’s fast-paced, which we love, and the miniatures are cool. It’s a great way to spend an evening, trying to outsmart your friends in a fantasy world.
1 War of the Ring (Second Edition)
War of the Ring (Second Edition) is our pick for the best guerrilla warfare-themed board game. Why? Because it perfectly captures the essence of the theme. It’s not just about the battles; it’s about the struggle, the strategy, and the story. The Free Peoples must use guerrilla tactics against the overwhelming might of Sauron. It’s an epic experience that combines strategy, luck, and narrative in a way no other game does. Plus, the components are amazing. It’s a masterpiece that brings Middle-Earth to life.
