Hark! Behold These Medieval Board Games Fit to Rule Your Kingdom!
These medieval board games are so fun you won’t be able to help yourself from shouting forsooth!
For this list, we are trying to stick to Middle Ages European era style of theme. You know, knights, dragons, and castles kinda stuff. Think more King Arthur and less HeroQuest or Carcassonne.
Kingmaker
Kingmaker was originally released in 1974, but this edition has been updated with rules that were specifically written up by fans! The updated rules streamlines the rules and adds new victory conditions, as well as new cards and a solo mode as well.
In Kingmaker, players are set in the War of the Roses. They are each driving to get their family line on the throne. They do this through a combination of combat, alliances, social manipulation, and high levels of strategy. If you liked the first few season of Game of Thrones, you’ll like Kingmaker.
Richard: The Lionheart
Everything I know about Richard the Lionheart, and his some Prince John, I learned from watching Robin Hood. I’ve seen both Men in Tights and the Disney version that forever sent many folks down a deviant(Art) road. Plus, I’ve played a lot of Sheriff of Nottingham, so I feel like I’m very well versed on the subject.
Richard the Lionheart is another medieval board game where players get to choose their allegiance. However, here, players are siding with either King Richard or Prince John. John is trying to consolidate his power, and Robin Hood is doing everything in his merry power to stop him. Through gaining prestige and influencing the Crusades form afar, one player will be declared the victor once Richard returns, if he does at all.
Kingsburg
Getting a little less historical with this medieval board game, Kingsburg. The first edition of the game was released in 2007 and the latest third edition is just rolling out. This edition contains updated art and rules, but overall remains the same as the previous edition.
Invaders are at the kingdom’s borders! It’s up to the players to drive them back by managing resources and allocating them intelligently. Plus, by influencing the royal family and the advisors, players can gain additional benefits. However, the players are each hoping to secure the best protections for their own kingdoms, hoping the invaders will crush the competition for the throne in the process.
Middle Ages
Gotta love a descriptive title. Middle Ages is designed by the same guy who designed Splendor, Marc Andre. And it shows. The simple, minimalist layout, and the few but colorful components just has the same vibes.
In Middle Ages, players are attempting to earn victory points through successfully managing their kingdom. They will have to gather resources, construct and upgrade various buildings, and engage in trade. It’s a simple but strategic game that offers a lot of depth and where either agriculture, faith, or luxury can lead you to victory.
Sheriff of Nottingham
I will admit this does stretch the limits of what I defined as Medieval board game at the start of the list, but it’s my list and I can do what I want, Dad! Plus, we already talked about how this was all going on during King Richie’s little vacation, so it’s technically counts.
Sheriff of Nottingham is a game of bluff. Players are merchants hoping to gain the most profit by selling their wares in town. But the sheriff has places a ban on lots of valuable goods, making them contraband. But, the clever merchant will sneak the goods into town anyway. It’s a game of bluff, but also open and blatant bribery. Even if you’re not good at bluffing, you can always get by with a good deal.
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