Unhappy King Charles (second edition)

About this board game

Unhappy King Charles is a two-player card-driven game of the English Civil War, playable in about 240 minutes. Set in 1642, it places the Royalists and Parliamentarians in a struggle for control of England.

Choose your side and use cards to shape the conflict. Historic events, troop recruitment, political influence, enemy raids, and general activation all contribute to your campaign. Generals such as King Charles and Oliver Cromwell can move armies, fight battles, and conduct sieges against fortresses.

The game focuses on distinctive challenges of the conflict, including the high rate of desertions and the difficulty of controlling regional troops. Parliament forces also grow stronger as the war progresses, creating an evolving contest in which military actions and resource management must be carefully balanced.

The 2024 PHALANX edition adds more than a reprint. Updated artwork brings the conflict to life, while standees for Generals and Local Notables make the board easier to read. Basic markers are also included for players who prefer them.

• A revised point-to-point map presentation
• New ways to show control of areas and fortresses
• Individual General and faction cards for quick reference
• Tracks for key regions, economic infrastructure, and ongoing sieges

With its historical events, shifting control, regional pressures, and prominent commanders, Unhappy King Charles offers a detailed strategic depiction of the English Civil War. Players must coordinate their forces and manage their resources while pursuing control of the country’s most important regions and economic centres.