Drums of War

About this board game

Drums of War is a tactical fantasy card game for 1–2 players, with games lasting around 45 minutes. Each player commands an army represented by an asymmetrical 38-card deck and led by a powerful hero.

Before battle, your hero determines how many cards are removed from the deck. Some heroes require cards to be removed at random, while others let you choose which cards to set aside. These decisions shape your available options for the rest of the game.

Players take turns deploying cards from their hands onto the battlefield. Cards can represent units, equipment, or tactics, but every deployment has a cost: you must pay by retiring other cards from your hand. Except when specific abilities bring them back, retired cards do not return to play, making every choice matter.

• Command an asymmetrical fantasy army led by a hero.
• Deploy units, equipment, and tactics to the battlefield.
• Pay for actions by retiring cards from your hand.
• Fight when both players pass and resolve combat between deployed units.

The battle moves between careful preparation and sudden combat. Once both players pass, the units on the battlefield fight, creating opportunities to damage the opposing hero and exploit the position you have built.

To win, inflict enough wounds on the enemy hero to match their life value before you run out of cards to recover your hand. With its limited resources and cards that are usually gone for good, Drums of War rewards planning, timing, and disciplined decisions in every fast-paced duel.