Risk: Balance of Power

About this board game

Risk: Balance of Power is a two-player strategy game played in about 60 minutes, set on a map covering much of Europe. Iberia and the Balkans are excluded, while the remaining map is divided into six regions and 30 territories.

Each player must protect their capital while achieving three public goals. Four different starting setups are available, and every setup includes a neutral player. Each scenario uses a different combination of eight goals from the twelve available, giving the opening situation a distinct focus.

Territories containing rough terrain are more difficult to attack, adding another consideration to every campaign. Armies are raised according to the territories and regions you control, as well as the number of cities you own. Area cards are awarded when you conquer territories and can be used to raise additional armies.

• Base training: an introductory version that can be played within a few minutes.
• Command centre: a fast, competitive format in which one player sets up both sides before the other chooses which side to play and who starts.
• Neutral forces: both sides can add support to the neutral player, and some bonuses allow attacks with neutral armies.
• Defeated armies: eliminated units can be used to gain special bonuses.

The army units are represented by small, flat arrows, while the map places the contest firmly in a Europe-wide setting. With its public objectives, alternative setups, cities, capitals, and neutral forces, Risk: Balance of Power gives the classic conquest concept a focused head-to-head structure.