Hoplomachus: Blade’s Edge

About this expansion

Hoplomachus: Blade’s Edge is a hex-based tactical gladiatorial board game for 1–4 players, with battles lasting around 30 minutes. Each player represents an ancient city or civilization thought to have been lost, competing on Rome’s doorstep for a place in the prestigious arena games.

The objective is clear: eliminate the opposing champion. Champions begin in the arena, but they are inactive and defenseless until the crowd is behind them. On each turn, players draw, play, and move gladiators from their hand, supporting them with tactic chips and responding to the opponent’s strategy.

Victory depends on more than direct attacks. Players can defend their champion, take over and hold areas that grant crowd favor, assault an opponent’s champion, cover deployment zones, and eliminate tacticians to limit enemy options. Fighting beasts can also help win crowd favor, creating a wide range of tactical possibilities.

• Hex-based tactical combat in a gladiatorial arena
• Gladiator, tactic chip, and hand management
• Crowd favor and champion activation
• Combat against opposing forces and beasts
• Play for 1–4 players, including player-versus-board play

Blade’s Edge introduces 10 chips containing a new champion and equipment for each of the five cities in Hoplomachus. These options begin the game’s customizable element, with champion selection and equipment choices determined before each battle begins.

Combining combat, tactics, chip management, team play, and progression through crowd favor, Hoplomachus: Blade’s Edge challenges players to read the arena, adapt their plans, and earn the crowd’s support before delivering the decisive blow.