The Battle of Five Armies

About this board game

The Battle of Five Armies is a two-player hex-based wargame released in 1984, with an approximate play time of 150 minutes. One player takes the side of the Free Peoples, while the other controls the goblins.

The Free Peoples side brings together elves, dwarves, men and eagles. Across the table, the goblins form the opposing force. The game presents this conflict through a board divided into hexes, offering a format that will feel familiar to players who have experience with hex-based wargames.

Each counter represents either a troop of warriors or a single leader. These counters are not identical: each one is rated for three important capabilities that shape how it functions during play.

• Movement ability, indicating how a counter moves across the hex-based board
• Combat ability, representing its effectiveness in combat
• Archery ability, defining its capability with ranged attacks

With its opposing sides, individual unit counters and clearly defined ratings, The Battle of Five Armies focuses on managing forces across a hex-based battlefield. Players use the different capabilities of their troops and leaders while directing either the Free Peoples or the goblins.

Designed for exactly two players, the game offers a substantial tabletop experience built around its army counters and battlefield structure. For players looking for a classic hex-based conflict featuring distinct factions and multiple unit abilities, The Battle of Five Armies provides a focused contest between two opposing forces.