by Today, let’s talk about the wargame A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF), a miniatures game set in the Game of Thrones universe. If, like many, you were disappointed by season 8 of the series, don’t worry—this wargame might just reconcile you with George R. R. Martin’s world. So, why does this game deserve your attention? In one word: simplicity. In a world where many wargames can seem complex and intimidating, ASOIAF stands out with its accessible yet strategic approach. Let me explain why.
I didn’t come here to suffer.
Like many wargames, some titles can quickly discourage new players with overly complex rules. Take Warhammer Age of Sigmar and its futuristic counterpart, where allegiance, sub-factions, and faction-specific rules can make your head spin. But fear not, ASOIAF has none of that!
The game revolves around five possible actions: maneuver, march, charge, attack, and retreat. Simple, right? This streamlined system allows players to focus on strategy without drowning in excessive rules.
An accessible regiment-based game
In ASOIAF, each tray holds 12 miniatures. As with most wargames, a point system determines the composition of your army. Characters can be added to your regiments, but integration remains flexible. These characters bring abilities that influence battles, enriching the gameplay without unnecessarily complicating it.
The subtlety of the political board
An interesting feature: in addition to managing your army on the battlefield, you also need to handle Non-Combat Units (NCUs).
NCUs move on a political board. Depending on their placement, they can apply buffs, debuffs, or grant free actions to your units.
Strategic placement on this board adds a layer of gameplay beyond the battlefield, creating a captivating tactical depth. You can even hinder your opponent by occupying strategic slots, preventing them from gaining certain advantages.
This is where ASOIAF shines: strategy isn’t limited to combat but extends to politics, adding an extra layer of thought.
Strategic cards to exploit
The deck of cards is another key component of the game, adding additional strategy. These cards can be used at crucial moments during a round—at the beginning of a turn or just before an enemy action. Playing your cards at the right time can put your opponent’s plans to the test.
A game ready to play, hassle-free
One of ASOIAF’s biggest advantages is that it’s ready to play right out of the box. No need to spend hours assembling miniatures—they come pre-assembled. Each faction is even pre-colored in a specific shade, a real time-saver for those who dislike painting!
This allows you to jump straight into battle without worrying about the tedious preparation phase—a huge plus for impatient players.
Classic yet engaging scenarios and terrain
The game system offers classic scenarios such as deathmatches and objective captures—simple yet effective.
The battlefield also includes elements like Weirwood trees, barricades, and other objects that influence gameplay by providing bonuses or penalties depending on their positioning. These elements are selected by rolling a die, making each game different and adding a touch of randomness.
However, don’t expect spectacular gaming tables because, in ASOIAF, everything is flat. No grand towers for vantage points, no majestic forests for cover. Terrain is limited to printed cardboard pieces of various shapes and sizes.
This contributes to the game’s quick setup and fast-paced gameplay, but fans of immersive scenery might find it slightly frustrating.
What budget should you plan for a solid army?
If you want to rally your troops and conquer Westeros, you’ll need to budget accordingly. ASOIAF is one of the most affordable miniatures games on the market. For a complete army box, expect to pay between €100 and €120, depending on the retailer.
To reinforce your ranks with additional units or iconic heroes, expansions cost between €30 and €40. In the end, assembling a competitive army ready for battle will set you back around €200. That’s excellent value for money, especially compared to other wargames where costs can quickly escalate.
The second-hand market is also well-supplied, allowing you to find great deals at a lower cost.
Conclusion: a simple, strategic, and fun game
ASOIAF is a wargame that stands out for its accessibility and strategic depth. With its dual aspect of combat and politics, it manages to captivate without overwhelming players with a flood of rules. Affordable pricing, pre-assembled miniatures—just one question remains:
What are you waiting for to get started?
