- BGG rating
- 7.8
Hordes: Evolution
- 2–8 players
- 30 min
- Complexity 2.8/5
- 2007
- BGG rank
- BGG #4,944
- BGG rating
- 7.5
Hordes
2006
Rules assistance for Hordes
Plain-language explanations of turns, card effects and disputed situations, with official source references and saved question history.
- 2–8 players
- 60 min
- 12+
- Complexity 3.3/5
For 2 players
Rules assistant for Hordes
What would you like to know?
Answers come from the official rulebook, with the page to check.
Hordes is a board game released in 2006 for 2–8 players, 60 minutes per game, and ages 12 and up. It was designed by Matt Wilson (I), Rob Stoddard, Jason Soles, Brian Snoddy, and Mike McVey and its main mechanics are Variable Player Powers.
Expansions
- BGG rating
- 7.7
Hordes: Metamorphosis
- 2–8 players
- 60 min
- 2009
- BGG rating
- 8.1
Hordes Primal Mk II
- 2 players
- Complexity 3.7/5
- 2010
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About the game
Hordes can be viewed as either an expansion to Warmachine, or a totally separate game using the same system. Either way, it contains four new factions and is based on the same system. It is 100% compatible with Warmachine. Rather than the steampunk theme of Warmachine, Hordes focuses on the more primitive tribal powers: Trollblood, Skorne, Legion of Everblight, Circle Orboros, Farrow (pig-men) and Gatormen. They wage war with great warbeasts in place of warjacks and, instead of warcasters, have warlocks that draw power from their beasts.
Categories
Mechanics
Publishers
- Edge Entertainment
- Privateer Press
Questions and answers
Hordes supports 2–8 players according to the catalogue. This range comes from the publisher’s listed player count, so the game can be set up for any group size within it. Some setups, rules and scoring details may still vary by player count, so check your edition’s rulebook for the exact configuration.
The listed playing time for Hordes is 60 minutes. This is the publisher’s estimate for a full game. The actual duration depends on the group, the player count and familiarity with the rules: first sessions usually run longer, while experienced groups often finish faster. Setup and teaching time are not included in this estimate.
The catalogue lists Hordes for ages 12 and up. This is the publisher’s recommendation and reflects reading demands, rule complexity and small components rather than theme alone. Younger players can often join with help from an adult, so check the age guidance on your edition and consider your group’s experience with board games.
Hordes has a complexity rating of 3.3 out of 5 from BoardGameGeek players, which makes it a medium-weight game. The rating reflects how much rules knowledge, planning and decision-making a typical game demands. Expect a longer first teach for heavier games, and use a preparation guide before game night.
Hordes belongs to these categories: Fantasy and Miniatures. Its main mechanics are Variable Player Powers. Categories describe the theme and setting of a game, while mechanics describe what players actually do on their turns. Each mechanic links to a catalogue hub with similar games, which helps when you want something comparable.
The credited designers of Hordes are: Matt Wilson (I), Rob Stoddard, Jason Soles, Brian Snoddy, and Mike McVey. These credits come from the published game data and name the people responsible for the game’s design, not its illustrators or publishers. Designer pages on MeepleRules collect other titles by the same designers, which helps when you enjoy a game and want to find similar ones.
The catalogue lists Hordes as a base game. It can be played on its own with the components in the box and does not require any other title. Expansions, if any exist, add new content or rules on top of it and are listed separately in the catalogue with a link back to this base game.