A Guide to 878 Vikings: Invasions of England – Rules, Instructions & Strategy Tips

Introduction

878 Vikings: Invasions of England is a historical board game that takes you back to the Viking Age, where you get to experience the thrill of invasion or the challenge of defense. The game is set in England in the year 878 AD, and players take on the roles of either the invading Vikings or the English nobles trying to fend them off. I find the game interesting for its strategic depth, historical accuracy, and the unique way it blends card-driven events with tile-based movement. After the success of Viking/Norse dramas like The Last Kingdom (highly recommend) and Vikings, this is one game that, for me personally, is a repeatedly playable one.

The game was designed by Beau Beckett, Dave Kimmel, and Jeph Stahl and was first published in 2017. It has since gained popularity among board game enthusiasts for its engaging gameplay and the way it encourages players to think tactically. The game is for 2 to 4 players, with games typically lasting between 1 to 2 hours.

As a player, you’ll need to manage your armies, make use of strategic reinforcements, and play event cards that can change the tide of battle. The game ends when one side achieves its victory conditions, which vary depending on which side you’re playing.

Rules for playing 878 Vikings: Invasions of England

The rules of 878 Vikings: Invasions of England are designed to create a balance between strategy and luck. Each player controls one of the factions: Viking or English. The Vikings aim to conquer and hold key cities, while the English try to defend their land and drive the invaders out.

The game is played in turns, with each turn consisting of the Viking player moving and battling first, followed by the English player. Players use movement points to move their armies across the board, which is a map of England divided into shires and cities. Battles are resolved using dice, with the number of dice rolled depending on the number of units in the fighting armies.

Event cards play a significant role in the game. They can be played for an immediate effect or for a powerful action that can turn the tide of battle. Players draw these cards at the start of their turn and can hold a certain number of cards in their hand.

The game continues until one side meets its victory conditions. For the Vikings, this usually means controlling a certain number of cities. For the English, it often involves surviving the Viking onslaught until reinforcements arrive.

Equipment and Setup for 878 Vikings

To play 878 Vikings: Invasions of England, you’ll need the game board, which represents England and its various regions, armies for both the Vikings and the English, dice for resolving battles, and decks of cards that provide strategic options and events.

The setup involves placing the starting armies on the board according to the instructions. The Vikings begin with their forces off the coast, ready to invade, while the English start with their units spread out across the country.

The game includes different types of tiles, such as army tiles, leader tiles, and control markers. Army tiles represent groups of soldiers, leader tiles represent historical figures with special abilities, and control markers show who currently controls a city or shire.

How to Play 878 Vikings: Invasions of England and Game Mechanics

1. Key Game Mechanics: Movement, battle, and card play are the core mechanics. Players must balance these to succeed.
2. Setup: Place the game board, set up initial armies, shuffle the decks of cards, and prepare the dice.
3. Gameplay: Players take turns moving armies, engaging in battles, and playing cards to influence the outcome.
4. End of the Game: The game ends when one side meets its victory conditions, which are detailed in the rulebook.

During each turn, players can take the following actions:

1. Draw and play event cards.
2. Move armies across the board.
3. Engage in battles when moving into a territory with enemy forces.
4. Reinforce armies by playing certain cards or reaching specific points in the game.

How to Win at 878 Vikings: Invasions of England

Winning at 878 Vikings: Invasions of England requires a mix of strategy and adaptability. Beginners should focus on learning the rules and understanding how the different factions play. Intermediate players can start to anticipate their opponent’s moves and use their event cards more effectively. Advanced players will develop deep strategies, considering the long-term implications of their actions and controlling the flow of the game.

For the Vikings, winning often means a strong early game, capturing key cities before the English can properly respond. For the English, it’s about survival and counter-attacking at the right moment to reclaim lost territory.

Best Strategies for playing 878 Vikings: Invasions of England game

Some of the best strategies involve controlling the flow of reinforcements, using leader abilities to their fullest, and knowing when to retreat and regroup. Sneaky tactics might include bluffing about the strength of your forces or holding back a powerful event card for a critical moment.

I recommend you always pay attention to the terrain, as certain areas of the board provide defensive bonuses. Controlling these areas can make a significant difference in battle outcomes.

Scenarios

Common scenarios include being outnumbered in a key region or facing a surprise invasion where you’re unprepared. To turn these scenarios to your advantage, you might need to sacrifice a less important region to save a more critical one or use event cards to even the odds.

Frequently Asked Questions about playing 878 Vikings: Invasions of England game

1. Q: How many players can play 878 Vikings?
   A: The game is designed for 2 to 4 players.
2. Q: Can I play solo?
   A: While the game is not designed for solo play, there are fan-made variants that allow for it.
3. Q: How long does a game typically last?
   A: A game usually lasts between 1 to 2 hours.
4. Q: Is there a lot of luck involved?
   A: While dice rolling introduces some luck, strategic play is more important for winning.
5. Q: Can the game end in a draw?
   A: No, the game is designed to have a clear winner based on the victory conditions.

Additional Topics

Other relevant topics include understanding the historical context of the Viking invasions, which can add depth to your gameplay experience, and exploring expansions or fan-made scenarios that can provide new challenges and replayability.

External Links

For more information on 878 Vikings: Invasions of England, you can visit the publisher’s official website or check out reviews and discussions on various board game forums.

Official 878 Vikings: Invasions of England Website

878 Vikings Official Rulebook [EN/PDF]