Warlords: A Guide to the Collectible Card Game Rules, Strategy & Instructions

Introduction

Warlords is a collectible card game that’s all about strategy, quick thinking, and a bit of luck. It’s a game where players become powerful warlords, leading their armies into battle, casting spells, and trying to outsmart their opponents.

The game was first released in the 1990s and quickly gained a following among card game enthusiasts. Over the years, Warlords has seen several expansions, adding new cards and dynamics to the game. However, as of the writing of this article in 2024, Warlords game cards are not in print anymore. But don’t worry, you can still find cards and play the game with friends or other enthusiasts.

If you’re looking for a more active CCG like Warlords, you might want to check out Age of Empires II Expandable Card Game, which I’ve written a guide on.

Rules for playing Warlords

Understanding the rules of Warlords is key to enjoying the game. Each player starts with a deck of cards and a warlord character that represents them in the game.

The main goal here is to be the very first player to reach the title of the supreme Warlord. How do you get there? Well, it’s all about exploring, hunting down treasure, and engaging in warfare. To get ahead, you’ll need to gather followers, amass armies, and construct citadels.

Now, the game received some flak for its use of a “Combat Resolution Table.” Here’s how it worked: players would add up the Battle Value of their Army, Hero, Ally, and Artefact in a specific stack, toss in any terrain bonuses, then subtract the defender’s total Battle Value. Next step? Compare that number to the table to figure out how many cards would be lost in each stack.

At the time, these cards didn’t have any rarities, and there wasn’t any tournament support in place.

Here’s how you play:

1. Each player shuffles their deck and draws an initial hand of cards.
2. Players decide who goes first with a coin flip or mutual agreement.
3. On your turn, you draw a card, play resource cards to generate power, and use that power to play other cards from your hand.
4. Cards include units, which are your army, and actions, which are special moves you can make.
5. You can attack your opponent’s warlord or units with your units.
6. When a unit’s hit points reach zero, it’s removed from play.
7. The game continues until one warlord’s hit points reach zero.

There are more detailed rules about card effects, combat, and special abilities, but these are the basics to get you started.

Card Types for Warlords

In Warlords, there are several types of cards:

• Warlords: Your main character card.
• Units: These are your soldiers and creatures that fight for you.
• Actions: Special moves that can change the course of the game.
• Resources: Cards that provide the power needed to play units and actions.

Your deck is made up of a mix of these cards. Starter sets are available, or were when the game was in print, to help new players begin building their decks.

How to Play Warlords and Game Mechanics

Playing Warlords involves several key mechanics:

1. Setup: Each player starts with their warlord card on the table and a shuffled deck. Draw your starting hand of cards.
2. Gameplay: Players take turns drawing cards, playing resources, and then using those resources to play units and actions. You can attack with your units, use actions to surprise your opponent, and try to protect your warlord.
3. End of the Game: The game ends when one warlord’s hit points reach zero. The other player is the winner.

How to Win at Warlords

Winning at Warlords requires a mix of strategy and adaptability. Here are some tips:

1. Know your deck well and what cards you have available.
2. Plan your moves ahead of time, but be ready to change your strategy based on what your opponent does.
3. Control the battlefield by deciding when and where to attack.
4. Use your resources wisely. Don’t waste power on unnecessary actions.
5. Protect your warlord while finding ways to attack your opponent’s warlord.

As you play more, you’ll develop your own style and strategies.

Best Strategies for playing Warlords game

To really excel at Warlords, you need to think ahead and be clever. Here are some strategies:

• Build a balanced deck with a good mix of units, actions, and resources.
• Learn the common strategies and how to counter them.
• Pay attention to your opponent’s moves and try to predict what they will do next.
• Use sneaky tactics like bluffing or setting traps with your cards.

Remember, the best strategy is one that your opponent isn’t expecting.

Deck Building and Best Cards in Warlords

Building a good deck is crucial. You want a deck that reflects your play style and can handle different situations. Here’s how to build a deck:

1. Choose a warlord that fits how you want to play the game.
2. Pick units that complement each other and work well with your warlord’s abilities.
3. Include actions that can surprise your opponent or change the game in your favor.
4. Make sure you have enough resources to play your cards when you need them.

Scenarios

Sometimes you’ll find yourself in a tough spot. Here’s how to handle it:

• If you’re losing, try to change your strategy and surprise your opponent.
• If you’re winning, don’t get too confident. Keep playing smart and protect your lead.

Always look for ways to turn the game in your favor, no matter the situation.

Frequently Asked Questions about playing Warlords game

Here are some common questions and answers:

1. Q: How many cards can I play in a turn?
   A: You can play as many cards as you have resources for.
2. Q: Can I attack on the first turn?
   A: It depends on the rules you’re playing with. Check with your opponent or the rulebook.
3. Q: What happens if I run out of cards?
   A: You keep playing with the cards you have on the table. If you can’t draw a card when you need to, you lose.

Additional Tips and Tricks

Here are some extra tips to help you get better at Warlords:

• Practice makes perfect. Play as much as you can to learn the game.
• Watch others play. You can learn a lot from seeing different strategies in action.
• Stay up to date with any changes to the rules or new cards that come out.

External Links

For more information on Warlords, check out these links:

• Official Warlords Website (if available)
• Warlords Community Forums
• Online Stores Selling Warlords Cards