Area Control Games
Browse all Area Control board games in the Meeple Pulse database.
Styles
AbstractAbstract StrategyAdventureAnimalsCard GameChildren's GameCivilizationCo-operativeCompetitiveDiceEconomicEducationalEuroExpansion for Base-gameFamilyFan ExpansionFantasyFightingHistoricalHorrorIndustry / ManufacturingMedievalMedium HeavyMiniaturesPartyParty GamePrint & PlayPuzzle-LikeRacingReal-timeSpace ExplorationSportsStrategyTerritory BuildingThematicTransportationWargame
Themes
AbstractAdventureAncientAnimalsArtBusinessCard GameCo-operativeComic BookCooperativeCrimeEconomicEnvironmentalismExplorationFantasyFightingHistoricalHorrorHumorIntrigueLiteraryMagicMarvelMedievalModernMuseumMysteryMythologyNatureNauticalParty GamePoliticalPress Your LuckRacingSatireSci-FiSocial CommentarySocial InteractionSpaceSuperheroesThematicTravelWarWesternWord-Guessing
Mechanics
3D PlacementActingAction / DexterityAction DraftingAction Point AllowanceAction Point Allowance SystemAction Point SystemAction PointsAction ProgrammingAction QueueAction RetrievalAction SelectionAction/EventAlliancesAlternate ActivationApp-AssistedApp-DrivenArea ControlArea InfluenceArea MajorityArea Majority / InfluenceArea MovementArgumentationAsymmetricAsymmetric FactionsAsymmetric GameAsymmetric PowersAsymmetrical PowersAuction & BiddingAuction/BiddingAuctioningBag BuildingBettingBetting and BluffingBetting and WageringBetting and WagersBiddingBingoBlind BiddingBluffingCampaign / Battle Card DrivenCampaign / LegacyCampaign / Legacy GameCampaign / Mission-basedCampaign / ScenariosCampaign GameCampaign PlayCard DraftingCard DrawingCard DrivenCard Driven ActionCard Driven CombatCard Driven Dice AllocationCard Driven MovementCard ManagementCard PlayCard Play / Hand ManagementCard Play Conflict ResolutionCard SheddingCard-Driven MovementCharacter CreationCharacter ProgressionChit-Pull SystemCo-op PlayCo-operative GameCo-operative PlayCode-breakingCombat ResolutionCombo ChainCommand CardsCommodity SpeculationCommunication LimitsContract FulfillmentContractsCooperative GameCooperative GameplayCooperative PlayCooperative Trick-takingDebateDeck BuildingDeck ConstructionDeck, Bag, and Pool BuildingDeck-BuildingDeductionDexterityDice DraftingDice PlacementDice RollingDiplomatic InfluenceDraftingDynamic Battle SystemEnclosureEnd Game BonusesEngine BuildingEngine-BuildingEscape RoomEvent DrivenExplorationFarmingFlip and WriteFollowFollow ActionGrid CoverageGrid MovementHand ManagementHex-and-CounterHexagon GridHidden MovementHidden RolesI Cut You ChooseIncomeInfluence / Area MajorityLadder ClimbingLegacyLegacy ElementsLegacy GameLegacy SystemLimited CommunicationLine DrawingLine of SightMancalaMap AdditionMap MovementMarketMarket DraftingMarket ManipulationMarket MechanicMarket SpeculationMatchingMeasurement MovementMemoryMission ObjectivesModular BoardModular Board ConstructionMove Through DeckMovement PointsMovement TemplatesMulti-Use CardsMulti-use CardsMultiple ScenariosMust FollowNarrative ChoiceNarrative Choice / ParagraphNegotiationNegotiation MechanicsNetwork & Route BuildingNetwork BuildingNetwork and Route BuildingOne vs ManyOne vs. ManyOpen DraftingOwnershipPaper-and-PencilPartnershipsPattern BuildingPattern RecognitionPick-up and DeliverPlayer EliminationPlayer InteractionPlayer JudgePoint SaladPoint to Point MovementPolyominoesPush Your LuckPush-Your-LuckPuzzlePuzzle-LikePuzzle-SolvingRaceReal-TimeRecipe FulfillmentResource ManagementRole PlayingRole SelectionRoll / Spin and MoveRondelRoute BuildingRoute-BuildingRoute/Network BuildingSanity SystemScenario / Campaign PlayScenario / Mission / Campaign GameScenario / Mission FunctionSecret Unit DeploymentSemi-Cooperative GameSet CollectionSheddingSimulationSimultaneous ActionSimultaneous Action SelectionSimultaneous Hidden AllocationSocial DeductionSocial InteractionSolo / Solitaire GameSpace ExplorationStat Check / Skill CheckStat Check ResolutionStock HoldingStorytellingStrategic PlanningTableau BuildingTactical Decision-MakingTake ThatTargeted CluesTeam PlayTeam-Based GameTeam-Based GuessingTeamworkTech TreesTech Trees / Tech TracksTechnology & Armament TracksTechnology TreeTension & Aggression TracksTile DraftingTile LayingTile PlacementTime TrackTime TravelTower DefenseTrack MovementTradingTrick-takingTug of WarTurn Order: PassTurn Order: Stat-BasedUnit PlacementVariable Phase OrderVariable Player PowersVariable Set-upVariable SetupVictory Point TracksVotingWord AssociationWord GameWord GuessingWord-GuessingWord-guessingWordplayWorker Placement
BoxNo Cover Art
Sails of Glory is a tabletop wargame that simulates naval combat during the Age of Sail. Players take on the role of ship captains, commanding their vessels through treacherous waters and engaging in epic battles with enemy ships. The game's goal is to emerge victorious by sinking or capturing your opponents' ships, while also navigating the challenges of sea travel and weather conditions.
Gameplay involves a combination of strategic planning and tactical decision-making. Players must carefully manage their ship's resources, including ammunition, crew, and hull integrity, as they navigate through the game board. The game features a unique mechanic called 'Ship-to-Ship Combat', which allows players to engage in detailed battles with their opponents' ships. This mechanic involves rolling dice to determine the outcome of combat, taking into account factors such as ship speed, firepower, and maneuverability.
One of the key aspects that sets Sails of Glory apart from other wargames is its focus on historical accuracy. The game's designers have meticulously researched the naval warfare of the late 18th century, ensuring that every aspect of the game, from ship design to tactics, is as accurate as possible. This attention to detail creates an immersive and authentic experience for players, who can feel like they're truly commanding a ship in the heat of battle.
Sails of Glory has gained a loyal following among wargamers and history buffs alike, thanks to its unique blend of strategy and historical accuracy. Players love the game's complexity and depth, as well as its ability to simulate the thrill of naval combat. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or just starting out, Sails of Glory is an excellent choice for anyone looking to explore the world of tabletop wargaming.
m⚖️ 4.0
BoxNo Cover Art
Sails of Glory is a tabletop wargame that simulates naval combat during the Age of Sail. Players take on the role of ship captains, commanding their vessels through intricate battles and strategic maneuvers. The game's goal is to emerge victorious by sinking or capturing enemy ships while protecting one's own fleet.
Gameplay involves a combination of tactical decision-making and luck, as players must balance the need for aggressive action with the risk of taking damage from enemy fire. Each ship has its unique characteristics, such as speed, firepower, and maneuverability, which players must utilize effectively to gain an advantage over their opponents.
One of the key mechanics in Sails of Glory is the use of 'fate' cards, which represent the unpredictable nature of naval combat. These cards can either aid or hinder a player's progress, adding an element of surprise and uncertainty to each battle. Additionally, players must manage their ship's resources, such as ammunition and crew, to ensure they have the means to engage in prolonged combat.
The game's components are highly detailed and accurate, with intricate models of historic ships and beautifully crafted miniatures. This level of realism adds to the immersive experience, allowing players to feel like true naval commanders. Overall, Sails of Glory is a challenging and engaging game that requires strategy, skill, and a bit of luck to master.
m⚖️ 4.0

In Sails of Glory, you take on the role of a naval commander, leading your fleet into battle against the enemy's ships. The goal is to destroy or capture as many enemy vessels as possible while protecting your own ships from damage and destruction. The game features realistic ship designs and detailed miniatures, making it a visually stunning experience for fans of naval warfare and strategy games.
Gameplay involves maneuvering your ships through the waters, using various tactics and abilities to outmaneuver and defeat the enemy. Each ship has its unique strengths and weaknesses, requiring careful planning and execution to emerge victorious.
What sets Sails of Glory apart is its high level of realism and attention to detail, making it a must-have for anyone interested in naval warfare or history. The game also features a wide range of scenarios and campaigns, allowing players to explore different time periods and naval battles throughout history.
2-4 60m⚖️ 3.5
BoxNo Cover Art
Gods & Mortals
2026In Gods & Mortals, you ascend to the pantheon of ancient Greece, embodying legendary deities like Zeus, Ares, or Athena. Your goal is not mere conquest, but to achieve ultimate supremacy by cleverly manipulating the mortal civilizations that worship you. Set across the Aegean, the game features four distinct mortal factions—the Trojans, Achaeans, Minoans, and Amazons—vying for territorial control. These factions are not your loyal subjects but rather instruments in your grand design. Your objective over five rounds is to prove your divine prowess by outwitting the other gods, growing your influence, and ensuring your name is the one most revered when the final reckoning arrives.
The gameplay innovatively merges area control with a stock market-like investment system. Mortals are treated as joint-stock companies in which you invest your divine essence. During each round's 'divinity phase,' you will allocate your resources to the factions you believe will prosper. However, your allegiance is fleeting. You can 'abandon' a faction at a key moment to capitalize on its success, reaping rewards to further your own agenda. Following the investment phase, the 'action phase' unfolds with quick, interactive turns. Here, you play cards to command armies, spark conflicts, erect temples, and unleash your god’s unique, powerful abilities. This creates a fascinating codependency: gods need mortal belief to fuel their power, and mortals need divine patronage to survive and expand, making every decision a delicate balance of support and exploitation.
What makes Gods & Mortals compelling is its fresh take on strategic conflict. The blend of area control with speculative investment forces players into a constant state of flux, rewarding adaptability and shrewd timing over brute force. You are not just a warrior god; you are a divine investor playing a long game of influence. The asymmetric powers of each god guarantee that no two games feel the same, offering deep strategic paths and high replayability. While the rules are designed to be accessible, the decisions are described as 'crunchy' and meaningful, creating a satisfying experience for players who enjoy emergent strategies and high levels of interaction with minimal downtime. It’s a battle of wits where the most cunning god, not the strongest, will claim victory.
2-4 75m⚖️ 2.9
BoxNo Cover Art
GoVenture Card Game: Entrepreneur & Monster is a unique blend of strategy and luck, designed for 2-4 players. The game's objective is to accumulate wealth and prestige by navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship while facing off against monstrous obstacles. Players take on the roles of entrepreneurs, seeking to build their businesses and overcome the monsters that threaten them. Each player starts with a set amount of resources and must manage their finances carefully as they navigate the game board. The game features a deck-building mechanism, where players can acquire new cards to enhance their abilities and increase their chances of success. However, the monsters in the game are unpredictable and can either hinder or help players depending on the situation. Players must balance their business growth with the need to defend against monster attacks, making for a thrilling and dynamic gameplay experience.
2-4 m⚖️ 3.0

Expand your ancient Roman empire with "Concordia: Balearica / Cyprus," an essential expansion for the critically acclaimed strategy game Concordia. This pack introduces two new double-sided game boards, Balearica and Cyprus, offering fresh tactical landscapes and strategic challenges. The core goal remains the same: cleverly manage your hand of persona cards to expand your trading network, establish colonies, and accumulate wealth and influence across the Mediterranean, ultimately aiming to be the most successful Roman merchant.
Gameplay revolves around elegant hand management, where each persona card played triggers a specific action – from moving your colonists and building trading posts to producing goods and acquiring more powerful cards. The new maps, Balearica (for 2-4 players) and Cyprus (optimized for 2-3 players), introduce unique geographic features and resource distributions that demand tailored strategies. Players must adapt their plans, consider new adjacency bonuses, and navigate tighter competitive spaces, especially on the smaller Cyprus map, leading to intense player interaction and clever maneuvering.
"Concordia: Balearica / Cyprus" is beloved for enhancing an already brilliant design without adding unnecessary rules bloat. It provides exceptional replayability and offers new strategic puzzles, particularly for smaller player counts, which many expansions neglect. Fans appreciate how the new maps refresh the Concordia experience, allowing them to explore alternative opening moves and mid-game developments, solidifying Concordia's reputation as a deep, rewarding economic strategy game that stands the test of time.
2-4 90m⚖️ 2.8

Cheeky Monkeys
2016In Cheeky Monkeys, 2-4 players take on the role of mischievous monkeys, swinging through the jungle to collect bananas and outsmart their opponents. The goal is to be the first player to collect a set number of bananas, while navigating obstacles and stealing from others.
On each turn, players draw a card, which may allow them to move around the board, steal bananas from other players, or use special abilities to hinder their opponents. Players must strategically plan their moves to maximize their chances of winning, all while staying one step ahead of their competitors.
What makes Cheeky Monkeys unique is its blend of strategy and luck. Players need to balance the risks and rewards of each move, as well as adapt to changing circumstances on the board.
Despite its simple gameplay, Cheeky Monkeys requires a deep understanding of the game's mechanics and a keen sense of timing. As players navigate the jungle, they'll need to be clever and resourceful to emerge victorious.
2-4 30m⚖️ 2.0
BoxNo Cover Art
Messiah the Card Game is a strategic card game where players take on the roles of different factions vying for control in a mystical realm. The goal is to be the first player to achieve three victories, which are earned by completing specific objectives and accumulating points through various means. Players must carefully manage their resources, make tactical decisions about which cards to play and when, and adapt to changing circumstances as they unfold.
m⚖️ 3.0

Solarion: Foundation of Empires is a competitive science-fiction board game for one to four players that blends deep strategy with epic galactic conquest. Players assume control of one of four distinct, asymmetric factions—the Terran, Oceanus, XES, or Ursalian—each vying for supremacy over a newly discovered star system. The ultimate goal is to accumulate the most Victory Points by the end of the game's third 'Galactic Age'. Points are primarily earned by achieving dominance over a modular, hex-based galaxy, controlling valuable resource-producing planets, and seizing the highly coveted, energy-rich 'Solarion' worlds. Establishing control over entire sectors of space provides significant boosts, making territorial expansion a critical path to victory.
The core of the gameplay revolves around a clever integration of deck-building and area control. Each player manages a personal technology deck, which they use to generate resources, deploy their five unique unit types, and execute powerful actions on the board. A central, dynamic card market, which evolves over the three ages of the game, presents a constantly shifting array of technologies to acquire and add to your deck. A standout feature is the game's deterministic, diceless combat system. Instead of relying on chance, battles are resolved purely through strategic positioning, fleet composition, and tactical card play, rewarding foresight and careful planning. The game concludes without player elimination when the card market is exhausted or a player places their final colony, ensuring all participants remain engaged until the final scoring.
What makes Solarion: Foundation of Empires so compelling is its synthesis of proven mechanics into a fresh and challenging experience. It draws inspiration from the deck-building area-control of games like *Tyrants of the Underdark* and the grand-scale space exploration of *Eclipse*, creating a unique strategic puzzle. The complete absence of luck in combat is a major draw for players who crave a pure test of skill. Combined with the high replayability offered by the modular board, asymmetric faction abilities, and a vast technology deck, the game promises a different strategic landscape with every session. Its dedicated solo mode and streamlined setup options further broaden its appeal, making it an anticipated title for any fan of medium-to-heavy strategy games seeking a rich, thematic, and rewarding 4X experience.
1-4 140m⚖️ 3.9
The Lord of the Rings: The King's Gambit is a monumental board game announcement from Restoration Games, designed to bring the cinematic intensity of Middle-earth to the tabletop. As a spiritual successor to the highly acclaimed Star Wars: The Queen's Gambit, this title reimagines one of the most beloved 'grail games' in history. The game focuses on the climactic final battles of The Return of the King, where the forces of light and shadow engage in a desperate struggle for the future of the world. Players are tasked with managing multiple fronts of war, mirroring the simultaneous conflicts seen in the books and films. The primary goal is to recreate the high-stakes atmosphere of the trilogy’s conclusion, providing fans with a grand, immersive experience that feels both epic in scale and intimate in its strategic depth.
The gameplay is characterized by a multi-tiered board and a large collection of detailed miniatures that represent the iconic heroes and vast legions of the Third Age. Relying on card-driven mechanics, players must navigate 'thrilling decisions' as they decide where to allocate their focus and resources. The game simulates the chaos of massive warfare while maintaining a structured tactical environment. One of the standout features is the way it handles disparate locations—from the siege of the White City to the secret path of the Ringbearer—ensuring that every action on one part of the board can have cascading effects elsewhere. This 'King's Gambit' requires a balance of aggressive military maneuvering and clever management of unique character abilities, capturing the essence of the 'gambit' that defined the strategy of the West.
What truly sets this game apart is its legacy and the passion behind its restoration. By taking the proven foundation of a classic design and infusing it with the rich lore of The Lord of the Rings, the developers have created a product that appeals to both veteran collectors and new enthusiasts. The unique appeal lies in its ability to deliver a 'wargame' feel without the overwhelming complexity of traditional hex-and-counter simulations. It is a visual spectacle that prioritizes narrative flow and dramatic tension, ensuring that every session feels like a unique retelling of the War of the Ring. For those who have long sought the original Queen's Gambit or simply want the definitive Tolkien battle experience, this game promises a masterclass in modern thematic board gaming.
m⚖️ N/A
BoxNo Cover Art
In Twisted Trickster, 2-4 players take on the role of cunning tricksters, vying to outwit and outmaneuver one another in a world of clever illusions and misdirection. The game is set in a mystical realm where magic and deception reign supreme, and players must use their wits and cunning to manipulate the environment and each other's perceptions.
As players navigate the twisting paths and hidden chambers of this enigmatic world, they'll encounter a variety of challenges and obstacles that will test their skills and strategic thinking. From conjuring illusions to stealing resources from one another, every move must be calculated and precise in order to emerge victorious.
But beware – for in Twisted Trickster, nothing is as it seems! Players must remain vigilant and adaptable, using their wit and cunning to outmaneuver their opponents and claim the title of greatest trickster. Will you be the one to master the art of deception and emerge triumphant?
In this game of clever illusions and misdirection, players will employ a range of mechanics to outwit and outmaneuver each other. By mastering the art of conjuring illusions, manipulating resources, and stealing from their opponents, players will need to think strategically and make calculated moves in order to emerge victorious.
With its unique blend of magic and deception, Twisted Trickster offers a thrilling experience that's equal parts challenging and entertaining. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or just looking for a new adventure, this game is sure to delight and entertain.
So gather your friends, don your thinking caps, and get ready to unleash your inner trickster! In Twisted Trickster, the art of deception is the name of the game, and only the most cunning and clever players will emerge victorious.
m⚖️ N/A

RISK G.I. JOE: Special Missions is a high-stakes, thematic reimagining of the classic game of global domination, pivoting the focus from total territorial conquest to precise, mission-driven objectives. In this version, players are thrust into the iconic conflict between the heroic G.I. Joe team and the villainous Cobra organization. Unlike the sprawling, indefinite nature of traditional RISK, this game is structured over three intense rounds, where victory is determined by the accumulation of Objective Points (OP). With 252 detailed miniatures representing the various forces, the game brings the beloved franchise to life on the tabletop, offering a narrative-heavy experience where every move counts toward a larger strategic goal.
The gameplay mechanics introduce a significant twist to the familiar RISK formula. While area control and dice-driven combat remain core elements, players must now prioritize 'Special Missions' and 'Plots' that appear throughout the game. Each faction, whether G.I. Joe or Cobra, has unique tactical objectives that require more than just sheer numbers; they require careful positioning and resource management. Instead of merely trying to wipe an opponent off the map, you might find yourself racing to secure a specific research facility, rescuing a captured operative, or disrupting a global terror plot. This shift creates a much more dynamic board state where players must decide between defending their current holdings or launching a risky strike to secure high-value mission points before the round ends.
Fans of the G.I. Joe universe and tactical board games alike will find plenty to love in this box. The unique appeal lies in the modernization of the RISK engine, making it feel faster, more focused, and significantly more thematic. The three-round limit ensures that the game doesn't overstay its welcome, providing a clear climax and a satisfying sense of progression. It captures the energy of the franchise perfectly, allowing for cinematic moments where a single heroic push can flip the tide of battle. By blending nostalgic flair with a refined objective-based scoring system, RISK G.I. JOE: Special Missions offers a sophisticated mid-weight strategy experience that rewards both tactical flexibility and aggressive maneuvers.
2-4 90m⚖️ 2.6