Horus Heresy

Loyalists against traitors in the Warhammer 40,000 civil war, with orders, initiative and card-driven combat.

Designers: Jeff Tidball, John Goodenough
Published by: Fantasy Flight Games
Editions by: Edge Entertainment, Heidelberger Spieleverlag, Stratelibri

The Warhammer 40,000 backstory at its most operatic: Horus turns on the Emperor, and two players fight it out for Terra. One of you leads the loyalists, the other the traitors, each with Space Marine legions, Titans, Imperial Army regiments and a few characters you will know if you know the setting, including the Emperor and Horus himself. The battle runs from the golden Inner Palace down on the planet to the frozen orbit above, where the Vengeful Spirit hangs. Before each turn you commit orders and fight over initiative, so you are always guessing what your opponent wants most. Combat is card-driven: damage escalates, you choose how much to spend on attack versus defense, and every unit has its own special power. A 2010 wargame, long and heavy, built for fans of the lore.

Loyalists versus traitors for TerraOrders and initiative you must commit toCard combat with escalating damage

Who it's for

You and one opponent love the Warhammer 40,000 setting and want a long, tactical duel with big named characters on both sides.

Not for you if…

You want a quick evening game, you play with more than one opponent, or you have no patience for a dense rulebook and a two-hour-plus battle.

Vibe's take

Tense and calculating. You plan orders ahead, watch the initiative battle, and then watch the card fights swing as damage piles up and both sides decide how much to risk on attack.