If you are a board game enthusiast and you love the universe of The Lord of the Rings , get ready to immerse yourself in the new strategic masterpiece: The Lord of the Rings - Duel for Middle-Earth . Created by Antoine Bauza and Bruno Cathala, two masters of game design, this game is a revisitation of the famous 7 Wonders Duel , but completely adapted to the epic world of Tolkien.

Let's find out together how the game works and why you should order it now on BoardHouse , where you can get a 10% discount on your first purchase!

Middle Earth on the Table

Like 7 Wonders Duel , Duel for Middle-Earth is divided into three Ages, each with a specific deck of cards that players will have to explore to build their strategy. However, there are some important innovations that make this game unique. The most obvious is the presence of the Middle-earth map, which creates a concrete battlefield where the forces of Good, represented by the Fellowship of the Ring, and those of Evil, led by Sauron, face each other for control of the most crucial regions.

Each player begins with two units: the forces of Good positioned in Arnor, and those of Evil in Mordor. The map then becomes the main theater of battle, with units advancing and battling each other throughout the game.

How to Play

The basic mechanics continue 7 Wonders Duel , with players choosing one card per turn from those available, deciding whether to discard it to gain coins or play it to gain strategic advantages. The cards are divided into various colors, each with a specific role:

• Grey : They provide resources, essential to pay for other cards.
• Yellow : Increases your treasure, useful for buying cards or filling resource gaps.
• Blue : Advances you along the Ring Track, which is crucial to one of the victory conditions.
• Green : represent Alliances with the races of Middle-earth (Elves, Dwarves, Humans, Ents, etc.) and function like the old science cards from 7 Wonders Duel .
• Red : Allows you to deploy units in regions of the map, leading to battles with the opponent.
• Purple : Only available in the third Age, they can penalize your opponent in various ways, such as removing his units or stealing resources.

Landmark cards, on the other hand, represent the great iconic places of Middle-earth and add further depth to the game. When you purchase them, you place a fortress on the map, in a specific region. These fortifications are indestructible and provide powerful effects similar to the wonders of 7 Wonders Duel .

The Victory Conditions

The game offers several ways to win, each perfectly integrated into the narrative of Middle-earth. You can triumph in one of the following ways:

1. Victory on the Path of the Ring : If the Nazgûl reach Frodo, Evil wins. If the Hobbits reach Mount Doom, Good triumphs.
2. Supremacy of the Races : If a player collects six symbols of different races (Elves, Humans, Dwarves, etc.), he wins immediately.
3. Region Control : Controlling all seven regions of the map with units or fortresses guarantees victory.

If none of these conditions are met by the end of the third Age, the player who controls the most regions wins.

What Makes Duel for Middle-Earth Special

Bauza and Cathala have been able to perfectly balance old and new, maintaining the winning dynamics of 7 Wonders Duel , but adding elements that enhance the Tolkienian setting. The Ring Track replaces the old military track, adding narrative and strategic tension to the game, while the Middle-earth map introduces a direct clash between the forces on the field.

Another interesting novelty is the asymmetry between the two factions. Sauron starts first and has an initial economic advantage, but the Fellowship of the Ring can count on superior strategic mobility, thanks to the Ring Track.

A Must Have for Lord of the Rings and Original Game Fans

If you loved 7 Wonders Duel , this game is a must-have. The new mechanics enrich the experience, keeping the game accessible but increasing the strategic depth. And if you are a fan of Tolkien's saga, Vincent Dutrait's illustrations and attention to detail will make you feel at the center of the battle for Middle-earth.

Order Now on BoardHouse and Save

If you are ready to immerse yourself in this new chapter of the epic fight between Good and Evil, do not miss the opportunity to purchase The Lord of the Rings - Duel for Middle-Earth at BoardHouse . With your first order , receive a 10% discount . Add this gem to your collection today and prepare to experience great adventures in the heart of Middle-earth!