Barbarian Kingdoms

Barbarian Kingdoms is a competitive and asymmetrical strategy game set during the dramatic collapse of the Western Roman Empire. Designed by Christophe Lebrun and published by Jester Games, this 2–6 player game immerses you in the volatile transition from Antiquity to the Middle Ages, as rival barbarian factions rise to claim dominance across Western Europe. Players command emergent kingdoms—each with unique traits and strategic paths—vying to be the first to control seven provinces or eliminate two rival kings. Actions include recruiting warriors, collecting taxes, launching assaults, and maneuvering forces to claim territory. With a blend of conquest, diplomacy, and bluffing, the game emphasizes tactical skill over luck, rewarding strategic foresight and bold moves. What sets Barbarian Kingdoms apart is its seamless integration of economic decision-making into the broader strategy. Players must balance their kingdom’s resources and military ambitions, managing expansion and combat