84

Command a mercenary army in a steampunk-influenced renaissance universe, taking part in a game of shifting allegiances where six once-great houses turn to you to break their stalemate in exchange for fame and fortune.

Where to buy

Buying through these links supports BGV at no extra cost to you.

84

The Verdict

based on 13 reviews

Positive 0%
Mixed 0%
Shifting alliances create tension and strong player interaction
Clever tactics cards and tight resource decisions
Great miniatures and components
Accessible, easy to teach, and highly replayable for fans
Overproduced and pricey components
Dull board and intrusive lore
Padded, overlong rulebook
Works best with more players; faction powers feel unbalanced
100
StatedThis reviewer gave their own score. We only converted it to our 0–100 scale.
BoardGameBollocks, BoardGameBollocksVideo

“This is without doubt a 5-star game that kind of flew under the radar way back when it was released in 2014 and is still is underappreciated today”(12:04)

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Shut Up & Sit Down, Shut Up & Sit DownVideo

The reviewers express immense enthusiasm for Dogs of War, celebrating its return as a long-time favorite and highlighting how its blend of tactical conflict, deception, and betrayal makes it an absolute classic worth bringing back into print.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Liege of Games, Liege of GamesArticleTop List – #15

“When people say what's an underratedunderappreciated gem of a euro game this is one that you will inevitably see popup on a lot of lists”

See list
90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
BoardGameCo, BoardGameCoArticleTop List – #12

“Dogs of War is one of the most underrated Seamon games out there”

See list
85
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Drive Thru Games, Drive Thru GamesVideo

“It's going into my collections, that's how much I like it. I would probably put it in my top 100 of all time at this point.”(13:58)

85
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Legends of Nerdvana, Legends of NerdvanaVideo

“I think there's definitely a lot of fun. I think if people love that whole combiveness, a little bit of betrayal kind of thing going on, some manipulation, this is definitely up people's alley.”(20:25)

85
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Big Red Barrel, Michael BarclayArticle

“All I know is, right now, I really like Dogs of War. I can moan about the intrusive lore or about the dull board but I know I will play this game again and I know I will play it frequently.”

80
StatedThis reviewer gave their own score. We only converted it to our 0–100 scale.
The Boardgame Mechanics, The Boardgame MechanicsVideo

“There's no com- I have no complaints about this game. It's, it's fantastic every single time I play it.”(20:32)

80
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
The Dice Tower, The Dice TowerVideo

“There's a lot of good stuff in this game and I enjoyed it. I think it's very good. Again, my caveat is I think you should play with four players over three if possible, but don't be scared.”(8:28)

75
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
The Opinionated Gamers, View all posts by Dale Yu →Article

“Hey ho, but the game is still an enjoyable dollop of fun, with plenty of choices and surprisingly good.”

75
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Space-Biff!, Dan ThurotArticle

“Dogs of War is a pleasant surprise, unaccountably smart thanks to its tight resource management, negotiation-based gameplay, and alliances that shift like… well, like those of a fair-weather mercenary captain.”

70
StatedThis reviewer gave their own score. We only converted it to our 0–100 scale.
I Slay the Dragon, Jason MeyersArticle

“For gamers not enamored with the style, this breed is probably just an over-priced hound. For fans of the category, steampunk, macabre fiction and general attention to detail, Dogs of War will prove a beautiful purebred to have in the gaming kennel.”

65
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Purge Reviews, Purge ReviewsVideo

“There's a very solid game here, and that's kind of what I would say about the solid game, depending on your scale strong six or strong seven, and it's solid but it's not something's going to make you have this epic moment or get into it.”(2:47)

Lists to explore

View all top lists

Stay in the loop

Fresh reviews, hyped games and top lists — straight to your inbox, once a week.

Board Game Verdict

© 2026 Board Game Verdict

AboutMethodologyEthicsFAQContact usPrivacy policy·····