81

Set during the 12th-century English civil war, The Anarchy places players in the role of English nobles loyal to King Stephen as they build their domains, manage resources, and defend their castles against Empress Matilda's rebellion. It is a heavy, strategic flip-and-write (or verb-and-write) game featuring medieval warfare and tactical depth.

81

The Verdict

based on 21 reviews

Positive 0%
Mixed 0%
Satisfying combo-chaining and engine building
Engaging castle defense with tactile 3D building
Excellent solo play with campaign and siege modes
Seen as a richer successor to Hadrian's Wall
Random card flips and minigames frustrate some
Long, heavy, and demanding to learn
Weak multiplayer with little interaction
Very close to Hadrian's Wall; feels samey
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.
The Brothers Murph, The Brothers MurphArticleTop List – #8

“The Anarchy is an absolute banger. If you liked Hrien's Wall, you got to try the Anarchy. It's it's better. In every way.”

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.
Gaming Rules!, Gaming Rules!Video

“I think this game is fantastic. I absolutely love it and I will be honest with you, it is at the upper limit of what I can cope with as a solo game.”(2:29:53)

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.
Game Boy Geek, Game Boy GeekVideo

“So yeah, the anarchy is not your grandma's role and right. It's Yatsi's great great grandchild that went off to grad school and came back fluent in economics, theology, and warfare.”(4:35)

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.
Tabletop Turtle, Tabletop TurtleArticleTop List

The reviewer highlights The Anarchy as a stellar solo board gaming experience, praising its deep mechanics, engaging resource management, and compelling strategic depth on a comprehensive curated ranking list.

See list
90
StatedThis reviewer gave their own score. We only converted it to our 0–100 scale.
Legends of Nerdvana, Legends of NerdvanaVideo

“If you love Hadron's Wall, this is a must buy in my opinion. Absolutely. Um, if you never played Hron's Wall, I would seriously suggest giving this a shot as well as Hron's Wall cuz it's such a good game. But I agree, it's it's a nine and for many different reasons. I really enjoyed this game.”(32:15)

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.
No Fluff Solo Gaming with John LaRuffa, No Fluff Solo Gaming with John LaRuffaVideo

“Overall, I think it's a fantastic game. It really is. It's a great solo experience. If you like more complex games, this isn't a flip and right that's easy. This is a medium to medium-heavy. This game is for you.”(27:28)

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.
Tabletop Tolson, Tabletop TolsonVideo

“For me, I think the Anarchy was just a real delight. It's a puzzle. It's a lovely, lovely game that adds a lot of pressure on building your castle, which has a nice 3D feel to it.”(17:00)

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.
Space-Biff!, Dan ThurotArticle

“As a board game, though, this is pure kino. Pure, uh, ludo. For a game that's all spreadsheets and icons, Bobby Hill has produced another wonder, a game that thrills at the prospect of striking an X through another box. More anarchy, please.”

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.
SideGame LLC, SideGame LLCArticleTop List – #1

“We love everything about this game. And the cherry on top, our favorite part, has to be the two distinct modes of play.”

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.
MarcoOmnigamer, MarcoOmnigamerVideo

“But it's an excellent game. It's complex. Yes. And the rule book does a good job of teaching you the basics.”(23:08)

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.
slickerdrips, slickerdripsVideo

The reviewer presents an engaging solo campaign playthrough of The Anarchy, showcasing its deep gameplay mechanics and strategic solo immersion with enthusiastic appreciation for the system.

82
StatedThis reviewer gave their own score. We only converted it to our 0–100 scale.
Board Game Breakdown, Kristofer SolomonArticle

“It's heavy and people need to know that going into it but if you're a fan of weighty solo games, especially ones that will throw you into a lot of differing scenarios, I definitely think you should take a look at The Anarchy.”

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·····