Faction Wars Overview

Faction Wars: Cowboys, Ninjas, Pirates, Vikings is a fast-paced, quasi-deck-building card game for 2–5 players. The goal is to build the highest-scoring army by recruiting powerful members from four factions—Cowboys, Ninjas, Pirates, and Vikings—while avoiding penalties from Innocent Bystanders. Each player has a hidden goal card that provides bonus points if achieved, adding a layer of strategy to the game. Players start with a battle deck of conscripts and gradually recruit stronger cards to strengthen their army.

Gameplay revolves around selecting recruits from a shared line-up each round. Players secretly choose their desired card, revealing selections simultaneously. If multiple players target the same recruit, a battle is triggered, with the highest battle deck card determining the winner. Special cards like Buccaneers, Kunoichi, and Berserkers introduce dynamic interactions, such as stealing cards, discarding opponent recruits, or earning exponential points. This blend of strategy, conflict, and chance keeps the game engaging and unpredictable.

The game ends after the recruit deck is depleted a set number of times (twice for 2–3 players and thrice for 4–5 players). Players then total the points from their recruits, subtract penalties from Innocent Bystanders, and add bonuses for achieving their hidden goals and faction-specific bonuses. The player with the highest score wins, making Cowboys, Ninjas, Pirates, Vikings a lively and strategic card game that combines tactical decision-making with playful competition.

Special thanks to playtesters:Matt Tonak, Link Tonak, Patrick Dentinger, Jeff Maki, Craig Schanbacher, Mike Bondy, Drew Christofanelli, Elyse Christofanelli, Krystal Christofanelli, Natalie Griffioen, Paul Griffioen, Zach Heinz, Drew Kennedy, Gene Kennedy, Julian Kennedy, Owen Kennedy, Cameron Mercer, Hannah Mercer, Mia Mercer, Joelle Million, Dan Runkle, Ken Runkle and Sara Runkle, whose feedback and enthusiasm were invaluable in shaping the game.