Battle for Wesnoth

 PC
User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 66 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 56 out of 66
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 66
  3. Negative: 3 out of 66

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  1. loloynage
    Nov 29, 2011
    10
    Funny of how one of my favorite games is free, yet I have so many paid games. This game, visually, is simple, yet, those visuals make such a great mood and such a great background for the gameplay, I don't dare to say it's bad. Now, for the game, amazing. Everything about it is amazing. It is such a great game, from the campaign to the online matches, this game is fantastic. The onlyFunny of how one of my favorite games is free, yet I have so many paid games. This game, visually, is simple, yet, those visuals make such a great mood and such a great background for the gameplay, I don't dare to say it's bad. Now, for the game, amazing. Everything about it is amazing. It is such a great game, from the campaign to the online matches, this game is fantastic. The only complain I got is that the community in the games can be a little rough on newbies, but that's not the game's fault. If you always wanted a clash between chess and warhammer, here you have it.… Expand
  2. Type4101
    Sep 13, 2013
    10
    A free (totally free...not fake free to play with micro-transactions) turn based strategy game that has more depth than a huge number of full priced games. With a dozen or so campaigns, and at least a hundred battles, Battle for Wesnoth is clearly a labor of love for its creator, and it shows. Bug-and-typo free, this game even has more polish than many AAA titles. It has a fully fleshedA free (totally free...not fake free to play with micro-transactions) turn based strategy game that has more depth than a huge number of full priced games. With a dozen or so campaigns, and at least a hundred battles, Battle for Wesnoth is clearly a labor of love for its creator, and it shows. Bug-and-typo free, this game even has more polish than many AAA titles. It has a fully fleshed out world and history. Amazing. Did I mention it is free, a gift to anyone who wants it? A game with literally no downside.… Expand
  3. iseeall
    Dec 14, 2015
    9
    A freeware open-source TBS game which was, up until mobile platforms appeared, the best free TBS around. The graphics are rather average and were drawn by enthusiasts. The music is also not very good. On the plus side, the game is translated to dozens of languages, and there is a multiplayer mode with players still playing it. What I didn't like about it was the too high randomness of theA freeware open-source TBS game which was, up until mobile platforms appeared, the best free TBS around. The graphics are rather average and were drawn by enthusiasts. The music is also not very good. On the plus side, the game is translated to dozens of languages, and there is a multiplayer mode with players still playing it. What I didn't like about it was the too high randomness of the damage done by attacks of units. The authors' point about this is that the game is about managing risk, not just positioning units. It's a matter of taste, because higher randomness also adds more variety to the game.

    With time the game grew to enormous size, so now you will find tons of races, units and missions inside, all for free. Remeber, in 2000s "free" was really rare, and it was honest "free", not "free but then you need to buy coins or wait 24 hours until energy regenerates". I admire the dedication of the author who could manage a project of such size and complexity for years, and thank all the community and contributors for creating content for this game.    … Expand
  4. mbelizec
    Nov 3, 2014
    10
    Playing this game for years. When I do not have time for some complicated strategy game that will take a month to finish I start a game of Wesnoth...and this is most of the time. Easy to learn, hard to master game. Simple on the surface but with lost of content. I always have it installed on my PC.
  5. Esperantisto
    Dec 7, 2013
    9
    An excellent turn-based tactical strategy game, with a fantasy theme (Warriors, Fighters, Wizards, Orcs, Elves, etc.). Free and open source, for Windows, Linux and MacOS, or compile your own from the source code.

    This game may not be to everyone's taste, but since it's free, why not try it?
  6. greyskelton
    Dec 23, 2015
    10
    I got linux mint recently and this was the first game appearing in the Software Manager, so I figured, why not? -- Best decision ever!! At first it was tiring to try and memorize all these names and internalize the environment, the races and what the game is actually about. But after I played the tutorial - and got defeated, I played it again, won and moved on to the campaign, then theI got linux mint recently and this was the first game appearing in the Software Manager, so I figured, why not? -- Best decision ever!! At first it was tiring to try and memorize all these names and internalize the environment, the races and what the game is actually about. But after I played the tutorial - and got defeated, I played it again, won and moved on to the campaign, then the MP....Oh boy, bless the developer. This game is amazing. I'm used to playing Mitosis or agario in my free time but after this I don't think i'm playing any other game any time soon. It even beats Pixel Dungeon, and PD was MY ALL.… Expand
  7. Zatiranyk
    Jul 12, 2018
    10
    Something we definitely don't talk enought about this game is its MUSIC!! My god!!
    This orchestral music of fantastic-romantic type will give you so much energy!!
    Some songs are pretty soft whereas others are more rhythmic and they put you in the battle! Indeed, The Battle for Wesnoth shows you that there is still some original games (free + open source!) whose OST and graphics will    Something we definitely don't talk enought about this game is its MUSIC!! My god!!
    This orchestral music of fantastic-romantic type will give you so much energy!!
    Some songs are pretty soft whereas others are more rhythmic and they put you in the battle!
    Indeed, The Battle for Wesnoth shows you that there is still some original games (free + open source!)
    whose OST and graphics will immerse you in a fantastic world.
    If you like strategy and story games but you never played a turn-based one before, you should give it a try.
    The day-night system (the time scale is in turns, 2 turns for day, 2 for night, and 1 for the transition)
    creates the hole dynamic of this game, where the chaotic players are stronger during night and
    lawful ones beat chaotic during day, but they have to hide themselves when the sun goes down,
    like an attack-defence game.    … Expand
  8. Megatanis
    Oct 9, 2013
    10
    Battle for Wesnoth is one of those games you'll thank your gods for having discovered.
    Yet another proof that an excellent game doesn't necessarily need to cost 50million$.
    Fun, testing, graphically pleasing (although you won't care much about graphics), tons of mods, huge replayability and, icing on the cake, very entertaining multiplayer.
    Oh...and it's free
    Get it, you won't regret it.
  9. Devious_Machine
    Oct 16, 2010
    8
    [General Review - Battle for Wesnoth] Battle for Wesnoth is a game worth owning not only because it is free, but also because it is actually good. The game is 2D and will remind you of flash games. Although the graphics aren't very high budget the gameplay is very in depth. Battle for Wesnoth is a TBS (Turn Based Strategy) and a damn good one at that. Everything is fairly balanced just a[General Review - Battle for Wesnoth] Battle for Wesnoth is a game worth owning not only because it is free, but also because it is actually good. The game is 2D and will remind you of flash games. Although the graphics aren't very high budget the gameplay is very in depth. Battle for Wesnoth is a TBS (Turn Based Strategy) and a damn good one at that. Everything is fairly balanced just a few things still seem to need balancing, they are all minor and don't affect gameplay much. Art-wise the game is visually stunning (for its 2D graphics) although some of the characters and story pictures do seem a little below the rest. Another positive to this game is that its open source, meaning any one can create add-ons that can be easily downloaded by other people. This game is a must have for all of those gamers that are looking for a game to play in your down time, and don't forget it's free. [Gameplay Rundown] Battle for Wesnoth is a TBS (Turn Based Strategy). As being so each player takes a turn to recruit units, capture cottages, or attack enemy troops. When you begin a game you choose your starting faction, there are six playable factions that come with the game. You then choose your starting hero that will lead your army. When the game begins your hero will usually be on top of an outpost or castle. From this point you can recruit more units by right clicking or pressing ctrl + r. You can only recruit as many units as empty spaces in your outpost/castle. Your main income is gold, you start with a baseline income and starting gold. Units also incur an income cost that is equal to the unit's level. To gain more income you must capture cottages. To capture the you need only to step onto them. As you can tell this is both good and bad. It is good in the fact it is easy to get a good starting economy, but it is bad in the fact the enemy can send a fast scout unit around your back lines and steal your cottages. All units can level up after gaining enough experience, these units are very hard to get but are very powerful. Your hero is a level two unit, most units can only get to level three but a few can get to level four. Combat is different than most other TBS games. Your unit's evasion chance is based on the terrain like usual, but your damage is always different. While you play the game cycles through day and night. Some unit are lawful and gain bonus damage during the day, but get weaker at night. Chaotic units are the opposite of these units while neutral units ignore the day and night cycle. For this reason some factions will be pulling back and attacking at different times of day. All aspects of this game require lots of time spent thinking and planning your next move, which few TBS games today make you do. Take for example Fire Emblem, you can breeze through that game with minimal though between actions. In the end you will be trying to predict an enemy player's moves and fighting over cottages. [Art-Work Review] The artwork of the game is amazing for the 2D animation. Except for a few of the campaign characters and story pictures, the art looks masterfully done. There is one easter egg animation (Hint: When one unit attacks another) that is fairly easy to find. Most units only animate during their attacks, but even while standing there they have a few idle animations all of while are all artfully done. To end, the art is above average for a 2D game. [Sound Feedback] The sound of a game is important because it pulls you in and helps you feel what the characters in the game are feeling. Sound is even more important in low animation games like this, and it delivers. The soundtrack is great and complements the game nicely. The beats of the songs, the swings of the weapons, and magical attacks all are well done and memorable even after the game is over. To finish, this game has the sound needed for this type of game. [Add-on Review] Not only does this game have single and multi-player options, but it also allows for custom gameplay downloads and creation. If you know even a little bit of programming you can create fun and exciting campaigns and maps. The add-ons you can download bring new races, campaigns, and maps to the game all of which are fun and keep the game new and fresh. In closing, the add-ons help to keep the game fresh and interesting and the ability to create your own races and campaigns are also great ways to keep the game fun. [Final Statements] This game if or you if you liked TBS games and are looking for a game that won't lose its taste after a few play-throughs. Not to mention the price tag: FREE… Expand
  10. evansgreen
    Feb 1, 2012
    10
    ¡¡¡Do not read this review!!!...

    If you like TBS, go ahead, download the game, and play it to death. ¡¡IT'S FREE!! Now seriously it's a hell of a strategy game if you're really into the turn based thing. Been playing for quite a while this genre and this game is a jewel in the field. A little on the retro graphics side, but    ¡¡¡Do not read this review!!!...

    If you like TBS, go ahead, download the game, and play it to death.

    ¡¡IT'S FREE!! Now seriously it's a hell of a strategy game if you're really into the turn based thing. Been playing for quite a while this genre and this game is a jewel in the field. A little on the retro graphics side, but personally I like that...    … Expand
  11. ptemplin
    May 7, 2017
    4
    Played off an on over several years always end up uninstalling.
    Pro's-Well thought out stories, battles, Game play roughly balanced. Great variety of units and maps.
    CONS-And these are big. 1) forget about the supposed defense ratings. To you they mean crap. To the computer player they apply i.e. if it in terrain that gives you a 40% catch to hit it then you usually get around a 40%    Played off an on over several years always end up uninstalling.
    Pro's-Well thought out stories, battles, Game play roughly balanced. Great variety of units and maps.
    CONS-And these are big.
    1) forget about the supposed defense ratings. To you they mean crap. To the computer player they apply i.e. if it in terrain that gives you a 40% catch to hit it then you usually get around a 40% chance. Whereas if the computer has a 40% chance to hit you expect it to be closer to 60 or 70% chance instead.
    2) Random number generator for determining hits and attacks is anything but consistent. There will be stretches where you do very well (get beneficial rolls) and then stretches where you couldn't buy a hit (as in you need to get 2 hits with 4 attacks or else your critical unit is way exposed but you need this nasty gone, expect to regularly find yourself attacking with 4 units to finally get the second hit. Problem is you rarely have even a second unit to spare let alone the ability to get it into position to attack.)
    3) Many of your foes are things like Orc with 2 attacks. More often than not he will get at least one hit. Now your player with two attacks will almost never get two hits no matter what the chances (Unless you are in one of those stretch which favor you). And in fact you have about a 50/50 chance of getting no hits.
    4) Regularly, I have seen to many times with mages and others that have a 70% chance too hit. Expect to almost always miss the first attack. (In fact this is generally true across the board no matter the unit.) Expect as well your foe will about 50-60% of the time get a hit back on you the first time around no matter your defensive rating. So if one hit will knock each your unit and the computers out. Figure about 3/4 of the time you will lose yours.

    Now all the above could be worked around EXCEPT the game almost never gives you enough units, time, or gold to actually have a chance to keep your required units alive. this especially true when you have an ally to try to keep alive. The computer player you are allied with is about as dumb as a stump. You can supposedly give direction in some campaigns but that feature either has never really worked or the computer ignores it for the most part. They will get its units killed by attacking units regardless of the expected counter attack or any planning. It will use a high power unit to finish off an almost dead unit instead of attacking another healthy unit thereby leaving two weakened units who will likely not attack and instead leave you in better shape for the next cycle. The result, expect to play those scenarios multiple times trying to at least survive and not loose a bunch of important units. You always start with Level 1 units (or 0) when you recruit. The computer gets to recruit level 2 and 3 whenever it wants.

    One other good thing is the day night cycle occasionally comes in handy. But rarely can you really use it to your advantage. The 25% doesn't really do much in most game play. Another point here is you computer ally is also dumb as a stump in best using the day might cycle. launching attacks in unfavorable terrain at the worst possible times instead of being even a bit strategic about it.

    I gave it a fairly low ranking due to the continuous frustration that you will develop fighting the stupid random generator that is anything but random, and the obvious lack of factoring in the players actual defensive ground.
    This is a great game to get frustrated with. You have been warned.    … Expand
  12. Kai82
    Nov 24, 2020
    10
    An excellent free to play turn based strategy game. It follows the easy to learn and hard to master rule as there is much that can be used to your advantage (Will give examples later on). It existed as open source project since 2005 and I am deeply impressed by the progress since then. There are multiple available scenarios to play. I advice starting with the “Heir to the Throne” scenarioAn excellent free to play turn based strategy game. It follows the easy to learn and hard to master rule as there is much that can be used to your advantage (Will give examples later on). It existed as open source project since 2005 and I am deeply impressed by the progress since then. There are multiple available scenarios to play. I advice starting with the “Heir to the Throne” scenario as you get a good introduction to many fractions and learn a lot of the mechanics. Others I recommend are “Delfandor’s Memoirs”, “Son of Black-Eye and “The Rise of Wesnoth”. There are many more to try. Gameplaywise it is played on hexagon graduated maps. You are a commander of an army. There are different fractions. It ranges depending on the scenarios from humans, elves, dwarfs, orcs and others with sub factions. From your bases (and enemy bases) you can train unit (types) or rehire units from previous battles (If you had some). This of cause depends on available money that is also needed as there are wages per unit per turn. There are towns on the map that generate money each turn (and a portion of your money is transferred to the next battle). If you move a unit into a town it generates money for you until another enemy unit enters it (Also units in towns recover health and have higher evasion). There are also terrains like forests, mountains and deserts. These influence the movement range and evasion. As to be expected elves are best in forest, dwarfs are best in mountains and horseman are inferior in caves and mountains. Each unit can level up with enough experience. Then they become better, stronger or have new abilities. There are some branching paths for some unit types. Normally it is a difference between better stats vs a new abilities. There are many abilities that a unit type can learn (It is fixed for each unit type). For example: The unit has now ranged attacks, is invisible in forest, prevent enemies from moving around them or improves damage for adjacent lower level allies. Remark: Ranged and melee combat are separated but both are only possible to adjacent enemies (Just a separated mode of attack). To spice up things each unit gets two characteristics at character creation from an available pool. It can be a bit more health including a slight bonus for each level up, less experience needed to level up or an extra movement point. There are also unique characteristics like regeneration for Trolls or loyalty (unit cost no money to uphold). Also each units has vulnerability stats. Some are resistant to certain type of damage like piercing or vulnerable to fire (undead). As you can see there is a lot of depth and I have forgotten to mention the day night cycle. Some units have benefits at night others in daylight and some are not affected. The graphics are good for open source and improved a lot. There are some hand-drawn pictures for the characters and I think this is a hit and miss. The soundtrack is also pretty good. I think I can give you some good advice: There are already a few good advises displayed in the title screen. Stop near water to lure the enemies into it. It is a position with low evasion performance. Plan ahead so that the unit you want to level up delivers the killing blow. A unit that levels up is fully healed and this can be used well. You can always reload ad depending on version you can save in enemy turns (You can save when the turns of enemy fraction change. Exact timing needed). As you can see there is a lot to learn and master. There is of cause a multiplayer mode with good options. Also there are so many available languages that I am quiet impressed. Overall this is an excellent free to play game and a remarkable example for an open source game. I give bonus points for free to play model and say we need more games like this.… Expand
  13. BeepBoopMan
    Aug 28, 2018
    10
    This is how free should be done. an EXCELLENT game I only have words of praise for. Installing this and Homm 3 on any pc is a must if you like turn based strategies.
  14. Tilt1k
    Nov 11, 2019
    9
    Incredible game for free, with some intuitive mechanics, its quite simple at first look, but it can get really depth strategy where you spend a lot of days :D
  15. RTCWFAN
    Aug 31, 2023
    6
    This round based free to play RPG has great ideas and a nice design. Sadly it becomes boring after about 10 hours. But really worth a try. Overall rating: 6.3.
  16. AncientLich
    Jul 7, 2021
    10
    Отличная стратегия, играю уже двенадцать лет
  17. IdleSpace
    Oct 30, 2022
    7
    Приятная тактическая стратегия, которой не хватает этой самой тактичности.
    Расслабиться вечером/поиграть с другом вполне сойдет.