Polis Board Game: Pre-Orders Open for Sparta vs. Athens Conflict Strategy

In 2026, Russian-speaking players will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the era of the Peloponnesian War through the tabletop euro-wargame "Polis." This game allows them to take on the roles of Sparta or Athens, competing for territorial control and managing resource distribution across various regions.

Publisher GaGa Games has announced that pre-orders are now open for "Polis," an asymmetrical two-player eurogame. This highly-regarded title has earned a spot in the Top 100 wargames and holds an impressive rating of 8.1 on BoardGameGeek. Players who pre-order can secure their copy for 4990 rubles, a discount from the retail price of 5990 rubles.

Players will find themselves at the heart of the Peloponnesian War, raging between Sparta and Athens, aiming to lead their chosen faction to victory in this complex and engaging conflict.

Players will actively engage in struggles for territorial control, gather valuable resources from the populace, protect their diplomats and trade routes, while also persuading other city-states (poleis) to join their cause and undertaking cultural projects.

The economic aspect of the game presents players with challenging resource management. It reflects the harsh realities of wartime crisis: careful allocation of goods between regions, the crucial role of the population in supplying the army, and the immense importance of a leader's prestige.

"Polis" is rich with historical details that deepen the game's theme, not only through atmosphere and visuals but also through its core mechanics. For instance, the Athenians, following Pericles' strategy, utilized political influence, bribery, trade, and naval superiority to wage a defensive war of attrition.

The Spartans, conversely, conducted an aggressive and provocative campaign, relentlessly pursuing Athenians and ruthlessly ravaging their allied territories. As a pre-order bonus, all participants will receive a printed booklet containing three game scenarios. Each scenario reconstructs a specific conflict from the 5th century BCE, complete with historical background and unique starting conditions.

The Russian edition of the board game will be manufactured at the same facility as the international print run. "Polis" is expected to arrive at the warehouse in September 2026.