Overview
At a glance
Is this game right for my group?
ABG editorial scores on a 1–5 scale.
Easier to teach
High replayability
Highly interactive
Player-count sensitive
Deep strategy
More strategic control
How it plays
How does it play?
Recruit four asymmetric champions, maneuver across a compact hex arena, and capture the rival Leader in a brisk two-player duel with no wasted moves.
Core mechanisms
Key systems that shape the decisions players make.
Open Drafting
Select cards or items from a shared face-up display.
Variable Player Powers
Each player has different abilities, restrictions, or strategic advantages.
Grid Movement
Move pieces between adjacent spaces on a regular grid.
Hexagon Grid
Use a hexagonal map where each space connects evenly in six directions.
Variable Set-up
Starting conditions, resources, or layouts change between plays.
Read the full game description
Leaders is a fast abstract duel that gives a small hex board the tactical variety of a much larger skirmish game. Each player begins with a Leader and gradually recruits four champions from an open roster. Every champion moves or manipulates the arena differently, so drafting a coherent team matters as much as reading the position. On a turn, a character acts and the formation shifts; victory comes by placing two champions adjacent to the opposing Leader or leaving that Leader completely surrounded. The rules are lean, the information is visible, and the pressure arrives immediately because a single clever ability can open a route or close a trap. Variable setup and a broad character pool make rematches feel distinct, while Strategist Mode removes chance for players who want a pure test of planning. Leaders is quick enough for repeated games but deep enough that learning a rival’s team becomes part of the contest.
