The Elder Scrolls is one of my favorite video game series of all time. I enjoy all entries in this franchise, including the spinoffs and The Elder Scrolls Online. While many of The Elder Scrolls games have been successful, Skyrim is the one that practically everyone knows. The fifth entry in the series, it has sold over 30 million copies across various systems since its release in 2011. This summer I completed the main quest in this game, along with numerous side quests, on the Nintendo Switch. I also sunk more than 150 hours into The Elder Scrolls Online on my PC – which is an excellent game that I highly recommend. When I read that Skyrim’s open world was coming to a tabletop game created by Modiphius, entitled The Elder Scrolls: Call to Arms, I was intrigued.
In addition to controlling troops, players need to manage the stamina and Magicka resources their models bring to the table, all while watching out for hostile AI-driven enemies and narrative events that can change the flow of battle. Players can play against each other, team up, or play solo to take on all manner of creatures and adversaries driven by Modiphius’ advanced AI system. After reading the game’s quests book, I can safely say that I’m impressed by the number and diversity of the scenarios available. Considering The Elder Scrolls games are predominantly solo endeavors, I appreciate that Modiphius made sure to include one-player adventures in this game.
The Elder Scrolls: Call to Arms features scenarios ranging from dungeon delves, where you seek out lost treasure, to running battles across the ruined outposts that dot the landscape of Tamriel, all while fulfilling quests and narrative-driven scenario objectives that see your band of heroes grow from game to game. Newcomers to tabletop wargames have nothing to fear. The quickstart guide and in-depth rulebook Modiphius created (both physically and digitally) do a great job of providing logical, easy-to-understand instructions for how to dive right in and enjoy this game to its fullest.
In the first wave, players raise their banners in the fight for the future of Skyrim as they lead the forces of the Stormcloaks or Imperial Legion in the battles of the civil war. Forces typically comprise 1-6 heroes and 3-15 troops. The first wave of releases includes a Core Rules Box with accompanying sets of hard plastic or resin miniatures for both the Stormcloaks and the Imperial Army. There is also be a Bleak Falls Barrow Delve set including the fearsome Draugr and the Dragonborn. Players can expect more races and characters from across the Elder Scrolls stories and plenty of reinforcements for their favourite factions. A host of accessories like scenery, metal tokens, deluxe dice bags, settlement journals and more expand your options. Planned releases will expand on The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim®, as well as adding releases from The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion®, The Elder Scrolls Online®, and more. Being that Oblivion was my first Elder Scrolls game and that I adore The Elder Scrolls Online, I’m very excited to see these future releases.
So, what do I think of The Elder Scrolls: Call to Arms? It’s excellent! This exciting and fun adventure tabletop wargame is set in the world of Tamriel, a world I love to explore in video games. Having the opportunity to do so in a new medium is wonderful. Whether you’ve played a tabletop wargame before or not, The Elder Scrolls: Call to Arms is worth picking up. At a time when many of us are looking for something fun to do at home, The Elder Scrolls: Call to Arms is the answer. For all of the details regarding options and pricing, check out Modiphius’ site here.
