Omar Bennett
Diplomacy is a strategy board game invented by a Harvard University undergraduate named Allan B. Calhamer in the 1950s. The game is set on a simplified map of Europe in 1901, at the height of the rivalry among the great imperial powers. It involves resource trading, army building, and attacking. There are no dice, and there are only two types of game pieces: armies and fleets. The gameplay is built around social interactions between seven committed players, each pursuing their own interests through a series of military pacts. If you're looking for games similar to Diplomacy, there are several modern board games and video games that incorporate similar elements of diplomacy, alliances, and strategy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Constantly shifting alliances | Game of Thrones, Dune, Rex, Twilight Imperium |
| Players select actions in secret, then reveal and execute them | Revolution, RoboRalley |
| War game | Paths of Glory |
| Map changes | Gunboat Diplomacy |
| Rule changes | Diplomacy variants |
| Inspired by Diplomacy | Game of Thrones (Second Edition) |
| Less emphasis on alliances | Forbidden Stars |
| Inspired by Diplomacy | Warrior Knights, Borderlands / Gearworld, Intrigue |
| Inspired by Diplomacy | Cosmic Encounter, Catan, Chinatown, Bohnanza, One Night Werewolf, Bang! The Dice Game, Coup |
| Grand strategy game | Crusader Kings 2, Victoria 2 |
| Nation/empire-building | Europa Universalis IV |
| Multiplayer diplomacy | Space Empires |
| Politics | EVE |
| Civilization-like diplomacy | Sins of a Solar Empire |
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What You'll Learn
Games with shifting alliances
If you're looking for games with shifting alliances, there are several options to consider. Here are some recommendations:
Game of Thrones
This game takes a lot of inspiration from Diplomacy and is known for its shifting alliances and strategic gameplay. It is a modern game that captures the epic emotional investment and the sting of betrayal that Diplomacy is known for.
Dune and Rex
Dune and Rex are often mentioned together as they share similar mechanics. They offer clear rules regarding alliances and strategic gameplay. However, some players argue that due to the enforced alliance rules, they may not fit the description of being inspired by Diplomacy as closely as other games.
Borderlands/Gearworld
Borderlands (or Gearworld for 3-4 players) was designed with Diplomacy in mind. It features resource trading, army building, and attacking. The attacking mechanics are mostly deterministic, similar to Diplomacy.
Crusader Kings 2 (CK2)
CK2 is often regarded as one of the best personal diplomacy games. It focuses on geopolitics and offers a nuanced economic and diplomatic system. The game allows you to befriend the next in line of succession of a foreign state and then work to assassinate the current leader, turning an enemy into an ally through diplomacy and subterfuge.
Europa Universalis IV (EUIV)
While CK2 focuses on dynastic families, EUIV is more centered on nation/empire-building and maintaining the state. Both games heavily feature diplomacy, but the exact implementation differs. EUIV may be more accessible to those familiar with the Civ game series.
EVE Online
EVE Online is an MMO that is renowned for its diplomacy and politics. It offers a multiplayer experience where you can engage in diplomatic interactions with other players.
These games all offer elements of shifting alliances and strategic gameplay, similar to Diplomacy. Each game has its own unique mechanics and themes, so be sure to explore the options to find the one that best suits your preferences.
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Secret action selection
SAS is also used in many real-world applications such as first-price sealed-bid auctions. The fact that no bidder knows what others are planning to bid may provide an incentive to bid high if there is a strong desire to win the auction, which can result in much higher winning bids than if better information were available. The prisoner's dilemma is another classic example of SAS.
SAS can introduce a layer of psychological warfare, as players must consider the possible actions of others. It can mitigate the "alpha gamer" effect, where one player dominates the decision-making in cooperative games. Games that feature SAS include Raptor, 7 Wonders, Race for the Galaxy, BattleCON: War of Indines (2nd Ed.), and Revolution.
In Raptor, if you play the lowest value card, you get to do the thing on the card. If you play the highest value card, you get movement/attack points equal to the difference in the card values. BattleCON is a fast-paced head-to-head card game for 2-4 players, based loosely around the mechanics and tactics present in 2D fighting games. In BattleCON, two or four players choose characters with unique abilities and powers. 7 Wonders features drafting cards simultaneously, shaping players' ancient civilizations. Race for the Galaxy has players select roles each round, with all revealing and acting simultaneously.
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War games
If you're looking for war games that are similar to Diplomacy, there are several options to consider. Here are some recommendations:
Computer Games
Crusader Kings II is a grand strategy game that allows you to play diplomatically, militarily, or with mercantilism. It spans from 1399 to the late 1700s and offers a vast world map with various ways to play. Victoria 2, from the same company as Crusader Kings 2, is another grand strategy game set in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It features a nuanced economic and diplomatic system.
The Total War series is known for its erratic and unreliable diplomacy mechanics, often leading to players fighting everyone. However, it still offers a unique take on diplomacy and war strategies. Medieval 2, a game in the Total War series, features a marriage system that allows you to turn enemy commanders and even inherit other factions through strategic marriages.
Civilization games, such as Civilization VI, also incorporate diplomacy and war elements. They allow you to build and expand your civilization while interacting with other players through diplomacy or conflict.
Board Games
Forbidden Stars is a board game that emphasizes area control and secret pre-planned orders, similar to Diplomacy. It has less focus on alliances and supporting others, but it captures the strategic aspects of the game.
Game of Thrones, the board game, plays similarly to Diplomacy, and Warrior Knights is said to be like Game of Thrones but better.
Other board games that incorporate diplomacy and war elements include Cosmic Encounter, Catan, and Dune/Rex. These games offer opportunities for alliances, resource management, and strategic planning.
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Grand strategy games
Space Empires
Space Empires, dating back to 1993, was one of the first grand strategy games set in space. It featured a range of diplomacy mechanics, research, trade, and warfare. With five titles spanning the 90s and early 2000s, Space Empires quickly gathered a loyal fanbase. While the series is unlikely to return, its legacy paved the way for modern space strategy games like Stellaris. Space Empires IV and V allowed players to specify many levels of interaction, from war to trade partners to allies, adding depth and complexity to the gameplay.
Knights of Honor
Knights of Honor and its 2022 sequel, Knights of Honor 2: Sovereign, are underrated grand strategy games set in medieval Europe. Players take on the role of a king and must rule their kingdom in all aspects, including war, economics, and diplomacy. The sequel features more refined mechanics, especially in the realm of diplomacy, offering a nuanced experience.
Hearts of Iron Series
The Hearts of Iron series by Paradox Interactive offers a grand strategy take on World War 2. Spanning a global map, players control nations ranging from great powers like Great Britain to smaller nations like Finland. Diplomacy is central to survival in these campaigns, and the complex mechanics facilitate a compelling experience. With four entries in the series from 2002 to 2016, each instalment has built upon the last, and Hearts of Iron 4 still boasts an impressive player base.
Crusader Kings
The Crusader Kings franchise, particularly the second and third instalments, offers grand strategy gameplay with a focus on diplomacy. Players can employ truces, alliances, arranged marriages, and other forms of social interaction to grow their kingdom. Territories can even be won without battles for those who strategize wisely. While the third game may sacrifice some depth in diplomatic relations, it allows players more freedom in shaping the religious and cultural aspects of their empire.
Europa Universalis IV
Europa Universalis IV, often abbreviated as EU4, is praised for its intricate diplomacy system. Unlike Crusader Kings, which focuses on dynastic families, EU4 centres on nation/empire-building and maintenance. It provides players with more vague indicators of diplomatic relations, such as "we like you" or "we don't like you enough," rather than specific numerical values.
Total War Series
The Total War series by Creative Assembly is renowned for its historical authenticity, grand campaigns, and exceptional RTS combat management. While the series primarily focuses on military conquest, the 3K instalment introduces deeper diplomacy, with certain factions having special diplomacy mechanics that elevate their importance in the game. Rome games also offer more developed internal diplomacy, although outward diplomacy remains basic.
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Board games
If you're a fan of the board game Diplomacy, there are several other games that incorporate similar elements of strategy, negotiation, and alliance-building. Here are some suggestions for board games that might appeal to fans of Diplomacy:
Game of Thrones
The Game of Thrones board game is often cited as a similar alternative to Diplomacy. It involves moving pieces around a map and taking territory, as well as forming alliances and negotiating with other players. The game is set in the fictional world of Westeros and typically takes 2-5 hours to play, depending on the number of players and their experience.
Cosmic Encounter
This game involves players taking on the roles of alien species attempting to establish dominance over the galaxy. It emphasizes negotiation, deal-making, and betrayal, similar to Diplomacy. However, it differs from Diplomacy in that plans can quickly become obsolete as the game state changes rapidly.
Borderlands / Gearworld
These games were designed as a simplified version of Diplomacy for 3-5 players (or 3-4 players for Gearworld). They feature resource trading, army building, and attacking. The attacking mechanics are mostly deterministic, similar to Diplomacy.
Junta
In Junta, players take on the roles of leaders in a Banana Republic. Each turn, the elected "El Presidente" distributes offices and budgets, creating opportunities for negotiation, alliance-building, and backstabbing.
Risk: Legacy
Risk: Legacy is a variant of the classic strategy board game Risk. It involves players vying for control over a map, with a focus on military strategy and tactics. Like Diplomacy, it can involve elements of negotiation and alliance-building between players.
These games capture various aspects of Diplomacy, such as negotiation, alliance-building, and strategic gameplay, while offering their own unique twists and mechanics.
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Frequently asked questions
Some games that are similar to Diplomacy include Game of Thrones, Dune, Rex, and Twilight Imperium.
In that case, you might want to try Revolution or RoboRally.
Yes, Crusader Kings 2 and Victoria 2 are both grand strategy games with nuanced economic and diplomatic systems. Sins of a Solar Empire and Star Ruler 2 are also good options.
Board games with good diplomacy mechanics include Game of Thrones, Borderlands / Gearworld, Cosmic Encounter, Catan, Chinatown, and Bohnanza.
EVE Online and Tibia are both MMO games that feature diplomacy as a core mechanic.
