Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Play

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Screenwise Verdict

Pax Pamir is a masterclass in thematic design and strategic depth. Cole Wehrle took a well-worn historical period and flipped it entirely, centering Afghan agency in a narrative usually told from European perspectives. That alone makes it enriching.

The gameplay backs up the theme beautifully—shifting alliances, opportunistic betrayals, and reading the table are essential skills. Yes, it's complex (3.85/5 weight), and yes, the rulebook has some quirks that frustrate new players. But once it clicks, you're rewarded with emergent storytelling and genuine strategic decisions every turn.

The social dynamics cut both ways. This is a game about backstabbing and manipulation, which means it can create tension. If your family or game group takes moves personally, this might not be the right fit. But if you can separate player from character, it's a brilliant teaching tool for negotiation and adaptability.

Bottom line: This is one of the best strategy games of the past decade, with gorgeous production and meaningful historical education. Just make sure your players are ready for the complexity and the social dynamics.

Age Fit

Best for ages 14+ who have experience with medium-weight strategy games or patient 13-year-olds willing to learn complex systems. The 13+ BGG rating is spot-on—younger teens can handle the theme and mechanics, but the 3.85 complexity means this isn't a gateway game. Adults will find plenty of depth here.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

78

Models strategic thinking, negotiation, and historical perspective-taking. The theme of Afghan leaders navigating colonial powers invites nuanced discussion about power, sovereignty, and historical agency. Game mechanics reward cooperation and betrayal in balanced measure—players must read the table and shift alliances, which can create tension but also teaches social adaptability. No inappropriate content, though the colonial-era theme requires some historical context.

Imaginative

92

Exceptionally original design that flips the 'Great Game' narrative to center Afghan agency rather than European imperialism. The shifting loyalty system and area control mechanics create emergent storytelling—every game plays out differently based on player coalitions and betrayals. Cole Wehrle's design is widely praised for innovation (Golden Geek nominee for Most Innovative). The gorgeous production and historical flavor text invite players into 19th-century Central Asian politics in a way few games attempt.

Safe

88

Board games are inherently safe, and Pax Pamir has no concerning content. The theme involves political maneuvering and espionage but is entirely abstract—no graphic violence or mature imagery. The main 'safety' consideration is social: this is a game about shifting alliances and opportunistic betrayal, which can create hurt feelings if players take moves personally. However, that's part of the design and teaches reading social dynamics. The complexity (3.85/5 weight) means frustration is possible during learning, but reviews note the core gameplay is approachable once you grasp it.

Enriching

89

Deeply educational about a historical period rarely covered in Western media, presented from an Afghan perspective. Players learn about the Durrani Empire's collapse, the role of foreign powers, and the agency of local leaders. The economic and political mechanisms teach resource management, negotiation, and strategic planning. BGG categorizes it as 'Educational' and 'Political.' The game rewards reading opponents, adapting strategy, and understanding when to cooperate versus compete—skills that transfer beyond the table. Multiple award nominations (Golden Geek Board Game of the Year, Strategy Game) confirm its depth.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Flips colonial history on its head—you're the Afghans using European powers as pawns, not the other way around
Teaches negotiation, strategic thinking, and reading social dynamics through shifting alliances and opportunistic betrayal
Stunning production values and award-winning design (8.1 BGG rating, 17K ratings) that's genuinely innovative
Every game tells a different story based on player coalitions—high replayability and emergent narratives
Educational about 19th-century Central Asian history in a way that centers local agency and complexity

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What to Watch For

This is a heavy game (3.85/5 complexity)—expect a learning curve and some rules frustration initially
The betrayal mechanics are core to gameplay; works best with players who won't take backstabbing personally
Playing time can stretch to 2 hours with new players or at higher player counts
Theme involves colonial-era politics, espionage, and bribery—good opportunity to discuss historical context

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think the game shows the 'Great Game' from the Afghan perspective instead of the British or Russian one?"
"When you switched alliances mid-game, what made you decide that was the right move? How did other players react?"
"What do you think it was like for Afghan leaders trying to maintain independence while foreign empires competed around them?"
"How does the game make you think differently about who has power in historical conflicts?"
"Did you feel bad about betraying your alliance, or was it just part of the strategy?"

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Pax Pamir: Second Edition