Do I need to read the books to enjoy the game?

Absolutely not. While the 'flavor' of the game is much richer if you know the characters, the mechanics stand entirely on their own as a solid combo-building strategy game.

How long does it actually take to play?

Once everyone knows the rules, a game usually clocks in at 45 to 60 minutes. The first game will take longer (maybe 90 minutes) as you read the text on every single card.

Is there a lot of reading involved?

Yes. Every card has unique text explaining its power. If your child is a reluctant reader, this might feel a bit like work, though the icons help once they get the hang of it.

Can you play this with just two people?

Yes, it actually plays very well at two. It becomes much more of a head-to-head tactical duel than the more chaotic 4 or 5 player games.

Red Rising: The Board Game – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Red Rising: The Board Game

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Board Game2021

81%

WISE Score

Build a sci-fi rebellion one card combo at a time in this sleek, fast-paced dystopian strategy game.

Red Rising: The Board Game

Board Game

14+, 2021

81%

WISE Score

Build a sci-fi rebellion one card combo at a time in this sleek, fast-paced dystopian strategy game.

Jump to

Where to Play

Amazon

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Screenwise Verdict

Red Rising: The Board Game is essentially a high-gloss, sci-fi reimagining of the card game Fantasy Realms. It’s fast, it’s beautiful, and it’s a fantastic way to get a teenager off their phone and into a headspace where they have to actually plan three moves ahead.

It’s not a 'lifestyle' game that will take over your dining room table for weeks. It’s a punchy, tactical experience that rewards players who enjoy finding the perfect synergy between a handful of cards. If your kid is already a fan of the books, this is a no-brainer. If they aren't, it’s still a top-tier card game that stands on its own two feet.

Age Fit

Best for ages 12 and up. While the mechanics aren't overly complex (it's a 2.3/5 on the complexity scale), the strategic nuances and the dystopian subject matter land better with middle schoolers and teens.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

The game centers on a dystopian power struggle and caste system. While it's not 'cozy,' it rewards building a cohesive team of followers and strategic synergy rather than just mindless destruction.

Imaginative

The card interactions are incredibly clever, forcing players to imagine how different characters and 'colors' from the book's universe would work together to topple or uphold the Society.

Safe

It's a tabletop game with stylized sci-fi art. No chat rooms, no loot boxes, and no surprise gore. The themes are mature (rebellion, social hierarchy) but handled through card mechanics and flavor text.

Enriching

Excellent for developing logical reasoning, pattern recognition, and tactical flexibility. It also serves as a great gateway into the themes of the book series, sparking conversations about class and power.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Deep strategy packed into a relatively short 45-60 minute playtime.
Stunning production value that Stonemaier is known for, featuring custom metal tokens and gold-foiled cards.
Infinite replayability thanks to over 60 unique character cards with specialized abilities.
Thematic integration that actually makes you feel like you're navigating the complex politics of the Red Rising universe.

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What to Watch For

The end-game scoring is a bit of a math-fest; you'll likely need the included scoring pad or an app to tally the final points.
A few 'take that' cards allow players to steal or discard from opponents, which can be frustrating for kids who hate direct conflict.
The dystopian themes (slavery, caste systems) are inherent to the setting, though they stay in the background of the card mechanics.

Conversation Starters

"In the game, different 'colors' have different roles. How does that compare to how we organize things in the real world?"
"If you were Darrow, would you try to change the system from the inside or burn it all down?"
"Which card combo was the most satisfying to pull off, and why did those characters work well together?"
"Does a society always need a hierarchy to function, or is there a better way?"

Deep Dive

The Stonemaier Polish

If you've played Wingspan or Scythe, you know what to expect from a Stonemaier Games production. The components are tactile and premium. In Red Rising, the 'Golds' are actually gold-foiled, and the sovereignty token is a heavy piece of metal. For a parent, this means the game feels like a 'gift' item rather than a disposable toy.

Mechanics vs. Theme

Mechanically, the game is a masterclass in 'hand management.' You start with five cards and you're constantly trying to trade them out for better ones. The catch? You want the cards in your hand to score off each other at the end of the game. It’s like a puzzle that’s constantly shifting as your opponents take the cards you wanted.

For fans of Pierce Brown’s series, the characters like Sevro, Mustang, and the Jackal are all here, and their abilities actually make sense given their roles in the books. If your kid hasn't read the books, don't sweat it. The color-coded system (Red, Gold, Blue, etc.) is intuitive enough that the theme works even without the backstory. It’s a great 'bridge' game—complex enough to feel like a 'real' strategy game, but short enough that you can play it on a Tuesday night after homework.

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