Hex Barons

Hex Barons is a print and play squad-building strategy game for two players (ages 8+, 30-45 min) featuring dice-as-units, tactical cardplay, and modular scenario maps.

To get started with the quickstart rules, all you need are 2 sets of dice, a deck of cards, a pencil, and only 4 b&w printed pages - no cutting or assembly required!

Players lead their  mercenary squads through treacherous landscapes, battling for dominance using:
A full set of dice units with unique abilities
A tactical battle deck combining cardplay with D20 rolls
Dynamic terrain that affects movement and combat
Sigil powers that bend the rules

Victory comes from defeating enemy units to claim their core power as victory points.
The game ends immediately when a player reaches the scenario's target VP total.

KEY FEATURES
- Dynamic, emergent gameplay and unique situations
- Compelling card play and mind games
- Dice-as-units with persistent power tracking
- Stress mechanics for risky extra actions
- Unique terrain types with special rules
- Pre-designed Quickstart squads and maps
- Scenario maps included in base game
- Streamlined setup (under 5 minutes)
-Easy-to-print components (B&W friendly)

PDF Download Includes:
Rulebook
Squad Sheets
Scenario Maps
Sigil Cards
Blank squad sheets and scenario maps to create your own



DESIGNERS NOTE
The spark for Hex Barons came from my studio partner, Simon Cottee, who first floated the idea of a hex-based game where dice act as units. For me, it tapped into the nostalgia of my early days with Battletech and D&D—but I wanted something more accessible and creative. Hex Barons is designed with love as a quick, print-and-play squad skirmish game that uses only simple, inexpensive components. It works as a gateway for new players—my own kids included—while still carrying the crunchy, DIY old school energy of ’80s and ’90s tabletop games. Just as important, it invites players to add their own creativity by drawing maps and designing their own character art.

I welcome all feedback!! Either here or in the playtest form available here: https://www.studiotortu.com/hexbarons

CREDITS
Design and Art by Malcolm Sutherland
Based on a concept by Simon Cottee
Dev Playtesting: Maximilian Sutherland, Simon Cottee, Calvin Brett, Duane Menezes, Felipe Arasanz

All artwork is original and created specifically for this game. Ai was not used in any way during the creation of Hex Barons.
2025 Two Player Print and Play Game Design Contest entry.