With the Clash of Kings 2025 update, Kings of War introduces a new mechanic: command dice. Each turn, players start with a red, a white, and a blue die that generate power symbols. These symbols drive key actions and orders, but players can invest additional points to buy more dice of different colors. The question is: which dice offer the best return on investment, and how does adding them affect gameplay?
Understanding the Dice
- Red Die (10 points): Faces: [0, 0, 1, 1, 1, 2], Average = 0.83 symbols
- White Die (20 points): Faces: [0, 1, 1, 1, 2, 2], Average = 1.17 symbols
- Blue Die (30 points): Faces: [1, 1, 1, 2, 2, 3], Average = 1.83 symbols
The baseline—one red, one white, one blue—yields about 3.83 symbols on average. Adding extra dice increases this average but at a cost:
| Extra Die | Total Cost | Avg. Power Symbols | Cost/Avg. Symbol |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red (+10 pts) | 10 | 4.66 | 2.15 |
| White (+20 pts) | 20 | 5.00 | 4.00 |
| Blue (+30 pts) | 30 | 5.66 | 5.30 |
The red die is the most cost-effective if your goal is to reliably hit moderate thresholds (like 4 symbols). If you’re aiming higher (5 or 6 symbols), the blue die gives better probability boosts but at a steeper price.
Probability and Thresholds
Because certain factions are more heavily dependent on consistently rolling higher values for the Command dice, break points matter. When rolling for at least 4, 5, or 6 power symbols, adding dice shifts the odds. The table below summarizes the probabilities for each dice combination:
| Combination | Cost (Points) | P(≥4) | P(≥5) | P(≥6) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base (Red + White + Blue) | 0 | 49.2% | 24.8% | 9.8% |
| Base + Red | 10 | 64.5% | 38.5% | 18.0% |
| Base + White | 20 | 70.3% | 45.0% | 22.5% |
| Base + Blue | 30 | 78.6% | 55.8% | 31.5% |
Adding extra dice increases the odds of hitting higher thresholds. For example, adding a red die boosts the likelihood of rolling at least 4 power symbols to 64.5% and at least 5 symbols to 38.5%. A blue die, while pricier, raises these odds to 78.6% and 55.8% respectively, making it ideal for high-impact actions. If you need guaranteed higher rolls, a blue die is the premium option. If you simply want a nudge without overpaying, a red die fits the bill.
Reroll Impact: A Tactical Boost
The addition of command dice also allows players to perform specific actions, such as rerolling a missed hit. This seemingly small adjustment can significantly affect combat outcomes. For example, in a simulation of 10,000 attacks, a unit with 18 attacks (hitting on 3+, wounding on 3+ with Crushing Strength (2), targeting Defense 5 and Nerve 15/17) routed its target 32.2% of the time. Adding a command reroll increased the rout rate to 37.5%, representing a 16.5% improvement in effectiveness.
This demonstrates the considerable value of command dice. Even a minor adjustment like rerolling one missed hit can shift combat outcomes noticeably, highlighting how such mechanics reward tactical use of resources and can change the tide in critical moments. Players looking to optimize damage output will find that command dice provide a meaningful edge–and increasing the chances of routing opponents by 1/6 in major combats will have a noticeable impact on the game.
Strategic Takeaways
- Match Your Investment to Your Needs: If your command orders often hinge on hitting moderate thresholds, cheaper red dice offer good value.
- Go Blue for High-Impact Orders: If you’re banking on reliably hitting 5 or 6 symbols, invest in the blue die’s guaranteed power.
- Rerolls as Game-Changers: The ability to reroll missed hits/wounds amplifies combat effectiveness, making command dice more than just a utility tool—they’re a tactical force multiplier.
Preserving Kings of War’s Identity Through Complexity
The analysis above raises a critical question: while the mathematical value of command dice is clear, do these additional layers of complexity align with what makes Kings of War great? At its heart, the game’s streamlined nature—free from excessive mental overhead—has been its competitive edge. Adding command dice provides more tactical depth, but does it enhance the game enough to justify the increased decision-making load? (I say this as someone who has played Advanced Squad Leader for years, so I’m not opposed to complexity). This ties directly into the broader discussion of how new mechanics should support, not dilute, the core identity of Kings of War.
Kings of War’s charm lies in its streamlined rules and ease of entry. Players choose it over more “fluffy” or lore-heavy systems because it’s cleaner, quicker, and more elegant. This simplicity is especially appealing to newer or younger players (like my own kids who started at ages 7 and 9), because the game’s core loop is intuitive and doesn’t demand a massive mental burden. Introducing command dice adds another layer of decision-making and overhead. While providing more tactical depth can be appealing, it’s crucial to ask: does this complexity enhance the game enough to justify the mental load?
Balancing Flavor and Elegance
Over time, incremental additions—more keywords, spells, and scenarios—can dilute what makes Kings of War special. If the game’s brand is defined by simple elegance, tacking on features must pass a strict litmus test:
- Does it significantly improve tactical decision-making?
- Does it justify the extra mental overhead?
- Does it reinforce, rather than undermine, the game’s core identity?
If a new rule doesn’t move the needle, it risks edging the game closer to competitors that excel in depth and fluff. Kings of War will never win by out-fluffing Warhammer. Its competitive edge lies in speed, clarity, and simplicity.
A Clear Competitive Differentiator
Kings of War attracts players who appreciate minimal bookkeeping, crisp rules, and decisive gameplay. Straying too far from that might gain short-term novelty but risks losing long-term appeal. The game thrives by leaning into its strength—straightforwardness—and avoiding complexity for complexity’s sake.
Command dice offer a fascinating case study. They can enrich decision-making and strategy, but every player should evaluate their inclusion through the lens of efficiency. Is the added complexity proportionate to the benefit? If yes, they become a valuable tool. If not, they serve as a reminder of why Kings of War succeeds: it knows when to say no to extra overhead.
What do I think? It’s tough to say. I’ve played with them a few times and have not been terribly impressed. It’s something else to keep track of that doesn’t appear to add much value to the actual gameplay. I’ll continue to try them out and appreciate that the RC has given us the option, but my first impressions are that the mental overhead doesn’t justify the benefit in gameplay.
Closing Thoughts
In analyzing command dice, we see a real-world demonstration of how complexity interacts with cost-effectiveness and strategic depth. The math shows you how to fine-tune your armies with just the right amount of risk and reward. The broader design philosophy reminds you why you picked Kings of War in the first place: it’s a game that respects your time and your mental energy.
As new rules emerge, consider not just whether they add more options, but whether they strengthen the streamlined identity that sets Kings of War apart. That careful balance is what keeps the game fun, accessible, and uniquely appealing—even as it evolves.
