Pretender Wars is a recurring community event that runs on the latest demo update with a few rulebook tweaks — full details will be shared on our Discord alongside the usual game session announcement.
In Pretender Wars, the throne is never secure. The reigning Pretender must gather allies and tempt Houses to join their cause as Usurpers, while others band together as Defenders of the Crown to bring them down.
But power is fickle — the alliance that topples the Pretender rarely stays united for long. In the end, one faction rises above the rest and their leader becomes the new Pretender House, claiming the throne for themselves.
New to the game?
This event is recommended for players already familiar with the basics — but there’s always at least another, more relaxed game running for newcomers. Whether you want to explore the systems, meet other Houses, or prepare for future battles, it’s a great place to start.
Feeling brave or looking for battles?
Then you'll enjoy Pretender Wars — just know it’s a high-stakes world.
Look for the game called Pretender Wars once it opens on Tuesday.
(Tip: you can set a self-assignable alert for new sessions on Discord!)
The exact start time is chosen by the current Pretender.
The game runs for almost 10 days, and factions usually form along the way — so even if you join later, you won’t be at a serious disadvantage.
The winning faction is the one that outmaneuvers everyone else by achieving an alliance victory condition. If no alliance wins, or if the winning alliance includes the Pretender, the Pretender is considered to have successfully defended their title.
If you sided with the Pretender and they won:
Alliance members receive a small heraldry package 🛡️ and the Usurper House achievement.
If you were part of a winning alliance opposing the Pretender:
Alliance members receive a heraldry package 🛡️ and the Defender of the Crown achievement.
The leader of the alliance becomes the new Pretender. They receive a highlighted 🜲 Pretender role on Discord, a lordly heraldry package 🛡️, and the Pretender House achievement.
The leader can be chosen by the alliance by simply naming their leader in the in-game chat during the match. If no full consensus is reached, the player with the highest Virtue within the alliance will become the new Pretender.
House Elliott still sits on the throne and shows no sign of peaceful retirement.
Remember their Coat of Arms. Burn it into memory. When it reappears on the battlefield, you’ll know exactly who to aim for.
Going solo in the Middle Ages was… rare and unwise. Form alliances (2–3 players!) to win together. To have a 3-member alliance recognized as one, make sure all three members sign the same alliance agreement with each other (including standings and any special clauses).
Also don't forget to hover the "?" icon under Alliance Victory Conditions to learn about the details of the relevant rules.
Factions may need to cooperate to bring down the Pretender — but only one alliance can claim victory.
Use diplomacy, trade, or steel — whatever suits your cause.
Use private messages to coordinate. There’s also a dedicated game chat on Discord!
Watch Gossips and Rumours — they can reveal useful intel (and are now automatically cross-posted to the dedicated game chat on Discord as well).
There is no complete annihilation (yet), but you can raid feudums, block labour, occupy (take) non-garrisoned tiles, and sever connections.
If you disconnect tiles from a manor, they may turn into Wasteground — which is much easier to capture and can no longer contribute to the targeted player's economy.
Make sure to check the latest changes — there have been major updates to battles, claims, feudum defenses and warfare recently.
Will this round see new champions rise, or will House Elliott hold on to its claim?
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