Populus Romanus: First Battles

AndroidWargames.com

About this game

A turn-based strategy game set in the rise of ancient Rome, inspired by classic hex-and-counter wargames.

Do you enjoy deep, tactical strategy games and historical campaigns? Populus Romanus is a turn-based strategy game where you command the Roman Republic in its expansion across Italy and beyond.

Lead your legions through a series of hex-based scenarios inspired by real historical conflicts — from early wars against neighbouring tribes to large-scale battles against powerful rivals such as Carthage.

Classic hex strategy gameplay:

Populus Romanus is built around traditional turn-based, hex-and-counter gameplay familiar from classic wargames and strategy board games:
- Command Roman legions and auxiliary units
- Use terrain, positioning, and timing to outmanoeuvre enemy forces
- Experience tactical combat where planning matters more than luck

This is a pure strategy experience focused on thoughtful decision-making, not fast reflexes.

Historical campaigns of ancient Rome:

Play through multiple scenarios covering key moments in Roman history:
- Expansion across central and southern Italy
- Wars against the Samnites and other regional powers
- Large-scale conflicts including the Punic Wars against Carthage

Each scenario offers a different tactical challenge, making this a highly replayable strategy game.

Designed for strategy and wargame fans
- Turn-based gameplay that works offline — no internet required
- Historically inspired units, maps, and battles
- Emphasis on tactics, positioning, and battlefield control
- Play solo against AI or in local hot-seat multiplayer

Whether you are a fan of classic wargames, hex strategy games, or historical strategy games, Populus Romanus delivers a deep and rewarding experience.

Scenario editor and simulation tools:

For players who enjoy experimenting and designing their own content:
- Built-in scenario editor
- AI vs AI simulation tools for balancing and testing

Create your own battles or explore how different strategies play out.

Populus Romanus is a turn-based strategy wargame that brings the classic hex gameplay experience to ancient Rome — combining history, tactics, and thoughtful gameplay.

Ratings and reviews

Great turn based strategy game. Good variety of units. Terrain provided defense bonus and varied movement cost. Cities produce units, some resource management (like Advance Wars).

Loved this game for years

Good enough as a diversion. I suspect my problems had more to do with a lack of skill. The one major issue I had with the game was the poor labeling. It's not immediately clear what the numbers next to a unit mean, and when two identical units face off, the game tells you one won but not which side.

What’s new

- A remastered version of the game for modern Android devices
- Includes a scenario editor