# Arete: Battles of Alexander — Epic hex-and-counter wargame > Hex-and-counter wargame simulating Alexander the Great's military conquests. (iPhone/iPad app by Vasilios Kalpakoglou.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/arete-battles-of-alexander/id6503917149 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Vasilios Kalpakoglou](https://appshunter.io/developer/929651820) - Category: Games, Entertainment, Board, Strategy - Price: $9.99 - Rating: 4.60/5 from 24 App Store ratings · 28 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 12+ - Requires: iOS 14.1 · 188 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2024-06-20 - Data updated: 2026-08-22 - Monetization: paid - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/arete-battles-of-alexander/id6503917149/reviews.md ## What is Arete? Conquer the World as Alexander the Great! Step back into the ancient world and lead your Macedonian army to victory with Arete, the immersive hex-and-counter wargame that brings the legendary conquests of Alexander the Great to life. Whether you’re a seasoned wargaming grognard or a newcomer to the battlefield, Arete offers a rich and engaging experience for all. The game follows his military triumphs from fighting alongside his father, the trailblazing Philip II, to his clashes with the vast Persian army of King Darius III and finally to his invasion of India as he sought to reach the “end of the world” in the East. Arete (pronounced “ah-reh-TEE”) is a Greek word that means a combination of “excellence” and “virtue,” and in Ancient Greece it held particular significance as a concept of being in constant pursuit of the greater good through one’s heroic deeds. Key Features: • Solo Quick Game: Jump into the action and master the art of war. Challenge yourself against cunning computer opponents in meticulously crafted scenarios and relive the pivotal battles that shaped history. • Solo Campaign: Embark on an epic journey through Alexander’s greatest battles. Progress through all eight scenarios and relive the legendary conquests. Check your grades to see how you stack up against the Macedonian king! • Pass-and-Play: Enjoy the classic wargame experience with friends! Take turns commanding your troops in a local multiplayer mode that’s perfect for game nights. • Online Play: Compete against players worldwide. Test your strategic prowess and rise through the ranks to become the ultimate conqueror. • Tutorial: New to strategy games or need a refresher on ancient warfare? Arete’s tutorial will guide you through the basics to ensure you're battle-ready. Dig into the full rules if you want to review, gain a deeper understanding, or browse the combat tables. • Challenging computer opponent with multiple programmed behaviors (attack, defend, march, etc.). Dice rolls are ALWAYS completely random. The challenge comes from the game's "brain." • Rules and History: Dive deeper with the full rules of the game and delve into the rich history of Alexander the Great. Gain insights into his strategies and the historical context of each battle. • Human-drawn Art: The game features eight exclusive, hand-drawn maps and dozens of hand-drawn counters. We will never use AI art in our games. THIRTEEN Epic Scenarios: Relive Alexander’s greatest battles with eight scenarios, each on its own unique map and offering a distinct challenge: • Chaeronea, 338 BCE • Haemus, 335 BCE (New!) • Lyginus, 335 BCE (New!) • Pelium, 335 BCE (New!) • Granicus, 334 BCE • Issus, 333 BCE • Tyre, 332 BCE • Gaugamela, 331 BCE • Persian Gate, 330 BCE • Jaxartes, 329 BCE • Arigaeum, 327 BCE (New!) • Hydaspes, 326 BCE • PLUS Alexander vs. Alexander, a perfectly balanced 2-player scenario Plan your moves, outsmart your opponents, and change the course of history with every decision you make. Download Arete today and become a legendary conqueror! Lead your empire, rewrite history, and achieve true greatness with Arete: The Battles of Alexander the Great. ## Key features - Solo quick game against AI - Solo campaign through 8 scenarios - Pass-and-play local multiplayer - Online competitive play - In-depth tutorial and rules - Challenging AI opponent - Human-drawn art and maps ## Recent user reviews (10 of 28) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/arete-battles-of-alexander/id6503917149/reviews.md ### 2/5 — Bug zoom gets stuck *2026-08-16* The game is simple and fun, but there is a bug where I cannot pan the field nor select units in the movement phase. Only action button that works is “Movement Done”…I have to restart the game every time this happens, not fun. Please fix the issue. Thank you. **Developer response:** Hi there. I’m not seeing this behavior and have had no other reports of it. There are two ways to zoom, with buttons or pinch (change in settings), but panning should always work. Can you message me through the contact page and I can try to sort it out? ### 1/5 — And he STILL WON’T increase Zoom *2026-04-09* He said it doesn’t need be increased. Yet all the other triva they have added over the years. It dawned on me, he can’t. He doesn’t know how. Or it’s a bad design that won’t let him. He’s got my money, why should he care? ### 1/5 — Impossible to play on iPhone *2025-09-27* The developer doesn’t know how to increase the zoom. LOL —— And you keep deleting my reviews like the low class individual you are. Even your screenshots prove my point. It’s too small on a cell phone. The markers are too small to read. Documented 15 years and counting of dropping IQs in the industrialized nations. Go ahead delete this review too. :-p ### 5/5 — Great app, simple simulation *2025-06-18* This is an excellent app that I hope does well. Mobile is a great platform for hex and counter wargaming and this app perfects it. However, as far as wargames go, the systems are simple and draw inspiration from WW2 wargames such as Simonitch’s series and ASL. This makes the battles not feel quite ancient, as units are fluid and highly mobile. For example, on the battle of Issus, my strategy involved crossing the river with a flanking force and clearing a path, which my main army ended up backing over. This essentially meant that I ended up on the Persian bank with Persians attacking my lines from my side of the river. It was fun, but ancient armies weren’t that mobile generally. I like the Field of Glory system of movement as it allows both cool tactics like crossing a river but still feels like the army has inertia that needs to be fought. **Developer response:** Thanks for the great review! In the battle of Issus the river was fordable and within the game it does slow down units, more infantry than cavalry. There’s also a -2 penalty for being in the river during combat (ranged and close). This typically gives the non-fording side a turn or two to react and move and take considerable advantage positioning-wise. This to me mirrors historical accounts accurately, but may not mirror some other ancients wargames. Other battles, other rivers are different (even within the game). ### 5/5 — Great Cardboard Feel *2025-04-20* Great interface, fun game. ### 5/5 — Love this game! *2025-03-26* As an avid wargamer, I love this game. It functions well on both phone and tablet. It provides a great hex and counter wargame experience online and against AI. I also enjoy the online matches a lot! I can’t wait for more titles like this. **Developer response:** Thanks for the great review! Glad to see you’re enjoying playing online as well as playing the computer. ### 5/5 — Top war game *2025-03-26* This is a very well written and developed war game. High quality graphics and great replayability define this as a superior game. I look forward to future releases. Well done developers. **Developer response:** Thank you for the great review! So happy to hear you’re enjoying the game. More games to come for sure. ### 1/5 — Impossible to play on iPhone *2025-03-17* And you keep deleting my reviews like the low class individual you are. Even your screenshots prove my point. It’s too small on a cell phone. The markers are too small to read. Documented 15 years and counting of dropping IQs in the industrialized nations. Go ahead delete this review too. :-p ### 5/5 — Great classic hex and counter gameplay *2025-03-02* I love the classic feel of old school counters combined in a great UI that really lends to the atmosphere. **Developer response:** Thank you for the great review! ### 5/5 — Great Game! *2025-02-12* It’s totally intuitive and very much like a board war game. So glad I found this. I hope the developers will take on other subjects too. A big buggy but great! **Developer response:** Thank you for the review! Note that older devices may have issues with pinch zoom so switching to button zoom will be more stable. If you’ve encountered any other bugs, please message me through the contact info so I can get it resolved. Thanks for playing! ## Frequently asked questions about Arete ### What is Arete: Battles of Alexander? Arete: Battles of Alexander is an immersive hex-and-counter wargame that allows players to lead the Macedonian army of Alexander the Great. It simulates his historical military conquests, offering a rich and engaging experience for both seasoned wargamers and newcomers. ### What are the key features of this game? Key features include a solo quick game mode against a challenging AI, a solo campaign reliving eight epic scenarios, pass-and-play local multiplayer, and online play against players worldwide. It also boasts a comprehensive tutorial, detailed rules, and human-drawn art. ### How much does Arete: Battles of Alexander cost? Based on the provided information, this application is a paid app. There are no mentions of in-app purchases or advertisements, indicating a one-time purchase model. ### Can I play this game on different devices? The description does not specify compatibility with different operating systems or devices. However, as a mobile application, it is designed to be played on smartphones and tablets. It's recommended to check the app store listing for specific device compatibility. ### Who is the target audience for this game? This game is designed for players who enjoy wargames, strategy games, and have an interest in ancient history, particularly the campaigns of Alexander the Great. It caters to both experienced wargamers and those new to the genre looking for a historical simulation. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 1.2.10 — 2026-07-28 - Style changes - Minor tweak to online scenario balance ### 1.2.9 — 2026-05-06 -Campaign grading tweaks -Fixed Pelium Oxybeles bug -Fixed online initiative bug ### 1.2.8 — 2026-05-04 - Desktop UI fix ### 1.2.7 — 2026-05-01 - Fixed touch drag bug ### 1.2.5 — 2026-04-29 -Fixed bug displaying the terrain charts in rules -Fixed sound effect bug ## Apps similar to Arete | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [SpaceCorp](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spacecorp/id6744039455) | 4.1 (23) | $6.99 | Games | | [Twilight Struggle: Red Sea](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/twilight-struggle-red-sea/id6444841677) | 3.4 (8) | $9.99 | Games | | [Hex of Steel](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hex-of-steel/id1532682161) | 4.4 (132) | $4.99 | Games | | [Ancient Battle: Hannibal](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ancient-battle-hannibal/id906400663) | 4.1 (17) | $2.99 | Games | | [Labyrinth: The War on Terror](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/labyrinth-the-war-on-terror/id1438485859) | 4.3 (23) | $9.99 | Games | | [Tank Battle: North Africa](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tank-battle-north-africa/id575597501) | 4.4 (44) | $2.99 | Games | ## More apps by Vasilios Kalpakoglou - [TimeOut Solitaire](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/timeout-solitaire/id6746124915) All apps by Vasilios Kalpakoglou: https://appshunter.io/developer/929651820 ## Related topics [arete](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/arete) --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-22.*