Hoplomachus Remastered: Pandora's Wake – What's Inside and How It Plays
By Chip Theory Games | Published: 2026-11-01
Category: Product Reviews
Pandora's Wake adds Vesuvian challengers, the Fa Mel prison escape, and Naumachia naval battles to Hoplomachus Remastered. Here's how to set up and play it.
Quick answer
Pandora's Wake is a Hoplomachus Remastered expansion that introduces the Vesuvians, the Fa Mel prison escape, and Naumachia naval battles. To play, first integrate the new gladiators and arena components with your base set, then choose one of the new scenarios and follow its specific setup rules.
What Pandora's Wake adds to your Hoplomachus Remastered games
Pandora's Wake expands Hoplomachus Remastered with new gladiatorial content rather than a standalone game. The box introduces the mysterious Vesuvians, who challenge the existing status quo, and adds three distinct play experiences: escaping the heavenly Fa Mel prison as the Condemned wretch, flooding the arenas for Naumachia naval battles, and renewing your sense of purpose through the new gladiatorial additions.
Because these are scenario-based additions, you won't use every component in every game. The Fa Mel prison escape and the Naumachia battles each require their own setup, so treat the expansion as a toolbox of new modes rather than a single fixed module.
What to check before you buy
Pandora's Wake requires Hoplomachus Remastered to play; it is not a standalone product. The catalog does not list a player count, playtime, or recommended age for this expansion, so check the base game's specifications and the expansion box for those details if they matter to your group. The catalog also does not list available option types, so confirm the exact contents and any variant choices with the store listing before ordering.
How to set up and play Pandora's Wake step by step
- Confirm you have the base game ready: Set up Hoplomachus Remastered as you normally would, then keep the Pandora's Wake components separate until you have chosen a scenario. Common mistake: mixing all new components into the base set at once, which makes it hard to tell which pieces belong to which mode. Sort the expansion components by scenario before you start.
- Choose your scenario: Decide whether you are playing the Fa Mel prison escape as the Condemned wretch, a Naumachia naval battle, or a match using the new Vesuvian gladiators. Each has its own setup and objectives. Common mistake: assuming all new gladiators are legal in every scenario; check the scenario rules first. Read the chosen scenario's setup section fully before placing any models.
- Build the arena for that scenario: For the Fa Mel prison escape, arrange the prison environment as the scenario instructs. For Naumachia, flood the arena and set up the naval battle layout. Common mistake: reusing your standard arena layout when the scenario calls for a different configuration. Photograph your final layout so you can rebuild it next time.
- Deploy the Condemned wretch or your gladiators: Follow the scenario's deployment rules for the Condemned wretch or your chosen gladiators, including any Vesuvian units. Common mistake: deploying before reading the scenario's special rules for your chosen side, which can leave you without key abilities. Keep the scenario reference sheet visible during play.
- Play the scenario to its stated objective: Run the match using the objective and any special rules for that scenario rather than defaulting to a standard skirmish. Common mistake: falling back on base-game victory conditions when the scenario defines its own win condition. Agree on the win condition aloud before the first turn.
Product facts
- Hoplomachus Remastered: Pandora’s Wake: The expansion introduces the Vesuvians, who challenge the status quo, plus the Fa Mel prison escape and Naumachia naval battles. These are separate scenario modes, so you can pick the one that fits your group's mood instead of always playing the same setup.
Hoplomachus Remastered: Pandora’s Wake - Hoplomachus Remastered: Pandora’s Wake: The catalog price is USD 36.46, compared with a catalog comparison price of USD 49.95. If you already own Hoplomachus Remastered, this is a lower-cost way to add new modes without buying a full new game.
