At the end of 1135, Henry I, king of England died unexpectedly leaving no male heir to reign in his stead. Henrys daughter, Empress Matilda, believed she should rule by succession. However, the late king's favorite nephew, Stephen de Blois, was quicker to the throne, and with the help of his brother, the Bishop of Winchester, was crowned king. Those loyal to the empress were enraged by Stephen's coronation and would not accept him as their new ruler. Over the next 18 years, England saw a breakdown in law and order as civil war spread throughout the country. This conflict came to be known as The Anarchy...

In The Anarchy, players take on the role of English nobles loyal to King Stephen. Over five rounds, players must build their domain, defend their castle from attacks by the approaching Angevin armies, and storm strongholds loyal to Matilda with their own crafted siege weapons. The player who can accumulate the most Bravery, Loyalty, Influence and Might, whilst avoiding Discontent, will prove to King Stephen they are his most loyal ally, granting them his largest earldom.