In Gnome Wars players don the pointy hat of the Blue or Red garden gnomes to wage battle against each other throughout the backyard of the unsuspecting homeowners. To defeat their enemies the gnome clans must move their mushroom home-base across the board, beating their enemies to coin caches while avoiding the pitfalls of backyard kiddy pools and the dangers of the cranky house-cat and the curious dog. The first player to collect and spend 25 coins is the victor. Coins may be used to capture and fortify areas of the backyard and play various strategic Action Cards in order to out-maneuver and outplay the enemy gnome clans.