DIG IT UP (2018) Board Game – Board Game Guys

DIG IT UP is a board game released in 2018, designed by Ikhwan Kwon and illustrated by Korea Boardgames and Trefl. The game is suitable for 2 to 5 players, with a recommended player count of 3 to

Its main mechanics include dice rolling, push your luck, and set collection.

Game Components of DIG IT UP

Tiles sorted by letters

Money tokens

Pickaxe

Player boards

Mission Cards

Chance Cards

Dig site boards (larger board for 2-3 players, both boards for 4-5 players)

Stones and tiles with various symbols (stars, +2 money tokens)

How To Setup DIG IT UP

To set up the game, start by setting the money aside. Sort the tiles by the letters on their backs and shuffle each letter set. Place the tiles face-up from left to right on their corresponding rows on the board. If a stone is revealed, swap it with the tile at the front of the row. Place a pickaxe on each dig site and give each player a player board along with three Mission Cards, from which they should keep only one. Finally, shuffle the Chance Cards to prepare for the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Objective: Players aim to accumulate wealth by collecting valuable tiles from various dig sites around the world.

Turn Structure: On each turn, a player rolls a die, moves the pickaxe the corresponding number of spaces, and takes the tile at that location.

Tile Actions:
– Tiles with stars: Draw a Chance Card.
– Tiles with +2: Take a +2 money token.
– Stones: Discard, as they have no value.

Abandoning Sites: When all but one tile is taken from a dig site, the site is abandoned, and no further digging can occur there.

Game End: The game ends after 8 sites have been abandoned (5 sites in a 2- or 3-player game).

Player Experience

**DIG IT UP** offers a surprisingly straightforward yet engaging experience. Players have agency in choosing which dig site to explore, but the game also includes elements of luck and randomness. The game is relatively quick, making it a great option for a family game day or as a warm-up for a longer gaming session. The inclusion of humorous Chance Cards adds to the game’s light-hearted and fun atmosphere.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple gameplay mechanics make it accessible to a wide range of players.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 7 and above, making it a great family game.

Quick Gameplay: Games are relatively short, fitting well into a busy schedule.

Humorous Elements: Chance Cards often add a comedic touch to the game.

Cons

Randomness: The game relies heavily on dice rolls and random tile draws, which can lead to less control over outcomes.

Higher Player Counts: With more players, the game can become more chaotic and less focused on individual strategies.

Limited Strategic Depth: The game is light on complex strategies, which might not appeal to experienced gamers.

Personal Thoughts on DIG IT UP

**DIG IT UP** is ideal for families or casual gamers looking for a fun, quick game that involves rolling dice and seeking treasure. It’s a great option for warming up a game day or as a rock-solid choice for a family event. While it may lack the strategic depth for more serious gamers, its light-hearted nature and humorous elements make it an enjoyable addition to any game collection.

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