Faraway (2023) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Faraway is a board game released in 2023 by Catch Up Games, designed by Johannes Goupy and Corentin Lebrat. The game falls under the adventure, card game, and fantasy categories, offering players a unique gaming experience with its mechanics such as contracts, open drafting, set collection, and simultaneous action selection.

Game Components of Faraway

68 Region cards: Each card is numbered from 1 to 68, providing resources or scoring opportunities.

45 Sanctuary cards: These cards offer resources, scoring opportunities, or both, and remain visible throughout the game.

Score pad: For tracking scores.

Player hands: Each player starts with a hand of three cards.

Drafting pool: A face-up display of cards available for players to select from.

How To Setup Faraway

To set up Faraway, shuffle the Region and Sanctuary card decks to form two separate face-down stacks. Deal three Region cards to each player, and create a drafting pool with one more card than the number of players. This pool is placed face-up on the table.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Card Drafting: Players secretly and simultaneously choose a card from their hand to play.

Priority System: The card with the lowest number determines the playing order for the round.

Sanctuary Cards: Acquired when a player plays a card with a higher number than the previous card, and can be enhanced by map icons.

Tableau Building: Players build a row of eight cards from left to right.

Reverse Scoring: Cards are scored in the reverse order they were played.

Game Objective

The goal is to earn the most points by fulfilling the scoring conditions on the Region and Sanctuary cards.

Points are awarded based on various criteria such as icons, colors, and specific card combinations.

Player Experience

Faraway is known for its fast-paced gameplay, with most games lasting around 20 minutes. The game requires strategic thinking as players must plan ahead while adapting to the cards they draw. The unique reverse scoring mechanism adds a layer of complexity, making it a game that rewards multiple plays to fully understand its nuances.

Pros

Fast-paced and Engaging: Games are quick, lasting about 20 minutes.

Strategic Depth: Requires forward and reverse thinking, adding complexity and replay value.

High Replayability: Different card draws ensure varied experiences.

Simple yet Challenging: Easy to learn but hard to master.

Cons

Luck Factor: Card draws can significantly impact the game, sometimes leading to less optimal outcomes.

Initial Confusion: The reverse scoring mechanism can be confusing in the first few games.

Artwork Divide: Some players may not appreciate the distinctive artwork.

Personal Thoughts on Faraway

Faraway is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a quick, strategic card game that packs a lot of gameplay into a small package. It is ideal for players who enjoy tableau-building and push-your-luck mechanics, and are willing to invest a few games to fully grasp its unique scoring system. While it may not be the best fit for those seeking a purely luck-free experience, Faraway’s blend of strategy and unpredictability makes it a compelling addition to any board game collection.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.