Tiny Epic Pirates (2021) Board Game

Tiny Epic Pirates is a board game designed by Scott Almes and published by Gamelyn Games in in 2021. It is part of the popular Tiny Epic series known for its small box size but engaging gameplay experience. In this game, players take on the role of pirates navigating the high seas, searching for treasure, and engaging in epic battles.

Game Components of Tiny Epic Pirates

7 plastic ship minis

48 wooden cubes representing trade goods

40 wooden pieces for movement

4 metal doubloons

3 dice

42 cardboard tokens

4 Helm Mats

4 Legend Mats

16 Map Cards

1 Market Mat

28 Crew & Captain Cards

11 Merchant Cards.

How To Setup Tiny Epic Pirates

Setting up Tiny Epic Pirates involves several steps. First, players shuffle and arrange their action wheels (rondel) which randomize the available actions for each player. The board is composed of 16 rectangular cards that form the map. Players place their ship minis, crew, and other components according to the rules. The setup process can be somewhat time-consuming due to the numerous parts involved, but it is necessary for the game’s variability and replayability.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Rondel Action System: Players use a rondel to select actions, which can include sailing, plundering, attacking merchant ships, and more. The rondel is randomized at the start of each game.

Action Combo-ing: Players can combine actions strategically by moving their crew between different assignments on the rondel.

Variable Player Powers: While limited in the base game, the expansion adds more elaborate crew abilities.

Game Objective

The objective is to bury three treasures, which involves plundering goods, selling them, and then burying the profits.

Players can win without engaging in combat, focusing on pick-up and deliver mechanics instead.

Player Experience

Tiny Epic Pirates offers a fast-paced and engaging experience with low downtime, making it suitable for parties and get-togethers. The game’s mechanics, though mechanical and lacking in story elements, provide a solid and strategic gameplay experience. Players need to plan their actions carefully, managing their crew and deckhands to optimize their turns. The game’s replayability is high due to the variable rondel system and the randomized card and board layout.

Pros

Short Playtime: Games typically last between 45-60 minutes.

Low Downtime: Quick-paced gameplay keeps all players engaged.

High Replayability: Variable setup and mechanics ensure different experiences each time.

Portable: Despite its components, the game is compact and easy to take on trips.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for adults, families, and teens.

Cons

Limited Depth: Feels more basic compared to other games in the Tiny Epic series.

Setup Time: Initial setup can be tedious.

Lack of Incentive for Combat: Some players find the game too focused on pick-up and deliver, with little incentive to engage in combat.

Personal Thoughts on Tiny Epic Pirates

Tiny Epic Pirates is an excellent choice for those looking for a quick, strategic game that is easy to learn but challenging to master. It is particularly suited for players who enjoy pick-up-and-deliver games and are not necessarily looking for deep storytelling or complex variable player powers. The game’s portability and family-friendly nature make it a great addition to any game collection. While it may lack the depth of some other games, the expansion can add more complexity and variety for those seeking more challenges.

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