Flotilla (2019) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Flotilla is a board game released in 2019, designed by Bartek Fedyczak and published by WizKids. The game falls under the categories of Economic, Exploration, and Nautical, and is recommended for players aged 14 and above. With a playtime of 90-150 minutes and accommodating 3-5 players, Flotilla offers a unique gaming experience with its blend of action retrieval, deck building, and hand management mechanics.

Game Components of Flotilla

Card decks for various actions and crew members

Player boards and individual player bits

Skiffs and tower pieces

Ocean and Flotilla tiles

Guild track components

Resource tokens

Sonar upgrade tokens

Trader cards

Captain and Scholar cards

Coinage and victory point tokens

How To Setup Flotilla

Setting up Flotilla involves preparing the game boards, trackers, and other components. Players start by creating their personal play area, setting up the crew deck, and initializing the guild tracks. The game also includes Flotilla and ocean tiles, which are placed separately. Each player selects a starting hand of cards and places their skiff on the board. The trader market is set up with resources having initial values that will be influenced by player actions during the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Play: The core mechanic involves playing cards to determine actions, which include exploring ocean depths, gaining resources, and influencing guild tracks.

Sinkside vs. Skyside: Players can switch from Sinkside (exploring the ocean) to Skyside (building on the flotilla) at any time, but once on Skyside, they cannot return.

Guild Influence: Players gain influence on guild tracks to earn bonuses and victory points.

Resource Management: Players manage resources to build flotilla tiles, use sonar upgrades, and trade resources.

Deck Building: Players build their crew deck by gaining new cards.

Market System: A dynamic market where resource prices adjust based on player actions.

Objective: The goal is to score the most victory points by building the flotilla, influencing guilds, and optimizing resource management.

Player Experience

In Flotilla, players experience a complex and interconnected game world where each choice and action feels significant. The game offers a high degree of variability, with multiple paths to victory and a dynamic market system. Players must balance their actions between exploring the ocean for resources and building on the flotilla to score points. The transition from Sinkside to Skyside is a critical strategic decision that can significantly impact the game’s outcome.

Pros

Variety in Gameplay: Combines multiple mechanics like tile laying, hand management, card play, and market manipulation.

Deep Strategy: Offers complex economic and action management.

High Replayability: Each game is unique due to the dynamic market and variable player paths.

Engaging Theme: An immersive post-apocalyptic setting where players must rebuild society.

Detailed Components: High-quality player boards, skiffs, and tower pieces.

Cons

Complexity: Can be overwhelming for new players due to the numerous mechanics and rules.

Rulebook Clarity: Some players have noted issues with the clarity of the rulebook and setup instructions.

Long Setup and Playtime: Setting up the game and playing it can be time-consuming.

Personal Thoughts on Flotilla

Flotilla is ideal for experienced board game enthusiasts who enjoy complex strategy and deep gameplay mechanics. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate games with high replayability and a rich thematic setting. While it may not be the best fit for casual or new players due to its complexity, Flotilla offers a rewarding and challenging experience for those willing to invest the time and mental energy. If you’re looking for a game that combines economic management, resource optimization, and strategic decision-making in a unique and engaging way, Flotilla is definitely worth exploring.

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