Margraves of Valeria (2020) Board Game

Margraves of Valeria is a strategic card game set in the fantasy world of Valeria. It was designed by Isaias Vallejo and published by Daily Magic Games in in 2020. The game combines elements of area movement, deck building, and worker placement to create an engaging and immersive gameplay experience.

Game Components of Margraves of Valeria

Cards: Citizen cards, Knight cards, and various other cards for resources and rewards.

Boards: Main game board and individual player boards.

Tokens: Wooden resource tokens, Influence points, and Privilege Tiles.

Figures: Margrave and Knight pieces.

Keeps: For storing Gold, which can be a bit tricky to assemble but is a one-time task.

How To Setup Margraves of Valeria

To set up the game, players need to consult the rulebook for specific directions based on the player count. The setup involves placing the main board, distributing starting resources, setting up the Citizen market, Monster stacks, and Privilege Tiles. Each player receives a starting hand of Citizen cards and places their Margrave on the board. The setup also includes preparing the Hero Tombs and other game elements as specified in the rulebook.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Deck-Building: Players build their deck using Citizen cards to perform actions.

Worker Placement: Players place their Margrave and Knights to perform various actions such as building Ward Towers, fighting Monsters, and influencing Guilds.

Resource Management: Managing resources to build Ward Towers and perform other actions.

Objective: The goal is to amass the most Victory Points (VP) by building Ward Towers, earning Influence points, and collecting resources and rewards. The game ends when a player builds their last Ward Tower, the Citizen market cannot be refilled, or there are not enough Privilege tiles left.

Player Experience

In **Margraves of Valeria**, players experience a deep and strategic game that combines deck-building with worker placement mechanics. The game allows for non-confrontational gameplay where any player can move to any location without blocking others. Knights deployed on the board can be moved by any player, adding a cooperative feel to the competitive strategy. The game is praised for its top-notch component quality, colorful artwork, and clear, easy-to-read cards and boards.

Pros

Deep Strategy: Offers a more in-depth gameplay experience compared to other Valeria games.

Non-Confrontational: Allows players to focus on their individual strategy without direct interference from others.

High-Quality Components: Top-notch production quality with nice artwork and durable tokens.

Flexible Gameplay: Knights can be moved by any player, adding a unique twist to worker placement.

Cons

Complex Setup: The setup process involves several steps and can be time-consuming.

Assembly Required: Keeps for storing Gold can be a bit tricky to assemble, though it’s a one-time task.

Heavier Game: It is more complex and longer than other games in the Valeria series, making it less suitable for every game night.

Personal Thoughts on Margraves of Valeria

**Margraves of Valeria** is ideal for fans of the Valeria series and those who enjoy deck-building and worker placement games. It offers a rich and strategic gameplay experience that is perfect for players looking for something with more depth and complexity. While it may not be the best fit for casual game nights due to its length and complexity, it is a great addition to any board game collection for those who appreciate a challenging and rewarding game. If you’re new to the Valeria series, this game still offers a compelling introduction, but it might be easier to start with one of the lighter games in the series before diving into this one.

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