Goblin Vaults (2023) Board Game

Goblin Vaults is a fantasy-themed card game designed by Veronika Fedorova, Rainer Petter, Lucas Ribeiro, and Diego Sá. Published in 2023, the game allows 1-5 players to delve into the mysterious world of goblins, where they must navigate through treacherous vaults to collect valuable treasures.

Game Components of Goblin Vaults

Cards: Includes wager cards, loot cards, and vault cards.

Vault Boards: Each player has a vault board with four columns to place their cards.

Gears: Tokens used to track players’ scores.

Public Objectives: Cards that change each game, providing additional scoring opportunities.

Faction Icons: Symbols on cards that associate with players for scoring purposes.

How To Setup Goblin Vaults

To set up Goblin Vaults, each player receives a vault board and a starting hand of cards. The central cell block is filled with loot cards, and public objectives are drawn and displayed. Players also receive faction icons, which are crucial for scoring. The game is ready to begin once all components are distributed and the central cell block is set up.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Auction/Bidding: Players wager cards to win loot from the central cell block.

Hand Management: Managing cards to make strategic bids and placements.

Pattern Building: Placing cards in the vault to maximize scoring.

Set Collection: Collecting cards of your faction to earn points.

Card Placement: Strategically placing cards in the vault to optimize scoring.

Variable Set-up: Public objectives and card distributions change each game.

Game Objective

The objective is to accumulate the most gears by strategically bidding on and placing cards in your vault. The game consists of nine rounds, and the player with the most gears at the end wins.

Player Experience

Goblin Vaults offers a dynamic and strategic experience, requiring players to balance bidding, hand management, and card placement. The game’s mechanics encourage clever scheming and planning, as players must optimize their vault to earn the most gears. The variable setup ensures a different experience each time, providing a high replay value. The game scales well from solo play to five players, maintaining a nice tension and competitive atmosphere.

Pros

High Replay Value: Variable setup and changing public objectives ensure a unique game each time.

Strategic Depth: Combines bidding, hand management, and pattern building for a engaging gameplay experience.

Scalability: Works well with 1-5 players, maintaining a competitive atmosphere.

Luck and Wits: Balances luck of the draw with strategic decision-making.

Cons

Complexity: Requires careful planning and strategy, which can be overwhelming for new players.

Brain Shift: Players need to adjust their thinking between bidding and placing cards in their vault, which can be challenging.

Personal Thoughts on Goblin Vaults

Goblin Vaults is ideal for players who enjoy strategic card games with a mix of luck and planning. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate games with high replayability and variable setups. The game’s complexity makes it more appealing to experienced players, but its engaging mechanics and clear objectives also make it accessible to newer players willing to learn and adapt. If you’re looking for a game that challenges your strategic thinking and offers a fun, competitive experience, Goblin Vaults is an excellent choice.

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