Cuzco (2023) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Cuzco is a board game released in 2023, designed by Marek Bláha and Klemens Franz. It is set in the Incan Empire, where players take on the role of leaders competing to build the most prestigious city. With a mix of dice rolling, set collection, and worker placement mechanics, Cuzco offers a strategic and engaging gameplay experience.

Game Components of Cuzco

Main game board

Player boards

Tiles (including orange and blue action tiles)

Dice

Mission cards

Resource tokens (food, knowledge, goods)

Feathers and other scoring tokens

Puputus module (includes dice manipulation tiles).

How To Setup Cuzco

To set up Cuzco, players first prepare the main game board, which is divided into different segments that vary from one game to the next. Each player receives a personal board and starting resources. The mission cards and tiles are shuffled and placed within reach of all players. The puputus module, if used, adds additional tiles that can manipulate dice rolls.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: The goal is to earn the most points by completing missions, gathering resources, and strategically placing tiles.

Gameplay:
– Players roll three dice and place them on the board to determine their actions.
– Each player can activate one orange and one blue tile per turn, which provide various actions such as movement, resource gathering, and token placement.
– Players can stack tiles to enhance their effects.
– Mission cards offer additional abilities and points.
– The game involves managing multiple tracks and achieving specific goals to maximize scoring.

Player Experience

Cuzco offers a deeply strategic experience with a complex interplay of mechanics. Players must balance short-term needs with long-term goals, managing resources, tiles, and mission cards carefully. The game is known for its high level of complexity and depth, making it suitable for experienced players. The variability in the board setup and the inclusion of the puputus module add replayability and freshness to each game session.

Pros

High Replayability: Variable board setup and additional modules ensure different experiences each time.

Deep Strategy: Multiple mechanics and tracks to manage, offering a rich and challenging gameplay experience.

Improved Card System: Compared to *Bora Bora*, Cuzco’s card system provides more agency and variety.

Inclusive Expansions: The puputus module is included in the base game, eliminating the need to purchase separate expansions.

Cons

Complexity: The game can be overwhelming for new players due to its intricate mechanics and numerous components.

Table Space: Cuzco requires a significant amount of table space, making it less suitable for smaller gaming areas.

Similarity to Bora Bora: For those familiar with *Bora Bora*, Cuzco may not offer enough new gameplay elements to justify a separate purchase.

Personal Thoughts on Cuzco

Cuzco is ideal for fans of complex strategy games and those who appreciate the depth and variability that Stefan Feld’s designs offer. While it may not introduce significant new mechanics for players of *Bora Bora*, the improved card system and included expansions make it a compelling choice. It is particularly suited for experienced gamers looking for a challenge and those who enjoy managing multiple tracks and resources. However, new players or those seeking a simpler game may find Cuzco daunting.

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.