Thieves Den (2019) Board Game

Thieves Den is a card game released in 2019 by Daily Magic Games. Designed by Alice Davis and illustrated by Denis Martynets, this game is set in a fantasy world where players take on the roles of thieves competing to become the best in the business.

Game Components of Thieves Den

Player boards

Location cards

Thief tokens

Treasure tokens

Reputation tokens

Fence cards

Static board locations

How To Setup Thieves Den

To set up Thieves Den, each player chooses a player board and places their thief tokens on it. The location cards are shuffled and a certain number are drawn based on the player count. These cards are then placed face down on designated spaces on the main board. Each player also starts with a few basic resources. The fence cards, which allow players to sell treasure for reputation, are placed within reach of all players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Drafting: Players draft 3 location cards at the beginning of each round, which can be used for immediate effects or placed for worker placement.

Worker Placement: Players use their drafted locations or static board locations to gather resources or use abilities.

Resource Management: Players must manage the number of thieves in their guild and the treasure they can store.

Game Objective: The goal is to amass the most treasure and reputation by effectively using locations and selling treasure, ultimately becoming the crime lord of the city.

Player Experience

Thieves Den offers a dynamic and strategic gameplay experience. Players must balance drafting cards for their own use and hoping other players will utilize the resources they need, creating an interesting social dynamic. The game requires careful resource management and timing, as the number of thieves and treasure storage are limited. This balance adds a layer of complexity and challenge, making the game engaging and rewarding.

Pros

Visuals: The game features stunning artwork that immediately draws players in.

Strategic Depth: Combines card drafting and worker placement with a purpose beyond mere point accumulation.

Social Interaction: Encourages strategic thinking about which cards to draft and when to use them, considering other players’ moves.

Resource Management: Timing and resource management are crucial, adding a layer of complexity and challenge.

Cons

Game Length: Some players find the game too short, wishing for a few more rounds to fully engage with the set collection aspect.

Personal Thoughts on Thieves Den

Thieves Den is ideal for players who enjoy a mix of card drafting and worker placement mechanics. It is suited for 2 to 5 players aged 10 and above, with each game lasting around 45 minutes. The game’s elegant simplicity, combined with its strategic depth, makes it appealing to both casual and experienced board game enthusiasts. If you are looking for a game that challenges you to manage resources and make tactical decisions while enjoying a visually appealing setting, Thieves Den is a great choice. However, if you prefer longer game sessions, you might find it a bit brief.

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