Caretos (2020) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Caretos is a board game that was released in 2020, designed by Matteo Piana and featuring artwork by MEBO Games. The game is set in a fantasy world inspired by mythology, where players take on the role of mysterious creatures known as Caretos. These creatures are said to roam the land, protecting it from evil forces and ensuring the balance of nature.

Game Components of Caretos

Game Board: Large, bright, and colorful, with various locations marked by symbols and paths.

Monster Tokens: Transparent plastic standees with unique abilities, designed by Matteo Piana.

Villager Tokens: Representing the villagers to be scared and captured.

Caretos Tokens: Colorful monsters that can be moved by all players.

Campfire Tokens: Used as currency for extra actions.

Night Cards: Determine the actions and movements of monsters and Caretos.

Monster Cards: Each with three separate powers triggered by card colors.

Private and Public Objective Cards: Score points based on capturing villagers and achieving specific goals.

How To Setup Caretos

To set up Caretos, place the game board in the center of the table, choosing the side that matches the number of players. Each player receives two Monster Cards and the corresponding monster pieces, which are placed on the board at designated locations. The two Caretos tokens are placed on the board at locations marked with the Caretos symbol. Five villagers are randomly placed in each of the seven locations marked for villagers. Campfire tokens are placed near each group of villagers, and any leftover tokens are put into a common pile. The player who most recently saw a Careto starts the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Scare and capture more villagers than your opponents.

Monsters: Each player controls two monsters with unique abilities triggered by playing cards.

Caretos: These can be moved by any player, causing trouble among villagers or capturing monsters.

Night Cards: Determine the actions and movements of monsters and Caretos.

Capturing Villagers: Monsters can capture villagers, especially when they are alone.

Private and Public Objectives: Players have private goals and can purchase public objectives using campfire tokens to score additional points.

Campfire Tokens: Used to take extra actions or return captured monsters to the board.

Player Experience

Playing Caretos is a delightful mix of strategy and fun. The game is relatively simple but offers interesting decisions that appeal to both casual and seasoned gamers. Players must balance their monster movements, card plays, and the unpredictable actions of the Caretos. The game features beautiful artwork and colorful components that make it visually appealing. With private and public objectives, each game presents different challenges and opportunities for strategy.

Pros

Visual Appeal: Bright, colorful board and components.

Simple yet Strategic: Easy to learn but with depth in decision-making.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 8 and above.

Variable Gameplay: Different strategies and objectives ensure no game is the same.

Multilingual: Available in English, German, Spanish, and Portuguese.

Cons

Limited Complexity: Some players might find it too light.

Luck Element: Card draws and Caretos movements can introduce randomness.

Component Quality: While the components are generally well-made, some players might find the transparent plastic standees less appealing than traditional minis.

Personal Thoughts on Caretos

Caretos is an excellent choice for families and casual gaming groups looking for a fun and engaging experience. It’s perfect for those who enjoy light to medium-weight games with a touch of strategy. The game’s theme, based on Portuguese folklore, adds a unique twist and cultural flair. However, players seeking highly complex or deeply strategic games might find Caretos a bit too simplistic. Overall, it’s a great addition to any board game collection, offering a delightful blend of strategy, luck, and fun.

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.