Alarún (2022) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Alarún is a card game released in 2022, designed by Akha Hulzebos and published by Waterfall Games. It is a strategic game that involves open drafting and set collection mechanics, suitable for 2-4 players with a playing time of 30-45 minutes. The game is recommended for players aged 8 and above, making it a family-friendly option for game nights.

Game Components of Alarún

Game board featuring a magical forest

Player boards for each participant

Ingredient cards (herbs, mushrooms, etc.)

Potion cards

Action tokens

Water tokens

Successor token

Scorepad

How To Setup Alarún

To set up Alarún, each player chooses a player board and places it in front of them. The game board is placed in the middle of the playing area, and the ingredient cards, potion cards, and action tokens are shuffled and placed within reach of all players. Each player starts with a set amount of water tokens and an empty potion recipe. The successor token is placed on the starting space of the game board.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Resource Collection: Players collect ingredients (herbs, mushrooms) to brew potions.

Action Management: Use action tokens to perform various actions like gathering, trading, or brewing.

Potion Brewing: Combine collected ingredients to brew the best magic potions.

Objective: Become the successor by earning the most points through brewed potions and fulfilled potion recipes.

Player Experience

Alarún offers a engaging experience for 2-4 players, with each game lasting about 45 minutes. The game is easy to learn but has depth in its strategy, making it appealing to both casual and experienced players. The game’s artwork and theme add to its charm, immersing players in a magical forest environment.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Allows for multiple strategies and planning.

Attractive Artwork: The game’s visuals are captivating and thematic.

Replayability: Eight rounds with varying ingredient availability ensure each game is unique.

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to new players.

Cons

Limited Player Count: Best with 2-4 players; not suitable for larger groups.

Luck Element: Ingredient availability can sometimes be luck-based.

Personal Thoughts on Alarún

Alarún is perfect for players who enjoy resource management and strategic planning. It is particularly suited for fans of games like Azul or other Kiesling designs, where puzzle-solving and optimization are key. The game’s short setup and playtime make it an excellent addition to any game night, offering a balanced mix of strategy and social interaction. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking high player interaction or direct conflict, as the gameplay is more focused on individual resource management and potion brewing.

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