Arboria (2017) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Arboria is a board game released in 2017 that focuses on environmental and farming themes. Designed by Bertrand Benoit and Shaun Ivie, the game challenges players to build patterns and place tiles strategically to create a flourishing forest. The game features beautiful artwork by Hemisphere Games and Lumberjacks Studio, immersing players in a vibrant and lush world.

Game Components of Arboria

Main board

Worker tokens

Action Tracks (Pilgrimage)

Biome cards

Terrain cards

Creature cards

Resource tokens

Sage cards

Season track

Shared Resource Track

Personal player boards

How To Setup Arboria

To set up *Arboria*, players start by placing the main board in the middle of the playing area. Each player receives a personal player board and a set of worker tokens. The biome cards, terrain cards, and creature cards are shuffled and placed within reach of all players. The Action Tracks (Pilgrimage) are initialized, and the Shared Resource Track is set up. The Season track is also prepared to mark the progression of the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Worker Placement: Players place workers on Action Tracks (Pilgrimage) which advance as more workers are placed, increasing the rewards when workers are activated.

Resource Management: Players gather resources to build their personal ecosystems by overlaying terrain cards and placing biome cards.

Ecosystem Building: The goal is to heal the land and attract magical creatures by creating habitats that match the creatures’ preferences.

Time Management: Time is used as a resource, with the pilgrimage tracks progressing based on player interactions.

Shared Resources: Players collaborate on a shared pool of resources, which affects the availability of resources for subsequent players.

Seasonal Variations: The game includes different seasons, each offering new opportunities and paths to take.

Creature Placement: Creatures score points based on their placement within the ecosystem, with preferences for specific biomes and proximity to other creatures.

Player Experience

Playing *Arboria* is a fluid and tactical experience. The game requires constant planning and adaptation as players navigate the dynamic environment. Each turn presents choices between immediate rewards and waiting for more substantial bonuses, and the interaction between players can significantly impact each other’s progress. The game features a solo mode where an AI opponent, Feronia, interacts with the tracks and resources, adding a competitive element.

Pros

Innovative Mechanics: The use of time as a resource and the shared resource track add unique strategic layers.

Visual Appeal: The game boasts high production value with colorful and detailed components.

Replayability: Each game is different due to variable objectives and the dynamic nature of the pilgrimage tracks.

Tactical Depth: Constant movement and shifting plans make each game fresh and exploratory.

Cons

Complexity: The game can be overwhelming due to its many mechanics and interactions.

Long Setup and Playtime: Setup and gameplay can take between 90 to 120 minutes.

Steep Learning Curve: Understanding the rules and optimal strategies can be time-consuming.

Personal Thoughts on Arboria

*Arboria* is ideal for fans of tactical euro games who enjoy complex strategies and resource management. It is not suitable for casual gamers due to its heavy mechanics and long playtime. However, for those who appreciate a challenging and dynamic game environment, *Arboria* offers a rich and satisfying experience. The game’s ability to balance individual and shared resources, along with its unique time management system, makes it a standout in the euro game category.

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