Beacon Patrol (2023) Board Game

Beacon Patrol is an abstract strategy board game released in 2023 by Pandasaurus Games. Designed and illustrated by Torben Ratzlaff, the game focuses on exploration and nautical themes, challenging players to work together to navigate treacherous waters and light beacons to guide ships to safety.

Game Components of Beacon Patrol

Tiles: 54 exploration tiles, plus 9 extra tiles from two mini-expansions (Windmills and Piers).

Ship Tokens: Wooden ships for each player.

Movement Tokens: Red and blue tokens, the number of which varies by player count.

HQ Tile: The central starting tile.

Mini Expansions: Included expansions add new challenges and scoring opportunities.

How To Setup Beacon Patrol

To set up the game, place the HQ tile in the center of the table. Shuffle the exploration tiles and remove the mini-expansion tiles if not using them. Each player receives a hand of tiles (3 tiles for fewer than 4 players, 2 tiles for 4 players) and a set of movement tokens (4 tokens for solo, 3 tokens for 2-3 players, 2 tokens for 4 players). Players place their ships on the HQ tile, and the game is ready to start.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Tile Laying: Players place tiles adjacent to their ship, ensuring water connects to water and land connects to land.

Ship Movement: Ships must move onto newly placed tiles, restricting land-to-land connections.

Tile Trading: Players can trade one tile with another player per turn.

Exploration: The goal is to fully explore tiles by connecting them on all four sides.

Game Objective

Score Points: Fully explored tiles score points (1 point for regular tiles, 2 points for buoys, 3 points for lighthouses).

Complete the Coastline: Work cooperatively to map the North Sea coast, securing beacon buoys and lighthouses.

Player Experience

**Beacon Patrol** offers a relaxed and engaging cooperative experience. Players navigate the North Sea, laying tiles to create a cohesive coastline while ensuring the safety of vital lighthouses and buoys. The game is simple to learn, making it accessible to players of all ages, including young players. The tile trading mechanism keeps all players engaged, and the game’s design avoids the frustration of bad draws by allowing players to offload unwanted tiles.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules and quick setup.

Cooperative Fun: Engaging gameplay for couples and families.

Strategic Depth: Requires planning and teamwork.

Lovely Art Style: Attractive nautical theme and quality components.

Inclusive: Supports solo play and varying player counts.

Cons

Scoring Complexity: Scoring can be slightly overwhelming at first.

Luck Element: While minimized, tile draws can still influence gameplay.

Personal Thoughts on Beacon Patrol

**Beacon Patrol** is ideal for those seeking a light, cooperative game that is both fun and easy to learn. It is perfect for families, couples, and casual gamers who enjoy puzzle-like gameplay without the complexity. The game’s nautical theme and beautiful art add to its charm, making it a great addition to any board game collection. If you’re looking for a relaxing yet engaging cooperative experience, **Beacon Patrol** is a pleasant and enjoyable choice.

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.