Beast (2022) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Beast is a board game released in 2022 by Studio Midhall. Designed by Aron Midhall, Elon Midhall, and Assar Pettersson, this game falls under the categories of deduction, fantasy, fighting, and horror. With a runtime of 60–120 minutes, Beast is designed for 2–4 players aged 14 and above. The game features mechanisms such as action drafting, closed drafting, hand management, hidden movement, and point-to-point movement.

Game Components of Beast

Map Board: Double-sided, representing different locations with various terrain types and villages.

Beasts: Six different beasts, each with unique abilities and summons.

Hunters: Six different hunters, each skilled in a particular profession such as traps, foresight, or weaponry.

Contracts: Four different contracts that outline the game objectives.

Action Cards: Cards with top and bottom actions for hunters and the Beast, respectively.

Movement Cards: Used by the Beast to track its hidden movements.

Standees and Tokens: Representing the Beast, hunters, wildlife, and settlers.

Grudge Tokens: Earned during the game to unlock new abilities.

How To Setup Beast

To set up Beast, players first select a contract, which determines the game objectives and the map to be used. The Beast player chooses a beast to play as, while the hunter players select their characters. Each player receives their ability cards and participates in a drafting phase to gather action cards. The Beast starts in the central space on the map, and its movements are tracked using face-down movement cards.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Drafting: Players draft action cards, each with top and bottom actions for hunters and the Beast.

Hand Management: Players manage their cards to execute actions efficiently.

Hidden Movement: The Beast moves secretly, using face-down movement cards.

Bluffing: The Beast must use cunning to stay hidden and mislead hunters.

Upgrades: Players can upgrade their characters using grudges earned during the game.

Game Objective

Hunters: Must survive until the third night or slay the Beast.

Beast: Must kill a specified number of villagers or settlers as outlined in the contract.

Player Experience

Playing Beast involves a dynamic interplay between the hunters and the Beast. Each round starts with the Beast’s turn, followed by the hunters taking their turns. Players must strategically play their cards, considering both their own actions and the potential moves of their opponents. The game is known for its back-and-forth combat and the constant revelation and hiding of the Beast, keeping the pace engaging.

Pros

Dynamic Gameplay: Constantly shifting power dynamics due to upgrades and card plays.

High Replayability: Multiple beasts, hunters, and contracts offer a lot of variety.

Engaging Mechanics: Blending hidden movement, bluffing, and drafting creates a thrilling experience.

Efficient Components: No excessive minis, and components are designed efficiently.

Cons

Analysis Paralysis: Players may spend a lot of time deciding which cards to play.

Rulebook Issues: Some players have reported ambiguity in the rulebook.

Beast Balance: Some scenarios may be too difficult for the Beast, while others may favor it too heavily.

Personal Thoughts on Beast

Beast is ideal for players who enjoy strategic games with a mix of hidden movement and drafting mechanics. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate games that require careful planning and bluffing. While it may have some rulebook ambiguities and balance issues in certain scenarios, the game’s dynamic nature and high replayability make it a compelling addition to any board game collection. It works well with 2-3 players, though some players have reported mixed experiences with the 4-player setup.

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