Circadians: Chaos Order (2022) Board Game

Circadians: Chaos Order is a science fiction board game released in 2022 by Garphill Games. Designed by S J Macdonald and Zach Smith, this game takes players on a journey to the planet of Ryh. With stunning artwork by Sam Phillips, Circadians: Chaos Order offers a unique gaming experience in the realm of wargames.

Game Components of Circadians: Chaos Order

Game board with hexes, Relics, terrain types, Bases, and Tunnels

Six large Relic tokens

Pricing tiles

Faction-specific components, including Leaders and Attributes

Tactics cards

Energy tokens

Research markers

Fighters and Defense/Attack markers

How To Setup Circadians: Chaos Order

To set up the game, players first place the game board, which includes a map with various terrain types and hexes. Six large Relic tokens are scattered across the map, each numbered for scoring purposes. Each Faction begins with a specified starting area and initial resources. Factions sit close to each other, ensuring immediate conflict. The setup also involves distributing unique Leader and Attribute cards to each Faction.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Action Pricing System: Players set prices for actions (Discover, Build, Harvest, Recruit, Move) using pricing tiles. The Faction that sets the price can perform the action for free, while other Factions must pay energy to the pricing Faction and the bank.

Area Control: Players compete to control hexes containing Relic tokens. Controlling all remaining Relic tokens on the map results in an automatic win.

Combat Mechanics: Combat is resolved using Tactics cards and comparing Strength and Defense values. The winning Faction in a battle incurs casualties based on the difference in Strength and Defense.

Research and Upgrades: Players can upgrade their actions by advancing their research markers, making their actions more efficient.

Player Experience

Games of **Circadians: Chaos Order** typically last between 2 to 3.5 hours, with the most engaging experiences at 4 or 5 players. The game is highly interactive, with intense area control and combat from the start. Each Faction has unique abilities and playstyles, making it crucial to understand how each Faction operates to play effectively. The game requires teaching both the base rules and the specific Faction rules, which can be complex, especially at higher player counts.

Pros

Highly Asymmetric Factions: Each Faction offers a unique play experience with distinct Leaders and Attributes.

Deep Strategy: The game combines area control, resource management, and combat in a complex and engaging way.

Interactive Gameplay: The pricing system and combat mechanics ensure constant player interaction.

Multiple Paths to Victory: Players can win through controlling Relics, achieving Faction-specific conditions, or dominating the map.

Cons

Complex Rules: Understanding the base game rules and each Faction’s unique abilities can be challenging.

Long Playtime: Games can be lengthy, especially with more players.

No Recommended Faction List: The rulebook lacks a recommended list of Factions based on difficulty level, which can make the first playthrough confusing.

Personal Thoughts on Circadians: Chaos Order

**Circadians: Chaos Order** is ideal for fans of complex, strategic board games like *Oath*, *Root*, and *Dune*. It is designed for players who enjoy deep gameplay with multiple paths to victory and high replayability due to the asymmetric Factions. However, it may not be the best choice for new board game enthusiasts due to its complex rules and lengthy playtime. Experienced gamers looking for a challenging and highly interactive experience will find **Circadians: Chaos Order** to be a compelling addition to their collection.

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