Dawn of Ulos (2023) Board Game

Dawn of Ulos is a board game that was released in 2023 by Thunderworks Games. Designed by Jason Lentz and illustrated by Diego Sá, this game falls under the categories of Economic, Fantasy, and Territory Building. With a runtime of 60-90 minutes and suitable for players aged 14 and above, Dawn of Ulos offers a strategic gameplay experience for 1-5 players.

Game Components of Dawn of Ulos

Large map with six different terrain types

Six board pieces for map construction

Rift tiles

Five faction sets (each with 16 cards, camp markers, and strength markers)

Development tiles (each a two-hex piece with two different terrains)

Favor tokens (25 per player)

Player boards

Strength track

How To Setup Dawn of Ulos

To set up the game, players first construct the map by assembling the six board pieces into a 2×3 grid, which can be arranged differently each game. Rift tiles are placed on wasteland spaces on the map. The group selects five factions from the available ten, and each player receives their own board, 25 favor tokens, and three development tiles. Strength markers are placed on the first space of the power track for each faction.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Tile Placement: Players place two-hex development tiles on the map, matching the preprinted terrains. Tiles must be placed next to a Rift tile if possible on the first turn.

Faction Investment: Players buy cards from factions, paying Favor equal to the faction’s current strength. Each faction card has a power that can be used by discarding the card.

Conflict Resolution: Placing a tile that connects two different factions triggers a conflict. Players can commit cards to the fight, and the stronger faction wins the territory while the loser is removed from the board.

Card Usage: Players can buy up to three cards or use a card from their hand, gaining Favor equal to its Spoils value.

Game Objective: The goal is to end the game with the most Favor by investing in factions that will rise to prominence.

Player Experience

In Dawn of Ulos, players engage in a dynamic game of strategic investment and territorial expansion. The game involves careful tile placement to grow factions’ territories and trigger conflicts that can drastically change the game’s landscape. Players must balance buying and using cards to maximize their Favor, while also anticipating and influencing conflicts to protect their investments. Games typically last 60-75 minutes, making it a engaging yet manageable experience.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Combines tile placement with economic strategy and conflict resolution.

Dynamic Map: Each game features a differently arranged map, adding replayability.

Streamlined Conflict Mechanics: Compared to games like Tigris & Euphrates, conflicts are more straightforward.

Visual Puzzle Element: Players enjoy the challenge of aligning shapes to achieve strategic goals.

Cons

Complexity in Conflict Resolution: While streamlined, conflicts can still be complex and require careful management.

Rift Tiles: Acquiring and using rift tiles can be a bit confusing, especially for new players.

Similar Faction Artwork: Some faction artwork can be difficult to discern, which may cause minor confusion.

Personal Thoughts on Dawn of Ulos

Dawn of Ulos is ideal for players who enjoy strategic tile-laying games with an economic twist. It is suited for those who appreciate games that require careful planning, strategic investment, and a bit of tactical maneuvering. The game’s balance of complexity and playtime makes it a great addition to the collections of both casual and experienced board game enthusiasts. However, it may not be the best fit for those looking for a very light or cooperative gameplay experience.

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