Dust (2007) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Dust is a science fiction miniatures wargame that was released in 2007 by Dust Games. Designed by Spartaco Albertarelli and Angelo Zucca, the game has gained a dedicated following among fans of the genre. Set in an alternate World War II era, Dust features a unique blend of historical elements and futuristic technology, creating an immersive gaming experience for players.

Game Components of Dust

Game Board: Composed of six giant puzzle pieces forming a map of the world without borders or nations.

Cards: Each player has a hand of cards that dictate their strategy and actions for the turn.

Military Units: Various unit types with unique statistics and effects.

Tokens: Power Source Tokens, Capital Tokens, and Majority Tokens for tracking victory points.

Reference Sheets: Summarize important game information.

Dice: Used for combat resolution.

How To Setup Dust

To set up Dust, players follow several steps:

Assemble the six-piece game board.

Shuffle the deck and deal six cards to each player; each player places one card face down to determine the order of play.

Players place their capitals and initial units on the board.

Each player places three production centers on land areas they occupy.

Players receive production points and use them to buy and place additional units.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Key Mechanics

Card Selection: Each turn starts with players selecting a card from their hand, which determines their strategy and actions.

Production Phase: Players spend production points to buy factories and units.

Movement Phase: Players move units among friendly and unoccupied areas.

Combat Phase: Players engage in combat by rolling dice and using special abilities.

Victory Point Tracking: Players score points for controlling power sources, capitals, and majorities.

Game Objective

The objective is to amass a set number of victory points while controlling a capital. Players earn bonus points for controlling the most land areas, sea areas, and production centers. Only once a player has at least half the required victory points can they attack an enemy capital.

Player Experience

Playing Dust involves strategic planning and resource management. Players must carefully consider the composition of their armies and the timing of their actions, as the card they select at the beginning of each turn significantly influences their possibilities. The game requires a balance between expanding territory, defending key areas, and attacking opponents strategically.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Offers deep strategic gameplay with multiple paths to victory.

Variety in Units: Different unit types with unique effects add complexity and interest.

Dynamic Combat: Combat mechanics involve dice rolling and special abilities, making each engagement unique.

Short to Medium Playtime: Games typically last between 60 to 180 minutes.

Cons

Complex Setup: Setting up the game can be time-consuming due to the multiple components and steps involved.

Steep Learning Curve: The rules and mechanics can be overwhelming for new players.

Luck Factor: While strategy is key, dice rolling introduces an element of luck.

Personal Thoughts on Dust

**Dust** is for players who enjoy complex strategy and war games with a strong emphasis on resource management and tactical combat. It is ideal for those who appreciate games with deep mechanics and multiple layers of strategy. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those looking for a quick, simple game, due to its complex rules and setup. If you’re a fan of games like Risk but want something with more strategic depth and less reliance on pure luck, **Dust** could be an excellent addition to your gaming collection.

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