Dwarves Inc. (2015) Board Game

Dwarves Inc. is a board game released in 2015, designed by Wayne O Connor and featuring artwork by Assa Games. The game falls under the categories of Economic, Fantasy, and Humor, with gameplay focusing on area majority/influence, grid movement, modular board, and stock holding mechanics. Players take on the roles of dwarven entrepreneurs seeking to establish mining companies and accumulate wealth in a competitive fantasy world.

Game Components of Dwarves Inc.

Game board featuring a 3×3 grid of map tiles

Camp tile

Eight mining company tiles

Gems of various colors

Player boards

Special action cards

Dwarves tokens

Money tokens

How To Setup Dwarves Inc.

To set up the game, players start by placing the camp tile in the center of the grid. The other eight map tiles are shuffled and aligned in a 3×3 grid around the camp tile. A gem of matching color is placed on the start space of each mining company. Players then choose a start player.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Number of Players: 3 to 6

Game Category: Stock-holding, Resource Management

Game Mechanics: Resource Placement, Investment, Special Actions

Objective: The player with the most money at the end of the game wins.

Turn Structure: Each turn consists of two phases – dig and change investments.

Dig Phase: Expand one mining company by placing gems in up to three orthogonally adjacent spaces. Trigger special actions if gems cover special spaces.

Change Investments Phase: Players can change one investment gem for a gem of another color.

Payouts: Players receive money based on their investment in a mining company when a payout is triggered.

Player Experience

In **Dwarves Inc.**, players take on the roles of dwarves working for and investing in various mining companies. The game requires careful planning and strategic decision-making, as players must balance expanding mining operations with managing their investments. The spatial placement of gems and the triggering of special actions add a layer of complexity and strategy to the game.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Players must carefully budget their actions and manage their investments.

Interactive Elements: The game involves significant player interaction through the placement of gems and triggering of special actions.

Humorous Theme: The game includes humorous dwarfy-themed special action cards.

Open Information: The game state is easy to read, reducing the impact of seating-order issues.

Cons

Seating-Order Issues: Experienced players can exploit opportunities created by less experienced players.

Overwhelming Start: The initial phase can feel too open, making it hard to decide where to invest.

Limited Control: Changing investments is slow, making it challenging to gain control of a profitable company quickly.

Personal Thoughts on Dwarves Inc.

**Dwarves Inc.** is ideal for players who enjoy strategic resource management and investment games. While the theme may not be strong enough for fantasy enthusiasts, the game’s mechanics and humor make it appealing to those who prioritize gameplay over theme. It is particularly suited for players who like to manage multiple tasks on their turn and make tactical decisions within constrained actions. However, it may not be the best fit for those looking for a deeply immersive fantasy experience or a game with complex storytelling.

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.