Dwergar (2020) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Dwergar is a board game released in 2020 by designer Jan Madejski and published by Granna. Set in a fantasy world, players take on the role of dwarven clans competing to build the most prosperous underground city.

Game Components of Dwergar

Playing field

4 player boards

4 cube markers of heat level

5 levels of trolleys

45 project cards (5 logs with 9 projects each)

15 event cards

4 main masters

18 gnomes (6 miners, 6 engineers, 6 blacksmiths)

4 round markers for keeping score

Token with Silverbeard

8 stamp tokens

32 furnace tokens

8 tokens to replace resources

Resources in boxes: 35 pieces of coal, 25 pieces of iron, 15 pieces of gold, 10 crystals

Rules of the game.

How To Setup Dwergar

To set up Dwergar, each player selects a player board and places it in front of them. The main board is placed in the middle, and the project cards are shuffled and placed face up on their designated spaces. Each player receives their set of gnomes (miners, engineers, and blacksmiths) and other necessary tokens such as heat markers and resources. The event cards are shuffled and placed within reach of all players. The game is ready to start once all components are distributed and the initial project cards are drawn.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics:

Worker Placement: Players place their gnomes in different areas to collect resources.

Action Points: Each player has three actions per turn.

End Game Bonuses: Points are awarded based on completed projects.

Events: Event cards introduce variability and challenges.

Different Worker Types: Miners, engineers, and blacksmiths have unique roles.

Game Objective:

Collect resources (stone, iron, gold, gems, and heat) to build the infrastructure of the Dwergar mine.

Follow architects’ orders presented on the project cards.

Exchange resources for project cards to earn victory points.

The game lasts 10 rounds; the dwarf guild with the most points wins.

Player Experience

In Dwergar, players take on the roles of leaders of dwarf guilds working in a legendary mine. The game is characterized by its unique meeple distribution system and innovative resource mining mechanisms. The simplicity of the rules combined with the depth of the gameplay makes it appealing to both families and avid gamers. Players must strategically manage their resources and gnomes to complete projects and earn points, all while navigating the challenges introduced by event cards.

Pros

Innovative Worker Placement: Unique system of placing and managing gnomes.

Resource Management: Engaging mechanism of collecting and exchanging resources.

Strategic Depth: Suitable for both casual and experienced players.

Immersive Theme: Rich fantasy setting with detailed components.

Variability: Event cards and multiple project logs ensure different experiences each game.

Cons

Complexity for New Players: While the rules are simple, the gameplay mechanics can be overwhelming at first.

Long Playtime: The game can last between 60 to 120 minutes.

Resource Management Overload: Managing multiple types of resources and heat levels can be challenging.

Personal Thoughts on Dwergar

Dwergar is an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys economic and worker placement games with a fantasy twist. It is suitable for families and serious gamers alike, offering a good balance between simplicity and depth. The game’s unique mechanics and immersive theme make it a standout in its genre. However, it may not be the best fit for those looking for a quick or extremely simple game, given its medium complexity and longer playtime.

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