Eternal Palace (2022) Board Game

Eternal Palace is a board game released in 2022, designed by Jacqui Davis and Quentin Regnes, and published by Alley Cat Games. It is a dice-driven game set in an environmental theme, where players aim to win influence over areas in the palace through various tactics.

Game Components of Eternal Palace

Dice: Players use dice, which can be grouped together for different effects.

Worker Placement Slots: 15 available slots, including 12 basic and 3 special ones.

Resource Tokens: Wooden tokens, including fish and other resources.

Painting Layers: Cardboard or 3D plastic miniatures in the deluxe version, used to build a painting on an easel.

Monuments: Square cardboard tokens or 3D plastic miniatures in the deluxe version.

Player Discs: Used to mark player positions on the board.

Cards: With a linen finish, though they can be a bit thin.

How To Setup Eternal Palace

Setting up Eternal Palace involves several steps. First, players place the board in the middle of the table and distribute the resource tokens and monuments. Each player receives a cardboard easel and painting layers. The game includes feature layers that need to be placed in specific locations on the board. The setup can be overwhelming, especially with the painting layers, but it’s recommended to explain the basic rules and start playing to get a feel for the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Dice Grouping: Players group dice at the beginning of each round, choosing between using them singly for more turns or grouping them for access to more valuable slots.

Worker Placement: Using grouped or single dice to occupy slots on the board, with some slots requiring resources.

Resource Collection: Gathering resources like fish to use at various action spaces.

Painting Progression: Adding painting layers to the easel, with each layer earned by reaching the top of certain tracks.

Tracks and Victory Points: Each slot has a track; reaching the top first gives extra victory points, and some slots offer points for being the first to visit twice.

Game End: Triggered when a player gets their eighth painting layer.

Player Experience

Eternal Palace offers a highly interactive experience with a strong focus on strategic planning and resource management. The game is visually stunning, with beautiful components and the unique aspect of building a painting throughout the game. However, the setup and initial rules can be overwhelming, making it beneficial to start playing and learn as you go.

Pros

Visual Appeal: The game components, especially the painting layers and wooden resources, are very appealing.

Strategic Depth: Players have to make tough decisions about dice grouping and resource management.

Interactive: Many locations on the board allow players to gain an edge over their opponents.

Family-Friendly: Despite its depth, it remains accessible to a wide range of players.

Cons

Overwhelming Setup: The initial setup can be time-consuming and confusing.

Component Quality: Cards are a bit thin and may bend.

Gimmicky Aspect: The painting layers, while beautiful, can be seen as a gimmick that slows down the game.

Personal Thoughts on Eternal Palace

Eternal Palace is ideal for players who enjoy strategic Euro games but also appreciate a family-friendly atmosphere. It’s a great choice for those who like dice placement games and are willing to invest time in understanding the intricate mechanics. The game is particularly enjoyable with four or five players, as it becomes more competitive and engaging. However, it may not be the best fit for those looking for a quick, light game due to its complex setup and gameplay.

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.