| | | | | |

Expeditions (2023) Board Game

ByMichail

Expeditions is a board game designed by Jamey Stegmaier and published by Stonemaier Games. It was released in 2023 and has quickly gained popularity among board game enthusiasts. The game is set in a world of exploration, where players take on the role of adventurers seeking to discover new lands and treasures.

Game Components of Expeditions

  • Mech mats** with unique abilities
  • Mech miniatures** and colored bases
  • Character cards** and matching Companion cards
  • Location tiles** for the game board
  • Map tokens**
  • Corruption tokens**
  • Power and Guile tokens**
  • Item, Quest, and Meteorite cards**
  • Worker meeples**
  • Coins**

    How To Setup Expeditions

    To set up Expeditions, players start by randomly drawing a Mech mat and attaching a colored base to their mech miniature. They place the related tokens on their mat, including glory stars and action cubes, and set their power and guile tokens on the bottom space of their personal track. Each player also randomly receives a Character card and its matching Companion. The game board is set up using location tiles, with Southern tiles face up and Central and Northern tiles face down, each marked with a map token. Five cards are drawn and placed face up in the open spaces between location tiles.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Action Selection: Players move their action cube to select actions: Move, Play, Gather, or Refresh.
  • Move: Move the mech to an unoccupied location tile within range.
  • Play: Play a card from the hand, possibly activating its special ability.
  • Gather: Gain the benefits of the current location tile.
  • Refresh: Retrieve all played cards and workers back to the player’s mat.
  • Card Types: Item, Quest, and Meteorite cards, each with unique actions (upgrading, solving, melding).
  • Corruption Removal: Use Vanquish actions to remove corruption tokens, unlocking location benefits.
  • Game Objective: Players aim to place their fourth Glory token on the Basecamp board by achieving specific accomplishments.

    Player Experience

    Expeditions offers a dynamic and strategic experience, with each game varying due to the random setup of location tiles and the unique combinations of Characters, Companions, and Mechs. Players must balance their actions to explore new locations, manage corruption, and build their engine through card play. The game requires strategic planning and adaptability, making it engaging for fans of complex board games.

    Pros

  • Random Setup: Ensures each game is different.
  • Card Management: Intricate card interactions and combinations.
  • Strategic Depth: Requires careful planning and resource management.
  • Unique Abilities: Characters, Companions, and Mechs offer asymmetric gameplay.

    Cons

  • Lengthy Gameplay: Can take 60-90 minutes, which may be too long for some players.
  • Complexity: May be intimidating for new players due to the numerous mechanics and components.

    Personal Thoughts on Expeditions

    Expeditions is ideal for players who enjoy complex, strategic games with deep engine-building mechanics. Fans of Scythe and other Stonemaier Games titles will appreciate the similarities and new twists in Expeditions. The game’s unique blend of exploration, card management, and resource management makes it a great fit for experienced gamers looking for a challenging and rewarding experience. However, it may not be the best choice for those seeking a quick or casual gaming experience.

    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. 

    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *